Difference between revisions of "Capture the Flag"

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[[Image:Ctf 2fort bridge ss.png|thumb|right|300px|The bridge area in the center of [[2Fort]].]]
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[[File:Ctf 2fort bridge ss.png|thumb|right|300px|The bridge area in the center of [[2Fort]].]]
  
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[[Image:CTF DoubleCross RedBase.png|thumb|right|300px|The bridge area over the crevasse on [[Double Cross]].]]
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[[File:CTF DoubleCross RedBase.png|thumb|right|300px|The bridge area over the crevasse on [[Double Cross]].]]
  
 
{{Quotation|'''The Scout''' capturing the Intelligence|I got it, I got it, I got it!|sound=Scout_autocappedintelligence03.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Scout''' capturing the Intelligence|I got it, I got it, I got it!|sound=Scout_autocappedintelligence03.wav}}
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+
 
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'''Capture the Flag''' ('''CTF''') is a [[game modes|game mode]] which features both [[RED]] and [[BLU]] teams with their own [[Capture the Flag#Intelligence|Intelligence]] briefcase (known as the flag). The goal for both teams is to capture their enemy's Intelligence continuously until they have reached the game's capture limit (default limit is 3) whilst preventing their enemy from achieving the same. If no team completes the capture limit before time runs out, the match will enter [[Sudden Death]] mode (unless either Intelligence has been taken and is still in play, in which case [[Overtime]] occurs until both teams' Intelligence are secured again).
+
'''Capture the Flag''' (commonly abbreviated as '''CTF''') is a [[List of game modes|game mode]] which features both [[RED]] and [[BLU]] teams with their own [[#Intelligence|Intelligence]] briefcase (known as the flag). The goal for both teams is to capture their enemy's Intelligence continuously until they have reached the game's capture limit (default limit is 3) whilst preventing their enemy from achieving the same. If no team completes the capture limit before time runs out, the match enter [[Sudden Death]] mode (unless either Intelligence has been taken and is still in play, in which case [[Overtime]] occurs until both teams' Intelligence are secured again).
  
 
== Intelligence ==
 
== Intelligence ==
 
[[File:Carried Intel.png|thumb|220px|right|A RED [[Scout]] carrying the Intelligence.]]
 
[[File:Carried Intel.png|thumb|220px|right|A RED [[Scout]] carrying the Intelligence.]]
  
−
The Intelligence, also known as the "{{botignore|intel}}," "flag," or "briefcase," is the eponymous flag and objective of the Capture the Flag game mode. It is a team-colored briefcase sporting a complicated numbered lock pad on the front and papers protruding out of its joints. Once picked up by an enemy, the case begins to glow in the carrier's team color and will emit paper particles and a long team-colored trail.
+
The Intelligence, also known as the "{{botignore|intel}}", "flag", or "briefcase", is the eponymous flag and objective of the Capture the Flag game mode. It is a team-colored briefcase sporting a complicated numbered lock pad on the front and papers protruding out of its joints. Once picked up by an enemy, the case begins to glow in the carrier's team color and will emit paper particles and a long team-colored trail.
  
 
== Gameplay ==
 
== Gameplay ==
−
During a Capture the Flag round, each team is given their own Intelligence located within their section of the map. It must be retrieved from this location by the opposite team and returned to a defined point, usually the opposing team's capture zone where their Intelligence is stored.
+
During a Capture the Flag round, each team is given their own Intelligence located within their section of the map. It must be retrieved from this location by the opposite team and returned to a defined point, usually the opposing team's capture zone where their Intelligence is stored.
  
−
The Intelligence can be taken by any enemy player that walks up onto it, but can not be interfered or moved by a friendly player. It will then appear on their back and the [[Announcer]] will notify both teams that the Intelligence has been taken. The Intelligence indicator located on the [[HUD]] will then point in the direction of the carrier who must make their way out of the enemy base and back to their own. Carriers are visible to their respective team players as they emit a green, yellow or red glow (based on their current health) that can be seen through walls.
+
The Intelligence can be taken by any enemy player that walks up onto it, but can not be interfered or moved by a friendly player. Once picked up by a player, the Intelligence then appears on their back and the [[Announcer]] notifies both teams that the Intelligence has been taken. The Intelligence indicator located on the [[Heads-up display|HUD]] then points in the direction of the carrier, who must make their way out of the enemy base and back to their own. Carriers are visible to their respective team players as they emit a green, yellow, or red glow (based on their current health) that can be seen through walls.
  
 
While carrying the Intelligence, players become more vulnerable. Additionally, certain conditions may result in the player being unable to pick up and carry the Intelligence.
 
