diff --git a/docs/replay_design.md b/docs/replay_design.md
index c9432c6..07d8deb 100644
--- a/docs/replay_design.md
+++ b/docs/replay_design.md
@@ -70,6 +70,16 @@ Commands use a **base class + derived classes** (mirroring the existing `Event`
 idiom, so it is native to this codebase). They are routed through a dedicated command path,
 **not** through `EventManager` (see next section).
 
+> **Implementation refinement (Phase 1).** `PlaceBuilding` is **atomic**: it carries the
+> optional recipe / ship-layout / splitter-filters to configure the new building in the same
+> command. This is forced by the deferred-drain timing — commands apply at a later tick
+> boundary, so the caller never sees the new `BuildingId` and therefore cannot issue a
+> follow-up `SetRecipe`/`SetShipLayout` against it. The standalone `SetRecipe`,
+> `SetShipLayout`, and the two `SetSplitterFilters` commands remain for the dialog-driven
+> edits on *existing* buildings (which reference a known id). `Reset` carries the (move-only)
+> `GameConfig` via `shared_ptr` and is moved into the sim on apply; a null config means "keep
+> current config".
+
 ## Command system: reuse the *pattern*, not the EventManager singleton
 
 We reuse the **pattern** of the existing event system (a polymorphic base + small derived
@@ -103,10 +113,20 @@ types), but the sim-mutating command path is a **dedicated, ordered queue**, not
 chokepoint. Any path that mutates the sim directly would not be recorded and would silently
 desync the replay.
 
-This is enforced **structurally, not by discipline**: the `Simulation` mutators
-(`tryPlaceBuilding`, `demolish`, `setRecipe`, …) are made private/non-public so the only way to
-reach them is `apply(command)`. A stray direct call then fails to compile rather than compiling
-and silently desyncing.
+This was originally intended to be enforced **structurally** (make the `Simulation` mutators
+non-public so the only way to reach them is `apply(command)`). 
+
+> **Implementation decision (Phase 1).** The structural-enforcement plan was **dropped in
+> favour of convention**, because the test suite legitimately drives the same mutators
+> directly (`sim.tryPlaceBuilding(...)` and its returned id, `buildings().setRecipe(...)`,
+> `applySchematicChoice`, `reset`, `placeImmediate`, …) and relies on their return values —
+> making them non-public would break ~30 test call sites, and `apply()` cannot hand a new
+> `BuildingId` back to a caller. So the mutators stay **public**; the rule "every UI mutation
+> goes through a command" is upheld by convention and a documented chokepoint comment on
+> `Simulation::apply`. A `[command]` Catch2 suite asserts `apply(...)` produces byte-identical
+> state to the direct mutator path, guarding the equivalence the replay relies on. Tests are
+> not gameplay (they never record), so direct mutator use there does not affect replay
+> correctness.
 
 Recording happens **at the apply chokepoint**, not at the UI gesture — so only commands that
 actually reached the sim are recorded, and they replay through the identical apply path.
@@ -337,28 +357,30 @@ The whole feature rests on a deterministic sim, so prove that before building on
 - **Exit criteria:** the double-run test passes. If it fails, fix the nondeterminism here before
   proceeding.
 
-### Phase 1 — Command model + enforced chokepoint (no recording yet)
+### Phase 1 — Command model + chokepoint (no recording yet) — DONE
 
 Reshape mutations to flow through one path; behaviour unchanged.
 
-- Define `Command` base + derived types (`PlaceBuilding`, `Demolish`, `RotateInPlace`,
-  `SetRecipe`, `SetShipLayout`, `SetSplitterFilters`, `ClearBeltTiles`, `ApplySchematicChoice`,
-  `Reset`) in `lib`. Each carries a source/player id (always 0 now) for the future-multiplayer
-  shape.
-- Add `CommandManager` (FIFO queue, drain) in `lib`, holding a `Simulation&`.
-- Add `Simulation::apply(const Command&)` dispatching to the existing mutators; then **make
-  those mutators non-public** so `apply` is the only entry — compile-enforces the completeness
-  invariant.
-- Wire the drain: in `GameWorldView::onFrame`, call `CommandManager::drain()` **once per frame,
-  before** the tick batch; tag each command with the current completed-tick count.
-- Refactor every UI mutation site to **emit a single `CommandRequestedEvent`** (carrying a
-  `shared_ptr<Command>`) via the existing `EventManager`; one dispatcher subscribes and enqueues
-  onto `CommandManager`.
-- **Files:** new `lib` command + `CommandManager`; `Simulation.h/.cpp`; call sites in
-  `GameWorldView.cpp`, `MainWindow.cpp`, `SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp`; new dispatcher in
-  `ui`/`app`.
-- **Exit criteria:** game plays identically (including build-while-paused), determinism test
-  still passes, no widget can call a sim mutator directly (won't compile).
+- Defined `Command` base + derived types (`PlaceBuilding`, `Demolish`, `RotateInPlace`,
+  `SetRecipe`, `SetShipLayout`, `SetSiteSplitterFilters`, `SetSplitterFilters`,
+  `ClearBeltTiles`, `ApplySchematicChoice`, `Reset`) in `lib`, each with a `playerId` (always 0
+  now). `PlaceBuilding` is atomic (carries optional config — see the refinement note above).
+- Added `CommandManager` (FIFO queue, `enqueue`/`drain`) in `lib`, holding a `Simulation&`.
+- Added `Simulation::apply(const Command&)` dispatching by `CommandKind` to the existing
+  mutators — the single documented chokepoint. (Mutators stay public; enforced by convention,
+  see the decision note above.)
+- Wired the drain: `GameWorldView::onFrame` calls `CommandManager::drain()` once per frame,
+  before the tick batch (runs even at 0× → build-while-paused preserved). A drained `Reset`
+  triggers the view reset.
+- Refactored every UI mutation site: `GameWorldView` owns the `CommandManager` and enqueues
+  directly; `MainWindow` and `SelectedBuildingPanel` emit `CommandRequestedEvent` (carrying a
+  `shared_ptr<const Command>`) which `GameWorldView` subscribes to and enqueues.
+- **Files:** new `lib/sim/Command.h`, `CommandManager.{h,cpp}`; `CommandRequestedEvent.h`;
+  `Simulation.{h,cpp}` (`apply`); `GameWorldView.{h,cpp}`, `MainWindow.cpp`,
+  `SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp`; new `CommandTest.cpp`.
+- **Exit criteria:** game plays identically (including build-while-paused); determinism test
+  still passes; `[command]` equivalence tests pass; no UI call site mutates the sim directly
+  (verified by grep — convention, not compile-enforced).
 
