> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Spectator Commands

> Commands for spectating players and controlling spectator mode

Spectator commands allow you to watch other players during gameplay, useful for observing matches, creating content, or waiting to respawn.

## Basic Spectating

### chimera\_spectate

Spectate a specific player by their index.

<ParamField path="index" type="number" required>
  Player index to spectate. Use `0` to stop spectating.
</ParamField>

```bash theme={null}
chimera_spectate 1   # Spectate player 1
chimera_spectate 5   # Spectate player 5
chimera_spectate 0   # Stop spectating
```

<Tip>
  Use `chimera_player_list` to see all player indices before spectating.
</Tip>

## Quick Navigation

For easier spectating, Chimera provides hotkey-friendly commands to cycle through players.

### chimera\_spectate\_next

Spectate the next player in the list. Ideal for binding to a hotkey.

```bash theme={null}
chimera_spectate_next
```

<Info>
  This command is designed for use with hotkeys. Add to `chimera.ini`:

  ```ini theme={null}
  [hotkey.spec_next]
  key = E
  command = chimera_spectate_next
  ```
</Info>

### chimera\_spectate\_back

Spectate the previous player in the list.

```bash theme={null}
chimera_spectate_back
```

<Info>
  This command is designed for use with hotkeys. Add to `chimera.ini`:

  ```ini theme={null}
  [hotkey.spec_prev]
  key = Q
  command = chimera_spectate_back
  ```
</Info>

## Team-Only Spectating

### chimera\_spectate\_team\_only

Restrict `chimera_spectate_next` and `chimera_spectate_back` to only cycle through teammates.

<ParamField path="enabled" type="boolean" required>
  true to spectate team members only, false to spectate all players
</ParamField>

```bash theme={null}
chimera_spectate_team_only true   # Only spectate teammates
chimera_spectate_team_only false  # Spectate everyone
```

<Note>
  This setting has no effect in free-for-all gametypes where there are no teams.
</Note>

## Recommended Hotkey Setup

For the best spectating experience, configure hotkeys in `chimera.ini`:

```ini theme={null}
[hotkey.spectate_next]
key = E
command = chimera_spectate_next

[hotkey.spectate_back]
key = Q
command = chimera_spectate_back

[hotkey.spectate_stop]
key = F
command = chimera_spectate 0
```

This setup allows you to:

* Press `E` to spectate the next player
* Press `Q` to go back to the previous player
* Press `F` to stop spectating

## Use Cases

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Content Creation">
    Spectator mode is perfect for:

    * Recording gameplay from multiple perspectives
    * Capturing cinematic footage
    * Creating highlight reels
    * Broadcasting matches

    Combine with `chimera_block_server_ip true` if streaming to hide the server IP.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Competitive Observation">
    Watch competitive matches by:

    * Using `chimera_spectate_team_only true` to follow one team
    * Quickly switching between players with next/previous commands
    * Monitoring specific player strategies

    Tip: Bind spectate commands to easily accessible keys for rapid switching.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Learning & Analysis">
    Improve your gameplay by:

    * Spectating skilled players to learn techniques
    * Analyzing different playstyles
    * Understanding map control and positioning
    * Studying weapon effectiveness
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Waiting for Respawn">
    In custom gametypes with long respawn times:

    * Spectate teammates to stay engaged
    * Scout enemy positions for when you respawn
    * Communicate enemy locations to your team
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Spectating with Other Commands

Combine spectator commands with other Chimera features for enhanced functionality:

### Enhanced Viewing

```bash theme={null}
chimera_fov 110v              # Wider field of view
chimera_show_fps true         # Monitor performance
chimera_block_server_ip true  # Hide IP for streaming
```

### Team Spectating Setup

```bash theme={null}
chimera_spectate_team_only true  # Only watch teammates
chimera_spectate_next             # Start spectating first teammate
```

### Quick Spectate-and-Return

```bash theme={null}
chimera_spectate 3     # Watch player 3
# ... watch for a while ...
chimera_spectate 0     # Return to your own view
```

## Limitations

<Warning>
  Spectator mode limitations:

  * You cannot spectate while actively playing (must be dead or observing)
  * Some custom gametypes may restrict spectating
  * Server settings may limit spectator capabilities
  * You cannot control the player you're spectating
</Warning>

## Tips for Smooth Spectating

<Steps>
  <Step title="List Players First">
    Run `chimera_player_list` to see who's in the game and get their indices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Hotkeys">
    Configure `chimera.ini` with convenient spectate hotkeys before joining matches.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Team Filter">
    Decide if you want team-only spectating and set `chimera_spectate_team_only` accordingly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust Visual Settings">
    Set your FoV and visual preferences before spectating for the best viewing experience.
  </Step>
</Steps>