View source for Minecraft:Capture the Flag (server)

{{Redirect|Capture the Flag|the mentioned feature|Mentioned features#Mentioned in 2009}}
{{Exclusive|bedrock}}
{{Server
|title=Capture the Flag
|image=Capture the Flag server.png
|developers=[[Minecraft:Mojang Studios]]
|editions=BE
|release=
* '''1st:''' July 1, 2025
* '''2nd:''' September 30, 2025
* '''3rd:''' January 20, 2026
|closing=
* '''1st:''' July 4, 2025
* '''2nd:''' October 6, 2025
* '''3rd:''' January 30, 2026
}}'''Capture the Flag''' was a [[Minecraft:Server#Minigame|minigame]] [[Minecraft:event server]] hosted by [[Minecraft:Mojang Studios]], and the first to be introduced as a [[Minecraft:featured server|featured experience]]. It featured a traditional [[Minecraft:w:Capture the flag#Software and games|capture the flag]] minigame and a deathmatch minigame, where players were able to compete with a team, capture the opposing team's flag, and defend their own. Players could also get the [[#Reward|Flag Runner Headband]] redeemed for 250 gems; an in game currency that was earned by winning a game or killing a [[Minecraft:player]]. It was first brought online starting on July 1, 2025, and ended on July 4.

The server was brought back online again starting on September 30, 2025, and lasted until October 6, at approximately 23:40 UTC. There have been issues where the server would sometimes not show up in the featured servers list.

On January 20, 2026, it was opened for a third time, and the server closed on January 31, at approximately 00:00 UTC.

== Gameplay ==
=== Playing field ===
[[File:Capture the Flag first person bow drawing.jpg|thumb|right|Drawing a bow at an opponent.]]
When [[Minecraft:player]]s join a match on the "Arena" map, they're randomly assigned to the red or blue team. Each player starts at their team's [[Minecraft:spawn point]], equipped with a [[Minecraft:bow]] and [[Minecraft:arrow]], and have three [[Minecraft:Health|hearts]]. Their main objective is to capture the opposing team's flag while defending their own, and winning the game by reaching the highest captured flag score for their team.

On the "Castle" map, players are randomly assigned to either the red, blue, green, or yellow team. Like the Arena, players start at their team's spawn point, and are given a bow and arrows and have 3 hearts. Each tower also contains a flag correlating with the team's color. However, capturing these flags at the respective base does not add any value to the score, except for the player's personal capture count. In order to win in this map, teams must compete in a death-match, where the first to get 20 kills wins the game.

Players can deal one heart of [[Minecraft:damage]] to other opponents by shooting them with the bow. When a flag is equipped, players can deal 3 hearts of damage to players, instantly defeating them. Upon killing one, they are rewarded with 5 gems. They are able to hit each other by [[Minecraft:melee attack]], but doing so doesn't deal any damage.

The [[Minecraft:hotbar]] is noticeably gone, but players could still select other items using the mouse scroll wheel. The player's current statistic is shown on the top right of the screen, with the icons from top to bottom showing their earned gems, kills, deaths, and captured flag score. The player's current hearts is shown above the usual hotbar placement; other players' current hearts are also shown above their [[Minecraft:username]]s.

Each team's flag is located near its own spawn point. When a player captures a flag, they must return it to their own team's flag to score a point for their team. A noticeable speed decrease is applied while moving with a captured flag.

=== Post game ===
[[File:Capture the Flag post game screen.png|thumb|right|Post game screen showing the player's statistics.]]
The game tracks the scores for each team after capturing a flag in the [[Minecraft:scoreboard]], and displayed on the sidebar. The first team to reach the maximum score wins the match, with the winning team's players receive the highest gems reward, while the losing team gets fewer. The numbers of maximum score and gems rewarded varies depending on the map:
* Arena has 3 captured flag and 50 gems reward for the winning team, while the losing team gets 25 gems.
* Castle has 20 captured flag and 100 gems reward for the winning team, while the losing team gets 50 gems.

A ''post game'' screen is displayed, showing the player's match statistics, such as their kills, deaths, K/D ratio (kill/death ratio), flag captures, and gems earned. Players can play a new match or return to the hub from the screen.