While carrying the Intelligence, players become more vulnerable. Additionally, certain conditions may result in the player being unable to pick up and carry the Intelligence.
−
* Intelligence carriers cannot use [[Teleporter]]s.
+
* Intelligence carriers cannot use [[Teleporters]].
−
* The [[Medic]]'s stock [[Medi Gun]]'s [[ÜberCharge]] cannot be used on the Intelligence carrier, nor can a player pick up the Intelligence while ÜberCharged and thus invulnerable. (The only exceptions are the charges from the [[Quick-Fix]] and the [[Vaccinator]] mediguns, which can be activated and work on both the Medic and the patient even if one of them is carrying the Intelligence.)
+
* The [[ÜberCharge]] of the [[Medi Gun]] cannot be used on or by the Intelligence carrier, nor can a player pick up the Intelligence while ÜberCharged by this weapon (the charges from all other Medi Guns can be activated and work on both the Medic and the patient, even if one of them is carrying the Intelligence).
 
* [[Scout]]s are unable to drink [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] while holding the Intelligence, and may not pick it up while under its effects.
 
* [[Scout]]s are unable to drink [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] while holding the Intelligence, and may not pick it up while under its effects.
 
* [[Soldier]]s equipped with the [[Rocket Jumper]] and [[Demoman|Demomen]] equipped with the [[Sticky Jumper]] are unable to carry the Intelligence.
 
* [[Soldier]]s equipped with the [[Rocket Jumper]] and [[Demoman|Demomen]] equipped with the [[Sticky Jumper]] are unable to carry the Intelligence.
−
* [[Spy|Spies]] are unable to carry the Intelligence while [[Cloak]]ed, but can pick it up while in [[disguise]], removing their disguise.
+
* [[Spy|Spies]] are unable to carry the Intelligence while [[cloak]]ed, but can pick it up while in [[disguise]], removing their disguise. They cannot disguise or Cloak while carrying the Intelligence.
−
* The Spy cannot disguise or Cloak while carrying the Intelligence, and will automatically drop it if they do.
 
 
* The Intelligence is dropped if the carrier is killed or enters a [[resupply area]].
 
* The Intelligence is dropped if the carrier is killed or enters a [[resupply area]].
 +
* [[Engineer]]s that use the [[Eureka Effect]] can teleport via the weapon's taunt, but the Intelligence drops at the spot the Engineer teleported from.
 +
 +
Once the Intelligence is taken to a capture point, the successful team gains one point shown in the Intelligence indicator, and receives ten seconds of [[Critical hits#Crit boost|Crit boost]]. There is no need for the capturing team's own Intelligence to be on their capture point at the time of the capture.
  
−
Once the Intelligence is returned to a capture point, the successful team will gain one point shown in the Intelligence indicator, and will receive ten seconds of [[crit boost]]. There is no need for the capturing team's own Intelligence to be on their capture point at the time of the capture.
+
The Intelligence can be dropped manually if the player carrying it presses the drop-item button {{DK|L}}. Once dropped, a clock-like timer ring appears over the Intelligence. If the default 60 seconds pass without an ally picking it up again, it is automatically returned to its original position in the team's base. If an ally picks up and subsequently drops the Intelligence, this timer resets. Teams are required to defend the dropped Intelligence during this period or face losing it.
  
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The Intelligence can be dropped manually if the player carrying it presses the drop-item button ([[Default key]]: {{Key|L}}). Once dropped, a clock-like timer ring will appear over the Intelligence. When the default 60 seconds have passed without an ally picking it up again, it is automatically returned to its original position in the team's base. If an ally picks up and subsequently drops the intelligence, this timer will reset. Teams are required to defend the dropped Intelligence during this period or face losing it.
+
If the Intelligence carrier is killed by an environmental hazard that prevents the dropped Intelligence from being touched, like a [[pitfall]], it is forcibly returned to its original position. This functionality is not inherent to the intelligence itself, but must be added to the map manually by its creator. While [[Valve]] [[List of maps|official maps]] all share this for specific bottomless hazards, not all [[custom maps]] may utilize this function.
  
−
If the Intelligence carrier is killed by certain environmental hazards that prevent the dropped Intelligence from being touched, like the bottomless pits on [[Double Cross]], it will be forcibly returned to its original position. This functionality is inherent to the map's code and not the intelligence itself, and thus has to be added to the map manually by its creator. While [[Valve]] [[List of maps|official maps]] all share this for specific bottomless hazards, not all [[custom maps]] may utilize this function.
+
Certain maps depart from the standard formula of Capture the Flag. For example, on [[Crasher]], players must carry the flag from their own base to a capture zone located inside the base of the opposing team.
  
