The Six-Step Firing Loop

Every target in Iron Nest follows the same six-step cycle. Learn this loop and you know how to play:

  1. Read the order — the High Command typewriter prints your mission; the Field Intelligence typewriter prints recon reports and spotter calls.
  2. Triangulate on the map — at the War Table (tactical map), measure and plot the target using the triangulation tools. This gives you a bearing and a range.
  3. Calculate the solution — feed distance, bearing, shell type, and powder charges into the ballistic calculator to get your elevation angle.
  4. Load — pick a shell type, push it into the breech, add powder bags, and ram it home.
  5. Aim — rotate the turret to the bearing and set the barrel elevation.
  6. Fire — arm the left and right cannons, throw the five switches, and pull the central handle.

The triangulation and calculation steps are where most players get stuck — see the Triangulation guide and the Powder Charges guide for the details.

Your Turret Stations

The Iron Nest is a single room full of stations you physically walk between:

  • High Command typewriter — mission orders.
  • Field Intelligence typewriter — recon reports and spotter bearings.
  • Clipboard — recorded measurements.
  • War Table — the tactical map where you triangulate.
  • Ballistic calculator — converts range/bearing/charges into elevation.
  • Loading station — shell selection, powder bags, ramming.
  • Turret rotation and elevation controls — aim the guns.
  • Trigger station — arm and fire.
  • Quartermaster — buy shells and recon.
  • Comms terminal, hydraulics, diesel generator, weather gauges, and the warhorn.

Getting Started Right

  1. Don’t skip triangulation. Guessing a bearing wastes shells and fails missions — plot properly first.
  2. Watch your ammo budget. Shells cost credits (RC); reloading the wrong shell wastes money you can’t always earn back.
  3. Use the right shell for the job. See the Ammo Types guide before firing blind.
  4. Count your powder charges. More charges = more range, but the formula matters — see Powder Charges.
  5. Expect friendly fire. Your own artillery can kill friendlies — see the Accuracy guide.

For the mission everyone gets stuck on, see the Phantom Battery walkthrough.