Community Guidelines

Abbrevations and explanations:


All the rules below are subject to change when necessary or seen fit


If you're not into reading lists, the general idea is that if what you do during your round unfairly affects the outcome of it, it's probably against the rules. However, we highly recommend you look at the rules, just to be safe! Obviously, low ping, owning your own server, having better hardware than someone else, lucky rounds (unless the spawns are bugged), and so on, are allowed. Everybody will have minor advantages/disadvantages over others.


Should any of the below rules be broken, your record will not be accepted.

Should we discover any rules were broken after your record is accepted,

your record and potentially other records of yours will be removed from the top 10s list.

If you have any questions in regards to the rules, please contact an admin via Steam or Discord.


Rules of submission


The rules of submission must be followed in order for a survival round to be considered legitimate. Breaking a rule can result in the time being disqualified and subsequently not added to the leaderboards.

Players who are on the Watchlist must provide a screenshot and a livestream and/or live recording for every game that they are apart of and submitting to the Top 10’s, failure to do so will be an immediate disqualification.


We will only start accepting times beginning at the following thresholds:

20 minutes for full team

15 minutes for trio

10 minutes for duo

4 minutes for solo


1. You must provide evidence of your round's legitimacy


1a. A screenshot or video will be necessary from every player within a round to validate the legitimacy of your record even if all players are not individually asked for a screenshot. We reserve the right to ask any player at any moment for a screenshot of a round currently under review, failure to do so can be grounds for disqualification if the reviewing Admin/Moderator see’s fit. The screenshot/video must include the final statistics screen (the one that shows how many common infected, special infected, and tanks you've killed). You do not need net_graph enabled (unless stated otherwise). You have 4 players; all of them are guaranteed to have differing outputs from screenshots or net_graph.



1b. Demo’s are an absolute requirement from every player within a game when it comes to validating the legitimacy of a record. 

Left 4 Dead 2 games played on Official Gold Miners servers automatically record demo’s, so they are not required for the player to record them manually. If you are playing on a Non GM Server there must be a demo recorded for everyone within the game but especially for every player who is on the watchlist. If a demo or video recording can not be provided for the game then it will be an automatic disqualification.


1c. Alternate methods of proof are also permitted, such as a screen recording or twitch stream/VOD.

In extreme cases, admins may require a screen recording or livestream instead of a demo, to ensure legitimacy.


1d. If an admin is present during a round as a spectator specifically, they can be referred to for validation of said round. If an admin is a player within the round, another member of the admin body must validate the round independently.


1e. Avoid using an alternate account unless we can confirm that you own it.


1f. Using screenshots-which contain anything generally offensive, meant to demean or offend other users-as evidence is not allowed and can not be accepted. Upload a screenshot with the offensive material censored, or your record will not be accepted. We will need both the unedited and edited screenshot. The unedited screenshot can be sent directly to an admin.


1g. For consistency within the leaderboards, every player will be listed under one name. If you wish to have your name changed, please contact an admin with your inquiry. Keep in mind that we can't constantly change everyone's names, so provide a valid reason for the name change upon request.


2. Any form of cheating is prohibited


2a. The usage of cheats and glitches is unacceptable.

If it requires you to go idle in order to do it, it is considered a glitch.

If it requires the installation of a third-party software (excluded is point 2c. and 2d.), it is considered a cheat.

If it accomplishes something that is otherwise humanly impossible, it is considered a cheat.

If it is abusing game mechanics in a way that gives an unfair advantage it is considered an exploit.


2b. Bunny hopping (repetitive jumping used to gain speed) is acceptable, so long as it is not done with a script/macro, or to exploit a glitch in the game.


2c. Using the admin menu after a round has begun for any purpose that affects the round in any way, such as but not limited to altering player health, spawning items or no-clipping other players is unacceptable; while for purposes that do not affect a round in anyway such as removing an abusive player/spectator, altering server slots, or ending the round early are allowed. If you are unsure of if a command is allowed it is advised it is NOT used without first consulting an Admin or Moderator.


In the specific case of the Gas Menu, if using it you are able to move gas cans that are unreachable (i.e. on Terminal you were previously able to use the !gasmenu to move the gas to the other side of the fence, while this is now patched in the case of there being another map where this is applicable) use of the gasmenu in anyway is disallowed.


2d. Usage of modifications/scripts to obtain unfair advantages is unacceptable. Modifications/scripts that do not provide unfair advantages are acceptable.


