CTF Map Requirements and Helpful Guidelines!

CTF Map Requirements
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread will offer you tips and suggestions as well as inform you of the requirements for CTF maps.

We encourage you to make a thread for your map to get feedback.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Requirements​

1. Spawns/Spawn Blocks

• Should be able to fit 20+ people comfortably (not too big, not too little).
  
• There needs to be 1 red spawn and 1 blue spawn.
• Keep in mind the distance between the Spawn and the Flag (Your team should be able to get to their flag before the enemy team).
  
• When choosing a spawn block, be sure to not use it elsewhere on the map where it can be stepped on as spawn effects (death, flag restoration etc..) will still be in effect.
• Don't obstruct the spawn exit. Keep the exit nice and clear of anything you could bump your head into while sprint jumping.

Tips:

• Common spawn blocks are: Redstone Blocks/Netherrack, Lapis/Diamonds, but they can be any block.
• Consider spawn-camping when designing your spawn.
• Multiple entrances or large openings prevent spawn blocking/trolling.

2. Flag Room/Areas:

• Maps need a room/area that will contain the flag on both sides.
  
• Consider all the classes when designing the flag room (for both offense and defense).
• Multiple entrances (at least 3). May be from left, right, front, behind, or above flag. However, watch for how easily classes such as Soldier and Elf can escape (they should naturally get out easier but not effortlessly).
• Make it obvious where the flag room is. Have a large fortress at the end of both maps? Players will assume the target is in there. A smaller building at the corner of the map? That's probably the spawn. Make it obvious through building where the most important objects can be found.
• Flag is represented by a fence post and a skull on top. Please do not place a banner representing the flag (refer to the CTF Map Configuration Guide for more information on flag configuration).

Tips:

• Flags in the middle or semi-middle of a room make camping on defense less easy.
• Small water in the flag can assist against fire, too much can harm mobility.
• Consider using signal blocks such as Beacons to show players where the flagroom is.

3. Symmetry:

• Maps have to be the same on both sides. This can be achieved by flipping or mirroring your map.
  
• You may change the type of blocks as long as one side does not gain an advantage (ex: oak wood to birch wood).
• When you flip/mirror your map, be sure to change your block colors to match the respective side (you can't have red wool or stained glass on blue's side of the map).

Tips:

• Build one half of the map all by itself, then flip/mirror it when it's completely finished.
• If you add Easter Eggs, they don't have to be symmetric but they cannot effect gameplay (such as signs).
• Maps can be flipped in a straight line or diagonally.
• Utilize the commands //wand (be sure to select the entire map space), //copy, //rotate 180, //paste to mirror your map with ease. Ask a moderator for help if you have trouble mirroring.

4. Size:

• Rectangular? Square? Diagonal? Underground Big, Small or None? Decide on one and stick with it
• Build and measure only a single half of the map to get a better idea of whether or not your map needs to be bigger or smaller. Then proceed to mirroring it once you have proper measurements.
• Maps should be at least 100x100 blocks, and may be as large as 200x200. We recommend a map size between 140x140 and 160x160 blocks, though.
• The maximum distance allowed between flags is 150 blocks, however we recommend somewhere between 100 to 130 blocks for this.

Tips:

• Spend time running around your map, pretending you're in play. Is it easy to run through? Are there little to no hindrances from place to place?
• Consider the combination of your sponges and your map size.

5. Webs and Stuck Areas:

• Ensure webs are placed in a way that will not affect gameplay.
• A few examples of where webs CAN be used:
  

  Click to view imgur album!

• A few examples of where webs CANNOT be used:
  

  Click to view imgur album!

• And in general, do not have areas where players can be stuck, e.g. these iron bars:
  

  Click to view imgur album!

Extra Map Making Suggestions​

1. Flow and Aesthetics

• Build your map around a Theme if possible. Some Examples: Giant bridge? Cavern? Underwater? None?
• Keep the map consistent with the theme or style you chose.
• Avoid adding too much clutter that would be difficult to PVP in (excessive tall grass, flowers etc..).
  
• The map should be simple to figure out and move around on. Crazy long tunnels or secret passage ways make for a confusing lay-out.
• However, you should not refrain from adding alternative routes to get around the map (such as an underground area). Make sure these routes are evident and guide players to prevent your map from becoming a maze.
• The map should be nice to look at, but of course, game-play is always the priority.

2. Mobility

• Consider all the classes and their different mobility abilities. Work on getting a nice balance between the normal and speedy classes.
  
• Too much water is hard to fight in, avoid putting too much. Same goes for huge amounts of Lava.
• Place Coal Ore or Nether Quartz Ore on the sides of the map to prevent Soldiers from hanging off the edges.

3. Sponges

• Sponges are a unique piece of CTF, but make sure there is a balance between sponge travel and physical travel. Make your map design important!
  
• Recently, map creators have been covering up sponges with carpets to better blend them into the map aesthetic. Don't cover sponges up, make them obvious! Players recognize and learn what sponges do better if they are clearly visible, even if that means sacrificing aesthetics.
• Make sure using a sponge works well while a player is in motion. Assume that players will run up to a sponge and consider their momentum on vertical sponges.
• Do you get caught under a ledge when trying to use a vertical sponge? Either remove the ledge or sink the sponge one block into the base floor, so that players are forced to align themselves with the hole above.
• Give players hints to where sponges will take them. You can use Arrow Block Heads, colors, or even signs if the former 2 aren't possible.

4. Class Knowledge

• It is important to know the basics of how the classes work when designing your map. Each class should be able to play and have fun, but not have a huge advantage over all the other classes. Find a way to balance.

Some Specifics:

• Archer: Make sure to have enough cover for players to hide from archer's headshots. Avoid too many hiding spots where they can camp in.
• Soldier: Soldier has limited but powerful vertical climb and receives no fall damage, so when designing hills or towers, keep that in mind.
• Elf: Elf's mobility is less of an issue than Soldier's, but remember they can abuse heights and fall damage very easily too. Pay attention to how they can move horizontally, especially off of sponges.
• Mage: Be careful adding very long hallways or one entrance areas that would allow for camping areas. This goes for other ranged classes as well such as Elf or Archer.
• Ninja: They have enderpearls and speed II so they can get around the map very quickly. This is an important class to think about when deciding the size of your map (be wary of the speed which Ninjas can capture a flag).
• Dwarf: Dwarf does not move very much, but a map with a congested or tunneled flagroom easily makes it very powerful. Also consider Pyro and water placement.

5. Lag

• There are certain blocks that cause a lot of lag during CTF. Some examples include: Redstone, Glowstone, Vines etc... Be careful not to add a surplus of these kinds of blocks to avoid FPS drops.
• No enderchests, minecarts with chests, or hoppers.
• Be wary of too much lava or fire as they both obstruct gameplay and cause lag issues for some players.

6. Barriers

• Barrier blocks (only accessible through /give) are a very helpful utility for blocking off players from accessing abusive spots on your map.
• Use them strictly for this purpose; refrain from using in abundance or random areas of your map.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you feel something should be added, let a staff member know and we will take a look.
Good luck, and have fun building!
~Staff Team​