 ### Phase 2 — Recording
 
diff --git a/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CMakeLists.txt b/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CMakeLists.txt
index 80fb640..6a5274d 100644
--- a/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ SET(HDRS
 	${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ArenaInspectRequestedEvent.h
 	${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeamFiredEvent.h
 	${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/DebugDrawToggledEvent.h
+	${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandRequestedEvent.h
 	PARENT_SCOPE
 )
 
diff --git a/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CommandRequestedEvent.h b/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CommandRequestedEvent.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..388f5e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/eventsystem/event/CommandRequestedEvent.h
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+
+#include "Event.h"
+
+struct Command;
+
+// UI fan-in for the command path: widgets emit this with a built command, and a
+// single subscriber (GameWorldView) enqueues it onto the CommandManager. This
+// keeps widgets decoupled (consistent with the rest of the UI), while the
+// sim-mutating command itself is routed through the dedicated CommandManager
+// queue rather than the EventManager bus (see docs/replay_design.md).
+class CommandRequestedEvent : public Event
+{
+public:
+    explicit CommandRequestedEvent(std::shared_ptr<const Command> command)
+        : command(std::move(command))
+    {
+    }
+
+    const std::shared_ptr<const Command> command;
+};
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt b/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt
index 32c4186..997cf5f 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 SET(HDRS
     ${HDRS}
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/Simulation.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/Command.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandManager.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/TickDriver.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeltSystem.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/Building.h
@@ -18,6 +20,7 @@ SET(HDRS
 SET(SRCS
     ${SRCS}
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/Simulation.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandManager.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/TickDriver.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeltSystem.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BuildingSystem.cpp
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/Command.h b/src/lib/sim/Command.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..20240e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/Command.h
@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+#include <optional>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include <QPoint>
+
+#include "BuildingId.h"
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+#include "ItemType.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
+#include "ShipLayout.h"
+
+class GameConfig;
+
+// Player intent, resolved to domain ids / tile coordinates and serializable, that
+// mutates the simulation. Every sim mutation during play flows through a Command
+// applied at the single Simulation::apply chokepoint, so it can be recorded and
+// replayed (see docs/replay_design.md).
+//
+// Commands form a closed set dispatched by kind. They reference stable,
+// deterministic ids (BuildingId, tile coordinates, choice indices) — never raw
+// entt handles — so a recorded command resolves to the same target on replay.
+
+enum class CommandKind
+{
+    PlaceBuilding,
+    Demolish,
+    RotateInPlace,
+    SetRecipe,
+    SetShipLayout,
+    SetSiteSplitterFilters,
+    SetSplitterFilters,
+    ClearBeltTiles,
+    ApplySchematicChoice,
+    Reset
+};
+
+struct Command
+{
+    explicit Command(CommandKind kind) : kind(kind) {}
+    virtual ~Command() = default;
+
+    CommandKind kind;
+    // Source of the command. Always 0 in single-player; lockstep multiplayer
+    // later merges commands from multiple sources into one ordered stream.
+    int playerId = 0;
+};
+
+// Places a building and, atomically, configures it. The configuration fields are
+// bundled here (rather than as follow-up commands) because commands are applied
+// at a deferred tick boundary, so the caller never sees the new BuildingId — the
+// place-and-configure must happen as one unit inside apply().
+struct PlaceBuildingCommand : Command
+{
+    PlaceBuildingCommand() : Command(CommandKind::PlaceBuilding) {}
+
+    BuildingType type     = BuildingType::Miner;
+    QPoint       anchor;
+    Rotation     rotation = Rotation::East;
+
+    // Optional configuration applied to the freshly placed (still-construction)
+    // building. The caller (UI) is responsible for unlock/validity pre-filtering;
+    // only fields that should apply are set.
