Why don’t more players use “Call to Arms”?

[AlexHerbert]

I’ve noticed that many players — even some pros — send their gatherers straight into battle still carrying resources like wood, stone, or metal.

There’s a great option called “Call to Arms”, which makes units drop their resources at the nearest building before joining the fight.
It saves time and keeps your troops lighter and faster when responding to attacks.

I really recommend using it — it’s one of those small settings that can make a big difference in real games.

 

Edited October 12, 2025 by AlexHerbert

[Atrik]

Can only agree that it is underrated.

You can roughly estimate, moving 100 CS who were gathering, they'll carry 500 resources on average. These are resources you lose AND that you will give to the enemy as loot once your army dies.

Edited October 13, 2025 by Atrik

[Dakara]

I have taken the reflex to do it manually... but sometimes I waste precious time, a stupid mistake. But sometimes it is better to build a warehouse than to join another.

And I don't know which keyboard shortcut used... that also plays a role in the decision

Speaking of little-used shortcuts, there is one that allows you to concentrate fire in the city center with a targeted icon.

[Player of 0AD]

Another problem is that call to arms lets the units target buildings. It can be additional work to switch the army to "attack move, units only" after using call to arms.

[Classic-Burger]

6 hours ago, Dakara said:

 

Speaking of little-used shortcuts, there is one that allows you to concentrate fire in the city center with a targeted icon.

Focus fire. It's in several buildings that shoot arrows.

[Grautvornix]

Excellent point! Forgot about it completely - thanks for reminding ! So far I always did that manually... 

[Perzival12]

I didn’t even know this hot key existed, thank you! 

[Atrik]

On 13/10/2025 at 12:53 PM, Player of 0AD said:

Another problem is that call to arms lets the units target buildings. It can be additional work to switch the army to "attack move, units only" after using call to arms.

 

[AlexHerbert]

2 hours ago, Atrik said:

 

I was about to mention this mod.

Of course I use it too.

[Obelix]

On 13/10/2025 at 8:17 PM, Perzival12 said:

I didn’t even know this hot key existed, thank you! 

While reading this thread I remembered the article on Hotkeys in the Wildfire Games Gitea wiki. But I'm not sure it is up-to-date.

[Adeimantos]

I use it regularly. I've changed hotkeys so z is select idle, x is select wounded, c is call to arms, and v is capture building. All my favorite hotkeys there on the bottom left of the keyboard.

[stevenlau]

I don't find it worths a hotkey place.  I just click the call to arms icon at the bottom.