> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.getbf2142.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.getbf2142.net/advanced/addons-tweaks/battlerecorder-and-battledirector.md).

# BattleRecorder & BattleDirector

Imagine reliving your most epic Battlefield 2142 moments, but from a whole new perspective! BattleRecorder, a fantastic built-in feature, lets you do just that — you can rewatch your past games from a thrilling third-person view. And to dive into those awesome recordings, all you need is BattleDirector. Get ready to see your battles like never before!

<div><figure><img src="/files/tRFFsTcjYCReaLg8JARI" alt=""><figcaption><p>Source: ordinary_chicken @ <a href="https://discord.com/invite/MEwBW9U">BF2142 Reclamation</a></p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/85zsYCIwXo8flaWRJRqr" alt=""><figcaption><p>Source: ordinary_chicken @ <a href="https://discord.com/invite/MEwBW9U">BF2142 Reclamation</a></p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="warning" %}
With OpenSpy patches, demo files won’t appear under <mark style="color:blue;">Community</mark> > <mark style="color:blue;">Battle Recorder</mark> in-game.
{% endhint %}

### Preparations

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Create the `Demos` folder at `Battlefield 2142\mods\<MOD>`.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Download and install BattleDirector from [Downloads](#downloads).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Read <mark style="color:blue;">Quick Help</mark> in BattleDirector.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In <mark style="color:blue;">Settings</mark>, set <mark style="color:blue;">Game</mark> to <mark style="color:blue;">Battlefield 2142</mark> and set <mark style="color:blue;">Game EXE Location</mark> to your BF2142 executable .
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Recorded demos will appear in the <mark style="color:blue;">Launcher</mark> tab after you select the correct <mark style="color:blue;">Mod</mark>.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Recording a demo with BattleRecorder

For singleplayer or LAN:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
While in-game, press the `~` key to open the console (press it again to close).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
To start recording, type `demo.recordDemo NAME` in console and press `Enter`.

You should see `recordingDemo` if it worked.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
To stop recording, type `demo.stopRecording` in console and press `Enter`.

You should see `stoppingRecording` (it also stops automatically at the end of a match).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Find your demos in `Battlefield 2142\mods\<MOD>\Demos`.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

For multiplayer:

{% hint style="info" %}
Reclamation has disabled in-game demo downloads. Ask the admins on Discord for the file by providing the gameplay timestamp.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Join a server with BattleRecorder enabled and properly configured.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After the round ends, go to <mark style="color:blue;">Community</mark> > <mark style="color:blue;">Battle Recorder</mark> and download the demo under <mark style="color:blue;">Bookmarks</mark>.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Demos are saved to `Documents\Battlefield 2142\Profiles\Default\demos`.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Copy them to `Battlefield 2142\mods\<MOD>\Demos` to view in BattleDirector.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Viewing a demo with BattleDirector

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Start BattleDirector.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In <mark style="color:blue;">Settings</mark>, configure <mark style="color:blue;">FPS</mark>, <mark style="color:blue;">FOV</mark>, Hide <mark style="color:blue;">Nametags</mark>, and <mark style="color:blue;">Hide HUD</mark>.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set <mark style="color:blue;">Resolution</mark> and check <mark style="color:blue;">Windowed</mark> if needed.

For full widescreen, add `+widescreen 1` to the second input box (append [other flags](https://www.moddb.com/tutorials/how-to-install-and-start-any-bf2142-mod-universal-tutorial-with-pictures) as needed).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the <mark style="color:blue;">Launcher</mark> tab, select the <mark style="color:blue;">Mod</mark> used to record the demo.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose the demo and click <mark style="color:blue;">Record New Track</mark>.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
You should now see the map loading screen. Once it finishes, click <mark style="color:blue;">JOIN GAME</mark>.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Basic Controls

Press `Q` to open the Play Rose (start, pause, speed control). There is rewind. Do not press Restart — it will mess up the recording.

Press `T` to open the Camera Rose to switch players and toggle between free cam and player cam.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Console Commands

* Hide HUD: `renderer.drawHud 0`
* Show HUD: `renderer.drawHud 1`
* Exit current demo: `demo.ShutdownDemo`
* Adjust demo FOV: `demo.adjustDemoFov 90`

  For cinematic shots, try FOV 40–50.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Play Shortcuts

* `1`: Pause
* `2`: Play at normal speed
* `3`: Play at 5% speed
* `4`: Play at 25% speed
* `5`: Play at 50% speed
* `6`: Play at normal speed
* `7`: Play at 150% speed
* `8`: Play at 300% speed
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Camera Shortcuts

* `Spacebar`: Cycle forward between players
* `Shift + Spacebar`: Cycle backward between players
* `Right Mouse Button`: Toggle between free camera and player camera
* `Mouse Wheel`: Zoom when locked onto a player
* `W`/`A`/`S`/`D`/`Ctrl`/`Shift`: Move free camera (forward/left/back/right/down/up)
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

### Downloads

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Download" %}
**BF2142 Battle Director 1.7 (20.05 MB)**

{% embed url="<https://www.moddb.com/downloads/start/151152/all>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.moddb.com/downloads/the-sir-community-battledirector-v1-7>" %}
Source: [GameWatcher](https://www.moddb.com/members/gamewatcher) @ [ModDB](https://www.moddb.com/)
{% endembed %}

**BF2142 Battle Director 1.6 (5.74 MB)**

{% embed url="<https://www.moddb.com/downloads/start/162132/all>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.moddb.com/downloads/the-sir-community-bf2-bf2142-battle-director-1>" %}
Source: [GameWatcher](https://www.moddb.com/members/gamewatcher) @ [ModDB](https://www.moddb.com/)
{% endembed %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Changelog" %}
N/A
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

### Known Issues

* If BattleDirector fails to start with “See the logfile … for details”, install [Microsoft Visual C++ 2003 Redistributable](/help-centre/troubleshoot.md#a06-install-microsoft-visual-c-2003-redistributable).
* In-game player animations (e.g., “Thank you” via Q) don’t play back in demos.
* Recording may break (pause/crash) when the host player dies.
* AVIs often only render correctly in Windowed mode; Fullscreen AVIs can be corrupt.
* AVI files over 4GB tend to break rendering. Record via OBS or keep clips small to stay under 4GB.
  * 1520x855 (3.6GB) — working
  * 1744x981 (4.1GB) — not working
  * 1808x1017 (4.1GB) — not working

### Acknowledgements

Special thanks to

* higuy and HawkeAssault for sharing their findings @ [BF2142 Reclamation](https://discord.com/invite/MEwBW9U) ([BattleDirector SOP](https://discord.com/channels/404188413915299870/404484616846704660/1301036476003389472))
* Cheiftain\_UK for the quick checklist to record demo files @ [Battlerecorder](https://forum.realitymod.com/viewtopic.php?t=94558)
* [DMFDxUconn](https://forums.bf2s.com/profile.php?id=4788) for BattleRecorder insights @ [Battle Recorder Information](https://forums.bf2s.com/viewtopic.php?id=6845)