Here are 12 simple points to keep in mind when you join a game.
Being a Good Newbie 4 Dummies
Updated for Enemy Territory
While I can only speak for the RTCWOnline.com and the Planetwolfenstein forums, as far as I can tell, newbies (slang term for new people) are always welcome there. Hang around either one of those forums, and many others, play with us on a couple of servers the regulars frequent, and you will learn how to play RTCW and Enemy Territory in a good, supportive, team environment - the way it’s supposed to be played. However, as the new player, you have certain responsibilities:
-
RTFM - You have to learn the basics. We can help you out, but please take the time to figure out the basic controls, what each class does, and how to zoom with the sniper rifle. We’re willing to teach, but we’re in-server to play a game, not teach RTCW 101. A good place to start are the game documents (find these in the /docs folder) and this web site.
-
Take time to spectate for a while. However, keep in mind that most of the ‘good’ servers stay pretty busy and are almost always full. If you spectate for more than a couple of minutes, you’re taking up a valuable slot that someone else could be using. This isn’t the Victoria’s Secrets Web Show.
-
Team killing is inevitable, but if you’re going to indiscriminately shoot your panzerfaust or flamethrower into a crowd of teammates, you’ll find that people aren’t going to be too jazzed to help you out. Newbs should probably stick to the basic guns first. Additionally, a little bit of trigger control and common sense will go a long ways.
-
The corollary to the previous point is that you are going to get killed by team mates. THINK TWICE, VOTE ONCE. If the positions were flip flopped, would you want someone else to file a complaint against you? Did they deliberately team kill (TK) you or did you wander into one of their marked mines? You know, those little flags sticking out of the ground. As a basic rule, I almost NEVER file a complaint, unless it was 100% clear that the other person maliciously TK’d me.
-
Remember the law of averages. On some days, you’ll have great games with amazing teamwork. On other days, you’re going to get owned like a Christmas fruitcake. However, on average, you’re going to have a great time playing. Don’t let the great days go to your head and don’t let the bad days get you down.
-
Start a server on your own, gain a basic familiarity with the more common maps, and give each class a spin. Wander around the maps a little and learn where the objectives are. It will do wonders for your when you realize that you actually know where people are going and from where they’re calling “Medic!” While in your own server, try out each class and figure out what each key does. The friendly spawn point during your first on-line game should not be where you figure out that the funny green grenade is an airstrike cannister.
-
Don’t spam for medics or ammo. Most seasoned players on a server will be pretty proactive in finding you and feeding you health and ammo. Remember when you ask for ammo a sign apears above your head so be a bit patient and you will get what you requested. Continuous spam is highly annoying and a good way to ensure you don’t get anything.
-
Resist the temptation to go for glory. The game is about teamwork and not individual points or experience. In fact, don’t even think about the points - that’s the fastest way to improve your game. Every newbie who wants to be John Wayne is just another body I have to fight my way into No Man’s Land to revive.
-
Be a good sport. Common courtesy goes a long ways. Be nice to your fellow team mates and your opponents, because in later games, they’ll also be your team mates. Just avoid being a jerk in general. Act as if you were in a room with live people. Say “hi” when joining a server, “bye” when leaving, and remember that “thank you” and “sorry” go a long ways.
-
Don’t automatically assume that other people are cheaters - it gets old fast and kills your credibility. You’re going to see a lot of people do things you never imagined were possible. Watch and learn.
-
Have fun! Remember, it’s a game and nothing more. If you’re losing, it’s not the time to start screaming abuse at everyone. When you start losing your cool then it’s time to take a break. Never resort to team killing it achieves nothing and you will only find your name being remembered in the server for the wrong reasons.
-
Never be afraid to ask questions (but do some basic research first). You can bet your ass someone knows the answer. There are lots of good forum communities out there chock full of people who will help you improve your game. So sign your name up, introduce yourself, and kiss goodbye all your free time.