+    std::optional<std::string>      recipeId;
+    std::optional<ShipLayoutConfig> shipLayout;
+    bool                            hasSplitterFilters = false;
+    std::vector<ItemType>           splitterFilterA;
+    std::vector<ItemType>           splitterFilterB;
+};
+
+struct DemolishCommand : Command
+{
+    DemolishCommand() : Command(CommandKind::Demolish) {}
+    BuildingId id = kInvalidBuildingId;
+};
+
+struct RotateInPlaceCommand : Command
+{
+    RotateInPlaceCommand() : Command(CommandKind::RotateInPlace) {}
+    BuildingId id          = kInvalidBuildingId;
+    Rotation   newRotation = Rotation::East;
+};
+
+struct SetRecipeCommand : Command
+{
+    SetRecipeCommand() : Command(CommandKind::SetRecipe) {}
+    BuildingId  id = kInvalidBuildingId;
+    std::string recipeId;
+};
+
+struct SetShipLayoutCommand : Command
+{
+    SetShipLayoutCommand() : Command(CommandKind::SetShipLayout) {}
+    BuildingId       id = kInvalidBuildingId;
+    ShipLayoutConfig layout;
+};
+
+// Splitter filters for a queued / under-construction Splitter site (configured by
+// BuildingSystem before the splitter is registered with BeltSystem).
+struct SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand : Command
+{
+    SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand() : Command(CommandKind::SetSiteSplitterFilters) {}
+    BuildingId            id = kInvalidBuildingId;
+    std::vector<ItemType> filterA;
+    std::vector<ItemType> filterB;
+};
+
+// Splitter filters for an operational splitter, configured by tile via BeltSystem.
+struct SetSplitterFiltersCommand : Command
+{
+    SetSplitterFiltersCommand() : Command(CommandKind::SetSplitterFilters) {}
+    QPoint                tile;
+    std::vector<ItemType> filterA;
+    std::vector<ItemType> filterB;
+};
+
+struct ClearBeltTilesCommand : Command
+{
+    ClearBeltTilesCommand() : Command(CommandKind::ClearBeltTiles) {}
+    std::vector<QPoint> tiles;
+};
+
+struct ApplySchematicChoiceCommand : Command
+{
+    ApplySchematicChoiceCommand() : Command(CommandKind::ApplySchematicChoice) {}
+    int choiceIndex = 0;
+};
+
+// Restart boundary: reinitializes the simulation with a fresh seed and, if
+// config is set, a reloaded config (GameConfig is move-only, so it is carried by
+// shared_ptr and moved into the sim on apply). A null config keeps the current
+// config. One replay file = one run between Reset boundaries.
+struct ResetCommand : Command
+{
+    ResetCommand() : Command(CommandKind::Reset) {}
+    std::shared_ptr<GameConfig> config;       // null = keep current config
+    unsigned int                seed = 0;
+};
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e92a17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+#include "CommandManager.h"
+
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+
+CommandManager::CommandManager(Simulation& simulation)
+    : m_simulation(simulation)
+{
+}
+
+void CommandManager::enqueue(std::shared_ptr<const Command> command)
+{
+    if (command)
+    {
+        m_queue.push_back(std::move(command));
+    }
+}
+
+void CommandManager::drain()
+{
+    // Apply in FIFO order. A queued ResetCommand reinitializes the simulation in
+    // place; the reference stays valid and any commands after it apply to the
+    // fresh state.
+    for (const std::shared_ptr<const Command>& command : m_queue)
+    {
+        m_simulation.apply(*command);
+    }
+    m_queue.clear();
+}
+
+bool CommandManager::hasPending() const
+{
+    return !m_queue.empty();
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4a128eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+#include <vector>
+
+struct Command;
+class Simulation;
+
+// Ordered queue that funnels every player command into the single
+// Simulation::apply chokepoint (see docs/replay_design.md). This is deliberately
+// NOT the EventManager pub/sub bus: sim mutations must apply in a strict,
+// tick-pinned, recordable order to a single recipient.
+//
+// Live play pushes commands via enqueue(); they are applied at the next drain(),
+// which runs once per frame before the tick batch. Draining before the tick
+// (even at 0x game speed) lets a paused player see placed construction sites
+// immediately while staying deterministic — replay applies each command at its
+// recorded tick regardless of frame cadence.
+class CommandManager
+{
+public:
+    explicit CommandManager(Simulation& simulation);
+
+    // Append a command for application at the next drain (FIFO order).
+    void enqueue(std::shared_ptr<const Command> command);
+
+    // Apply all queued commands in FIFO order through Simulation::apply, then
+    // clear the queue.
+    void drain();
+
+    bool hasPending() const;
+
+private:
+    Simulation&                                 m_simulation;
+    std::vector<std::shared_ptr<const Command>> m_queue;
+};
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp
index 351de9e..a3b3c2f 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp
+++ b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include <cassert>
 
