Enemy Territory Map & Campaign Rotation Guide

Overview

Map rotations automate server cycling through a sequence of maps/campaigns. They use string variables (cvars) to chain commands together, creating a continuous loop that transitions to the next map when the current round ends.

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String Variables (String Library)

What Are String Variables?

String variables are custom names you assign to a sequence of commands. The game engine stores them in memory and executes all associated commands when you invoke the variable name.

Syntax:

set <variable_name> "<command1> ; <command2> ; <command3>"

When you call vstr <variable_name>, the engine executes all commands in that string.

Basic Example:

set quickstart "g_gametype 2 ; map fueldump"
vstr quickstart

This stores a named command that sets gametype to 2 and loads fueldump map.

Why Use String Variables for Rotations?

String variables enable automatic map cycling by:

1. Setting the current map/gametype
2. Storing the next map in the nextmap or nextcampaign variable
3. When the round ends, the engine automatically executes nextmap
4. This loads the next map in the rotation sequence
5. Each new map sets its own nextmap, creating a continuous loop

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Objective Mode Rotation

Understanding the Example

set d1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map sw_oasis_b3 ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map mlb_daybreak ; set nextmap vstr d3"
set d3 "set g_gametype 2 ; map supplydepot2 ; set nextmap vstr d4"
set d4 "set g_gametype 2 ; map mlb_temple; set nextmap vstr d5"
set d5 "set g_gametype 2 ; map baserace; set nextmap vstr d6"
set d6 "set g_gametype 2 ; map et_mor2_night_final; set nextmap vstr d7"
set d7 "set g_gametype 2 ; map venice_ne4; set nextmap vstr d8"
set d8 "set g_gametype 2 ; map fueldump; set nextmap vstr d9"
set d9 "set g_gametype 2 ; map UJE_00 ; set nextmap vstr d10"
set d10 "set g_gametype 2 ; map goldrush ; set nextmap vstr d1"
vstr d1

Breakdown

• d1, d2, d3... = String variable names (can be any name, but d1, d2 is standard for "day")
• g_gametype 2 = Objective mode (see gametype reference in server_cvars.md)
• map mapname = Load the specified map
• set nextmap vstr d2 = When this round ends, automatically execute string d2
• vstr d1 = Start the rotation with the first map

Execution Flow

1. vstr d1 executes:

   • Sets gametype to 2 (Objective)
   • Loads sw_oasis_b3
   • Sets nextmap to vstr d2

2. When sw_oasis_b3 round ends, nextmap triggers vstr d2:

   • Sets gametype to 2
   • Loads mlb_daybreak
   • Sets nextmap to vstr d3

3. Process repeats through d3, d4, d5... d10

4. When d10 (goldrush) round ends:

   • nextmap is set to vstr d1
   • Rotation loops back to beginning

Maps in This Rotation (10 maps)

1. sw_oasis_b3
2. mlb_daybreak
3. supplydepot2
4. mlb_temple
5. baserace
6. et_mor2_night_final
7. venice_ne4
8. fueldump
9. UJE_00
10. goldrush

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Stopwatch Mode Rotation

Understanding Stopwatch Rotations

Stopwatch mode requires two rounds per map (one for each team):

• r1 = First round (initial map load with gametype change)
• r2 = Second round (map restart, keeps same teams but switches sides)

Example Stopwatch Rotation

// WATCHDOG
set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr m1r1 ; say watchdog found no map running - restarted mapcycle"

// MAPS
set m1r1 "g_gametype 3; map oasis; set nextmap vstr m1r2"
set m1r2 "map_restart 0; set nextmap vstr m2r1"

set m2r1 "g_gametype 3; map goldrush; set nextmap vstr m2r2"
set m2r2 "map_restart 0; set nextmap vstr m3r1"

set m3r1 "g_gametype 3; map radar; set nextmap vstr m3r2"
set m3r2 "map_restart 0; set nextmap vstr m4r1"

set m4r1 "g_gametype 3; map railgun; set nextmap vstr m4r2"
set m4r2 "map_restart 0; set nextmap vstr m5r1"

set m5r1 "g_gametype 3; map supplydepot; set nextmap vstr m5r2"
set m5r2 "map_restart 0; set nextmap vstr m6r1"

set m6r1 "g_gametype 3; map caen; set nextmap vstr m6r2"
set m6r2 "map_restart 0; set nextmap vstr m1r1"

vstr m1r1

Breakdown

• m1r1, m1r2, m2r1, m2r2... = String format: m<map_number>r<round_number>

  • m1r1 = Map 1, Round 1
  • m1r2 = Map 1, Round 2
  • m2r1 = Map 2, Round 1
  • etc.

