Hello and good day to you. It has come to my attention that many people love to play CTF but don't know how to properly play as a team, which results in the whole team falling apart as their flag gets captured over and over.

One thing you should know is that CTF is where you'll be meeting the champions' annoying ability's full potential. To the point where you might even be screaming at your screen. You'll probably notice this when playing against a Sorlag, Slash or Anarki who knows how to play.

Back in the old days in Arena games with Dedicated servers, there was always at least 10 players in each server playing CTF. So no matter what you did, as long as you tried to kill some enemy players, your team would win. But here in Quake Champions with the 4vs4 format, teamwork is much more essential. So you can't just pick a character like Sorlag just because "everyone plays him and wins", run around and play for yourself. No. That is idiotic. If you want to win, you need to play your part in the team. Try to lone wolf it or be something you're not and you will fall flat on your face as you watch your flag get captured time after time.

I'm here to try and give a brief but useful guide on how to be a useful and decent team member. I will not tell you how to properly play with each character, I will just inform you of some general basics you need to know. How to use each champion in CTF to the full potential is something you should figure out and learn by yourself.

So first of all, who am I and why should you even listen to me?
Name's Chimz; I am the author of the "Weapon Introduction for Newcomers" guide, the most popular guide on QC with over 12,390 views and second top guide that has helped many players improve their skills to and enjoy the game properly. So you know I'll be giving you useful info rather than a pile of worthless text. And fortunately I can tell you that this guide will not be half as long as my first one.
I've been playing Arena games since I was a kid and I still play them today. I love teamwork whether it's in Co-op or PVP, and I strive to both teach and learn new things to be better.

I apologize in advance that this guide was thrown together a bit quickly, which may have had some impact on the writing. The reason is explained in the Author's Notes section of the end.


Alright, so let's get started before your next match loads, eh? *winks*

I'm sure everyone knows what the CTF rules are by now. So if you do, skip this paragraph and if you don't, I'll explain it here:

In CTF the goal is to grab the enemy flag and bring it to your own flag for a "capture". Each capture grants your team 1 point. At the end of the match the team with the highest capture points wins.
While you try to capture the enemy flag, you must also defend your own flag from the enemy team.
If you have the enemy flag but your own flag has been stolen too, then you cannot capture until your own flag is returned to base.
At this point both flags are missing (you have the enemy's flag and the enemy has yours), you must defend your own flag carrier while trying to find and kill the enemy's. And as you can see, it is not a one-man job at all. Good teamwork is required. The whole concept of CTF is based on Teamwork. Especially in Quake Champions where the matches are a 4vs4.


When playing as a team, it is vital that you choose a role and stick to it. By "role" I do not mean a champion, but a role in the team itself.
To succeed, each team would need players to fill in 2-3 roles composed of Defender, Attacker and Free-Roamer.


It's well'known known that you can only fit the role that suits you most. Same with champions. You can only play best with a champion that suits your play-style the most. If you go against it, you can never have the best results. I pick Eisen not because I think it's popular or definitely good, but because it fits MY play-style. Not because some guy on the Internet said he's good.
Same with roles, it is important to pick the role that fits your psychology. You don't have to be the one who captures the enemy flag to be the one on the spotlight. Killing everyone who tries to capture your flag will earn you the same score and spotlight. So pick what fits you, not what you find "cool" or "popular".


At the start of each match It is MOST IMPORTANT to call out your role in Team Chat. Say "I'm on Defense" or Offense or that you will be Free Roaming -- Although most people won't know what Free Roaming is so you can maybe not call that one out.
Calling out your role will let others know who is on what and what role is left or needed right now. A defender, a capturer or a Free Roamer.
This will prevent the team from finding themselves low on defense or offense half-way through the game.



Alright, now let's start with the roles already:

Job: Defend your flag and your Carrier.
Champions: Eisen, Visor, Clutch, Galena and etc.
Recommended number of players: 1-2

As important as it is to steal the enemy flag, you must also acknowledge the importance of defending your own. What good is it to have the enemy flag if your own flag is missing?