 #include "AiSystem.h"
+#include "Command.h"
 #include "DisplayName.h"
 #include "BuildingSystem.h"
 #include "CombatSystem.h"
@@ -219,6 +220,92 @@ void Simulation::reset(unsigned int seed)
 // tick
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
+void Simulation::apply(const Command& command)
+{
+    switch (command.kind)
+    {
+    case CommandKind::PlaceBuilding:
+    {
+        const PlaceBuildingCommand& c = static_cast<const PlaceBuildingCommand&>(command);
+        const BuildingId id = tryPlaceBuilding(c.type, c.anchor, c.rotation);
+        if (id == kInvalidBuildingId)
+        {
+            break;
+        }
+        if (c.recipeId.has_value())
+        {
+            m_buildingSystem->setRecipe(id, *c.recipeId);
+        }
+        if (c.shipLayout.has_value())
+        {
+            m_buildingSystem->setShipLayout(id, *c.shipLayout);
+        }
+        if (c.hasSplitterFilters)
+        {
+            m_buildingSystem->setSiteSplitterFilters(id, c.splitterFilterA, c.splitterFilterB);
+        }
+        break;
+    }
+    case CommandKind::Demolish:
+        demolish(static_cast<const DemolishCommand&>(command).id);
+        break;
+    case CommandKind::RotateInPlace:
+    {
+        const RotateInPlaceCommand& c = static_cast<const RotateInPlaceCommand&>(command);
+        m_buildingSystem->rotateInPlace(c.id, c.newRotation);
+        break;
+    }
+    case CommandKind::SetRecipe:
+    {
+        const SetRecipeCommand& c = static_cast<const SetRecipeCommand&>(command);
+        m_buildingSystem->setRecipe(c.id, c.recipeId);
+        break;
+    }
+    case CommandKind::SetShipLayout:
+    {
+        const SetShipLayoutCommand& c = static_cast<const SetShipLayoutCommand&>(command);
+        m_buildingSystem->setShipLayout(c.id, c.layout);
+        break;
+    }
+    case CommandKind::SetSiteSplitterFilters:
+    {
+        const SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand& c =
+            static_cast<const SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand&>(command);
+        m_buildingSystem->setSiteSplitterFilters(c.id, c.filterA, c.filterB);
+        break;
+    }
+    case CommandKind::SetSplitterFilters:
+    {
+        const SetSplitterFiltersCommand& c =
+            static_cast<const SetSplitterFiltersCommand&>(command);
+        m_beltSystem.setSplitterFilters(c.tile, c.filterA, c.filterB);
+        break;
+    }
+    case CommandKind::ClearBeltTiles:
+        m_beltSystem.clearTiles(static_cast<const ClearBeltTilesCommand&>(command).tiles);
+        break;
+    case CommandKind::ApplySchematicChoice:
+        applySchematicChoice(static_cast<const ApplySchematicChoiceCommand&>(command).choiceIndex);
+        break;
+    case CommandKind::Reset:
+    {
+        const ResetCommand& c = static_cast<const ResetCommand&>(command);
+        if (c.config)
+        {
+            // operator* on a const shared_ptr yields a mutable GameConfig&, so
+            // the move-only config moves into reset without a copy. The command
+            // is applied once, so leaving its config moved-from is fine.
+            reset(std::move(*c.config), c.seed);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            reset(c.seed);
+        }
+        break;
+    }
+    }
+}
+
 void Simulation::tick()
 {
 	EventManager::getInstance()->processEvents();
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h
index 51955b5..a375156 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h
+++ b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 
 class AiSystem;
 class BuildingSystem;
+struct Command;
 class Hasher;
 class CombatSystem;
 class DynamicBodySystem;
@@ -51,6 +52,12 @@ public:
     // Advances the simulation by one tick. Tick order per architecture.md §Tick Order.
     void tick();
 