Examples of unacceptable modifications/scripts:


Examples of acceptable modifications/scripts:


We can not list every single mod that is allowed/disallowed due to how long the list would be, so you are able to ask about any addon that you are unsure if it may/may not violate the rules here or in the discord channel (addons-discussion).


We hold the right to disqualify any round which uses an add-on while not officially disallowed, is an egregious stretch to what can be considered fair and a large enough amount of an advantage.


2e. Pausing a round at any moment after the timer starts will disqualify it.


3. Using modifications that do not give you an advantage is permitted


3a. Using any HUD modifications (i.e. crosshairs beside the default crosshair, ClearHUD) is acceptable.


3b. Using different crosshair settings (rgba color, width, size, dynamic/static) is acceptable.


3c. Usage of altered lerp settings (0ms, 10ms, 16⅔ms, etc.) is acceptable.


3d. Usage of the snd_mixhead command is permitted.


3e. Usage of console commands to change outline colors or viewmodelfov is permitted.


3f. Keybinds for chat message or vocalization are permitted.


4. Using an altered tickrate is not permitted


4a. Playing on a server that runs at a tickrate, that is more than 30 tps, is unacceptable.


4b. An exception to 4a is Official dedicated servers (Valve, White Pinion) and servers with inconsistent or random tickrates.


4c. Another exception to 4a is the ai sided tickrate nb_update_frequency. This may be altered on community servers.


5. The use of plugins, that give an advantage deemed unfair, is not permitted


5a. Rounds that make use of preset configurations for items loaded before the round are unacceptable.


5b. 5a is nullified if the preset configuration only does one of the following:


6. Infected must always be able to reach the survivors


6a. Blocking the Infected's path in a way that renders them unable to reach the survivors (i.e. ladderblocking, setting up ammo or gascans in areas that may alter pathfinding, creating barriers intentionally) is unacceptable and is grounds for disqualification.


6b. Baiting Special Infected or tanks is acceptable as long as they can potentially reach the baiter at all times. (You may use the hedge on Stadium Gate, the hole on Mall Atrium, etc.)

Specifically, if the player were to stand still in any area of the bait spot, and infected could reliably path to them, it is considered legitimate.


7. You must fulfill the "Kill per minute" quota (Si/min) 


7a. In regards to the Minimum SI Rate, you should kill enough SI to make sure that you reach this minimum. This rule only applies to L4D2 records. The rates for full team maps are different for each map, see details below. Solo’s/Duo’s/Trio’s are listed at the top of this page if the SI rate is not reached without a round that is grounds for immediate disqualification of a round.


Minimum SI Rates:

The minimum SI count/minute is now calculated based off the average of the top 10 records.

How to calculate SI count per minute?

(Sum of every SI excluding Tank) ÷ (Minutes of the round)


Trio: 4si/min

Duo: 3si/min

Solo: 2si/min


See the full Steam group thread here.

L4D2 Minimum Special Infected count per minute:

7b. You absolutely must kill any stuck SI, CI, and Tanks whenever possible for both L4D1 and L4D2. Having stucks means the survivors won't need to tackle as many threats, which results in easier rounds. For L4D2, stuck SI will affect your SI count and put you at risk of being below the threshold. If you are unsure whether there are any stucks during a round, you can use the !sicount command to check the current SI rate within your game, as well as seeing how many of each SI has been killed.


7c. Defining reasonable unstucking:

- If you are able to shoot a stuck infected from anywhere in the playable area, or throw a grenade onto it from anywhere within the playable area, it is considered reasonably unstuckable.

- If you are not able to shoot or throw a grenade onto a stuck infected from anywhere on the map, nor are there any other means of damaging it (such as shooting through walls), it is considered unreasonable.

- Even if unstucking an infected is considered dangerous or high-risk, it must be killed.

- Not knowing an infected is stuck is not considered a valid excuse. Players are able to check for stuck infected, by typing status into the console. Whenever an infected dies, the new infected that takes their place has a new ID number, therefore, you can deduce that when one ID number has been around for an extended period of time, that this infected is likely stuck somewhere.


8. External users may not influence the round


8a. A round where a substitute player replaces one of the four players who started the round, at any point during the round, is considered illegitimate. The 4 players who started as survivors when the round began need to play it to its full extent for the time to be valid.


8b. A bot taking over a player's position, due to, for example, a crash or disconnect, is not a violation of rule 8a.


8c. A spectator providing assistance in any manner towards players, such as informing them about the location of SI (Stuck or otherwise) as well as giving information on item locations, is prohibited.