 
== Strategy ==
 
== Strategy ==
 
{{main|Community Capture the Flag strategy}}
 
{{main|Community Capture the Flag strategy}}
  
−
{{anchor|CTF maps|Capture the Flag maps|maps}}
+
== {{anchor|CTF maps|Capture the Flag maps|maps}} Maps ==
 +
{{main|List of maps}}
  
−
== Maps ==
 
−
{{main|List of maps}}
 
 
Capture the Flag maps carry the '''ctf_''' prefix; community maps are identified with italic font.
 
Capture the Flag maps carry the '''ctf_''' prefix; community maps are identified with italic font.
−
 
+
{{Maps table|Capture the Flag}}
−
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding=2 style="text-align:center;"
 
−
|- style="height: 20px;"
 
−
! class="header"  |Name
 
−
! class="header"  |Picture
 
−
! class="header"  |File name
 
−
|-
 
−
|style="background-color:#F9D483;" |'''[[2Fort]]'''
 
−
| [[File:Ctf 2fort bridge ss.png|160px|link=2fort]]
 
−
| width="60px" |{{code|ctf_2fort}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|style="background-color:#F9D483;" |'''''[[2Fort Invasion]]'''''
 
−
| [[File:Ctf 2fort invasion.jpg|160px|link=2fort Invasion]]
 
−
| width="60px" |{{code|ctf_2fort_invasion}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|style="background-color:#F9D483;" |'''[[Double Cross]]'''
 
−
| [[File:CTF DoubleCross RedBase.png|160px|link=Double Cross]]
 
−
| width="60px" |{{code|ctf_doublecross}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|style="background-color:#F9D483;" |'''[[Sawmill (Capture the Flag)|Sawmill<br>(Capture the Flag)]]'''
 
−
| [[File:CTF Sawmill Center.png|160px|link=Sawmill (Capture the Flag)]]
 
−
| width="60px" |{{code|ctf_sawmill}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|style="background-color:#F9D483;" |'''[[Turbine]]'''
 
−
| [[File:CTF Turbine Center.png |160px|link=Turbine]]
 
−
| width="60px" |{{code|ctf_turbine}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|style="background-color:#F9D483;" |'''[[Well (Capture the Flag)|Well<br>(Capture the Flag)]]'''
 
−
| [[File:Ctfwell04.png|160px|link=Well (Capture the Flag)]]
 
−
| width="60px" |{{code|ctf_well}}
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Related achievements ==
 
== Related achievements ==
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       {{Show achievement|Scout|Triple Steal}}
 
       {{Show achievement|Scout|Triple Steal}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
  
 
==={{Class link|Pyro}}===
 
==={{Class link|Pyro}}===
 
{{Show achievement|Pyro|Cooking the Books|width=50%}}
 
{{Show achievement|Pyro|Cooking the Books|width=50%}}
 +
  
 
==={{Class link|Heavy}}===
 
==={{Class link|Heavy}}===
 
{{Show achievement|Heavy|Crime and Punishment|width=50%}}
 
{{Show achievement|Heavy|Crime and Punishment|width=50%}}
 +
  
 
==={{Class link|Engineer}}===
 
==={{Class link|Engineer}}===
 
{{Show achievement|Engineer|Trade Secrets|width=50%}}
 
{{Show achievement|Engineer|Trade Secrets|width=50%}}
 +
  
 
==={{Class link|Sniper}}===
 
==={{Class link|Sniper}}===
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== Update history ==
 
== Update history ==
−
{{Update history |'''{{Patch name|10|8|2007}}''' (Pre-Released)
+
{{Update history | '''{{Patch name|10|8|2007}}''' (Pre-Released)
 
* Sudden Death only starts in CTF mode if both flags are at home.
 
* Sudden Death only starts in CTF mode if both flags are at home.
  
−
'''October 10, 2007''' ([[Team Fortress 2|Initial Game Release]])
+
'''{{Patch name|10|10|2007|date-only=yes}}''' ([[Team Fortress 2|Initial Game Release]])
 
* Added Capture the Flag mode.
 
* Added Capture the Flag mode.
 
* Added map: 2Fort.
 
* Added map: 2Fort.
Line 108: Line 83:
  
 
'''{{Patch name|11|20|2007}}'''
 
'''{{Patch name|11|20|2007}}'''
−
* Updated server log entries for flag captures to detail the number of captures and the {{code|tf_flag_caps_per_round}} value.
+
* Updated server log entries for flag captures to detail the number of captures and the {{code|tf_flag_caps_per_round}} value.
  