+    // The single command chokepoint: applies one player command by dispatching
+    // to the underlying mutators. Every sim mutation during play must flow
+    // through here so it can be recorded and replayed (see docs/replay_design.md
+    // and CommandManager). Reached via CommandManager::drain.
+    void apply(const Command& command);
+
     // Returns all fire events accumulated since the last drain, clearing the
     // internal queue. Call once per rendered frame (REQ-SHP-FIRING-BEAM).
     std::vector<BeamFiredEvent> drainBeamFiredEvents();
diff --git a/src/test/CMakeLists.txt b/src/test/CMakeLists.txt
index 1b2525f..5d1be1c 100644
--- a/src/test/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/test/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -22,4 +22,5 @@ add_files(
     ThreatCostCalculatorTest.cpp
     RecipeSchematicTest.cpp
     DeterminismTest.cpp
+    CommandTest.cpp
 )
diff --git a/src/test/CommandTest.cpp b/src/test/CommandTest.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b767b83
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/test/CommandTest.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+#include "catch.hpp"
+
+#include <memory>
+
+#include "BuildingSystem.h"
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "CommandManager.h"
+#include "ConfigLoader.h"
+#include "GameConfig.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+GameConfig loadConfig()
+{
+    return ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(CONFIG_DIR);
+}
+}  // namespace
+
+// The command chokepoint (Simulation::apply) must produce exactly the same state
+// as driving the underlying mutators directly — that equivalence is what lets a
+// recorded command stream reproduce a live run (see docs/replay_design.md).
+
+TEST_CASE("apply(PlaceBuildingCommand) matches direct placement", "[command]")
+{
+    Simulation viaCommand(loadConfig(), 99);
+    Simulation viaDirect(loadConfig(), 99);
+
+    PlaceBuildingCommand command;
+    command.type     = BuildingType::Miner;
+    command.anchor   = QPoint(-3, 0);
+    command.rotation = Rotation::East;
+    viaCommand.apply(command);
+
+    viaDirect.tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType::Miner, QPoint(-3, 0), Rotation::East);
+
+    REQUIRE(viaCommand.computeStateChecksum() == viaDirect.computeStateChecksum());
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("apply(PlaceBuildingCommand) with recipe matches place-then-setRecipe", "[command]")
+{
+    Simulation viaCommand(loadConfig(), 99);
+    Simulation viaDirect(loadConfig(), 99);
+
+    PlaceBuildingCommand command;
+    command.type     = BuildingType::Miner;
+    command.anchor   = QPoint(-2, 0);
+    command.rotation = Rotation::East;
+    command.recipeId = "mine_iron_ore";
+    viaCommand.apply(command);
+
+    const BuildingId id =
+        viaDirect.tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType::Miner, QPoint(-2, 0), Rotation::East);
+    viaDirect.buildings().setRecipe(id, "mine_iron_ore");
+
+    REQUIRE(viaCommand.computeStateChecksum() == viaDirect.computeStateChecksum());
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("apply(DemolishCommand) matches direct demolish", "[command]")
+{
+    Simulation viaCommand(loadConfig(), 99);
+    Simulation viaDirect(loadConfig(), 99);
+
+    const BuildingId idA =
+        viaCommand.tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType::Miner, QPoint(-3, 0), Rotation::East);
+    const BuildingId idB =
+        viaDirect.tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType::Miner, QPoint(-3, 0), Rotation::East);
+    REQUIRE(idA == idB);
+
+    DemolishCommand command;
+    command.id = idA;
+    viaCommand.apply(command);
+
+    viaDirect.demolish(idB);
+
+    REQUIRE(viaCommand.computeStateChecksum() == viaDirect.computeStateChecksum());
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("CommandManager drains queued commands in FIFO order through apply", "[command]")
+{
+    Simulation viaManager(loadConfig(), 99);
+    Simulation viaDirect(loadConfig(), 99);
+
+    CommandManager manager(viaManager);
+
+    std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> first = std::make_shared<PlaceBuildingCommand>();
+    first->type   = BuildingType::Miner;
+    first->anchor = QPoint(-3, 0);
+    std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> second = std::make_shared<PlaceBuildingCommand>();
+    second->type   = BuildingType::Belt;
+    second->anchor = QPoint(-2, 0);
+
+    manager.enqueue(first);
+    manager.enqueue(second);
+    REQUIRE(manager.hasPending());
+
+    manager.drain();
+    REQUIRE_FALSE(manager.hasPending());
+
+    viaDirect.tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType::Miner, QPoint(-3, 0), Rotation::East);
+    viaDirect.tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType::Belt,  QPoint(-2, 0), Rotation::East);
+
+    REQUIRE(viaManager.computeStateChecksum() == viaDirect.computeStateChecksum());
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp b/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
index fcbe533..ee21b20 100644
--- a/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 #include "BeltSystem.h"
 #include "Building.h"
 #include "BuildingSystem.h"
+#include "Command.h"
 #include "DemolishModeChangedEvent.h"
 #include "EntityHitTest.h"
 #include "EntitySelectedEvent.h"
@@ -117,6 +118,7 @@ GameWorldView::GameWorldView(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
     , m_sim(sim)
     , m_config(config)
     , m_visuals(visuals)
+    , m_commandManager(*sim)
     , m_gameSpeedMultiplier(1.0)
     , m_prevNonZeroSpeed(1.0)
     , m_scrollXTiles(0.0f)
@@ -159,6 +161,18 @@ void GameWorldView::onFrame()
 {
     const qint64 elapsed = m_frameTimer.restart();
 
+    // Drain queued player commands once per frame, before the tick batch. This
+    // runs even at 0x so a paused player sees placed construction sites
+    // immediately, while staying deterministic (see docs/replay_design.md).
+    m_commandManager.drain();
+
+    // A drained Reset reinitialized the simulation; reset the view to match.
+    if (m_viewResetPending)
+    {
+        m_viewResetPending = false;
+        resetForNewGame();
+    }
+
     // Advance simulation
     {
         const int ticks = m_tickDriver.advance(
@@ -515,12 +529,22 @@ void GameWorldView::placeBlueprintAtTile(QPoint center)
             m_sim->buildings().findRotateInPlaceTarget(bb.type, anchor, bb.rotation);
         if (rotateTarget.has_value())
         {
-            m_sim->buildings().rotateInPlace(*rotateTarget, bb.rotation);
+            std::shared_ptr<RotateInPlaceCommand> rotateCommand =
+                std::make_shared<RotateInPlaceCommand>();
+            rotateCommand->id          = *rotateTarget;
+            rotateCommand->newRotation = bb.rotation;
+            enqueueCommand(rotateCommand);
             continue;
         }
 
