Gametype
From HaloDemoMods
Contents |
About Gametypes
Gametypes are little files that set the rules of the game. The demo version of Halo only supports CTF and Slayer, but you can find all the other standard gametypes inside your [Documents > Halo Demo > saved > playlists > default_playlist] folder. Inside the default_playlist folder, you'll see 38 gametype folders, numbered from "00" to "37".
Inside these folders is a file called blam.lst. This is the actual gametype file. If you open one of these with a text editor, you'll notice that the first line contains the name of the gametype, for example, "CTF Classic." For a complete list of which folder contains which gametype, go to the ClanHalo gametype info page.
Custom gametypes, or gametypes you download or create yourself, are stored in [Documents > Halo Demo > savegames].
One way to change the gametype is to use the sv_map command in the console.
The other way is to trick Halo Demo into thinking that we're actually playing one of the Slayer or CTF gametypes. Since the Slayer gametype is first in the list displayed inside the game, it might be simplest to work with that one. To set this up, first duplicate your Slayer gametype folder (26) and call the backup copy "26 Slayer". Now you have a working copy (26) and a backup copy (26 Slayer).
Both ways of changing gametypes have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Creating New Gametypes
If you'd like to create your own customized gametype, you can download Taxi's Gametype Builder Pack. Another fairly new way of creating (and even edit existing) gametypes is using HDemoEditor. Alternatively, you can download your gametype from our exhaustive list of all the possible gametypes (Gametype Database).
Using Gametypes
The Console
You can change the map using the console by executing:
sv_map bloodgulch "game type"
..where game type is the gametype you want to change. A list of standard and custom made gametypes can be found by executing:
sv_gamelist
The double quotations are necessary to include if the gametype is more than one word (e.g, Team Slayer). You can use underscores instead (e.g, Team_Slayer) of double quotation marks, but using underscores is not recommended because it doesn't work with custom created gametypes.
Console Pros
- Easy to play gametypes, does not need file swapping.
- Makes switching gametypes remotely possible.
Console Cons
- Requires using HConsEnabler, which requires an administrator password.
- If you create a custom gametype externally (e.g, HDemoEditor), you'll need to restart Halo Demo for it to recognize the gametype.
The Swap Trick
This method is more troublesome, but still useful if you are restricted to not using the console. When you're first starting your server, go under [Multiplayer > Create Game, Internet > Bloodgulch (or other map)] and then you see the Gametype selection screen. Be careful to follow these next instructions carefully: Make sure that Slayer is highlighted, but do not enter it yet. Now press command-tab (or apple-tab) to switch applications back to the Finder. Open your [Documents > Halo Demo > saved > playlists > default_playlist] folder, and inside you'll find folder "26". This is the Slayer gametype folder. If you haven't already done so, make a backup copy and name it "26 Slayer" so you know it's the original. Now find another gametype that you want, or make a custom one. (For more information, see the above two sections on About Gametypes and Creating New Gametypes). Drag this new gametype (the blam.lst file) into the "26" folder and overwrite. If you get an error, try it again. Now cmd-tab switch applications back to Halo Demo and click on "Slayer". Do not go back to the previous menu again.
During the course of the game, if you want to swap gametypes, go back to the default_playlist folder, open your "26 Slayer" folder, which is your backup copy of the Slayer gametype, and copy its blam.lst file. Paste this backup copy into folder "26" and overwrite. You might need to try it twice. Now go back under Halo, go back to the Gametype selection screen, highlight "Slayer", switch back to the Finder, and drag your new gametype into folder "26". Go back under Halo and select "Slayer".
Alternatively, instead of doing this manual process, you can use HDemoLauncher or Yummy's Switchers to help automate swapping gametype files.
Compatibility
Not all gametype files are compatible. They are written in a format dependent on the machine's byte order. Because PPC and intel machines have different byte ordering, their files are not the same and thus not compatible.
Fortunately for Halo Demo, all gametype files are compatible because Halo Demo is still a PPC process on an intel Mac. Halo Demo gametype files are only compatible with full version gametypes if you're on a PPC or if you're not running the UB full version.
Thus, it can be concluded that:
- Halo Demo gametype files are only compatible with Halo full PPC, or Halo UB if it's run on a PPC.
- Halo UB on an intel, Halo Trial (Windows), and Halo PC gametype files are compatible with each other, but not with Halo Demo.
Gametype Database
Our Gametype Database includes all the possible gametypes (over 1000)!
