Setup time

The HUD panel that appears, displaying setup time, before changing to display the current round time.

“

Mission begins in thirty seconds. Click to listen — The Administrator

”

Setup time is the interval before a match begins. It typically consists of a period of 60 seconds where players prepare for the match. During setup time, gates restrict players from moving into the main map area, and damaging other players before the match begins. The ÜberCharge build rate is also increased to 2.5% per second during setup time.

Players on the offensive team (BLU) will use setup time to prepare ÜberCharges and coordinate their attack plan with their team, while the defensive side (RED) will do the same, as well as construct Sentry Guns and other buildings. The game also allows for a 30 second period once when the server first loads the map (called "waiting for players" mode), which allows players to finish joining the server before the match fully begins.

Setup time is usually used only on maps where the offensive team gains an advantage by starting the match immediately. For example, in Payload, BLU's spawn room is often right next to the cart, allowing them to push it even as far as the first cap point before RED can arrive to defend. The standard time period is also not restricted to simply 60 seconds. Some maps such as pl_thundermountain use an extended period of time, and Well uses a mere 15 second period of setup time.

Arena also uses a similar time interval. The central control point is unavailable for capture for a short amount of time, however, players are not restricted from moving freely or killing each other.

Maps that use setup time

For a full list of all official maps, see List of maps.

• All Payload and Payload Race maps
• Control Point maps
  • Dustbowl
  • Egypt
  • Well
  • Gorge
  • Gravel Pit
  • Junction
  • Steel

Related achievements

Scout

Quick Hook Kill a player in Well before the round starts.

Medic

Surgical Prep Have an ÜberCharge ready before the Setup phase ends.