8d. Rule 8c. is void, if the spectator in question is a dead player. An active player in the round, who died, is allowed to inform their team of SI and item locations, as long as they remain a dead survivor (Switching into !spectate mode after dying is treated as a violation of rule 8c.)


9. Moving supplies is prohibited


9a. Moving* or Juggling** consumables (Medkits, Defib, Special Ammo, Pills, Adrenaline, Throwables) with the intention of gaining advantage in their altered position is forbidden and will result in the time being disqualified. This rule does not apply to any consumables dropped by an Uncommon Infected (Fallen Survivor Zombie, CEDA Zombie and Riot Zombie), or the act of moving gas cans, Propane, Fireworks or Oxygen Tanks.


9b. You are allowed to swap any consumable that you spawn with, as long as the second consumable that you pick up is used. If you swap the second consumable out for a third consumable without placing the second one back in its original position or using it, the round may be disqualified. If possible, after accidentally grabbing a consumable that you don’t intend to use, you must put it back in its original position.


Examples:

- You can swap out the medkit you spawn with for explosive ammunition, and then deploy the ammunition anywhere in the map. Afterwards, you can choose to grab the medkit you spawned with, or any other item in the map that fits the empty slot.

- You can swap out the medkit you spawn with for a defib, then decide that you want to use a kit after all. In that case, you should be careful to put the defib back in its original position.


9c. Modifying original item spawn locations and quantities through plugins or third party means is forbidden, unless what the plugin achieves is manually feasible on a default valve server (e.g. gas config plugin).


9d. Items that are outside of the playable area cannot be used. It is forbidden to reach any such items using exploits, cheats, or otherwise abnormal means.


9e. Each player is only allowed to fling*** one weapon per weapon spawn.

A Flung weapon can be dropped anywhere, as long as it reaches that destination using only one fling, furthermore no additional weapons may be brought there by the player who caused the movement. You are not allowed to use adrenaline, bhops or anything that would increase your speed for a greater fling.


Examples of scenarios:

- Crane: a solo player starts with a laser SMG and drops it near the AK-47 spawn. This is allowed. Then the player moves to the Combat Shotgun, and grabs it to kill a climbing tank. The AK-47 drops close to the Combat Shotgun spawn ✅ This is allowed 

- Gun Shop: 4 players move to the M16 spot and drop 4 Auto Shotguns behind them ✅ This is allowed.

- Church: 4 players bring 4 AK-47 to the ambulance, and then juggle 4 Auto Shotguns backwards close to the ammo pile ❌ This is not allowed.

- Motel duo: players juggle Combat Shotguns to the back street, on top of using lasered military sniper rifles ❌ This is not allowed.

9f. You are allowed to freely move starting pistols, consumable weapons (M60 and Grenade Launcher) and melee weapons away from any spot you are holding.


9g. You are allowed to move props by shooting, shoving, pushing or using melee swings. However, if props are moved by using objects such as propane, oxygen tanks or gas cans, it's disallowed.


* "Moving" meaning picking an item up while having the carried item fall nearby in return.

** "Juggling" an item means to switch it out for another item while moving in a certain direction.

*** “Flinging” a weapon means to alter its location through the use of momentum and physics to propel it away from a weapon spawn to a different spot (by jumping and moving back at the same time).


Rule 9 tl;dr - If you are unsure what you are doing is counted as Juggling/Moving you should ask a member of staff


10. The use of console commands/launch options that provide a clear unfair advantage is unacceptable


Using graphics or bots commands that normally are hidden and can't be used without using sv_cheats 1 and/or third party unlockers is not allowed. This includes addons that uses hidden cvars, see exceptions here.


Examples of unacceptable console commands/launch options include:


Examples of acceptable console commands/launch options include:


If you're unsure whether a console command is legitimate, contact an admin.


11. Solo, Duo, and Trio rules


11a. For a round to count as a solo or duo, all survivors, except for 1 (in solos), 2 (in duos), and 3 (in trios) must be killed (not kicked) before the start of the round and stay dead for the entirety of the round.


A Solo is defined as a round where only 1 player is controlling a survivor, and the other 3 are dead AI survivors.

A Duo is defined as a round where only 2 players are controlling a survivor, and the other 2 dead survivors are AI controlled.

A Trio is defined as a round where only 3 players are controlling a survivor, and the other dead survivor is AI controlled.


11b. Survivors may be killed off in any area accessible by the survivors that does not violate any other rules.


