Source: https://shadowfrag.com/blog/hud-and-tactical-map/

# A HUD for duels and distant objectives

By the SHADOWFRAG developer · Interface · Oct 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A [duel](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-duel) needs clear aim and weapon information; [Shogun](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun) also needs ownership, [supply](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-supply) and routes. The [HUD editor](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) and [tactical map](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) let those needs share the screen.

[The native HUD editor positioning the weapon group in a Shogun layout.](https://ds9.dynostatic.com/media.php?id=01M5THGG5KQ7A1ZFC2ARGSH5RD&revision=1)

The native [HUD editor](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) positioning the weapon group in a [Shogun](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun) layout. Captured 2026-10-24.

In a close [duel](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-duel), the crosshair, [shield](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shield) and weapon state need attention. Across [Shogun Highlands](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun-highlands), a player also needs to know who owns a [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement), where [supply](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-supply) is available and where teammates can reinforce. The [heads-up display](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud), or [HUD](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud), has to support both situations without making every piece of information equally prominent.

This interface work lets players place the information they use and gives the larger battlefield a map that explains its objectives.

## Arranging the HUD

The [HUD editor](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) previews the same groups of elements used during play. Select an element and drag it, choose a screen anchor, or type its offsets, scale and opacity. Arena, objective and story previews let you inspect the arrangement at several aspect ratios, including ultrawide.

The live [HUD](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) and editor share their placement rules. Changing an anchor—the screen reference used to position an element—preserves where the element is currently displayed. Resizing fits the current screen without quietly rewriting the saved layout. You can apply and save the result, cancel the editing session or reset an individual element.

## Showing detail when it is useful

[Shogun](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun)'s **six [settlements](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement)** have compact ownership and capture-progress indicators. Names, distances and the prerequisites for capturing a point appear in context and on the [full map](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud). Story objectives use a separate compact tracker. Temporary announcements also have a different place from status that needs to remain visible.

Warm ink, ivory, muted gold and restrained vermilion tie the interface together. Settings and small values use readable text, while the SHADOWFRAG display typeface is reserved for larger titles and identity.

## Finding a route without revealing enemies

The [minimap](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) and [full map](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) show terrain, objectives, friendly markers and [supplied camps](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-supply). Lines connect [outposts](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-outpost) to the [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) they support. **Enemy players do not appear.**

[Highlands](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun-highlands) keeps navigation available in every mode because of its scale. Other maps follow their own navigation policy, and the tutorial retains its mission map. Press **M**, or the key you have rebound, to toggle the [full map](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud). [Minimap](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-hud) size, radius and zoom bindings can be configured.

Layout and zoom remain local settings. Objective information uses the game's existing network updates. Distant friendly markers arrive through a separate feed updated at a low rate; those marker records cannot become simulated combat actors. The map therefore gains information for navigation without adding a feed of enemy positions.

[Back to blog](https://shadowfrag.com/blog/)[Browse the glossary](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/)

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