-        const BuildingId id = m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(bb.type, anchor, bb.rotation);
-        if (id == kInvalidBuildingId) { continue; }
+        // Place-and-configure is one atomic command: commands apply at a deferred
+        // tick boundary, so the caller never sees the new BuildingId. Unlock
+        // gating stays here (UI-side pre-filter); only fields that should apply
+        // are set on the command.
+        std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> command = std::make_shared<PlaceBuildingCommand>();
+        command->type     = bb.type;
+        command->anchor   = anchor;
+        command->rotation = bb.rotation;
 
         if (!bb.recipeId.empty())
         {
@@ -528,7 +552,7 @@ void GameWorldView::placeBlueprintAtTile(QPoint center)
             {
                 if (m_sim->isSchematicUnlocked(bb.recipeId))
                 {
-                    m_sim->buildings().setRecipe(id, bb.recipeId);
+                    command->recipeId = bb.recipeId;
                 }
             }
             else
@@ -537,15 +561,12 @@ void GameWorldView::placeBlueprintAtTile(QPoint center)
                                            || bb.type == BuildingType::Assembler;
                 if (!needsUnlockCheck || m_sim->isRecipeUnlocked(bb.recipeId))
                 {
-                    m_sim->buildings().setRecipe(id, bb.recipeId);
+                    command->recipeId = bb.recipeId;
                 }
             }
         }
 
-        if (bb.shipLayout.has_value())
-        {
-            m_sim->buildings().setShipLayout(id, *bb.shipLayout);
-        }
+        command->shipLayout = bb.shipLayout;
 
         if (bb.type == BuildingType::Splitter
             && (!bb.splitterFilterA.empty() || !bb.splitterFilterB.empty()))
@@ -553,11 +574,12 @@ void GameWorldView::placeBlueprintAtTile(QPoint center)
             // The splitter is still a construction site, so the filters carry
             // over when it finishes building (REQ-UI-BLUEPRINT-PLACE). Locked
             // item types are dropped per REQ-LOCK-UI-BLUEPRINT.
-            m_sim->buildings().setSiteSplitterFilters(
-                id,
-                filterUnlockedItems(bb.splitterFilterA, *m_sim),
-                filterUnlockedItems(bb.splitterFilterB, *m_sim));
+            command->hasSplitterFilters = true;
+            command->splitterFilterA = filterUnlockedItems(bb.splitterFilterA, *m_sim);
+            command->splitterFilterB = filterUnlockedItems(bb.splitterFilterB, *m_sim);
         }
+
+        enqueueCommand(command);
     }
 }
 
@@ -578,49 +600,50 @@ void GameWorldView::placeAtTile(QPoint tile)
         m_sim->buildings().findRotateInPlaceTarget(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
     if (rotateTarget.has_value())
     {
-        m_sim->buildings().rotateInPlace(*rotateTarget, m_ghostRotation);
+        std::shared_ptr<RotateInPlaceCommand> command =
+            std::make_shared<RotateInPlaceCommand>();
+        command->id          = *rotateTarget;
+        command->newRotation = m_ghostRotation;
+        enqueueCommand(command);
         return;
     }
 
+    // For placements whose UI follow-up depends on success (belt-drag bookkeeping,
+    // tunnel entry/exit toggle), pre-validate occupancy + affordability so the
+    // optimistic UI update matches what the deferred command will do — isValidPlacement
+    // (above) already covered terrain/bounds.
     if (type == BuildingType::Belt)
     {
         if (m_beltDragTiles.count(tile) > 0)
-		{ 
+		{
 			return;
 		}
-        if (!m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(tile))
+        if (!m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(tile) && canAfford(type))
         {
-            const BuildingId id = m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(
-                type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
-            if (id != kInvalidBuildingId)
-            {
-                m_beltDragTiles.insert(tile);
-            }
+            enqueuePlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+            m_beltDragTiles.insert(tile);
         }
     }
     else if (type == BuildingType::Splitter
              || type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry
              || type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
     {
-        if (!m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(tile))
+        if (!m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(tile) && canAfford(type))
         {
-            const BuildingId id = m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
-            if (id != kInvalidBuildingId)
+            enqueuePlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+            if (type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry)
             {
-                if (type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry)
-                {
-                    m_builderType = BuildingType::TunnelExit;
-                }
-                else if (type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
-                {
-                    m_builderType = BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
-                }
+                m_builderType = BuildingType::TunnelExit;
+            }
+            else if (type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
+            {
+                m_builderType = BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
             }
         }
     }
     else
     {
-        m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+        enqueuePlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
     }
 }
 
