Server guide 06

Match Lobby rules ([game_rules])

Q: Why does RULE_RESPAWN_TIMES differ from [game] respawn_time?

respawn_time is the older name. It is used only when RULE_RESPAWN_TIMES is not in [game_rules]; the sample config sets the rule.

Q: Can I use values the lobby did not offer, such as a 7-second respawn?

Not through [game_rules] — only retail slider values are accepted. Some mode settings can be tuned more freely with [modes. ] overrides.

The [game_rules] table uses the exact rule names of the retail Match Lobby. The server sends the client-visible switches to every player and enforces the same rules itself, so a modified client cannot use a disabled class or tool.

Checked September 28, 2026BattleSpades 0.1.0-beta.1Reference

How to write rules

Switches accept true/false or "ON"/"OFF".
Percentage sliders accept a string such as "200%" or the multiplier 2.0.
Only the listed values are accepted. Anything else, or an unknown rule name, stops the server at startup with the list of allowed values — so the client and server can never disagree.
The RULE_ prefix is optional in lower case: enable_blocks = true is the same as RULE_ENABLE_BLOCKS = true.
A [modes.<code>] override (see the configuration reference) beats a rule for that mode only.
Disabled classes and tools are removed from the loadout menus and rejected by the server even if a modified client sends them.

Example: a snipers-only, fast-respawn serverTXT

[game_rules]
RULE_RESPAWN_TIMES = 5
RULE_SPAWN_PROTECTION_TIME = "2"
RULE_WEAPON_DAMAGE = "100%"
RULE_BLOCK_HEALTH = "200%"

RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_COMMANDO = false
RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_MINER = false
RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_ENGINEER = false
RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_ROCKETEER = false
RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_SPECIALIST = false
RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_MEDIC = false
# RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_MARKSMAN stays true

All rules

“Default if omitted” is what the server uses without the key; “Sample config” is what the shipped config.toml sets.

General21 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_ENABLE_BLOCKS`Players can build blocks.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_FLARE_BLOCKS`Flare block tool. BattleSpades ships it off because this retail build shows the tool as a fake first prefab tile when it is on.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`false`
`RULE_ENABLE_PREFABS`Players can place prefab structures.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_GRAVESTONES`Dead players leave gravestones.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CORPSE_EXPLOSION`Corpse explosion effect (retail lobby switch).	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_SNIPER_BEAM`Sniper beam effect (retail lobby switch).	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_DEATH_CAM`Show the killer camera after death.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_MINI_MAP`Show the minimap.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_SPECTATORS`Allow joining the spectator team.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_FALL_ON_WATER_DAMAGE`Falling into water hurts. Land fall damage is `[game] fall_damage`.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_COLOUR_PICKER`Players can pick custom block colours.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ONE_HIT_KILL`Any damage kills.	`falsetrue`	`false`	`false`
`RULE_POINTS_FROM_TEABAGGING`Award points for teabagging.	`falsetrue`	`false`	`false`
`RULE_RESPAWN_TIMES`Respawn delay in seconds. BattleSpades uses 5 when this and `[game] respawn_time` are both missing; retail defaulted to 10. Retail default: 10.	`051015202530354045505560`	`5`	`5`
`RULE_BLOCK_HEALTH`Block durability multiplier.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`
`RULE_WEAPON_DAMAGE`Weapon damage multiplier.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`
`RULE_SPAWN_PROTECTION_TIME`Spawn protection in seconds; ends early when the protected player attacks. Off when omitted; the sample config sets 3. Retail default: 3.	`OFF123`	`OFF`	`3`
`RULE_CHARACTER_BLOCK_WALLETS`Block wallet size multiplier.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`
`RULE_CHARACTER_SPEED`Movement speed multiplier.	`50%100%150%200%`	`100%`	`100%`
`RULE_CRATES_SPAWN_TIME`Seconds between supply-crate respawns.	`1015202530354045505560`	`25`	`25`
`RULE_VOTES_REQUIRED_FOR_KICK`hidden in lobby UIShare of votes needed to pass a kick vote (hidden in the lobby UI).	`25%50%75%`	`50%`	`50%`

Classes7 rules

Rule	Default	Sample config
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_COMMANDO`Allow the commando class.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_MARKSMAN`Allow the marksman class.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_MINER`Allow the miner class.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_ENGINEER`Allow the engineer class.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_ROCKETEER`Allow the rocketeer class.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_SPECIALIST`Allow the specialist class.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_CLASS_MEDIC`Allow the medic class.	`true`	`true`

Equipment21 rules

Rule	Default	Sample config
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_CLASSIC_SPADE`Allow the classic spade equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_CLASSIC_GRENADE`Allow the classic grenade equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_SPADE`Allow the spade equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_GRENADE`Allow the grenade equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_ANTIPERSONNEL_GRENADE`Allow the antipersonnel grenade equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_SNOWBLOWER`Allow the snowblower equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_PICKAXE`Allow the pickaxe equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_LANDMINE`Allow the landmine equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_ROCKET_TURRET`Allow the rocket turret equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_GLIDE_JETPACK`Allow the glide jetpack equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_JUMP_JETPACK`Allow the jump jetpack equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_JETPACK`Allow the jetpack equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_SUPER_SPADE`Allow the super spade equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_DRILL_CANNON`Allow the drill cannon equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_DYNAMITE`Allow the dynamite equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_MEDPACK`Allow the medpack equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_CHEMICALBOMB`Allow the chemicalbomb equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_RADAR_STATION`Allow the radar station equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_C4`Allow the c4 equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_DISGUISE`Allow the disguise equipment.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_EQUIPMENT_PARACHUTE_NORMAL`hidden in lobby UIAllow the parachute normal equipment.	`true`	`true`