== Places ==
{{expand section}}

=== Central Tower ===
Players spawn inside of a large, [[Minecraft:Polished Blackstone Bricks|blackstone]] castle within the Crimson Ruins. Behind the spawn area is a curious installment made up of [[Minecraft:chiseled stone]], [[Minecraft:crying obsidian]], and [[Minecraft:froglights]], with a blue [[Minecraft:parrot]] dancing inside. Walking down a stairway of stone brick slabs, the player can pass by large tapestries and boilers of lava, exiting out either a giant door under a [[Minecraft:stained glass]] window or two detours lined with [[Minecraft:Nether Bricks|nether brick]] floors and [[Minecraft:lanterns]]. Outside the castle is an [[Minecraft:NPC]], the Macaw Guardian, with two [[Minecraft:written book]]s on [[Minecraft:lectern]]s which tell the story of a conflict happening in the game world. When interacting with the NPC, they are able to choose from two maps: Arena and Castle.

Behind all that is a small drawbridge made of [[Minecraft:chiseled nether bricks]], [[Minecraft:Blackstone Wall|blackstone]], and [[Minecraft:Resin Brick Wall|resin bricks]], where a view can be seen of the towers. On a few spots of the bridge are [[Minecraft:Magma Block|magma blocks]] which can kill the player. Right of this area and left of the gate is a series of [[Minecraft:Red Nether Brick Slab|red nether brick slabs]], serving as a parkour challenge. Climbing up these will lead the player up to a balcony above the spawn area, underneath the window, before leading to a narrow strip of slabs ending on a [[Minecraft:ladder]]. Halfway the parkour challenge is a secret passageway, indicated by the sign saying it is a secret passageway. Trough the passageway are signs hinting about what the tunnel could lead to. At the end is a dancing parrot.

=== Arena ===
An small map consists of the two blue and red sides opposing each other. Each side has a castle where the team's flag and spawn point are located. Players can climb on top of the castle to see the entire arena. On the front, there are pillars on each side which players can climb through the [[Minecraft:vines]]. The playing field has a tall tower on the center of the map. There are hallways in the edges around the playing field; they can be accessed from each team's castle, or entrances between the tall tower.

=== Castle ===
[[File:Capture the Flag heart of dark castle.jpg|thumb|right|The Volcano Heart leaking out lava inside the dark castle.]]
A massive map with a prominent dark stone castle stands at the map's center, with the inside hides the '''Volcano Heart''', what it looks like leaking out [[Minecraft:lava]] fluids to the ground floor made out of [[Minecraft:deepslate]] materials. The top of the heart features [[Minecraft:slime block]]s (covered by [[Minecraft:carpet]]s) which players can bounce off from the rooftop of the dark castle. The outside walls of the dark castle being mixed of [[Minecraft:deepslate bricks|deepslate]] and [[Minecraft:stone brick]]s.

There are four '''Elemental Towers''' built around the dark castle:{{note|These are unofficial names, as they are unnamed in the game itself.}}
* '''Ice tower''' which features cold and snowy environment, with multiple tall, slender towers and spires and a tower with a large, arched doorway. It is built with [[Minecraft:snow block]]s, light [[Minecraft:concrete]]s, [[Minecraft:prismarine]]s, and other blocks with various shades of light blue, white, and a greenish-teal, giving it a very cool and pristine appearance. It is used as the blue team's spawn point, as well the team's flag.
* '''Nether tower''' which features [[Minecraft:The Nether|hell-like environment]], with numerous tall, [[Minecraft:huge crimson fungus]] that are scattered across the landscape. The primary entrance to the tower is framed by [[Minecraft:nether bricks]] and has glowing [[Minecraft:shroomlight]]s, leading into the base with invasive [[Minecraft:Huge warped fungus|warped]] and crimson fungus. It is used as the red team's spawn point, as well the team's flag.
* '''Desert tower''' which features [[Minecraft:Desert|sandy terrain]], with multiple [[Minecraft:cactus]] and [[Minecraft:dry grass]]es spreading the landscape. There is a [[Minecraft:savanna]] area with a pond which resembles an {{w|oasis}}. The tower primarily made of [[Minecraft:sandstone]]s and many of its [[Minecraft:red sandstone|variants]]. A [[Minecraft:dried ghast]] can be seen near the dark castle, which shows the harsh environment of the desert.
* '''Bamboo tower''' which features green and lush environment, with variation of [[Minecraft:Oak tree|oak]] and [[Minecraft:jungle tree]]s on the terrain. The tower looks overgrown with [[Minecraft:vine]]s and other vegetation, with the base building primarily made of out [[Minecraft:bamboo block]]s and the outside pathway to the dark castle with [[Minecraft:mud brick]]s.