 
'''{{Patch name|1|25|2008}}'''
 
'''{{Patch name|1|25|2008}}'''
Line 127: Line 102:
 
'''{{Patch name|8|13|2009}}''' ([[Classless Update]])
 
'''{{Patch name|8|13|2009}}''' ([[Classless Update]])
 
* Added map: Sawmill (Capture the Flag).
 
* Added map: Sawmill (Capture the Flag).
−
* Capturing the flag in a CTF game mode now gives the entire capturing team 10 seconds of [[Critical Hit#Crit-boost|crit-boost]].
+
* Capturing the flag in a CTF game mode now gives the entire capturing team 10 seconds of [[Critical hits#Crit-boost|Crit-boost]].
  
 
'''{{Patch name|12|17|2009}}''' ([[WAR! Update]])
 
'''{{Patch name|12|17|2009}}''' ([[WAR! Update]])
Line 136: Line 111:
  
 
'''{{Patch name|1|19|2011}}'''
 
'''{{Patch name|1|19|2011}}'''
−
* Added a glow effect to the team intelligence entities when they’re not being carried.
+
* Added a glow effect to the team intelligence entities when they're not being carried.
  
 
'''{{Patch name|4|15|2011}}'''
 
'''{{Patch name|4|15|2011}}'''
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'''{{Patch name|7|23|2015}} #1'''
 
'''{{Patch name|7|23|2015}} #1'''
 
* Fixed being able to carry the flag with the Rocket/Sticky Jumpers.
 
* Fixed being able to carry the flag with the Rocket/Sticky Jumpers.
−
}}
+
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|10|6|2015}}''' ([[Invasion Community Update]])
 +
* Added map: 2Fort Invasion.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|17|2015}}''' ([[Tough Break Update]])
 +
* Added map: Landfall.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|3|28|2018}} #1'''
 +
* Added {{code|[[Sawmill (Capture the Flag)|ctf_sawmill]]}}, {{code|[[Well (Capture the Flag)|ctf_well]]}}, {{code|[[2Fort Invasion|ctf_2fort_invasion]]}}, and {{code|[[Foundry (Capture the Flag)|ctf_foundry]]}} to Casual Mode.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|3|2020}}''' ([[Smissmas 2020]])
 +
* Added map: Snowfall.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|2|2021}}''' ([[Smissmas 2021]])
 +
* Added map: Doublefrost.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|10|5|2022}}''' ([[Scream Fortress 2022]])
 +
* Added maps: Crasher and Helltrain.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|5|2022}}''' ([[Smissmas 2022]])
 +
* Added map: Frosty.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|12|2023}}''' ([[Summer 2023 Update]])
 +
* Added map: Pelican Peak.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|7|2023}}''' ([[Smissmas 2023]])
 +
* Added maps: Haarp and Turbine Center.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|18|2024}} #1''' ([[Summer 2024 Update]])
 +
* Added map: Applejack.
 +
* Fixed CTF HUD being visible when no flags are present (Community fix from fellen).
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|18|2024|no-link=yes}} #2'''
 +
* Moved {{code|ctf_haarp}} out of the CTF matchmaking category and into [[Control Point (game mode)#Attack/Defend|Attack/Defend]].}}
  
 
== Bugs ==
 
== Bugs ==
−
* Occasionally, the status on the bottom center of the HUD will not change when a player takes or drops the Intelligence.
+
[[File:glowingplayernointel.jpg|thumb|300px|A BLU Demoman with an outline as if he were carrying the intel, when he is not.]]
−
* Rarely some [[Mann vs Machine|bomb-related]] responses can be pronounced when player carrying Intelligence is killed.
+
 
