CTFeLogo.jpg (26178 bytes)

- Server Ops -
[Normal Users]    [General Info]

 

[Running a CTF/e Server]

CTF/e is only as good as the servers that run it.  Sure it's fun to play with the titans in "off-line" mode, but the real action is online.  Thanks to the feedback from the initial CTF/e release, this latest version should prove just what you CTF Server-ops were looking for.  With the ability to masquerade as a "regular" UT/CTF server and now full web-based server admin support, running a CTF/e server couldn't be simpler.

Of course, there is still a little bit of setup required on your end if you want to use all of CTF/e new features.   Unfortunately, since UMOD (and of course .ZIP) are too limited right now in terms of functionality (it can't support static arrays) the setting up of the server is left to you.  But don't worry, I'll take you threw it nice and easy.

 

[Installing CTF/e]

The first step to running a CTF/e server is installing the mod.   CTF/e comes in .UMOD & .ZIP formats. Simply install the mod as you would normally do.   Once installed, CTF/e can and will function like a normal server mod without any further modifications.

However, CTF/e requires some changes to the UNREALTOURNAMENT.INI file in order to do some of the more server friendly features.  How many changes is dependant on you.    As always, please backup any files you change beforehand.

 

[I want to be a normal CTF Server]

The biggest request from the initial release of CTF/e was the need to be seen in the default server browser as a standard CTF server.   Many of you told me it was unrealistic to make the user search out a mod of this type, and I agree... so let it be..

CTF/e includes a special UDPServerQuery class that will fool the browser (and GameSpy) in to thinking we are a normal CTF server.   But it doesn't do this automatically as it requires a change to the .INI that wasn't facilitated by Epic.  This change won't hurt anything as our custom UdpServerQuery is 100% backwards compatible with all other gametypes.  In the future hopefully Epic will make a better solution, but this works now.

To implement this feature, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the file UNREALTOURNAMENT.INI in notepad.  This file is located in your /SYSTEM subdirectory inside your UT directory.

Step 2: Find the section labeled [Engine.GameEngine].  Here you should see several ServerActors= lines.

Step 3: Find the line that reads "IpServer.UdpServerQuery".  This is the line that tells UT which server query system to use.  We of course want to use ours.

Step 4: Change the current value to"CTFe.CTFeUdpServerQuery".  This will allow CTF/e to fake out the browser.

Step 5: Save your changes and Bingo.. to the world, you look like your running a standard UT/CTF server.  Only clients that connect can tell the difference.

[Web based Remote Access]

The second most requested feature from the original release of CTF/e was the ability to remote admin your server.  Whelp, I got it implemented, and I have to say, boy it was a bitch to figure out. Just follow these steps are you're free to fix it all via the web.

Step 1: If not already opened,  open the file UNREALTOURNAMENT.INI in notepad.  This file is located in your /SYSTEM subdirectory inside your UT directory.

Step 2: Find the section labeled [UWeb.WebServer].  You will notice that you can configure multiple applications for your server.  To install CTF/e web admin support, you need to make 2 changes at the very least.

Step 3: First find an empty "Applications[x]=" entry in this section and change it to read "Applications[x]=CTFe.CTFeServerAdmin".  The [x] is simply the number of the entry that's free. This will register our custom server admin class with UT.  You now need to define a path for it.

Step 4: Find an empty "ApplicationPaths[x]=" entry in this section and change it to read "ApplicationPaths[x]=/CTFe".  With these changes alone you will be able to remote admin your server by opening the web page "http://server.ip.addr/CTFe" (where server.ip.addr is the address of your server.

Step 5: Now you have 2 web admin applications.   CTF/e's is 100% backwards compatible with the default.  So I suggest changing the line "DefaultApplication=0" to point to the application # you just installed under.  With CTF/e as the default, simply browsing to your server ip brings up the CTF/e admin menu.

Step 6: Save your changes

[CTF/e Rules]

CTF/e supports all the original UT/CTF rules.  However, we have added a few new options to your "Rules" menu when you start a server. All of these rules can also manually be changed from the .INI file or via web-based server admin.  All of these variables (except Balance Teams) can be found in the [CTFe.CTFeGame] section of your Unreal Tournament INI file. They are:

::Balance Teams ::

This is an option you will find in all UT Team games. I only mention it here because when checked, ALL CTF/e play balance features are in effect.

