Ground Branch

Ground Branch puts you in the role of an operator in the CIA’s Special Activities Center/Special Operations Group (SAC/SOG). You lead other special operations forces on challenging, deniable missions around the world. Missions use deliberate, calculated and unforgiving gameplay, with non-linear environments, multiple entry points and open-ended outcomes.

Missions and environments

Missions take place in environments around the world. Enemies are placed when a mission starts, with some variation in their number and locations; they do not appear in response to your position or progress. Maps can vary by time of day and weather, and details such as whether doors and windows are open, closed or blocked can change between rounds.

The planned campaign format centers on smaller, localized groups of missions based around global hotspots. An intelligence interface will track these hotspots and deliver new orders over time, while choices along the way may affect later engagements. The V1.0 launch includes the campaign Prologue, with later releases planned to add chapters.

Customize your operator

You choose your character’s gear, basic appearance and outfit, then customize vests and weapons down to the placement of individual pouches and attachments. Loadout choices have practical consequences: carrying too much equipment affects speed and performance through the encumbrance and stamina systems, a scope placed too far forward can make the sight picture too small, and a long rifle can hinder movement in close-quarters combat. Operators have access to their equipment without unlocking items, and loadouts can be saved in unlimited slots.

The arsenal includes handguns, submachine guns, carbines, assault and battle rifles, machine guns, DMRs, sniper rifles and explosives, along with optics and other attachments. Weapons use ballistics that simulate penetration, bullet drop and stopping power. You can also share, drop and pick up items, and attach unit patches to your character’s sleeves and gear.

First-person combat

The True First-Person System places the view at your character’s eyes and makes shots originate from the weapon’s muzzle. Your body is physically present in the environment, so an exposed foot can be visible to an enemy if their line of sight and muzzle are unobstructed. Managing the distance between the weapon’s sights and muzzle matters when aiming around obstacles or shooting precisely in close quarters. The HUD is minimal, with optional elements for vital information.

You can stand, crouch or go prone, each with multiple movement speeds. Weapon postures include low- and high-ready; leaning, free-look and optional customizable free-aim give you further control over movement and aim. Separate mouse sensitivity settings are available for point-shooting, unmagnified aiming and magnified aiming, and key bindings are configurable. Certain controls can also be set to use alternate default actions, such as whether a bolt-action rifle cycles automatically after firing or needs another input.

Co-op and adversarial play

Ground Branch supports co-op for up to eight players and adversarial modes for 8v8. Teamwork and communication are central to its missions. The Ready Room is a physical multiplayer lobby where you can plan an approach, inspect teammates’ loadouts, test weapon configurations at a firing range and choose insertion points together.

Integrated voice communication includes 3D positional chat and team radio. Text chat and prerecorded voice messages are also available. After each mission or round, players can review an after-action report; servers also have configurable options, and dedicated server support is available.

You can practice in training areas that include shooting ranges with dynamic targets and a killhouse with multiple floor plans. Single-player missions with friendly AI and a full command system are planned.

Additional systems

Ground Branch has no item unlocks, hit markers, kill confirmations or score pop-ups. A more advanced injury system is planned, including first aid for non-lethal injuries, location-based effects such as limping or reduced arm function, and the ability to drag injured teammates to safety. Weapon bracing and full mod support are also planned.