−
* If a player has the Intelligence and then the map is reset, the next round will have the player who had the Intelligence continue to glow until another player has picked up the intelligence or that player has died.
+
* Occasionally, the status on the bottom center of the HUD does not change when a player takes or drops the Intelligence.
 +
* Rarely, some [[Mann vs. Machine|bomb-related]] responses can be pronounced when a player carrying Intelligence is killed.
 +
* If a player has the Intelligence and then the map is reset, the next round has the player who had the Intelligence continue to glow until another player has picked up the Intelligence or that player has died.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
−
* The Neutral Intelligence briefcase is a white-colored version of the standard briefcase that appears in the game files. It remains unused by Valve in [[list of maps|official maps]], however, it was included by them for use by Community developers in custom [[game modes]] (such as "Single Flag CTF", [[FortWars]], and "Achievement Servers"). Most recently, Valve employed a version of the neutral Intelligence case as the initial pickup for the new [[Special Delivery (Game Mode)|Special Delivery]] game mode: the intelligence remodeled into an explosive suitcase.
+
* The Neutral Intelligence briefcase is a white-colored version of the standard briefcase that appears in the game files. It remains unused by Valve in [[List of maps|official maps]]; however, it was included by them for use by Community developers in custom [[List of game modes|game modes]] (such as "Single Flag CTF", [[FortWars]], and "Achievement Servers"). Valve later employed a version of the neutral Intelligence case as the initial pickup for the [[Special Delivery (game mode)|Special Delivery]] game mode, with the intelligence being remodeled into an explosive suitcase.
−
* As placeholders during early stages, Valve used modified versions of ''[[Team Fortress Classic]]'''s [[unused flags|flags]], which can be still be seen in the game files, featuring the faces of TF2's development team. The face that appears on the red flag is that of Robin Walker, the co-creator of the ''[[Team Fortress]]'' series, while the blue flag bears Charlie Brown.
+
** Certain custom flags used in community-made maps, such as [[2Fort Invasion]] and [[Helltrain]], also follow this trend, with matching neutral versions that go unused.
−
* Some [[Achievements]] related to The Intelligence can be obtained in [[Doomsday]], a map for the game mode [[Special Delivery (Game Mode)|Special Delivery]].
+
* As placeholders during early stages, Valve used modified versions of ''[[Team Fortress Classic]]'''s [[#Other|flags]], which can be still be seen in the game files, featuring the faces of TF2's development team. The face that appears on the red flag is that of Robin Walker, the co-creator of the ''[[Team Fortress]]'' series, while the blue flag bears Charlie Brown.
−
* There is an option that allows servers to specify the length of a crit boost on a successful capture, or to disable it entirely ({{code|tf_ctf_bonus_time}}).
+
* Some [[Achievements]] related to the Intelligence can be obtained in [[Doomsday]], a map for the Special Delivery game mode.
 +
* There is an option that allows servers to specify the length of a Crit boost on a successful capture, or to disable it entirely ({{code|tf_ctf_bonus_time}}).
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 +
=== Flags ===
 +
<gallery perrow=3>
 +
File:Intel red idle.png|The [[RED]] Intelligence briefcase.
 +
File:Intel blu idle.png|The [[BLU]] Intelligence briefcase.
 +
File:Intel neutral idle.png|The neutral Intelligence briefcase.
 +
File:Intel red pickedup.png|The RED Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 +
File:Intel blu pickedup.png|The BLU Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 +
File:Intel neutral pickedup.png|The neutral Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 +
File:Invasion Intel red idle.png|The RED Intelligence briefcase on [[2Fort Invasion]].
 +
File:Invasion Intel blu idle.png|The BLU Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion.
 +
File:Invasion Intel neutral idle.png|The neutral 2Fort Invasion Intelligence briefcase.
 +
File:Invasion Intel red pickedup.png|The RED Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion (picked up).
 +
File:Invasion Intel blu pickedup.png|The BLU Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion (picked up).
 +
File:Invasion Intel neutral pickedup.png|The neutral 2Fort Invasion Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 +
File:Doublefrost Intel RED Idle.png|The RED present on [[Doublefrost]].
 +
File:Doublefrost Intel BLU Idle.png|The BLU present on Doublefrost.
 +
File:Doublefrost Intel Neutral Idle.png|The neutral Doublefrost present.
 +
File:Doublefrost Intel RED Pickedup.png|The RED present on Doublefrost (picked up).
 +
File:Doublefrost Intel BLU Pickedup.png|The BLU present on Doublefrost (picked up).
 +
File:Doublefrost Intel Neutral Pickedup.png|The neutral Doublefrost present (picked up).
 +
File:Helltrain Coal Flag RED.png|The RED Coal Core on [[Helltrain]].
 +
File:Helltrain Coal Flag BLU.png|The BLU Coal Core on Helltrain.
 +
File:Helltrain Coal Flag Neutral.png|The neutral Helltrain Coal Core.
 +
File:Crasher Briefcase Barrel.png|The explosive Barrel on [[Crasher]].
 +
File:Snowfall Intel RED Idle.png|The RED present on [[Snowfall]].
 +
File:Snowfall Intel BLU Idle.png|The BLU present on Snowfall.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
=== Other ===
 
<gallery perrow=3>
 
<gallery perrow=3>
−
file:Intel red idle.png|The [[RED]] Intelligence briefcase.
+
File:Oldredflag.png|The old red team flag.
−
file:Intel blu idle.png|The [[BLU]] Intelligence briefcase.
+
File:Oldblueflag.png|The old blue team flag.
−
file:Intel neutral idle.png|The neutral Intelligence briefcase.
+
File:Oldneutralflag.png|The old neutral flag.
−
file:Intel red pickedup.png|The RED Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 
−
file:Intel blu pickedup.png|The BLU Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 
−
file:Intel neutral pickedup.png|The neutral Intelligence briefcase (picked up).
 
