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Getting Started
Contents
Overview
This article covers the basics of getting started with BZFlag. It is intended for new players who have just found the game and require assistance. More detailed help can be found on our Getting Help page.
Getting Started
These simple steps have been designed to allow new users to begin playing the game as quickly as possible.
Downloading and installing the game
The main thing users need to play is the game software. Users can Download the software for a number of different systems.
Windows
The most common operating system for players is Microsoft Windows. A simple installer can be found at, http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/bzflag/bzflag-2.0.10.exe?download . Simply Double click the downloaded file to install the game.
Mac OSX
The next most popular system for players is Apple's MacOS X for the Macintosh famialy of computers. The version for macs can be found at, http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/bzflag/BZFlag-2.0.10.dmg . Simply drag the BZFlag icon from the extracted DMG to your hard drive to install the game.
Linux
The project does not distribute a premade binary package for linux, but many linux distrobutions have BZFlag in their package management systems ( APT, YUM, emerge, etc.. ). Linux users can always build the game from the source code. Please see the downloads page for more information.
Registering a callsign(Optional)
It is not mandatory to register a callsign ( the name a player uses in-game), but it is hihgly recommended.
A few of the benefits of registering are:
- The callsign is reserved, and can not be used by any other player.
- Registered users post on the BZFlag forums
- Registered users can join global groups, and leagues.
- Many servers require registration to play.
Users that wish to register can simply do so on the BZFlag fourms at [1]
Running the game
Once the game is installed, it must be run to play.
Windows
Windows users that have installed the game with the provided installer will find a shortcut to the game in the start menu, under program files. Users simply have to click this shortcut to start the game.
Mac OS X
Macintosh users simply have to double click the BZFlag icon that they draged to there computer to start the game.
Linux
Linux, and other unix based platforms can start the game by typing the command bzflag in a terminal.
Joining a game
The Main MenuWhen you start up BZFlag, you will probably see a screen similar to this one. The main menu is used to get to all of the games options:
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The Join Game MenuFor now, we will be concentrating on the "Join Game" Screen. This screen allows you do quite a few things, such as:
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The Server ListIf you want to see a list of current servers, move to the "Find Server" option. A second or two after you select this, a series of servers will appear on the list, with the most popular servers being first. Select one that sounds good, and you will be returned to the "Join Game" screen. Then select "Connect", and you will join the server. Once the join is complete, you will see a list of users, a server message, and any other info (such as chat), in the chat box. |
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Playing BZFlagOnce you've joined a server, you are going to be playing with anywhere from 5-35 other people. Their names are listed on an in-game screen, which can be enabled or disabled by pressing "s". This list shows a few things:
RadarThe Radar (In the bottom left), shows a top, 2d view of the map. This is useful for dodging bullets, and making sure no one sneaks up behind you. Mouse BoxThe "mousebox" is used for a few things:
SportsmanshipWhen playing BZFlag, keep a few simple rules in mind:
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