In the documented Ashes of the Singularity II demo controls, number keys select existing numbered armies. Tap a number once to select the army and twice to select it and move the camera to it. Ctrl + number changes the selected units’ army membership, so use that shortcut only when you mean to merge units.
Select and locate a numbered army
| Input | Result in the February demo |
|---|---|
| Tap an army number once | Select that army |
| Tap the same number twice | Select that army and move the camera to it |
| Hold Ctrl and press a number | Merge the selected units into that numbered army |
| Press Tab | Select armies visible on screen |
The February demo hotkey list lists these actions. Check the current build’s bindings if a shortcut behaves differently.
Keep the camera where you need it
Use a single tap when you want to select a force while keeping your view on the current area. Use a double tap when you need to see the force and the terrain around it before giving its next order. For example, when two armies are operating on different sides of the map, a double tap lets you check the situation around the one you are about to move.
Tab is useful when you want to act with armies currently visible. For one specific army, use its number instead.
Treat Ctrl plus a number as a merge
A familiar control-group habit from other strategy games can change your forces here. Pressing Ctrl + 2 with units selected merges them into Army 2 in the demo controls. It is not documented as a shortcut for saving a temporary group. If your goal is simply to select Army 2, tap 2 by itself.
If a merge was intentional, select the destination army afterward and verify its composition. If you need to divide the units again, the demo lists a context-dependent Alt + right-click split-or-merge command with multiple units selected.
FAQ
Can I select an army without moving the camera?
Yes. A single tap of the army number is the documented selection shortcut. Double tap when you want the camera to move as well.
Does Ctrl plus a number save a control group?
The demo’s control table lists it as a merge into the numbered army. It does not describe an arbitrary group-assignment function for that shortcut.
What should I use to select the armies already on screen?
Press Tab in the documented demo controls. To select a particular numbered army, use that army’s number.