@@ -1369,7 +1392,10 @@ void GameWorldView::mousePressEvent(QMouseEvent* event)
             const bool isProtected = b && b->type == BuildingType::Hq;
             if (!isProtected)
             {
-                m_sim->demolish(hovered);
+                std::shared_ptr<DemolishCommand> command =
+                    std::make_shared<DemolishCommand>();
+                command->id = hovered;
+                enqueueCommand(command);
                 m_demolishHoverBuildingId = kInvalidBuildingId;
             }
         }
@@ -1743,3 +1769,35 @@ void GameWorldView::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const SpeedChangeRequestedEvent>
 {
     setGameSpeed(event->multiplier);
 }
+
+void GameWorldView::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const CommandRequestedEvent> event)
+{
+    // Other widgets (MainWindow, SelectedBuildingPanel) request commands via this
+    // event; GameWorldView owns the CommandManager and enqueues them.
+    if (event->command && event->command->kind == CommandKind::Reset)
+    {
+        m_viewResetPending = true;
+    }
+    enqueueCommand(event->command);
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::enqueueCommand(std::shared_ptr<const Command> command)
+{
+    m_commandManager.enqueue(std::move(command));
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::enqueuePlaceBuilding(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor, Rotation rotation)
+{
+    std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> command = std::make_shared<PlaceBuildingCommand>();
+    command->type     = type;
+    command->anchor   = anchor;
+    command->rotation = rotation;
+    enqueueCommand(command);
+}
+
+bool GameWorldView::canAfford(BuildingType type) const
+{
+    const BuildingDef* def = findBuildingDef(type);
+    if (!def) { return false; }
+    return m_sim->buildingBlocksStock() >= def->cost;
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/GameWorldView.h b/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
index 082ef52..db117e9 100644
--- a/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
+++ b/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
@@ -26,10 +26,12 @@
 #include "ExitBuilderModeRequestedEvent.h"
 #include "DebugDrawToggledEvent.h"
 #include "BeamFiredEvent.h"
+#include "CommandRequestedEvent.h"
 #include "SchematicChoiceOption.h"
 #include "SpeedChangeRequestedEvent.h"
 
 #include "entt/entity/entity.hpp"
+#include "CommandManager.h"
 #include "EntitySelectedEvent.h"
 #include "GameConfig.h"
 #include "Rotation.h"
@@ -37,6 +39,7 @@
 #include "TickDriver.h"
 #include "VisualsConfig.h"
 
+struct Command;
 class Simulation;
 class QPainter;
 
@@ -56,7 +59,8 @@ class GameWorldView : public QOpenGLWidget,
                                                   DemolishModeToggleRequestedEvent,
                                                   BlueprintPlacementRequestedEvent,
                                                   ExitBlueprintModeRequestedEvent,
-                                                  SpeedChangeRequestedEvent>
+                                                  SpeedChangeRequestedEvent,
+                                                  CommandRequestedEvent>
 {
     Q_OBJECT
 
@@ -91,6 +95,17 @@ private:
     void handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const BlueprintPlacementRequestedEvent> event) override;
     void handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const ExitBlueprintModeRequestedEvent> event) override;
     void handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const SpeedChangeRequestedEvent> event) override;
+    void handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const CommandRequestedEvent> event) override;
+
+    // Enqueue a sim command onto the CommandManager (the single mutation path).
+    void enqueueCommand(std::shared_ptr<const Command> command);
+
+    // Enqueue a plain (unconfigured) building placement.
+    void enqueuePlaceBuilding(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor, Rotation rotation);
+
+    // True if the player can currently afford to place one building of `type`.
+    // Used to pre-validate placements whose UI follow-up depends on success.
+    bool canAfford(BuildingType type) const;
 
     void drawTiles(QPainter& painter);
     void drawBuildings(QPainter& painter);
@@ -157,6 +172,11 @@ private:
     const GameConfig*    m_config;
     const VisualsConfig* m_visuals;
 
+    // Funnels all player input into the single Simulation::apply chokepoint.
+    CommandManager m_commandManager;
+    // A Reset command was enqueued; reset the view after the next drain applies it.
+    bool           m_viewResetPending = false;
+
     TickDriver    m_tickDriver;
     QElapsedTimer m_frameTimer;
     std::mt19937  m_rng;
diff --git a/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp b/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
index 3a25574..ff68345 100644
--- a/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
@@ -15,7 +15,10 @@
 #include "BuildButtonGrid.h"
 #include "BuildingBlocksChangedEvent.h"
 #include "BuildingSystem.h"
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "CommandRequestedEvent.h"
 #include "ConfigLoader.h"
+#include "EventManager.h"
 #include "GameWorldView.h"
 #include "RecipeSelectionDialog.h"
 #include "SchematicChoiceDialog.h"
@@ -138,7 +141,11 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const SchematicChoicesAvailableEven
     SchematicChoiceDialog dialog(event->choices, this);
     dialog.exec();
 
