Deadside is one of those survival games that becomes significantly more enjoyable when played with friends. While it can absolutely be played solo, the tension, firefights, and mission runs feel even better when you have teammates watching your back. However, simply being on the same server is not enough. If you want to properly coordinate, share access, and avoid unnecessary confusion, you need to understand how squads work in Deadside.
Squads are a core feature of the game’s multiplayer system. They allow players to group together officially, making it easier to identify teammates, access shared bases, and operate as a team during combat. If you plan on playing with friends regularly, learning how to create and manage a squad is essential.
Here is everything you need to know about how squads function in Deadside.
Why Squads Matter in Deadside
Being in the same squad does more than just show who your friends are. It directly impacts how you interact with each other and the world.
When you are in a squad, your teammates are clearly marked, which helps prevent accidental confusion during intense firefights. In a game where friendly fire is always enabled, this visibility is extremely important. One wrong shot can down your own teammate, so knowing exactly who is in your squad helps reduce costly mistakes.
Squads also grant shared access to base doors. If you and your friends are building and storing gear together, you must be in the same squad for everyone to access the base properly. Without squad membership, players cannot open your base doors.
This makes squad management crucial, especially if you are pooling resources and operating as a group.
How to Invite Someone to a Squad
Inviting someone to your squad is simple, but you must first physically meet them in-game. Deadside does not have a menu-based invite system that works across the map. You need to stand near the player you want to invite.
If you are just starting out, the safest place to meet your friends is at a safe zone. Safe zones are marked by green circles on the map and are PvP-free areas. These locations are ideal for grouping up without worrying about being attacked.
Once your friend is standing directly in front of you, press F while looking at them. This sends a squad invite.
Your friend will see a notification indicating they have received an invitation. To accept the invite, they must press F5. After accepting, they are officially part of your squad.
Once someone joins your squad, they can also invite additional players. This makes it easy to grow your team as long as everyone is nearby. Squads can hold up to five players total, so plan accordingly if you have a larger friend group.
Understanding Friendly Fire
One of the most important things to remember is that friendly fire is always enabled in Deadside. Being in a squad does not disable damage between teammates.
This means you must communicate clearly during firefights. Call out your position. Avoid sudden movements in front of teammates who are shooting. Always stay aware of your line of fire.
Squads make identification easier, but they do not protect you from careless gunfire.
How to Leave a Squad
Leaving a squad is just as straightforward as joining one.
To leave, press M to open your map. In the top right corner of the map screen, you will see the Leave Squad option. Clicking this removes you from the squad immediately.
It is important to understand the consequences of leaving. Once you are no longer in the squad, you lose access to your teammates’ base doors. If you built a base together and leave the squad, you may lock yourself out unintentionally.
This can become especially problematic if squads are disbanded or reorganized after logging off. Always confirm squad status before logging out inside a shared base.
Base Access and Squad Risks
Squad members can open each other’s base doors, which makes teamwork convenient. However, this also means trust is required. If you invite someone to your squad, they gain access to your base.
Be cautious when inviting players you do not fully trust. While squads are designed for cooperation, poor management can lead to lost gear or compromised bases.
Additionally, if someone leaves your squad, they immediately lose door access. This can create situations where players become locked out if they are not paying attention.
Final Thoughts
Squads in Deadside are simple to set up but incredibly important to manage correctly. Whether you are running missions, clearing military camps, or building a base, being in the same squad ensures smooth coordination and shared access.
To invite someone, meet them in person and press F. They accept with F5. Squads can have up to five players, but friendly fire remains active at all times.
Always communicate clearly, manage your base access carefully, and double-check squad status before logging off. Once you understand how squads work, playing Deadside with friends becomes far more organized and enjoyable.