• R1 (first round): Contains g_gametype 3; map <mapname>

• R2 (second round): Contains map_restart 0 (keeps same map, restarts)

Watchdog Mechanism

set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr m1r1 ; say watchdog found no map running - restarted mapcycle"

• Purpose: If the map rotation breaks/crashes, automatically restart it
• Action: Restarts from m1r1 and announces to players
• com_watchdog = Built-in server mechanism that monitors map cycling

Execution Flow for Stopwatch

1. vstr m1r1 loads Oasis with gametype 3, sets nextmap to m1r2
2. Round completes, vstr m1r2 restarts Oasis (teams swap sides), sets nextmap to m2r1
3. Both rounds of Oasis done, vstr m2r1 loads Goldrush, sets nextmap to m2r2
4. Round completes, vstr m2r2 restarts Goldrush, sets nextmap to m3r1
5. Pattern continues through all maps
6. After caen round 2 (m6r2), rotation loops back to m1r1 (Oasis)

Maps in This Rotation (6 maps × 2 rounds = 12 total rounds)

1. Oasis (r1 + r2)
2. Goldrush (r1 + r2)
3. Radar (r1 + r2)
4. Railgun (r1 + r2)
5. Supplydepot (r1 + r2)
6. Caen (r1 + r2)

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Campaign Rotation

Understanding Campaign Mode

Campaign mode (g_gametype 4) automatically cycles through multiple maps within a campaign. However, to rotate between different campaigns, you need string variables.

Campaign Rotation Example

// CAMPAIGN ROTATION - official campaigns
// WATCHDOG
set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr d_initial ; say watchdog found no map running - restarted mapcycle"

// CAMPAIGNS
set d1 "campaign cmpgn_northafrica ; set nextcampaign vstr d2"
set d2 "campaign cmpgn_centraleurope ; set nextcampaign vstr d1"
set d_initial "set g_gametype 4 ; map oasis ; set nextcampaign vstr d2"

vstr d_initial
// END CAMPAIGN ROTATION

Breakdown

• campaign campaign_name = Load a campaign file
• g_gametype 4 = Campaign mode
• nextcampaign = Campaign-specific version of nextmap
  • Used instead of nextmap for campaign rotations
  • Triggers when current campaign completes
• d_initial = Special startup variable
  • Ensures correct map is loaded first
  • Must match the first map of the first campaign

Key Differences from Map Rotations

Aspect	Map Rotation	Campaign Rotation
Next variable	set nextmap	set nextcampaign
Load command	map <mapname>	campaign <campaign_name>
Gametype	2 (Objective) or 3 (Stopwatch)	4 (Campaign)
Multiple maps	Set individually	Automatic (defined in campaign file)

Critical Details

Why must d_initial load Oasis?

The first campaign (cmpgn_northafrica) starts with Oasis as its first map. The d_initial line must explicitly load the same map because:

1. The campaign command doesn't load the first map immediately
2. An explicit map command is needed to bootstrap the rotation
3. d_initial sets nextcampaign vstr d2 (which loads centraleurope when northafrica completes)

Campaign File Example:

cmpgn_northafrica {
  maps: oasis, gplaya, base
}
cmpgn_centraleurope {
  maps: goldrush, railgun, radar
}

When cmpgn_northafrica completes (after all 3 maps), nextcampaign vstr d2 triggers, loading cmpgn_centraleurope.

Execution Flow for Campaign Rotation

1. vstr d_initial executes:

   • Sets gametype to 4 (Campaign)
   • Loads Oasis map
   • Sets nextcampaign to vstr d2

2. Campaign cmpgn_northafrica progresses through its maps (Oasis → Gplaya → Base)

3. When northafrica campaign completes, vstr d2 executes:

   • Loads campaign cmpgn_centraleurope
   • Sets nextcampaign to vstr d1

4. Campaign cmpgn_centraleurope progresses through its maps (Goldrush → Railgun → Radar)

5. When centraleurope completes, vstr d1 executes:

   • Loads campaign cmpgn_northafrica again
   • Sets nextcampaign to vstr d2

6. Rotation loops indefinitely

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Creating Custom Rotations

Step 1: Choose Your Format

For Objective/TDM/FFA (single round per map):

set d1 "set g_gametype <type> ; map <map1> ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype <type> ; map <map2> ; set nextmap vstr d3"
set d3 "set g_gametype <type> ; map <map1> ; set nextmap vstr d1"
vstr d1

For Stopwatch (two rounds per map):

set m1r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map <map1> ; set nextmap vstr m1r2"
set m1r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m2r1"
set m2r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map <map2> ; set nextmap vstr m2r2"
set m2r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m1r1"
vstr m1r1

For Campaign:

set d_initial "set g_gametype 4 ; map <first_map> ; set nextcampaign vstr d2"
set d1 "campaign <campaign1> ; set nextcampaign vstr d2"
set d2 "campaign <campaign2> ; set nextcampaign vstr d1"
vstr d_initial

