“Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines” is a real-time tactics game developed by Pyro Studios and released in 1998. It is the first installment in the “Commandos” series and is set during World War II.
In the game, players control a group of elite commandos, each with unique skills and abilities, as they undertake various missions behind enemy lines. The commandos include a Green Beret, Sniper, Spy, Sapper, and Driver, each with their own specialty and role to play in completing objectives.
The gameplay focuses on stealth, strategy, and careful planning. Players must utilize the commandos’ individual skills, such as silently eliminating enemies, setting traps, disguising themselves, and driving vehicles, to complete missions and sabotage enemy operations.
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Facts
- “Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines” was released in 1998 and developed by Pyro Studios.
- The game is set during World War II and follows a group of elite commandos on various covert missions behind enemy lines.
- Players control a team of commandos, each with unique skills and abilities, including a Green Beret, Sniper, Spy, Sapper, and Driver.
- The game features a combination of stealth, strategy, and action, requiring players to carefully plan their moves and execute them with precision.
- There are 20 missions in total, taking place in different environments, including forests, military bases, and coastal areas.
- Each commando has specific skills and tools that can be utilized, such as the Green Beret’s close combat abilities or the Spy’s disguise skills.
- The game emphasizes realistic gameplay, with enemy soldiers having vision cones and hearing capabilities that players must avoid to remain undetected.
- “Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines” received critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and strategic depth.
- The game features a variety of objectives, including sabotage, assassination, and rescuing prisoners of war.
- Players can save their progress at any time during a mission, allowing for experimentation and different approaches.
- The success of “Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines” led to the development of several sequels, expanding the series and introducing new gameplay mechanics.
- The game’s success also spawned a dedicated fan base, and the “Commandos” series is considered one of the pioneers of the real-time tactics genre.
- The commandos’ actions and interactions with the environment are influenced by factors such as noise, line of sight, and enemy patrol routes.
- “Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines” offers a high level of replayability, as missions can be approached in various ways and players can strive for better completion times and stealthier approaches.
- The game’s challenging difficulty level and complex missions require careful planning, coordination, and execution, making it a favorite among strategy game enthusiasts.

Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Gameplay Tips
- Observe Enemy Patterns: Take the time to observe the movements and patterns of enemy soldiers before making any moves. This will help you plan your actions and avoid detection.
- Use Stealth and Concealment: The game heavily emphasizes stealth. Stay hidden in shadows, bushes, or behind objects whenever possible to minimize the chances of being spotted.
- Coordinate Your Commandos: Each commando has unique abilities. Learn to coordinate their actions effectively to tackle different situations. For example, have the Green Beret take out enemies up close while the Sniper provides cover from a distance.
- Use Distractions: Create distractions to divert the attention of enemy soldiers. Use rocks, noise-makers, or throw objects to lure them away from your path.
- Silent Takedowns: Use the Green Beret’s ability to silently eliminate enemies by sneaking up behind them and using the “Silent Kill” command. This helps avoid raising alarms.
- Disguises and Uniforms: The Spy can disguise himself as enemy soldiers by taking their uniforms. Use this to your advantage to infiltrate restricted areas without arousing suspicion.
- Save Often: Save your progress frequently, especially before attempting risky actions or when entering dangerous areas. This allows you to revert back to a previous state if something goes wrong.
- Utilize Tools and Equipment: Make full use of the commandos’ equipment and tools. The Sapper’s explosives, the Sniper’s sniper rifle, and the Spy’s lockpicks and sedatives can all be crucial in completing missions.
- Scout Ahead: Use the Spy or Sniper to scout ahead and gather information about enemy positions, patrol routes, and potential hazards. This will help you plan your approach more effectively.
- Plan Escape Routes: Always plan escape routes before engaging in any actions. Be prepared to retreat to safety if things go wrong or if alarms are raised.
- Manage Noise Levels: Be mindful of the noise you make. Running, dropping objects, or firing weapons can alert nearby enemies. Use the “Walk” command to reduce noise when necessary.
- Complete Optional Objectives: Some missions may have optional objectives that provide extra rewards or make future missions easier. Try to complete these objectives if possible.
- Think Before Shooting: Firing a weapon can attract attention and escalate the situation. Consider if it’s necessary and if there are alternative approaches to achieve your goals.
- Patience is Key: “Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines” is a game that rewards patience and careful planning. Take your time, think through your actions, and avoid rushing into situations.
- Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different approaches to missions. Learn from your mistakes and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Quotes
- “Eyes and ears open, men. Keep your mouths shut.” – The Green Beret, emphasizing the importance of stealth and caution.
- “We’re outnumbered, but remember, the enemy has a few surprises of their own.” – The Driver, acknowledging the challenges they face but maintaining confidence in their abilities.
- “Silent as the night. Swift as the wind.” – The Spy, highlighting the commandos’ expertise in stealth operations.
- “Trust in your skills and trust in each other. Together, we will prevail.” – The Sniper, inspiring the team’s unity and determination.
- “Hold your nerve, men. The enemy knows we’re here. We can’t afford to lose this one.” – The Green Beret, emphasizing the importance of composure and focus.
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Cheat Codes
- “gonzoopera”: Activates cheat mode, enabling various cheats. Press Ctrl + Shift + ~ (tilde key) to open the cheat console, then type “gonzoopera” and press Enter.
- “godmode”: Provides invincibility to your commandos, making them immune to damage from enemies.
- “shadow”: Turns off enemy AI, causing them to freeze and not react to your actions.
- “stumpy”: Disables the victory conditions, allowing you to complete a mission even if you haven’t met all the objectives.
- “display”: Shows detailed information about objects and characters when you hover the mouse over them.
- “showmeall”: Reveals the entire map, showing all areas and objects.
- “explodemen”: Causes the selected commando to explode, eliminating them from the game.
- “reveal”: Reveals enemy soldiers’ vision cones, making it easier to avoid detection.
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Game Controls
- Left-click: Select a commando or give commands to the selected commando.
- Right-click: Deselect a commando or cancel an action.
- Spacebar: Pause or resume the game.
- Tab: Cycle through available commandos.
- Ctrl + 1-9: Assign a group hotkey to selected commandos.
- 1-9: Select a commando from a group assigned with a hotkey.
- Q/W: Zoom in and out of the game view.
- A: Change the commando’s stance to crouch or crawl.
- S: Make the commando stand up.
- D: Activate/deactivate the commando’s special ability.
- E: Equip/unequip a weapon or tool.
- F: Use an equipped item, such as a weapon or tool.
- G: Throw a grenade or place an explosive.
- R: Reload the commando’s weapon.
- Ctrl + Left-click: Force a commando to move to a specific location.
- Shift + Left-click: Queue multiple waypoints for a commando’s movement.
- Ctrl + Right-click: Commando-specific actions, such as planting explosives or setting traps.
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Walkthrough
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