How to set up a custom sandbox for practice in Beyond All Reason

Want to test builds, practice micro, or experiment with two-player setups under your own control. BAR supports custom game modes that let you do exactly that.

Tags: beyond all reason, sandbox, practice, custom game, testing, instabuild

Custom games in BAR

BAR includes a lobby system for creating custom games. In a custom lobby, you can control settings like team composition, starting resources, and game rules. This gives you the space to build whatever scenario you want without needing opponents who know what they are walking into.

Set up a custom game with two slots on the same team, assign both to yourself, and you effectively control both sides. This setup lets you test unit matchups, build order timing, and defense placements at your own pace.

Instabuild and god mode options

Cheats like instant build and invincibility are available through game rules modifications. These are not available in ranked or matchmaking lobbies, but in a private custom game you can toggle them on.

Instabuild removes construction time, making it easy to place large bases and test unit compositions instantly. God mode for your commander lets you experiment with forward builds without worrying about being eliminated during setup.

The key limitation is that these cheats only work in private lobbies. You cannot activate them in any game that affects your rating or involves other players who did not opt into the same setup.

Practice setups worth trying

• Rush testing: Place the enemy base at your front, give yourself standard resources, and practice defending against common early pushes.
• Unit matchups: Spawn both sides with specific units and observe interactions. Learn which compositions counter others before you face them in real games.
• Build order timing: Use instabuild to lay out planned constructions, then switch to normal mode to see how long things actually take and how resource timing feels in practice.
• Map familiarization: Explore maps you plan to play ranked on without the pressure of a live opponent. Note metal spot clusters, wind zones, and common expansion paths.

Movement path drawing and advanced controls

Sandbox mode is also useful for testing advanced movement mechanics. The area load and unload commands for transports, for instance, are easier to learn when you can set them up without an enemy breathing down your neck. Draw movement lines with a single unit selected to see how order distribution works.

Set up a custom scenario with mixed unit types and practice the Ctrl-click formation movement command until it becomes automatic. These mechanical habits carry directly into ranked play.

Taking replay feedback into practice

Once you identify weaknesses from replay reviews, sandbox mode is where you correct them. If a mentor pointed out that your wall placement was inefficient, rebuild your defensive line in a custom game until it feels right. If you lost to a specific unit composition, set it up and test counters.

Replays tell you what went wrong. Sandbox practice gives you a safe place to make it right.

The creed of champions approach to practice

Deliberate practice is one of those things that separates improving players from plateauing ones. Having people to share practice setups, configs, and lessons with accelerates that growth.

[Crd] Gaming actually fulfills a human purpose here. Cooperation, mutual upbuilding, fun and striving for greatness together. Instead of random anonymity, you meet, learn from, and enjoy real people.

Creed of Champions runs organized practice sessions and training events. Real teammates to coordinate with, structured learning environments, and a culture that values improvement without the pressure of a ranked queue.