Terminals in GTFO are an essential tool for navigation, resource management, and objective completion. However, many new players struggle to make the most of these versatile devices. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how to use terminals effectively, covering basic and advanced commands, tips for efficient resource management, and strategies for using terminals under pressure.

Why Terminals Are Important

Terminals serve three primary functions in GTFO:

1. Locating Objectives: Identifying which zones contain mission-critical items or access points.
2. Managing Resources: Listing and locating tools, ammo, and med kits efficiently.
3. Mission-Specific Commands: Using special commands for reactors, security systems, or lore.

Mastering these functions can save your team significant time and resources, making terminal proficiency a must-have skill.

Terminal Basics – Essential Commands

1. Help Command (HELP)

• Usage: Displays a list of all available commands.
• Tip: Familiarize yourself with this list to reduce hesitation during high-pressure moments.

2. List Command (LIST)

• Usage: Displays all items in the expedition or within a specific zone (e.g., LIST ZONE_250).
• Tip: Use this to quickly assess if you’ve missed any resources or to plan your route.

3. Query Command (QUERY)

• Usage: Tells you which zone an item is in (e.g., QUERY KEY_YELLOW_702).
• Best For: Situations where you know the item you need but not its location.

4. Ping Command (PING)

• Usage: Pinpoints the location of an item within the same zone, creating a visible ping for a few seconds.
• Pro Tip: Use the map’s grid to estimate the ping’s distance and direction accurately.

5. Log and Read Commands (LOGS and READ)

• Usage: Access lore and mission-specific information. LOGS lists available logs; READ displays a selected log.
• Strategic Use: In some missions, logs contain codes needed to progress.

Advanced Terminal Tips

1. Tab Completion

• Tip: Typing part of a command and pressing TAB will autocomplete it, speeding up your input.

2. Command History

• Tip: Use the UP ARROW to cycle through previous commands, saving time.

3. Screen Management (CLS Command)

• Usage: Clears the terminal screen to reduce clutter and improve focus.

Practical Scenarios – Terminals in Action

Scenario 1: Finding Critical Resources

• Situation: Your team is low on ammo and med kits.
• Solution:
  1. Use LIST ZONE_[number] to identify available resources.
  2. Use PING to highlight the resources and direct your teammates.

Scenario 2: Navigating Large Zones

• Challenge: Fog or complex layouts obscure visibility.
• Solution:
  • Use PING to triangulate item locations.
  • Leverage the map’s 10-meter grid squares for precise movement.

Scenario 3: Handling Mission-Specific Commands

• Example: Reactor Control in R3 A3.
  • Use READ to access code logs.
  • Enter REACTOR_VERIFY  to progress.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Ignoring Terminals: Leads to wasted resources and inefficient navigation.
2. Failing to Query First: Always use QUERY before committing to a direction.
3. Not Using PING: Makes finding resources in foggy areas unnecessarily difficult.

Conclusion

Mastering terminals in GTFO isn’t just about typing commands—it’s about integrating them into your team’s strategy seamlessly. By combining efficient resource management, precise navigation, and mission-specific command usage, you can turn terminals from a secondary tool into a core component of your gameplay.

Whether you’re new to GTFO or looking to refine your skills, this guide should provide all the knowledge you need to master terminal usage. Good luck in the complex!