Do you feel like you're not really the aggressive type? Maybe you're here more for the fun than to try and be the best there is. Maybe you're not the type to provoke people or just don't feel good going for offense. In that case, Defense is your suitable role.
So pick it and stick to it. Because Defense is as important as Offense.
I myself am NOT that aggressive. Which is why I always play the Defender and always function best. Throw me on the front lines and I will mostly f*ck up. But tell me to guard the flag and I will slaughter whoever comes near it because it is what fits me.


The enemy will raiding your base over and over trying to steal your flag. As the Defender, in order to do your job properly, you must have a good understanding of your surroundings. This means knowing every item and weapon spawn, every advantage point and every entrance/exit point. By knowing all of these you can stack up quicker, hit harder and overall defend better.

The enemy team will usually try to take your flag and run back to their base as fast as they can, avoiding any combat if possible. So you must know how to deal highdamage in a small amount of time. Which requires you to know both how to properly use your weapons, your champion and the advantage points around you.
If you're having problem using weapons to their full potential, you can read my Weapons Guide which I linked in the Introduction. The rest can be learned through playing and trial and error.

Another important matter is to learn enemy paths. Which paths to they come from and leave from most? Make a plan/tactic to defend when they approach from that path. Throw a trap there, check it out every now and then, block it, whatever you think can best stop them in their tracks.

What do I do if the flag gets stolen anyway?
Quickly tell your team (through microphone only) which path the enemy team has taken. Short sentences and names make better results. For example: "He's going Mega spawn!" or "Rail spawn!", "He's taking the under-path!" or "He's going middle!". Keep it short and simple. Do not go into detail. Talk too much, your teammates can't focus. Talk too little, it'll will take them a few seconds to understand what you meant.

Ok, our flag has just been stolen, I informed my team, what next? Next you must pursue the carrier, trying to kill him and return the flag. But, if you think he's too far gone or too fast, get back to base and prepare for the next attack. It is most likely that another enemy player will come here before your flag is captured to get ready to steal it again. So make preparations and wait.

Defending the Carrier: If your flag is missing your own flag carrier is near you, it is your job to protect him with your life. The enemy team will make countless efforts to try to kill him and return their flag. There had actually been times where all 4 of the enemy team (including their carrier) has turned up in our base trying to kill our carrier. So it is your responsibility to protect him while your remaining teammates try to kill the enemy carrier.

And one more thing to remember; Inform your teammates whether the base is empty (you're not there to defend) or if you're under heavy attack. The Calvary may come in at the right time and save your @ss, or at least the flag. Don't be ashamed to ask for help.


So, to break it down:

• Know your base's surroundings.
  
• Defend your Flag
  
• Learn enemy paths
  
• Communicate well with your team
  
• Pursue enemy Carrier if close, but if not possible, make preparations for next attack
  
• Defend your Carrier

Job: You go for the flag, powerups and enemy flag carriers.
Champions: Anarki, Slash, Sorlag, Athena, Scalebearer and etc.
Recommended number of players: 1-2

You can't win unless you capture the enemy flag. And it is very important for the offense players to know what they're doing.


Are you aggressive? Offensive person? Do you like fighting? Do you like provoking people or picking fights? Yes? Then you're good for the job. No? Then pick another role.
This job requires you to step into the enemy territory and steal a flag that is being guarded by maybe 2 players. So it won't be easy and if you doubt yourself for one moment then you will be shredded. So it's not a role for everyone.
But if you are the aggressive type, the one who wants to prove that he's the best, to shove your skills in the enemy face then pick this role.

As offense, your top priority is to steal the enemy flag and capture it.
Second priority is Power ups (Quad Damage and Protection). Power ups can change the tide of battle. When you hear that it is spawning, you and the Free-Roamer will be the ones who can go for it. The defenders will have to stand at their post.
Third Priority: Retrieving your own flag from the enemy carrier.


The Defense team stacks up slower as they cannot leave the base often, but as Offense you can go anywhere needed. So it is vital that you make sure to stack up on health, armor, weapons and ammo. What good is an attack with no shield? Keeping your HP and AP up will increase your lifetime and survival chances and having a full arsenal will allow you to use the right gun at the right time, further increasing your chance of survival and killing.
So make sure to grab the Mega Health and Armor before the enemy and always have a few dependable weapons at hand. What good is a Machine gun infront of a Lightning Gun?
Try to learn the map and the weapon spawns to increase your speed in stacking.