−
file:Oldredflag.png|The old red team flag.
 
−
file:Oldblueflag.png|The old blue team flag.
 
−
file:Oldneutralflag.png|The old neutral flag.
 
 
File:Intel Carrier Glow.png|Carriers and Intelligence briefcases glow.
 
File:Intel Carrier Glow.png|Carriers and Intelligence briefcases glow.
−
File:Intel_carried.png|Carriers will emit a stream of paper [[Particle effects#Gameplay effects|particles]].
+
File:Intel_carried.png|Carriers emit a stream of paper [[Particle effects#Gameplay effects|particles]].
 +
File:Gamemode_ctf.png|The main menu illustration used for Capture the Flag prior to the {{update link|Meet Your Match Update}}.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
{{Maps nav}}
+
{{Maps Nav}}
  
 
[[Category:Game modes]]
 
[[Category:Game modes]]
 
[[Category:Gameplay]]
 
[[Category:Gameplay]]
 
[[Category:Strategy]]
 
[[Category:Strategy]]

Latest revision as of 04:43, 21 September 2024

The bridge area in the center of 2Fort.
The bridge area over the crevasse on Double Cross.
“
I got it, I got it, I got it!
Click to listen
— The Scout capturing the Intelligence
 ”

Capture the Flag (commonly abbreviated as CTF) is a game mode which features both RED and BLU teams with their own Intelligence briefcase (known as the flag). The goal for both teams is to capture their enemy's Intelligence continuously until they have reached the game's capture limit (default limit is 3) whilst preventing their enemy from achieving the same. If no team completes the capture limit before time runs out, the match enter Sudden Death mode (unless either Intelligence has been taken and is still in play, in which case Overtime occurs until both teams' Intelligence are secured again).

Intelligence

A RED Scout carrying the Intelligence.

The Intelligence, also known as the "intel", "flag", or "briefcase", is the eponymous flag and objective of the Capture the Flag game mode. It is a team-colored briefcase sporting a complicated numbered lock pad on the front and papers protruding out of its joints. Once picked up by an enemy, the case begins to glow in the carrier's team color and will emit paper particles and a long team-colored trail.

Gameplay

During a Capture the Flag round, each team is given their own Intelligence located within their section of the map. It must be retrieved from this location by the opposite team and returned to a defined point, usually the opposing team's capture zone where their Intelligence is stored.

The Intelligence can be taken by any enemy player that walks up onto it, but can not be interfered or moved by a friendly player. Once picked up by a player, the Intelligence then appears on their back and the Announcer notifies both teams that the Intelligence has been taken. The Intelligence indicator located on the HUD then points in the direction of the carrier, who must make their way out of the enemy base and back to their own. Carriers are visible to their respective team players as they emit a green, yellow, or red glow (based on their current health) that can be seen through walls.

While carrying the Intelligence, players become more vulnerable. Additionally, certain conditions may result in the player being unable to pick up and carry the Intelligence.

  • Intelligence carriers cannot use Teleporters.
  • The ÜberCharge of the Medi Gun cannot be used on or by the Intelligence carrier, nor can a player pick up the Intelligence while ÜberCharged by this weapon (the charges from all other Medi Guns can be activated and work on both the Medic and the patient, even if one of them is carrying the Intelligence).
  • Scouts are unable to drink Bonk! Atomic Punch while holding the Intelligence, and may not pick it up while under its effects.
  • Soldiers equipped with the Rocket Jumper and Demomen equipped with the Sticky Jumper are unable to carry the Intelligence.
  • Spies are unable to carry the Intelligence while cloaked, but can pick it up while in disguise, removing their disguise. They cannot disguise or Cloak while carrying the Intelligence.
  • The Intelligence is dropped if the carrier is killed or enters a resupply area.
  • Engineers that use the Eureka Effect can teleport via the weapon's taunt, but the Intelligence drops at the spot the Engineer teleported from.

Once the Intelligence is taken to a capture point, the successful team gains one point shown in the Intelligence indicator, and receives ten seconds of Crit boost. There is no need for the capturing team's own Intelligence to be on their capture point at the time of the capture.