::Balance Tolerance ::
(ini var: PlayerSpread = <int Spread>)

This value is used to determine if teams are out of balance. If there is more than an X player spread between teams then play balance rules will take effect. The default is 2 players. I don’t suggest setting this below 2 (in fact, I’ll probably force it to 2 in a later version).

:: Flag Cap Restriction ::
(ini var: UnEvenCapKill = True|False)

If this option is checked, any team that has a player advantage will be kept from capturing a flag. If a player on that team attempts to do so.. WATCH OUT.

:: Allow BehindView ::
(ini var: AllowBehindView = True|False)

Many people consider players using the behindview command to look around corners cheating. I happen to agree with them (it’s lame) so I’ve added a server side switch to STOP YOU from doing it. It defaults to off (ie: doesn’t allow it).

:: Balance Bonus ::
(ini var: BalanceBonus = True|False)

In order to promote evening of teams, CTF/e allows the server op to give players a bonus for switching to an uneven team (if this box is checked).

:: Bonus Type ::
(ini var: BonusType = 0-3)

This drop down box shows the different types of bonuses the server can give out. Current bonuses are:

0 = 10 extra points
1 = a UDamage Powerup
2 = A ShieldBelt
3 = A Big Health Kit

:: Allow Titans ::
(ini var: AllowTitans = True|False)

If this option is on, CTF/e will unleash a titan or two in the event of a blow out.   When the difference between the team scores reach the score gap defined below, CTF/e will add one of my special TitanBots to the losing team.  These bad mofo's kick major ass and will help try and turn the tide.  Titans leave the game once the score has tied back up.

:: Score Gap ::
(ini var: ScoreGap = <int gap>)

This entry allows you to define the point at which a titan will appear to try and save the game.  I suggest setting this to 2 or 3 caps below your cap limit (which should be at least 5 imnsho).  Once the difference between the teams reaches this point, a TitanBot will join the losing team.  If the gap becomes 2x this, an additional Titan will join.  Rue the day when you face 2 TitanBots.

:: Spawn Protection ::
(ini var: bSpawnProtection = True|False)

Turns this option on to protect newly respawned players.  This is great to combat spawn campers.  The protection is temporary (see GuardTime below) and will automatically turn off if the player shoots, picks up a weapon, or gets to close to the enemy flag.

:: GuardTime ::
(ini var: GuardTime = <Float seconds>)

GuardTime defines the duration of the Spawn Protection in Seconds.  I like 10-15 seconds, it's enough time to get to cover, but not enough time to do anything.

:: RandomMaps ::(New)
(ini var: bRandomMaps = True|False)

This option will force the server to randomly pick the next map from your map list. 

:: Improved Scoring ::(New)
(ini var: bImprovedScore = True|False)

This option turns on a big change between UT/CTF and CTF/e.  I've implemented a new scoring system that encourages TEAM play.  For more information on the new scoreing system, see the normal user section of this documentation.

 

[Uninstalling CTF/e]

So, you want to remove CTF/e.. you BASTARD! :)  Lucky for you, it's pretty easy to uninstall CTF/e.  You need any text editor (NotePad is just fine) and about 3 minutes of spare time.  As always, please backup any files before modifying them.  Keep in mind, some of these changes will only need to be made if you installed the custom server tab for CTF/e.  If you don't find a particular section or value within a section, just skip that step.

Step 1: Open the file UNREALTOURNAMENT.INI in notepad.  This file is located in your /SYSTEM subdirectory inside your UT directory.

Step 2: Find the section labeled [UBrowser.UBrowserMainClientWindow].   Check the ServerListNames[x] fields for a reference to UBrowserCTFE.  If it's there.. set the reference to "None".

Step 3: Find the section Labeled [UBrowserCTFE].   Remove this entire selection (should be 2 lines, the label and the ListFactories[x]=).

Step 4: Find the section Labeled [CTFe.CTFeGame].   Remove this entire selection.

Step 5: Save the new UNREALTOURNAMENT.INI.

Step 6: Open the file UBROWSER.INT in notepad.  This file is also located in your /SYSTEM subdirectory.

Step 7: Delete the line that reads "UBrowserCTFE=CTF (Enhanced)"

Step 8: Save the new UBROWSER.INT.

Step 9: In your /SYSTEM subdirectory type "DELETE CTFE.*" and press ENTER.

You have now removed CTF/e from your UT.  If you happen to find steps that are applicable, just skip them.

--
[Normal Users]    [General Info]

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