The best capture is one that has the least combat. The best capturers are those who can master their movement to quickly get in and out, taking the least amount of damage and avoiding fights.
The offense champions such as Slash, Anarki and Sorlag all have their own special movement which can grant them incredible speed. Allowing them to slip in, grab the enemy flag and get out even faster. By doing so they don't take as much damage and can take the flag back to their base in seconds. Not taking damage allows them to quickly go for another attack on the enemy base without have to restock.
If you want to learn their movement, I suggest you read my friend's (Jericho's) guide's "Movement Section" (third section).
I have faced many opponents who chose their most fitting champion, and have slipped in and captured our flag in merely 15 seconds. It's f*cking annoying but very impressive. So if you want to be the best capturer, learn the movement.
Choose the best path to slip in and out. Gain high speed, jump in, grab the flag and jump out. All without stopping. Once you're out, continue your high speed travel and take the flag to your base.
Once done, restock if needed and head for another capture. Master he movement and you master your role.



Once again, the Defenders can't go for it as the enemy may use this distraction to steal your flag.
As Offense, if you're not carrying the enemy flag, it's very important for you to try and take the Power Up, as it can change the tide of battle. If someone with Quad walks into your base, your Defense team may do their best to stop him but they can still be blown to bits and shreds with only a few shots. Hell, the Quad Carrier can kill all 4 of you without effort.
And if someone with protection takes the flag, you may throw everything you have at him but it will still not be enough as he will only take 33% of the damage.
So, vice versa, if you get your hands on the Power Up, you can do the same to the enemy team. So always have a plan on how to get the Power Up.
I actually had a match where my team would never go for the Power Ups which resulted in me (the defender) facing both a Quad player and a Protection player. How fun it was as I struggled to even scratch the protection carrier as the Quad player shred me from behind.
So, when the Powerup is spawning, inform your teammates through mic and ask them to get to it to help you grab it.


What do I do if the enemy steals our flag? If your flag has been taken, you only have two options: Kill the carrier and return the flag before he captures it, or try to take the enemy team's flag to prevent them from capturing.
Each have their own risks. You may not reach or kill the carrier in time or you may not be able to steal the enemy flag. With proper teamwork, each can be possible.
So pick the right choice in the right time. The rest is basic teamwork; Have the Defenders defend you while the other Attackers go for the enemy Carrier. And if it's your teammate that has the enemy flag, then it's your job to go and kill the enemy Carrier.


Sometimes you see a group of enemies heading towards your base for an attack. In this case, your Defense team may need a little help. Maybe the enemy players are fully stacked and will kill your defense team.
To avoid losing your flag, if you see these people in the middle ground (not near the bases but in the middle space of the map, between the two bases) then fight them. You don't necessarily have to kill them all, but you have to make sure that if they are going to reach your base, they will be soaked in blood and limbing.
Doing so will ruin their attack and save your team from a potential flag loss.



Alright, so in conclusion:

• Stack up quick
  
• Capture the enemy flag
  
• Go for the Powerup
  
• Kill the enemy Carrier
  
• Fight enemies in the middle ground

Job: Varies but mostly assisting in offense and defense
Champions: Ranger, Visor, BJ, Nyx, Doom Slayer, Strogg and Peeker, Keel, Death Knight, Eisen, Athena and etc.
Recommended number of players: 1 or none

Who is the Free Roamer? The Free Roamer is a member of the team who is flexible enough to both attack, defend and do other things alongside his teammates. He is also sometimes the life saver.
Usually if 1 defense or offense is enough, or in any way 1 member still has no necessary role to take, he can become the Free Roamer. What does the Free Roamer do? He freely roams around the map, stacking up and assisting teammates at the right moment.
When he sees an enemy head towards their base, he helps the defense team take him down. If he sees an Attacker teammate head towards the enemy base, he will join in and provide cover and extra firepower. And he will always be be there when the Power Up is about to spawn and will try to pick it up.

