Managing your active deployment setup in Enlisted dictates whether you dominate matches or get pinned down instantly. Knowing how to change squads efficiently lets you adapt to shifting frontline conditions, enemy armor threats, and objective layouts without wasting precious respawn tickets.
Changing squads involves two distinct mechanics: swapping your active line-up in the main menu before matches begin, and switching between individual soldiers or reserve units during active combat. Getting both processes down saves time and keeps your offensive momentum rolling.
Preparing Your Active Lineup in the Main Menu
Before you queue into a match, your army composition must be locked in from the main lobby. The game restricts active battlefield rotations based on what you bring into the pre-battle roster.
To alter your active squad setup:
- Open the main lobby screen and navigate to the squad management interface located in the bottom-left corner (represented by the group icon).
- Click on an active squad slot to view your reserve pool of unlocked regiments and specializations.
- Select the incoming squad you want to deploy, ensuring it meets the minimum troop requirements.
- Confirm your selection to slot the new unit into your active battle rotation.
If you encounter an error when trying to swap out a unit, check your existing roster limits. The replacement squad often needs a full complement of active soldiers before it can take a slot in your active lineup. Always verify your Battle Rating (BR) tier to ensure you aren't accidentally up-tiering your equipment into high-difficulty lobbies.
Swapping Squads and Soldiers During Combat
Once boots hit the ground, keeping your squads alive and cycling through fresh troops determines map control. You control a squad of AI soldiers while actively playing as one specific unit.
When your active soldier falls in battle, the game automatically transfers control to the next surviving member of your squad. However, if your entire current squad is wiped out, the deployment screen opens, allowing you to select a completely different squad type from your pre-selected lineup.
To optimize your mid-match squad rotation, keep these tactical rules in mind:
- Match the terrain: If your current assault squad gets stopped by heavy enemy armor, choose an anti-tank or engineer squad on your next spawn to counter the vehicles.
- Manage respawn timers: Avoid spawning squads out in the open where enemy machine gunners or pilots can wipe them before they reach cover.
- Deploy rally points first: Whenever you spawn a fresh engineer-inclusive squad, build a rally point immediately to cut down travel time back to the active objective.
Optimizing Squad Compositions for Success
Simply knowing how to swap units isn't enough; your individual squad builds dictate how long they survive once deployed. Every competitive squad benefits from a balanced mix of classes and utility items.
Make sure you slot an engineer into your primary squads early on. Engineers build critical spawn points, ammo crates, and anti-air or anti-tank guns that dictate match outcomes. Pair them with a mix of assaulters for close-quarters clearing or radio operators to call in crucial artillery support.
Keep your weapon upgrades synchronized with your squad's primary tier. Upgrading individual soldier perks—such as stamina regeneration and weapon recoil reduction—turns standard AI troops into reliable combat assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change squads mid-match after spawning?
No. Once you deploy a specific squad onto the battlefield, you must play as that unit until all its members are eliminated or you use up your available actions. You can only select a different squad from your lineup once your current squad is completely wiped out or you manually J-out (abandon vehicle/unit).
Why won't the game let me replace a squad in my lineup?
This usually happens because the incoming squad doesn't meet minimum active soldier requirements, or you are trying to swap out a unit that is currently locked due to ongoing research progression. Ensure your reserve units are fully manned before attempting to swap them into active slots.
How many squads can I take into a single battle?
By default, free-to-play accounts can bring up to three infantry squads into battle, with options to purchase additional crew slots or premium slots using in-game currency or packs.
Does changing squads reset my score?
No. Your personal score, kills, engineering points, and objective capture progress carry over seamlessly across all squads you deploy throughout the match.