Each of them have a bridge connecting to the fortified open-air bastion of the dark castle.

== Reward ==
{{Needs render|Needs runner blue headband render.}}
Players that earned 250 gems from playing CTF can redeem them at the [[Minecraft:NPC|Macaw Guardian]] to gain the Flag Runner Headband as a [[Minecraft:Character Creator]] item. A Blue headband was given out on 8/4/25 to those who already claimed Red.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
! rowspan="2" |Name
! colspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! rowspan="2" |Rarity
|-
! Icon
! Render
|-
| Flag Runner Headband
| [[File:Flag Runner Headband.png|100px|center]]
| [[File:Faster than Lightning.gif|64px|center]]
| Headwear<br>[[File:Headwear.png|24px|class=pixel-image]]
| Rare<br>[[File:Rarity_rare.png|70px]]
|-
| Flag Runner Headband Blue
| [[File:Flag Runner Headband Blue.png|100px|center]]
| <!--[[File:|64px|center]]-->
| Headwear<br>[[File:Headwear.png|24px|class=pixel-image]]
| Rare<br>[[File:Rarity_rare.png|70px]]
|}

== Book pages ==
There are written books on lectern near Macaw Guardian which tell the story of "Hanging Island Tournament":

<gallery mode="packed">
CTF_Book_1.png
CTF_Book_2.png
CTF_Book_3.png
CTF_Book_4.png
CTF_Book_5.png
</gallery>

{{Collapse|title='''Transcript'''|content=
'''Page 1 of 10'''

Hanging Island Tournament

by Macaw Guardian

'''Page 2 of 10'''

Welcome to Crimson Ruins, Adventurer!

From here, you can take part in the tournament on the Hanging Island.

"Why take part", you ask?

'''Page 3 of 10'''

The gates have to be held to launch the Volcano Heart - long ago moved away from the core by unknown forces.

It hovers in the middle of the island, beating, pumping lava into the molten basin of the Great Macaw Mountain.

'''Page 4 of 10'''

Central Tower has been built around it, likely to protect or harness it.

Judging by the state of the towers, the experiments have not gone well.

The exact origin of the Elemental Towers is shrouded in mystery.

'''Page 5 of 10'''

The remaining records found in the Crimson Ruins state only that the games MUST take place or the volcano is going to erupt.

While the mountain was presumed dormant, fields and cities have formed around the fertile soil.

'''Page 6 of 10'''

sustaining the Tribes.

Eruption threatens to destroy all that. If the games fail, it *will* destroy your home.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>You* can change that.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>You* have a chance to become part of history.

'''Page 7 of 10'''

Join forces with others in battle for the future of this land!

Good luck and thank you, Adventurer!

<div style="padding-left: 1cm">- Macaw Guardian of This Generation</div>

'''Page 8 of 10'''

->

'''Page 9 of 10'''

Have fun!

And thank you for playing our map!

<div style="padding-left: 1cm">~Mojang Studios~</div>

'''Page 10 of 10'''

''<blank>''
}}

== Server listing ==
{{See also|Server list}}
[[File:Capture The Flag Banner.png|thumb|right|The server's banner on the featured servers.]]
=== Description ===
The featured servers listed Capture the Flag server with the following description:

{{Quote|Mojang Studios needs your help! Join this Capture the Flag server and help us test our server tech. Compete with a team and be the first to capture the opposing team's flag while defending your own!|Mojang Studios|the server's description|Capture The Flag Icon.png|image-class=pixel-image}}

=== Activities ===
The Flag Runner Headband was listed as the reward in the server's activities:

{{Quote|'''Unlock the Flag Runner Headband'''
Test a feature and earn a reward!