Basically the Free Roamer is semi-free to do what he thinks is necessary at the moment. He's not bound to one task.


You know the map like the back of your hand. Maybe you like both Attacking and Defending the same amount. Or maybe you would rather kill the enemy team than to try and defend or capture. Maybe you'd like to take a different approach to CTF. In that case, Free-Roamer may be your suitable role.


So, things to do:



The Free Roamer must always be stacked. Learn all the item spawns on the map. Stack up quick and always keep the Mega items out of the enemy's reach. The only time you shouldn't pick up the Mega items is when your teammate needs it. You're not supposed to be selfish, you just have to make sure that the enemy can't have it. You should also have a full arsenal at hand.


If you see your teammate on offense, heading towards the enemy base and you feel like he's gonna need help, help him. The enemy base will surely have some skilled defenders. A helping hand is always appreciated.
You could either follow him in, or try to flank the enemy by entering their base from the other side. Whatever suits the situation most.


Is an enemy harassing your base? Using advantage points to bite chunks of health out of your teammates? Kick his @ss then. No one harasses your defenders on your watch.
Do you see a group of enemy players heading towards your base? Your defenders might not have enough power to stop them. So help them out joining their fight in defending the flag.


If a Power Up is about to spawn, the Free Roamer MUST be there. Whether it's alongside a friend or alone. No matter what, the Free Roamer must be at the Power up spawn to either grab it, or make sure the enemy doesn't get it without a fight. No one wants to see a completely stacked enemy grab a Power Up and head towards your base. It will be a Nightmare. He could shred all 4 of you to pieces without much effort.


Now I'm not talking about sexual harassment. Or chat abuse; We're not a bunch of Fortnite dancing kids, are we?
The Free Roamer tries to harass the enemy, as in taking chunks out of their health and pissing them off without getting into direct fights with them. Basically a Hit-and-Run tactic. Usually the Railgun is perfect for this. If you see an enemy, attacking, defending, stacking or whatever, hit him with a Railgun shot and disappear. Don't get into a fight. Just hit and run.
Drop by their base sometime to harass them a little with some rockets, nails or etc. and then go back to your roaming.
Whatever you do, you just have to deal some damage and not get into a big fight. You gotta be able to walk away after.
Doing so will keep the enemy low on Health, Armor and Ammo which will either delay their attacks or weaken their defense.


So, in conclusion:

• Stay Stacked up
  
• Keep the enemy's hands off of Mega items
  
• Help Offense when needed
  
• Help Defense when needed
  
• Go for the Power Up
  
• Harass

As we come to the end, it's best to summarize the whole guide into a few things that you should remember:

1. You can only win when working as a Team.
   
2. Choose a role fitting your psychology.
   
3. Call out your role at the start of a match and pick a champion fitting that role.
   
4. If needed, fill the important empty roles (Attacker and Defender).
   
5. Stick to your role.
   
6. Stack up well and ask someone to take your place if you need time for it.
   
7. Communicate well with your team.
   
8. Call for help if you need it.
   
9. Learn the map as well as enemy's favorite routes.
   
10. Be mindful of the Powerup spawning.

Well, I guess that's all there is to say. While all the things we've said in this guide are pretty simple and easy sounding, they require your constant attention and can get complicated at times.
Stick to them and you will become a great team player.

If you have a few friends who you play with as a team, share this guide with them. Once they know what you know, plan out your tactics and you will dominate as a team.


Well, good luck to you, my friend. I hope your next battle will be a glorious one.




I kinda threw this guide together pretty hastely when the first Season Pass had come out as I played a lot of CTF back then. Unfortunately some things such as champion balances and bad Season Pass plans resulted in me quitting QC after reaching level 54 and not touching it again. I've had my full share of problems with the developers's choices.
Since this guide was being written back then, it also got let go of; Until today, when I decided to finish this short guide as it is and publish it. So if you felt like this guide was thrown together a bit quickly or something, that's because it was. But I still hope I covered everything important.

• If you found this guide to be helpful, then please give it a like and share it so that others could enjoy it too.
  
  
• If however you found this guide incomplete or not useful, feel free to give a down-vote. But please explain in the comment section what you did not like about this guide so that I may improve it for the better.