These are the most commonly used controls and you'll find yourself using them constantly while in-game, so make sure they're handy and easily remembered.

The next step is optional, but most people find it greatly helps their mouse control and aiming. From the Controls screen click Advanced and check Mouse Filter. This will average your mouse movements across several frames and greatly improve the smoothness of your actions. Then click OK to return to the Controls screen.

Now that you've got your controls all setup click OK to return to the Configuration screen then OK again to return to the main screen.

Now we need to configure your Name and your Voice Communications settings. From the main screen select Multiplayer then Customize. In the box in the upper part of screen, Player Name, fill in your desired in-game name. Then at bottom of screen I suggest you turn the volume sliders for Voice communications all the way to right. By default it's pretty quiet and most people can't be heard or hear the voice chat with default settings.

This next step is optional but I highly reccomend it as Day Of Defeat is quite dark and this can help you avoid being killed by the camper lurking in the shadows. NOTE: This will only work if you run the game in OpenGL video mode. If you choose not to then just skip ahead to the HUD Layout section.

First back out of DOD by hitting Quit on main screen. Then browse to your DOD directory (C:\SIERRA\Half-Life\dod or C:\SIERRA\Counter-Strike\dod) and find the file config.cfg. Open it with Notepad and find the setting cl_fog "0", change the 0 to a 1 or 2. I prefer 2 since its not as "thick" of a fog so it doesnt impare your vision as much. Save the file and close it and you're all done.

Day Of Defeat also provides a utility to adjust most of these settings, dodutil.exe located in the main DOD mod directory. I've found it to be a bit buggy and untrustworthy so I prefer the manual means of adjusting settings but you might find it useful.

HUD Layout

The main game screen of Day of Defeat is a bit different than your standard Half-Life or Counter-Strike screen. The graphical HUD contains a wide variety of information including objective status, health, time to reinforcements, ammo, stamina, etc.

1) Objective Status - In the upper left corner are the Command Point Flags. Which team controls each particular point is denoted by their flag being shown in its location. If noone holds that point it's shown as just a plain white box. You'll notice the middle flag shows 1/2 underneath it. This means that paticular flag requires two people to capture and there's currently only one person there. Most maps have a 2 person flag, some have 2, some have a 3 person flag. On the Para-style maps there are no flags, instead you will see icons for the maps primary, and sometimes secondary objectives. These can range from an 88mm Anti-Aircraft gun to a Fuel Truck.
2) Area Capture Indicator - This icon means you are at a capture point. You must remain in the area until the flag/objective finishes changing to your teams flag or color. A "Plant TNT" icon will appear here also when you are near an area that can be blown up with TNT. To plant TNT just touch the wall (and RUN!), or in the case of Objectives that must be destoryed stay in the area until the Objective flag finishes changing or until you are told that the charge was set (and then RUN!).
3) Machine Gun Nest Indicator - This icon means you are in a position where it is possible to deploy your Machine Gun's bipod. This is done with a simple right click of the mouse and will greatly improve your accuracy and reduce the amount of bullet "spray." Machine Gun Nests are usually located near bunkers, sandbags, or window sills. Alternatively you can also deploy your bipod by laying down and going Prone. Note: In order to reload the Machine Gun the bipod must be deployed.
4) Stamina Indicator - This area displays the amount of current Stamina. Things like running or firing the machine gun deplete Stamina. The less Stamina you have the slower you move and it can only be recharged with time (stopping or crouching down greatly increases recharge speed).
5) Health Indicator - This area displays your current health. Health cannot be recharged like Stamina. The red bar on the right will drop as you take damage, when it reaches the bottom you'll be fitted for a bodybag.
6) Reinforcement Timer - This timer indicates time left until your reinforcements spawn. Unlike other mods, where you're either dead untill next round or you respawn instantly, in DOD you respawn when this timer hits 0:00.
7) Clips - This area indicates the remaining number of spare clips. This doesn't include clip your currently using.
8) Ammunition - This area shows how many rounds of ammunition are remaining in your current clip.
9) Barrel Temperature - When your machine gun is deployed you will see this graphic which indicates the barrel temperature. As you fire it will quickly begin to turn red (you will also lose stamina). When it reaches the top the machine gun overheats and you have to wait for it to cool down before you may fire again. It's always a good idea to pay close attention to this and fire in short, controlled bursts rather than spraying one continuous barrage.
10) Crosshair, outer - The outside part of the crosshair is used to give a good idea of where you are aiming. It is not always accurate though (see item 11).
11) Crosshair, center - The inner part of the crosshair is an indicator of how accurate your fire will be. As you move this part will sway back and forth indicating inaccuracy. Stopping, crouching, or going prone will improve accuracy.