Play Capture the Flag and earn gems to unlock the Character Creator item Flag Runner Headband
|Mojang Studios|the server's activity|Capture_The_Flag_Activity.png}}

== Trivia ==
* The "Flag Runner Headband" was originally called "Faster than Lightning" before being renamed.
* The spawn hub uses the same map as Castle being in the [[Minecraft:nighttime]]; the Central Tower where the player spawn can be seen on the background behind the ice tower.
** There is text word on the [[Minecraft:sky]] written "MADE WITH EDITOR", suggesting the map was made with [[Minecraft:Bedrock Editor]].
** Players can go out of bound from the Crimson Ruins by jumping at the top right corner of the bridge near the Macaw Guardian. This makes the entire Castle map accessible in the nighttime.

== Gallery ==
=== Central Tower ===
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag made with editor.png|Text word on the [[Minecraft:nighttime]] [[Minecraft:sky]] written "MADE WITH EDITOR"
File:CTF_Spawn_1.png|A player using [[Minecraft:emote]] on the bridge
File:Capture the Flag Central Tower out of bound.jpg|Players going out of bound
File:CTF_Wide_2.png
File:CTF_Wide_1.png
File:CTF_Spawn_3.png|A Mojang employee wearing the [[Minecraft:Mojang Studios cape]]
File:CTF_Spawn_2.png
File:CTF_Hallway_1.png|The Crimson Ruins hallway
File:CTF_Macaw_Guardian.png|Macaw Guardian NPC
File:CTF_October_Update.png|[[Minecraft:Map Marker]] above Macaw Guardian
</gallery>

=== Arena ===
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag Arena map VV.jpg|Arena map
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 1.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 2.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 3.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 4.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 5.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 6.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 7.png
File:Capture the Flag Arena map 8.png
File:CTF_Steve_holding_flag.png|Steve holding the red team's Flag
</gallery>

=== Castle ===
==== Dark castle ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag dark castle top.jpg|A light brimming from the top of the dark castle
File:Capture the Flag inside the dark castle.jpg|Inside the dark castle
File:Capture the Flag heart of dark castle.jpg|The Volcano Heart inside the dark castle
</gallery>
==== Ice tower ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag ice tower.png|The ice tower captured from the desert tower with the Central Tower seen on the background.
File:Capture the Flag player capturing a flag.jpg|A player capturing a flag.
File:Capture the Flag dark castle ice entrance.png|The dark castle's entrance from the ice tower.
File:Capture the Flag ice castle team flag.png|The blue team's flag position in the ice tower ground floor.
File:Capture the Flag ice castle arched doorway.png|Ice castle arched doorway.
</gallery>
==== Nether tower ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag nether tower.png|Nether tower
File:Capture the Flag nether castle side view.jpg|A bridge connecting to the nether tower
File:Capture the Flag inside nether tower.png|Inside the nether tower on the ground floor
File:Capture_the_Flag_nether_environment.png|The [[Minecraft:crimson fungus]] scattered outside the nether tower.
</gallery>

==== Desert tower ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag desert tower outside.png|The pillars holding the bridge connecting the desert tower to the dark castle.
File:Capture the Flag desert dried ghast.png|Dried ghast near the dark castle and outside the desert environment.
</gallery>
==== Bamboo tower ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag bamboo tower.jpg|Outside of the bamboo tower.
File:Capture the Flag bamboo castle.jpg|Bridge leading to the bamboo tower
File:Capture the Flag ice and bamboo bridge.jpg|A bridge connecting between ice and bamboo towers.
</gallery>

=== Secret ===
==== Parrot Room ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag parrot room outside.png|A parrot room hidden under spawn on the left side. (inaccessible)
File:Capture the Flag parrot room inside.png|Inside are 5 Parrots, (White: Rajmund, cool guy), (Green: Tari, the pirate), (Red: Mario, the plumer), (Blue: Tasha, the mischievous bird), (White: Eustace, the OG).
File:Capture the Flag parrot room exit.png|The exit of the Parrot Room using sticky piston doors and a water elevator.
File:Capture The Flag Party Cave.PNG|You can find this room at the end of the secret tunnel halfway the parkour challenge.
</gallery>

==== Unused Structure ====
<gallery>
File:Capture the Flag unused castle.png|Unused Castle out of bounds far away.
</gallery>

== Notes ==
<references group="note"/>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Navigation ==
{{Navbox event|Installments}}
[[Category:Event servers]]