Step 2: List Your Maps

Write down the maps/campaigns you want in order:

Example for Objective (10 maps):

1. mp_beach
2. sw_goldrush_final
3. supplydepot2
4. fueldump
5. radar
6. tc_base
7. oasis
8. railgun
9. caen
10. mp_ice

Step 3: Assign Gametype

Find the gametype number:

• 0 = FFA
• 1 = Tournament
• 2 = Team Deathmatch
• 3 = Stopwatch
• 4 = Campaign
• 5 = Last Man Standing (LMS)
• 6 = Map Vote

Step 4: Build the Rotation String

Example: 5-map Objective rotation

// 5-MAP OBJECTIVE ROTATION
set d1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map mp_beach ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map sw_goldrush_final ; set nextmap vstr d3"
set d3 "set g_gametype 2 ; map supplydepot2 ; set nextmap vstr d4"
set d4 "set g_gametype 2 ; map fueldump ; set nextmap vstr d5"
set d5 "set g_gametype 2 ; map radar ; set nextmap vstr d1"
vstr d1

Step 5: Add Watchdog (Optional but Recommended)

set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr d1 ; say watchdog found no map running - restarted mapcycle"

Place this at the top of your rotation.

Step 6: Test

// Start the rotation
vstr d1

// Check current map and gametype
status

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Advanced Rotation Examples

Mixed-Mode Rotation (Cycle Through Game Types)

Rotate through different game modes on the same map:

// MIXED MODE ROTATION - Objective then Stopwatch
set m1_obj "set g_gametype 2 ; map oasis ; set nextmap vstr m1_sw"
set m1_sw "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m2_obj"
set m2_obj "set g_gametype 2 ; map goldrush ; set nextmap vstr m2_sw"
set m2_sw "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m1_obj"
vstr m1_obj

Large Objective Rotation (20 Maps)

set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr d1 ; say watchdog restart"
set d1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map1 ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map2 ; set nextmap vstr d3"
set d3 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map3 ; set nextmap vstr d4"
set d4 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map4 ; set nextmap vstr d5"
set d5 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map5 ; set nextmap vstr d6"
set d6 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map6 ; set nextmap vstr d7"
set d7 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map7 ; set nextmap vstr d8"
set d8 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map8 ; set nextmap vstr d9"
set d9 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map9 ; set nextmap vstr d10"
set d10 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map10 ; set nextmap vstr d11"
set d11 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map11 ; set nextmap vstr d12"
set d12 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map12 ; set nextmap vstr d13"
set d13 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map13 ; set nextmap vstr d14"
set d14 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map14 ; set nextmap vstr d15"
set d15 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map15 ; set nextmap vstr d16"
set d16 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map16 ; set nextmap vstr d17"
set d17 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map17 ; set nextmap vstr d18"
set d18 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map18 ; set nextmap vstr d19"
set d19 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map19 ; set nextmap vstr d20"
set d20 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map20 ; set nextmap vstr d1"
vstr d1

Competitive Stopwatch with Voting

// 8-MAP COMPETITIVE STOPWATCH
set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr m1r1 ; say watchdog restarted rotation"
set m1r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map oasis ; set nextmap vstr m1r2"
set m1r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m2r1"
set m2r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map goldrush ; set nextmap vstr m2r2"
set m2r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m3r1"
set m3r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map radar ; set nextmap vstr m3r2"
set m3r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m4r1"
set m4r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map railgun ; set nextmap vstr m4r2"
set m4r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m5r1"
set m5r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map supplydepot ; set nextmap vstr m5r2"
set m5r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m6r1"
set m6r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map caen ; set nextmap vstr m6r2"
set m6r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m7r1"
set m7r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map tobruk ; set nextmap vstr m7r2"
set m7r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m8r1"
set m8r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map italians ; set nextmap vstr m8r2"
set m8r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m1r1"
vstr m1r1

Multi-Campaign Custom Rotation

// THREE CAMPAIGN ROTATION
set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr d_initial ; say watchdog restarted"
set d_initial "set g_gametype 4 ; map oasis ; set nextcampaign vstr d1"
set d1 "campaign cmpgn_northafrica ; set nextcampaign vstr d2"
set d2 "campaign cmpgn_centraleurope ; set nextcampaign vstr d3"
set d3 "campaign my_custom_campaign ; set nextcampaign vstr d1"
vstr d_initial

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Troubleshooting Rotations

Rotation Won't Start

// Verify string variables exist
cvarlist *d1*

// Check for typos in map names
status

// Manually start rotation
vstr d1

Map Won't Load

// Verify map exists and is spelled correctly
map <mapname>

// Check map file is in correct directory
// ET maps: map folder or pk3 files
// Check server console for errors