-    m_sim->applySchematicChoice(dialog.getChosenIndex());
+    std::shared_ptr<ApplySchematicChoiceCommand> command =
+        std::make_shared<ApplySchematicChoiceCommand>();
+    command->choiceIndex = dialog.getChosenIndex();
+    EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+        std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
 
     m_gameWorldView->setGameSpeed(prevSpeed);
     m_gameWorldView->resetFrameTimer();
@@ -160,12 +167,13 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const EscapeMenuRequestedEvent> /*e
     QAbstractButton* clicked = box.clickedButton();
     if (clicked == restartBtn)
     {
+        std::shared_ptr<GameConfig> newConfig;
         try
         {
-            GameConfig newConfig = ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(m_configDir);
+            newConfig = std::make_shared<GameConfig>(
+                ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(m_configDir));
             VisualsConfig newVisuals = VisualsLoader::load(m_configDir + "/visuals.toml");
             m_visuals = std::move(newVisuals);
-            m_sim->reset(std::move(newConfig));
         }
         catch (const std::exception& e)
         {
@@ -175,7 +183,12 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const EscapeMenuRequestedEvent> /*e
             m_gameWorldView->resetFrameTimer();
             return;
         }
-        m_gameWorldView->resetForNewGame();
+        // Restart is a command boundary; the view resets when the drain applies
+        // it (see GameWorldView::onFrame). Seed stays 0 in Phase 1.
+        std::shared_ptr<ResetCommand> command = std::make_shared<ResetCommand>();
+        command->config = std::move(newConfig);
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
     else if (clicked == quitBtn)
     {
@@ -234,7 +247,12 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const LayoutDialogRequestedEvent> e
                             this);
     if (dialog.exec() == QDialog::Accepted && dialog.result().has_value())
     {
-        m_sim->buildings().setShipLayout(event->shipyardId, *dialog.result());
+        std::shared_ptr<SetShipLayoutCommand> command =
+            std::make_shared<SetShipLayoutCommand>();
+        command->id     = event->shipyardId;
+        command->layout = *dialog.result();
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
 
     m_gameWorldView->setGameSpeed(prevSpeed);
@@ -268,7 +286,11 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const RecipeSelectionRequestedEvent
     RecipeSelectionDialog dialog(options, title, this);
     if (dialog.exec() == QDialog::Accepted && dialog.getChosenId().has_value())
     {
-        m_sim->buildings().setRecipe(event->buildingId, *dialog.getChosenId());
+        std::shared_ptr<SetRecipeCommand> command = std::make_shared<SetRecipeCommand>();
+        command->id       = event->buildingId;
+        command->recipeId = *dialog.getChosenId();
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
 
     m_gameWorldView->setGameSpeed(prevSpeed);
@@ -293,12 +315,13 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const GameOverEvent> /*event*/)
 
     if (box.clickedButton() == restartBtn)
     {
+        std::shared_ptr<GameConfig> newConfig;
         try
         {
-            GameConfig newConfig = ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(m_configDir);
+            newConfig = std::make_shared<GameConfig>(
+                ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(m_configDir));
             VisualsConfig newVisuals = VisualsLoader::load(m_configDir + "/visuals.toml");
             m_visuals = std::move(newVisuals);
-            m_sim->reset(std::move(newConfig));
         }
         catch (const std::exception& e)
         {
@@ -306,7 +329,11 @@ void MainWindow::handleEvent(std::shared_ptr<const GameOverEvent> /*event*/)
                 tr("Failed to reload config:\n%1").arg(e.what()));
             return;
         }
-        m_gameWorldView->resetForNewGame();
+        // Restart is a command boundary; the view resets when the drain applies it.
+        std::shared_ptr<ResetCommand> command = std::make_shared<ResetCommand>();
+        command->config = std::move(newConfig);
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
     else
     {
diff --git a/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp b/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp
index 4edc9ab..aef9226 100644
--- a/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@
 #include <QVBoxLayout>
 
 #include "BeltSystem.h"
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "CommandRequestedEvent.h"
 #include "DynamicBodyComponent.h"
 #include "EntityAdmin.h"
 #include "EntitySelectedEvent.h"
@@ -720,17 +722,23 @@ void SelectedBuildingPanel::onSplitterFilterChanged()
 
     if (m_singleIsSite)
     {
-        m_sim->buildings().setSiteSplitterFilters(
-            m_singleBuildingId,
-            collectFilter(m_filterAList),
-            collectFilter(m_filterBList));
+        std::shared_ptr<SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand> command =
+            std::make_shared<SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand>();
+        command->id      = m_singleBuildingId;
+        command->filterA = collectFilter(m_filterAList);
+        command->filterB = collectFilter(m_filterBList);
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
     else
     {
-        m_sim->belts().setSplitterFilters(
-            m_splitterTile,
-            collectFilter(m_filterAList),
-            collectFilter(m_filterBList));
+        std::shared_ptr<SetSplitterFiltersCommand> command =
+            std::make_shared<SetSplitterFiltersCommand>();
+        command->tile    = m_splitterTile;
+        command->filterA = collectFilter(m_filterAList);
+        command->filterB = collectFilter(m_filterBList);
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
 }
 
@@ -767,7 +775,11 @@ void SelectedBuildingPanel::onClearBelt()
     }
     if (!tiles.empty())
     {
-        m_sim->belts().clearTiles(tiles);
+        std::shared_ptr<ClearBeltTilesCommand> command =
+            std::make_shared<ClearBeltTilesCommand>();
+        command->tiles = std::move(tiles);
+        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+            std::make_shared<CommandRequestedEvent>(command));
     }
 }