The Intelligence can be dropped manually if the player carrying it presses the drop-item button (default key: L). Once dropped, a clock-like timer ring appears over the Intelligence. If the default 60 seconds pass without an ally picking it up again, it is automatically returned to its original position in the team's base. If an ally picks up and subsequently drops the Intelligence, this timer resets. Teams are required to defend the dropped Intelligence during this period or face losing it.

If the Intelligence carrier is killed by an environmental hazard that prevents the dropped Intelligence from being touched, like a pitfall, it is forcibly returned to its original position. This functionality is not inherent to the intelligence itself, but must be added to the map manually by its creator. While Valve official maps all share this for specific bottomless hazards, not all custom maps may utilize this function.

Certain maps depart from the standard formula of Capture the Flag. For example, on Crasher, players must carry the flag from their own base to a capture zone located inside the base of the opposing team.

Strategy

Main article: Community Capture the Flag strategy

Maps

Main article: List of maps

Capture the Flag maps carry the ctf_ prefix; community maps are identified with italic font.

Name Picture File name
2Fort Ctf 2fort bridge ss.png ctf_2fort
2Fort Invasion Ctf 2fort invasion.png ctf_2fort_invasion
Applejack Ctf applejack.png ctf_applejack
Crasher Ctf crasher.png ctf_crasher
Double Cross CTF DoubleCross RedBase.png ctf_doublecross
Doublefrost Ctf doublecross snowy.png ctf_doublecross_snowy
Frosty Ctf frosty.png ctf_frosty
Helltrain Ctf helltrain event.png ctf_helltrain_event
Landfall Ctf landfall rc0005.jpg ctf_landfall
Pelican Peak Ctf pelican peak.png ctf_pelican_peak
Sawmill CTF Sawmill Center.png ctf_sawmill
Snowfall Ctf snowfall final.png ctf_snowfall_final
Turbine CTF Turbine Center.png ctf_turbine
Turbine Center Ctf turbine winter.png ctf_turbine_winter
Well Ctfwell04.png ctf_well

Related achievements

Leaderboard class scout.png Scout

Belittled Beleaguer
 Belittled Beleaguer
Kill an opposing player that has your intelligence while holding theirs.


Round-Tripper
 Round-Tripper
Capture the enemy intelligence 25 times.
No-Hitter
 No-Hitter
Steal and then capture the enemy intelligence without firing a shot.


Triple Steal
 Triple Steal
Capture the enemy intelligence 3 times in a single CTF round.


Leaderboard class pyro.png Pyro

Cooking the Books
 Cooking the Books
Ignite 5 enemies carrying your intelligence.


Leaderboard class heavy.png Heavy

Crime and Punishment
 Crime and Punishment
Kill 10 enemies carrying your intelligence.


Leaderboard class engineer.png Engineer

Trade Secrets
 Trade Secrets
Kill 20 players carrying the intelligence.


Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper

Have a Plan
 Have a Plan
Capture the flag in CTF.
Robbin' Hood
 Robbin' Hood
Take down an intelligence carrier with a single arrow.

Update history

October 8, 2007 Patch (Pre-Released)
  • Sudden Death only starts in CTF mode if both flags are at home.

October 10, 2007 (Initial Game Release)

  • Added Capture the Flag mode.
  • Added map: 2Fort.

November 7, 2007 Patch

  • Fixed exploit that allowed players to teleport with the intelligence.

November 20, 2007 Patch

  • Updated server log entries for flag captures to detail the number of captures and the tf_flag_caps_per_round value.

January 25, 2008 Patch

  • Added map: Well (Capture the Flag).

March 20, 2008 Patch

  • Updated CTF mode to remember the player who stole the intelligence from the enemy base and reward that player if the flag is captured by someone else.

June 19, 2008 Patch (Pyro Update)

  • Added map: Turbine.

February 24, 2009 Patch (Scout Update)

  • Fixed obscure bug where spectators were able to carry the flag.

April 20, 2009 Patch

  • Scouts now drop the Intelligence if they're carrying it when they start phasing.

August 13, 2009 Patch (Classless Update)

  • Added map: Sawmill (Capture the Flag).
  • Capturing the flag in a CTF game mode now gives the entire capturing team 10 seconds of Crit-boost.

December 17, 2009 Patch (WAR! Update)

  • Added map: Double Cross.

October 6, 2010 Patch

  • Your Eternal Reward no longer disguises the Spy if they are carrying the flag.

January 19, 2011 Patch

  • Added a glow effect to the team intelligence entities when they're not being carried.

April 15, 2011 Patch

  • [Undocumented] Intelligence no longer appears on the backs of players who are carrying it.