VGUI (Valve Graphical User Interface)

Valve has provided a convenient in-game way to accomplish the most common tasks with a click of the mouse, the VGUI. The Day of Defeat team has taken full advantage of this and integrated many in-game tasks into it.

1) Help - Provides information about current Map, Server, and Class.
2) Change Class - Allows you to choose a new Player Class. This wont take effect until you die.
3) Change Team - Allows you to switch teams. This is instantaneous.
4) Map Sayings - By default all this has is "This map needs custom sayings." It's purpose is so that you can edit your commandmenu.txt (located in main DOD directory) and insert your own custom, map specific sayings like "Sniper in clock tower!"
5-6) Voice Messages - Allows you to select from various team voice communications. Some of these will also give a hand signal.
7-8) Hand Signals - Unlike Voice Messages these don't involve yelling out loud and giving away your position. You will merely indicate the selected communication via hand signals. Useful for when stealth is a must.
9) Stop Bleeding - Bandages bleeding wounds (indicated by a red drop of blood on the left side of screen) that will quickly bleed you to death.

Joining a Game

There are many ways to join a game but one way is to use the built-in Server Browser. First you need to filter all the other game types out and only display DOD servers though. From the main menu select Multiplayer then Internet Games. On the left side is listed the various options, select Filter. Check the box Are Running Game and then click the dropdown list to the right of it. A menu should pop-up displaying all the various mods you have installed. Select DOD and hit Filter to return to the main Internet Games screen. You will most likely want to Update your server list so select that on the list of options on the left and wait. After it's done retrieving the list of available servers from the WON network you will have yourself a whole list of DOD servers just waiting for you to show your stuff. Select one that you like and click Join Game.

Beginner Tips

This isn't your ordinary mod and requires a few extra skills to start out. Rather than let you learn the hard way I'll try and provide you with a few tips to get you pointed in the right direction.

1) Do NOT rush around - Move tactfully, there may be a sniper or machine gun around the next corner just waiting for you to come into his kill zone. Be sneaky and attempt to out-maneuver and out-think the enemy and you'll live much longer.
2) Work with your team - Most maps require teamwork to win, not to mention the fact that 3 guys traveling together are a lot more likely to survive a fight than one guy running around solo.
3) Learn to control your fire - The weapons in DOD have realistic recoil, and you should adjust your firing accordingly. Instead of just holding down the trigger and ending up shooting at the sky; shoot in short, controlled bursts. This also helps to conserve ammunition. It also helps to crouch when you shoot, it greatly improves aim and you present a smaller target to the guy shooting back at you.
4) Communicate - Let your team know your and your enemy's positions. You'll be a lot better off if your team knows there's a sniper hiding somewhere than just letting them find out for themselves the hard way. It also helps to let them know where you are and what you're doing so they can come support you. For more tips, see our Teamplay Guide.
5) Watch everywhere - High, low, left, right... death comes from all directions in DOD. Whether it be from the sniper in the tower or the grenade laying on the ground you're still just as dead. So keep your eyes peeled and be ready for anything.

Conclusion

By now you should be capable of installing, configuring, understanding, and hopefully surviving in Day of Defeat. Now go find yourself a server to play on and show the DOD world what you're made of.