Weapons28 rules

Rule	Default	Sample config
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_KNIFE`Allow the knife weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_MINIGUN`Allow the minigun weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_RPG`Allow the rpg weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_TRIPLE_BARREL_RPG`Allow the triple barrel rpg weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_PISTOL`Allow the pistol weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_SNIPER_RIFLE`Allow the sniper rifle weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_SNIPER_RIFLE2`Allow the sniper rifle2 weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_RIFLE`Allow the rifle weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_DOUBLE_BARREL_SHOTGUN`Allow the double barrel shotgun weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_PUMP_ACTION_SHOTGUN`Allow the pump action shotgun weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_SMG`Allow the smg weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_CLASSIC_SHOTGUN`Allow the classic shotgun weapon.	`false`	`false`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_CLASSIC_SMG`Allow the classic smg weapon.	`false`	`false`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_TOMMYGUN`Allow the tommygun weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_SNUB_PISTOL`Allow the snub pistol weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_CROWBAR`Allow the crowbar weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_MOLOTOV`Allow the molotov weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_RIOTSTICK`Allow the riotstick weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_RIOTSHIELD`hidden in lobby UIAllow the riotshield weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_MACHETE`Allow the machete weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_AUTOPISTOL`Allow the autopistol weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_GRENADE_LAUNCHER`Allow the grenade launcher weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_STICKY_GRENADE`Allow the sticky grenade weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_MINE_LAUNCHER`Allow the mine launcher weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_ASSAULTRIFLE`Allow the assaultrifle weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_LIGHTMACHINEGUN`Allow the lightmachinegun weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_AUTOSHOTGUN`Allow the autoshotgun weapon.	`true`	`true`
`RULE_ENABLE_WEAPON_BLOCKSUCKER`Allow the blocksucker weapon.	`true`	`true`

Team Deathmatch1 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_TDM_SCORE_TARGET`Team kills needed to win Team Deathmatch (OFF = clock only).	`OFF510152025303540455060708090100200`	`200`	`200`

CTF and Classic CTF5 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_CTF_ENABLE_SHOOT_WITH_INTEL`Intel carriers may shoot.	`falsetrue`	`false`	`false`
`RULE_CTF_ENABLE_INTEL_RETURN_ON_TOUCH`Touching your dropped intel returns it.	`falsetrue`	`false`	`false`
`RULE_CTF_SCORE_TARGET`Captures needed to win.	`12345678910`	`5`	`5`
`RULE_CTF_ENABLE_INTEL_AUTO_RETURN`Dropped intel returns home automatically.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`
`RULE_CTF_ENABLE_INTEL_IN_OWN_BASE_TO_SCORE`hidden in lobby UIYour intel must be home to score (hidden rule).	`falsetrue`	`false`	`false`

Zombie4 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_ZOMBIE_NOOF_ROUNDS`Rounds per map.	`12345`	`3`	`3`
`RULE_NOOF_FIRST_INFECTED_ZOMBIES`Players infected at the start of a round.	`12345`	`2`	`2`
`RULE_CLASS_SPEED`Class speed multiplier in Zombie mode.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`
`RULE_ZOMBIE_CLASS_DAMAGE`Zombie class damage multiplier.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`

VIP3 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_VIP_NOOF_ROUNDS`Rounds per map.	`12345`	`3`	`3`
`RULE_VIP_HEALTH`VIP health multiplier.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`
`RULE_ENABLE_SUDDEN_DEATH`Sudden death when the clock runs out.	`falsetrue`	`true`	`true`

Multi-Hill2 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_MULTIHILL_MAX_ACTIVE_BASES`Hills active at once.	`12345`	`1`	`1`
`RULE_BASE_ACTIVE_TIME`Seconds a hill stays active.	`306090120180240300360420480540600`	`240`	`240`

Territory Control2 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_TC_MAX_ACTIVE_BASES`Territories in play.	`2345`	`5`	`5`
`RULE_CAPTURE_RATE`Capture speed multiplier.	`50%100%200%`	`100%`	`100%`

Diamond Mine4 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_DIAMOND_MAX_ACTIVE_BASES`Drop-off bases active at once.	`12345`	`1`	`1`
`RULE_DIA_SCORE_TARGET`Diamonds needed to win.	`51015202530354045505560`	`15`	`15`
`RULE_MAX_ACTIVE_DIAMONDS`Diamonds on the map at once.	`12345`	`2`	`2`
`RULE_DIAMOND_LIFETIME`Seconds a dropped diamond lasts.	`102030405060`	`60`	`60`

Demolition1 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_BUILD_STATE_LENGTH`Demolition build phase in seconds (OFF = none).	`OFF102030405060708090100110120`	`30`	`30`

Occupation3 rules

Rule	Accepted values	Default if omitted	Sample config
`RULE_OCC_SCORE_TARGET`Points needed to win Occupation (OFF = clock only).	`OFF369153045607590150`	`30`	`30`
`RULE_MAX_ACTIVE_BOMBS`Bombs active at once.	`123`	`1`	`1`
`RULE_BOMB_FUSE_TIME`Bomb fuse in seconds.	`5101520`	`10`	`10`

Common questions

Why does RULE_RESPAWN_TIMES differ from [game] respawn_time?

respawn_time is the older name. It is used only when RULE_RESPAWN_TIMES is not in [game_rules]; the sample config sets the rule.

Can I use values the lobby did not offer, such as a 7-second respawn?

Not through [game_rules] — only retail slider values are accepted. Some mode settings can be tuned more freely with [modes.<code>] overrides.

01How to write rules

02All rules