May 5, 2011 Patch (Replay Update)

  • Fixed the briefcase not being drawn on players when it's being carried in CTF maps.

June 27, 2012 Patch (Pyromania Update)

  • Friendly players glow when carrying the flag.
  • Fixed rare cases where flag could fall out of the world.

July 25, 2014 Patch

  • Fixed a client crash related to the CTF HUD.
  • Fixed the CTF HUD not updating properly.

January 15, 2015 Patch #1

July 23, 2015 Patch #1

  • Fixed being able to carry the flag with the Rocket/Sticky Jumpers.

October 6, 2015 Patch (Invasion Community Update)

  • Added map: 2Fort Invasion.

December 17, 2015 Patch (Tough Break Update)

  • Added map: Landfall.

March 28, 2018 Patch #1

December 3, 2020 Patch (Smissmas 2020)

  • Added map: Snowfall.

December 2, 2021 Patch (Smissmas 2021)

  • Added map: Doublefrost.

October 5, 2022 Patch (Scream Fortress 2022)

  • Added maps: Crasher and Helltrain.

December 5, 2022 Patch (Smissmas 2022)

  • Added map: Frosty.

July 12, 2023 Patch (Summer 2023 Update)

  • Added map: Pelican Peak.

December 7, 2023 Patch (Smissmas 2023)

  • Added maps: Haarp and Turbine Center.

July 18, 2024 Patch #1 (Summer 2024 Update)

  • Added map: Applejack.
  • Fixed CTF HUD being visible when no flags are present (Community fix from fellen).

July 18, 2024 Patch #2

  • Moved ctf_haarp out of the CTF matchmaking category and into Attack/Defend.

Bugs

A BLU Demoman with an outline as if he were carrying the intel, when he is not.
  • Occasionally, the status on the bottom center of the HUD does not change when a player takes or drops the Intelligence.
  • Rarely, some bomb-related responses can be pronounced when a player carrying Intelligence is killed.
  • If a player has the Intelligence and then the map is reset, the next round has the player who had the Intelligence continue to glow until another player has picked up the Intelligence or that player has died.

Notes

  • The Neutral Intelligence briefcase is a white-colored version of the standard briefcase that appears in the game files. It remains unused by Valve in official maps; however, it was included by them for use by Community developers in custom game modes (such as "Single Flag CTF", FortWars, and "Achievement Servers"). Valve later employed a version of the neutral Intelligence case as the initial pickup for the Special Delivery game mode, with the intelligence being remodeled into an explosive suitcase.
    • Certain custom flags used in community-made maps, such as 2Fort Invasion and Helltrain, also follow this trend, with matching neutral versions that go unused.
  • As placeholders during early stages, Valve used modified versions of Team Fortress Classic's flags, which can be still be seen in the game files, featuring the faces of TF2's development team. The face that appears on the red flag is that of Robin Walker, the co-creator of the Team Fortress series, while the blue flag bears Charlie Brown.
  • Some Achievements related to the Intelligence can be obtained in Doomsday, a map for the Special Delivery game mode.
  • There is an option that allows servers to specify the length of a Crit boost on a successful capture, or to disable it entirely (tf_ctf_bonus_time).

Gallery

Flags

  • The RED Intelligence briefcase.

  • The BLU Intelligence briefcase.

  • The neutral Intelligence briefcase.

  • The RED Intelligence briefcase (picked up).

  • The BLU Intelligence briefcase (picked up).

  • The neutral Intelligence briefcase (picked up).

  • The RED Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion.

  • The BLU Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion.

  • The neutral 2Fort Invasion Intelligence briefcase.

  • The RED Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion (picked up).

  • The BLU Intelligence briefcase on 2Fort Invasion (picked up).

  • The neutral 2Fort Invasion Intelligence briefcase (picked up).

  • The RED present on Doublefrost.

  • The BLU present on Doublefrost.

  • The neutral Doublefrost present.

  • The RED present on Doublefrost (picked up).

  • The BLU present on Doublefrost (picked up).

  • The neutral Doublefrost present (picked up).

  • The RED Coal Core on Helltrain.

  • The BLU Coal Core on Helltrain.

  • The neutral Helltrain Coal Core.

  • The explosive Barrel on Crasher.

  • The RED present on Snowfall.

  • The BLU present on Snowfall.

Other

  • The old red team flag.

  • The old blue team flag.

  • The old neutral flag.

  • Carriers and Intelligence briefcases glow.

  • Carriers emit a stream of paper particles.

  • The main menu illustration used for Capture the Flag prior to the Meet Your Match Update.

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