CTF-Bridge of Fate

Three bridges connect the gap between two expansive bases. The Bridge of Fate CTF map is symmetrical; both team bases feature identical--quite large--layouts. The three bridges connecting the bases offer separate attack routes. Crossing the center bridge assaults the enemy base through its center. Move through the large opening chamber to find the entrance to the flag room at the far end. The two side bridges penetrate the enemy base from the longer side routes. These paths connect to the middle room or you can move through a short damp tunnel directly into the flag chamber.

When exiting your base to a side bridge, go toward the bridge on the right. That’s where the super shield pack spawns (another spawns on the opposite bridge adjacent to the enemy base). A double damage power-up appears at the center of the middle bridge and you’ll find a standard shield pack in the large middle room inside each base.

Protect your flag from a ledge above.

Defending the large rooms can be a challenge. Without precise aim, an enemy can cruise by using the translocator and escape into one of the side routes. Look toward the ceiling as another means of defense. You’ll spot a lot of small ledges above rooms. For instance, you can use the translocator to reach a ledge above the flag. Grab the rocket launcher from a side room and wait for an opponent to try and grab your team’s flag. You’ll also find ledges along the side routes (above doorways) and you can also use the translocator to reach the top of the base overlooking the central bridge.

CTF-Colossus

Colossus consists of two large arenas separated by a towering stonewall. The expansive arenas permit many attack possibilities; the enemy flag lies out in the open so there’s no specific chokepoint to protect. It’s fairly easy to traverse the map quickly via the translocator. You can use the upper catwalks and reach a bounce pad that propels you straight to the enemy flag; or you could traverse the less exposed lower route underneath the catwalks or even around the left and right edge of the map to approach the flag from the side. The upper route is fast but you’re exposed to defending snipers (find the lightning gun toward the stone wall in the arena’s center); the lower route is slower but you’re mostly hidden from defenders’ eyes.

Explore the sides of Colossus for the super shield pack and the ion painter.

If you move through the lower route, check the underground tunnel for the double damage; the boost will certainly help on your attack run. The sides of the stone wall contain valuable pick-ups; one side holds the super shield pack and the other features the ion painter. Use the painter to help clear enemy defenders from around the flag or to even defend your own flag. When you spot an enemy approaching your flag, paint the flag post and watch the explosion clear the threat.

CTF-GrassyKnoll

A serene grass field masks the bloodshed of Unreal Tournament 2004’s GrassyKnoll CTF map. Two tight symmetrical bases lie at the either end of a wide grass field. Base entrances include upper and lower side entrances and a center lift that ascends behind a shield pack across from the flag. You can also reach the flag with an accurately placed translocator; fire the translocator through the narrow base window next to the enemy flag. Getting in that way is easy but getting out is much more difficult if enemy defenders are present. Scurry quickly across toward either side exit. You can exit through the upper route or drop down and maneuver out the lower exit.

Return to base with the lightning gun (or have a teammate drop one for you) and snipe through this narrow base window.

The narrow window also offers a great sniping position but you’ll have to venture to the grass field’s center to find the lightning gun (hidden in trees along the side near the super shield pack respawn spot). Defenders should grab the standard shield pack inside each base to remain as protected as possible. Tight base construction increases the importance of the rocket launcher in base defense (find it along the side entrances to the base). Attackers should explore the grass field’s edge (opposite side of the field’s center from the super shield pack) to find the double damage.

CTF-GrendelKeep

The battlements of the cruel leader Prieth Callas is home to UT 2004’s GrendelKeep CTF map. The contest takes place through the structure’s interior. Each base features multiple entrances and exits; it’s nearly impossible to protect every route to the flag. There are multi-level side routes, a center route, and even an opportunity to approach the flag from nearly above if you’re sneaky. When maneuvering across the upper side routes, jump to the far platform to reach a ledge hovering approximately above the flag. A rocket launcher rests here.

Remember the location of the double damage and implement it into your base attack.

Across from the rocket launcher you’ll find the double damage spawn spot. Check for the power-up when attacking from this route. This ledge is also a decent spot to defend from as you have good line of fire on the flag position. Reach the double damage with the translocator or a double jump from the rocket launcher area. Defenders should also acquire the shield pack just outside the base’s center route.

Traveling through the keep’s center is also a multi-leveled affair. The upper route meets at the structure’s center where the super shield pack spawns. A successful base attack will often consist of at least two fronts. The multiple entrances create a difficult defense; at least one defender should focus on the flag position and use the rocket launcher while other defenders protect the side entrances from the assault.