Rotation Skips Maps

// Check nextmap is set correctly
// Ensure each line sets nextmap to next variable
// Example error: set nextmap vstr d3 (should be d2)

Campaign Won't Load

// Verify campaign file name is correct
campaign cmpgn_name

// Ensure campaign file exists in correct location
// Verify first map in d_initial matches campaign start map

Watchdog Not Working

// Watchdog is automatic - cannot be disabled
// If maps still crash, check:
// - Map file integrity
// - Sufficient server disk space
// - Server logs for errors

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Naming Conventions

Standard Rotation Variables

Format	Usage
d1, d2, d3...	"Day" rotations (Objective, TDM, FFA)
n1, n2, n3...	"Night" rotations (alternate themed set)
m1r1, m1r2...	"Map Round" format (Stopwatch)
cmp1, cmp2...	Campaign rotations
d_initial	Initial startup variable (campaigns)

Example: Day and Night Rotations

// DAY ROTATION - Objective maps
set d1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map sunny_map1 ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map sunny_map2 ; set nextmap vstr d3"
set d3 "set g_gametype 2 ; map sunny_map1 ; set nextmap vstr d1"

// NIGHT ROTATION - Darker maps
set n1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map dark_map1 ; set nextmap vstr n2"
set n2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map dark_map2 ; set nextmap vstr n3"
set n3 "set g_gametype 2 ; map dark_map1 ; set nextmap vstr n1"

// Start day rotation
vstr d1

// Or switch to night rotation
vstr n1

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Adding Rotations to Server Config

Most ET servers use an autoexec.cfg file that runs at startup. Add your rotation strings:

// ============================================
// MAP ROTATION CONFIGURATION
// ============================================
set com_watchdog_cmd "vstr d1 ; say watchdog restarted mapcycle"

// Objective Mode Rotation (10 maps)
set d1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map sw_oasis_b3 ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map mlb_daybreak ; set nextmap vstr d3"
// ... more maps ...
set d10 "set g_gametype 2 ; map goldrush ; set nextmap vstr d1"

// Start rotation
vstr d1

Loading Custom Configs

Option 1: Via server startup

+exec autoexec.cfg +exec rotations.cfg

Option 2: From in-game console

exec rotations.cfg
vstr d1

Option 3: Using server commands

rcon exec rotations.cfg
rcon vstr d1

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Common Rotation Patterns

Quick Reference

3-Map Objective Loop:

set d1 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map1 ; set nextmap vstr d2"
set d2 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map2 ; set nextmap vstr d3"
set d3 "set g_gametype 2 ; map map3 ; set nextmap vstr d1"
vstr d1

4-Map Stopwatch Loop:

set m1r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map map1 ; set nextmap vstr m1r2"
set m1r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m2r1"
set m2r1 "set g_gametype 3 ; map map2 ; set nextmap vstr m2r2"
set m2r2 "map_restart 0 ; set nextmap vstr m1r1"
vstr m1r1

2-Campaign Loop:

set d_initial "set g_gametype 4 ; map oasis ; set nextcampaign vstr d1"
set d1 "campaign campaign1 ; set nextcampaign vstr d2"
set d2 "campaign campaign2 ; set nextcampaign vstr d1"
vstr d_initial

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Performance Considerations

Map Load Times

• Large/complex maps may take 30-60 seconds to load
• Plan rotation accordingly for tournament play
• Watchdog timeout is typically 120 seconds

Player Transitions

• Between rounds (map_restart): ~5-10 seconds
• Between maps: ~30-60 seconds
• Between campaigns: ~60+ seconds (loads entire campaign)

Server Resources

• Each map consumes memory (can be 100+ MB per complex map)
• Stopwatch restarts reuse memory (faster)
• Campaign transitions may cause brief lag spikes

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Tips & Best Practices

1. Always include watchdog at the top for automatic recovery
2. Test rotations manually before deploying to production
3. Use consistent naming (d1-d10, m1r1-m5r2) for maintainability
4. Document your rotation with comments
5. Verify map names are spelled exactly (case-sensitive on Linux)
6. For campaigns, ensure d_initial map matches campaign start map
7. For stopwatch, always use map_restart 0 for the second round
8. Balance map variety to keep gameplay fresh
9. Avoid excessive rotation sizes (20+ maps causes memory bloat)
10. Monitor server logs for rotation errors and player complaints

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Reference: All Gametypes

g_gametype 0 = FFA (Free For All)
g_gametype 1 = Tournament (Casual multiplayer)
g_gametype 2 = Team Deathmatch
g_gametype 3 = Stopwatch
g_gametype 4 = Campaign
g_gametype 5 = Last Man Standing (LMS)
g_gametype 6 = Map Vote

Use the appropriate gametype in your rotation's first command.