Capture the Flag
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
Capture the Flag (CTF) is a multiplayer gametype where teams compete to capture a flag from an enemy base and return it to their own. Many variants of this game-type exist, with the most common variation being the number of teams and flags. More variants can be created by altering individual settings.
Overview[edit]
In Capture the Flag, teams compete to capture and return the opposing team's flag to their own base.
Flag offense and defense[edit]
Flags are located at their spawn points, usually held in the teams' respective bases. Players need to defend their flags from the enemy team while trying to take the enemy's flag from their base. While carrying a flag, a player (becoming the "flag carrier") cannot fire their weapons, but they can melee using the flag. When a flag is dropped, either at the carrier's own volition or because they are killed, the flag enters a countdown. At the end of the countdown, the flag returns to the base, and the process could be accelerated by friendly players standing around it. The countdown can be reset by enemy players holding the flag again, even if briefly. Respawn timers are commonly longer in CTF than in Slayer, giving more time for players in the offense to capture the flag.
In games other than Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo Infinite, the flag melee can kill a fully-shielded enemy player with one hit, though the setting can be tweaked in custom game settings.
In Halo 4, rather than being wielded with both hands, players now carry the flag with their left hand and wield an M6H magnum in their right, regardless of whichever weapons they are carrying. Players pick up the flag automatically by walking into it, but can no longer drop it; once a player has taken the flag, they are stuck with it until they score it or are killed.
Scoring[edit]
Upon returning the enemy team's flag to their own base (or the "flag return point"), a player scores a point for the team. The enemy team's flag automatically returns to the enemy base and can be taken again. In certain variants of CTF, players cannot score if their own flag has been removed from its spawn point.
Victory condition[edit]
The team that first reaches the score limit (3 points by default) wins the game. If neither has reached the score limit at the end of the time limit, the team with the most points at the end wins. If there is a tie, the game may enter overtime and the team that first scores the next point wins the game. Alternatively, if a team is holding the enemy team's flag at the end, the game may enter sudden death. During sudden death, the flag must be taken to its return point or its spawn point, the result of which decides the victor of the match.
Tips[edit]
- When you are attempting to get the flag,
- Know where your opponents are positioned before grabbing and alerting them.
- Choose a route that your opponent will think you are least likely to take.
- When available, use vehicles like the Warthog, so that the flag carrier can make a speedy getaway. Deny the enemy team from pursuing in their own vehicles and destroy all of their vehicles.
- Attempt to "spawntrap" the other team. Make sure the whole opposing team is eliminated before grabbing the flag. This allows you to enter the base without any resistance. Grab the flag and runoff, and as the enemy team spawns, your team will cover you.
- When you have the flag
- Flag juggling is when the player drops and picks up the flag over and over again. The flag must hit the ground before it can be picked up again. Normally, you run slower when you retrieve the flag, but when you flag juggle, you run slightly faster, at the cost of letting your enemy know where the flag is currently is if they have not known already.
- Do not always take the shortest route back to base. Enemies can easily predict your route that way. Try making detours and changing direction, but make sure you know where you are going.
- Do not take a route that leaves you exposed from all corners, even if you have teammates escorting you. You are always an easy target for a sniper.
- If a single pursuer is chasing you, do not be afraid to drop the flag and kill them. Hanging onto the flag would just leave you helpless.
- Communicate with your teammates. This allows them to cover you and get free rides back to base.
- When protecting a flag
- Staying in the flag base can help, but the closer you stay to your teammates, the bigger the target you pose to your opponents. Beware of opponents clearing the room with grenades before they rush to grab the flag.
- Place a sniper to guard the flag from a safe location. However, snipers should be adaptive, helping the team push forward, eliminating opponents which may ambush them. Sniping is the most effective way of eliminating key members of the opposing team such as Warthog gunners, other snipers, and opponents with power-weapons. Pace your shots to avoid running out of ammunition at a crucial time.
- Stay in a location where you have a clear view of your flag, but hidden from enemy view.
- On maps with vehicles, you can use them to block doorways for a makeshift stronghold, or to block the flag itself by parking over it, making it more difficult to grab.
Variants[edit]
Built-in variants[edit]
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| CTF | The first team to capture the enemy's flag and return it to their own base 3 times wins the game. You must have your own flag to capture. |
| Assault | Teams alternate offense and defense every 2 minutes. Carry the enemy flag into their base to their flag station. 5 assaults wins. |
| CTF Classic | The first team to capture the enemy's flag and return it to their own base 3 times wins the game. |
| Invasion CTF | Carry the enemy flag into their base and plant it at their flag station. 3 successful assaults wins, but you only get 5 lives! |
| Iron CTF | All players start with health at 200% and both teams have Scorpion tanks. 3 flag captures wins the game. |
| CTF Pro | 3 flag captures wins the game, but your flag must be at home to score. Start with Grenades, Pistol, and AR. |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi Flag CTF | Defend your flag while launching a coordinated attack on your enemy's flag. 3 captures to win. |
| CTF Classic | Defend your flag while capturing the enemy's. 3 points wins, flag must be home to score, flag may be returned. |
| 1 Flag CTF | Take turns on offense/defense. A capture wins a round. Flag may not be returned. Rounds last 3 minutes. First to 3 wins. |
| 1 Flag CTF Fast | Intense 2 minute rounds of alternating offense/defense. A capture wins a round. Flag may not be returned. First to 3 wins. |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi Flag | Every team has a flag, and may capture when it is away. 3 captures to win. |
| One Flag | Only one team has a flag. 4 rounds, and teams take turns defending the flag. |
| Tank Flag | A variation of Multi Flag where the carrier is very tough, but very slow. |
| Attrition CTF | Highly tactical CTF. Very long respawns, but teams respawn on captures. |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Capture the Flag | Invade your opponent's stronghold, seize the enemy flag, and then return it to your base to score. |
| Multi Flag CTF | Invade your opponent's stronghold, seize the enemy flag, and then return it to your base to score. |
| Neutral Flag CTF | Invade your opponent's stronghold, seize the enemy flag, and then return it to your base to score. |
| One Flag CTF | Invade your opponent's stronghold, seize the enemy flag, and then return it to your base to score. |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Capture the Flag | Steal the Enemy Flag, Score Points! |
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi Flag CTF | Capture the Enemy Flag while defending your own. |
| Classic CTF | Capture the Enemy Flag while defending your own. Flag at home to score and return on pickup enabled. |
| One Flag Classic CTF | Alternating Offense / Defense. A flag capture wins the round. Most flag captures wins the |