GET YOUR BEARINGS
About Holdfast: Nations At War
Holdfast: Nations At War is an online multiplayer shooter that supports both first‑ and third‑person perspectives. It emphasizes role‑play and community interaction, featuring proximity voice chat and servers that can host up to 150 players.
The game spans several historic eras, letting players fight on land or at sea for nations such as the British Empire, French Empire, and others. With 27 distinct classes, extensive cosmetic unlocks, and a level editor, Holdfast blends large‑scale battles with player‑driven creativity on Windows.
01 / THE GUIDE
Community and Proximity Chat
Holdfast places community at the forefront, offering a proximity voice chat system that lets players communicate naturally during battles. This feature encourages role‑players, regiment members, and casual gamers to coordinate and share moments together.
The game’s description highlights that “your most powerful weapon isn’t your musket, it’s your voice,” underscoring the social focus that complements the combat experience.
- Use proximity chat to coordinate class abilities with nearby teammates.
- Join a regiment to benefit from organized voice communication.
02 / THE GUIDE
Historical Battle Eras
Players can engage in historic clashes from the Napoleonic Wars to World I, fighting on land and aboard naval vessels. Battles include “Ram your shot” volleys, officer whistles, and naval bombardments of Gallipoli.
The game supports multiple eras, allowing participants to “embark aboard warships from the golden age of sail” and experience trench‑ridden battlefields of the Great War.
- Choose an era that matches your preferred combat style.
- Familiarize yourself with era‑specific weapons for better performance.

03 / THE GUIDE
Class System
Holdfast offers 27 classes, each with its own traits and abilities that are crucial for team success. Classes range from infantry with muskets to artillery, cavalry, and naval commanders.
Every class contributes uniquely, whether “fire devastating musket volleys while standing shoulder to shoulder” or “support the fight from the rear with artillery.”
- Experiment with several classes to discover which traits suit your playstyle.
- Coordinate class roles within your squad for balanced firepower.
04 / THE GUIDE
Customization and Progression
Players can display achievements through cosmetic unlocks, with over 100 items including heads, backpacks, muskets, and melee weapons. Progression is visual, allowing “battle‑hardened soldiers” to showcase their feats.
Customization extends to gestures and shouts, letting participants “cheer for your Emperor” and personalize their in‑game presence.
- Earn unlockables to differentiate yourself on large servers.
- Use gestures to signal intentions without voice chat.
05 / THE GUIDE
Technical Features and Platform
Holdfast runs on Windows and includes full controller support, Steam achievements, leaderboards, and a level editor powered by the Source SDK. Audio options feature stereo and surround sound, with custom volume controls.
Additional accessibility options include adjustable text size, color alternatives, and “playable without timed input,” ensuring broader player accessibility.
- Utilize the level editor to create custom battle scenarios.
- Adjust text size and colors for comfortable reading during long sessions.





COMMUNITY
Player discussion