11c. Items from dead survivors are allowed to be used. However, switching to a bot, picking up a grenade, and switching back to make the survivor drop their grenade in another location when killed is treated as "moving consumables" (see rule 9a) and is considered illegitimate.


11d. Ensure the strategy used will not result in SI and tanks becoming stuck (refer to points 6 and 7).

Players must also ensure that they meet the minimum SI/min kill requirement for Solo/Duo/Trio.

See details at point 7a.


Rules of Conduct

The rules of conduct take place within the community itself, and guide the interactions between members as well as administrative staff, in order to ensure a positive environment for everyone.


1. General rules of conduct


1a. Treat other members with respect. This means no insults, harassment, or otherwise offensive statements or actions towards other members within the group. Direct attempts at offending other individuals is subject to admin response as deemed necessary.


1b. Jokes or otherwise non-offensive behaviour towards others is acceptable, as long as every individual involved is aware that it's a joke and considers it funny.


1c. In the case that anyone breaks the rules of conduct, you can either take a screenshot or video of the chat, or if you are in game you can use the !clip command to save the demo to the database no matter how long the round goes on (in the case that it doesn't reach the time threshold). You can then show the screenshots/video to an admin or alert us to the fact that you clipped a round and we can investigate it ourselves.


1d. Rule 1b. is overruled by rule 1a. if evidence (screenshot, video or a demo) shows insulting or offensive statements to other members, as this can be taken out of context.

(See rule 1d. of the Rules of submission).


1e. The usage of racist, homophobic, sexist or transphobic slurs or any of forms of bigotry are not allowed within our servers. If you are found to be saying anything that breaks this rule you will be gagged for a variable amount of time depending on the severity of what you've said with the possibility of a ban if it continues.


2. Inappropriate topics


2a. Discussing or openly talking about topics deemed inappropriate will result in deletion of the comment/post in question.

The term "inappropriate" refers to any topic that directly offends, demeans, or otherwise insults an individual, as well as topics that are considered "private information"

(see rule 2b. of the Rules of conduct).


2b. Private Information about users is not to be shared without the consent of the user in question.

Private information includes, but is not limited to:

- Information not made publicly available (publicly available referring to social media, public posts by the user, public statements, ...).

- Information shared with individuals via private messaging services (Steam chat, Skype, Messenger, Whatsapp, ...).

- Information found by third parties without the user's consent.


2c. Openly discussing violent, emotionally disturbing, traumatising, or extremist topics is prohibited. This group is for survival records, not for debates on whether the french prime minister is competent.


3. Off-topic discussions


3a. Off-topic discussions are acceptable, as long as they are kept brief. Avoid very long discussions that aren't related to the mode, game, or Valve/Steam.


3b. Purposely derailing topics for the sake of trolling or distraction is grounds for deletion.


4. Admin rights


The group's admins work on a democratic system, where any major decision warrants a democratic vote with the majority outcome determining the result. We try to co-operate with users as much as possible, openly taking feedback and engaging with the community in an attempt to let every community member be heard, but we reserve the last word in any decision.

Moderators of the group, for all intents and purposes, are to be considered on par with admins and part of the admin body.


4a. Admins reserve the right to remove, edit, or otherwise change the group's content at their sole discretion.


4b. Admins reserve the right to delete comments and remove users at their sole discretion.


4c. Directly attacking, threatening or engaging in otherwise aggressive behaviour towards an admin is grounds for punishment. The form of this punishment is determined by the respective admin at their own discretion.


4d. Admins reserve the right to have the last say on any matters that arise, as well as the discretion to act upon any rule violation of the rules of conduct in the way that they see fit.


5. Member rights


To ensure that members can adequately defend themselves at any given moment, and to prevent authoritarianism, members also dispose of various rights and permissions they can call upon if deemed necessary.


5a. Members reserve the right to request and receive an explanation for any punishment given to them by an admin.


5b. Members who have been removed from the group by the decision of a sole admin reserve the right to appeal to the entire admin body. This will prompt an admin meeting, with a democratic vote on the issue to either uphold the verdict, or repeal it.


5c. Each member can request to have a discussion directly with an admin, if deemed necessary and adequate by the player.

This request, given valid context (E.g: member was banned, member's time was disqualified, etc...) will always be granted and will be done via voicechat. In this situation, a second admin will be present during the discussion and serves as a neutral mediator, being impartial to both sides, with the primary purpose of keeping the discussion civil and productive. The second admin, if the player wishes, can be chosen by the player. This will involve issues in regards to organisation, but will be followed through if the player requests so.