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Halo 2 for Windows Vista
Running a Dedicated Server

and Creating Playlists
March 2007
2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft, Halo, Windows, Windows Vista, and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Running a Dedicated Server

You can run a game of Halo 2 for Windows Vista for you and your friends in two ways. One way is
peer hosting, where you also play in the game too. In this case, you create a game spontaneously in the
game user interface (UI) and invite your friends to join you.
The second way is to set up a computer with the Halo 2 Dedicated Server application. In this case, you
dont play on this computer, and the computer runs certain games off of a playlist. Dedicated servers can
run either as a log-on state or as a Windows service. As a Windows service, a dedicated server can keep
running even if you log off of the computer. If you keep your computer connected to the Internet and
logged into Games for Windows LIVE , a dedicated server can run on your computer 24-7.
You can host a server game that supports up to 16 players at once, on LIVE or on the local network. Players
running Halo 2 for Xbox cannot connect to or play in Halo 2 for Windows Vista server games.
Note: Halo 2 Dedicated Server is not supported by Microsoft support services. For information about and
help with Halo 2 Dedicated Server, see www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo2/.
Server as Host
With Halo 2 Dedicated Server, the server acts as the host of the game. No one plays on the same computer
as the server, so there is no host advantage and everyone gets the same performance from the host
computer. Some players may still have better connectivity than others, so a perfectly level playing field is
not guaranteed.
You can run server software on computers in racks in colo (collocation centers) or server farms. Doing
this can help with better network access and performance speeds.
Playlist Functionality
In a peer-hosted game run by a player, one of the players acts as the leader and chooses settings, maps, and
game types before each game. In a game run by Halo 2 Dedicated Server, these choices are preloaded in a
playlist, then run in a loop over and over (or shuffled). The playlist can be small or large, with a maximum
of 100 matches.
For more on customizing your own playlist, see "Making a Playlist."
System Requirements
Your server can run as a local area network (LAN) server or a LIVE server.
If you want to run a LAN server, you need:
1.7 gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor. For more information, see
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/capable.mspx.
1 gigabyte (GB) of system memory.
40 GB of hard drive capacity, with 15 GB free space.
Network card.
Either Windows Vista or Windows 2003 Server.
If you want to run a LIVE server, you also need:

A broadband Internet connection. If you are using a home router, make sure it is compatible with
the LIVE service. For more information, see http://www.xbox.com/enUS/support/connecttolive/xbox360/homenetworking/equipment.htm.
A Silver or Gold Games for Windows LIVE account.
A Halo 2 for Windows Vista product key. You can use the same product key that you use to play
the game.
Getting a Silver Games for Windows LIVE Account

To run the Halo 2 Dedicated Server, you must have, at the minimum, a Silver Games for Windows LIVE
account. You can also use a Gold Games for Windows LIVE account. To sign up for Games for Windows
LIVE, go to www.xboxlive.com. The gamertag you choose appears as the servers displayed name in the
Game Browser screen for LIVE games. If you run a dedicated server over a network, your server name
initially is your computer name (until you change it).
Installing Halo 2 Dedicated Server

To install Halo 2 Dedicated Server, place the game disc in your computer and click Install Dedicated
Server on the initial install menu. Doing this installs the dedicated server and all the default maps. If you
have custom maps, copy those over.
To log on to the server, you can either log on remotely using Remote Desktop or work directly at the server
console.
Running a Dedicated Server Manually

If you want to manually start a server:
1. Open a Command Prompt window.
2. In the Command Prompt window, change your working directory to the location where you installed
the server program files, for example:
cd \Program Files\Microsoft Games\Halo 2 for Windows Vista Server
3. Start the server by running one of the following commands:
h2server live
or
h2server -lan
To run a LIVE server, a couple of additional instructions apply. The first time you start a LIVE server, you
also need to set your product key, as shown:
h2server$ live key 12345-12345-12345-12345-12345
To sign in to LIVE, use the following command:
h2server$ live autosignin user@domain
where user@domain is your Windows Live account.
Your server continues running until you run the exit command or log off. For more on the exit command,
see "H2Server Commands," following.
For more on customizing your servers playlist, see "Making a Playlist."
Halo 2 for Windows Vista: Running a Dedicated Server and Creating Playlists
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Setting Up Your Server to Run Automatically

To run the server automatically, you set up the server as a Windows service. Then, when you log off of
Windows, the server continues running. It is recommended that you create a Windows Vista user account to
associate the game service with.
To set up your server to start automatically:
1. Open a Command Prompt window. (On Windows Vista, you need to open a window for an elevated
command prompt by using the Run As Administrator option.)
2. In the Command Prompt window, change your working directory to the location where you installed
the server program files, for example:
cd \Program Files\Microsoft Games\Halo 2 for Windows Vista Server
3. Create a Windows service to run your server by running one of the following commands:
h2server -createservice -live
or
h2server -createservice -lan
4. Log out of Windows and then log back on for the changes to take effect.
5. Connect to your new service by opening the server console with the following command:
h2admin -live
or
h2admin -lan
To set up a LIVE server, a couple of additional instructions apply:
Set your new services product key:
h2server$ live key 12345-12345-12345-12345-12345
Configure your service to sign in to LIVE automatically:
h2server$ live autosignin user@domain
The LIVE server runs 24-7 and automatically restarts if the computer it runs on is rebooted. You only need
to log in to your LIVE server if you want to open the server administration console and make changes. The
server loads and uses the Example.hpl playlist by default.
For more on customizing your servers playlist, see "Making a Playlist."
If you no longer want your server to automatically start, delete your server service. For instructions, see
"H2Server Command-Line Options."
Starting and Stopping a Server Configured to Run Automatically

To start and stop a server configured to run automatically as a Windows service, you use the Windows
Services Manager.
To do so, first open the Windows Services Manager. Note that this process is different when running Vista
than when running Windows 2003.
In the window displayed, find the service called Halo 2 Server. Use the Windows Services Manager
commands to start or stop the service. If you right-click the Halo 2 Server service and choose Properties,
you can change the service to start manually, or disable it completely.
Swapping the Playlist

To change a dedicated server's playlist while the server is running:
1. Create a new playlist. The new playlist can have content copied from the old one and then modified.
2. Give the new playlist a new file name with the .hpl suffix.
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3. In the h2server command line, type

Play location and name of new list
where location and name of new list is the path to the new list. Paths that contain spaces can be
specified with quotation marks, for example:
cd \Playlists\Halo 2 for Windows Vista Server\everymap.hpl
The server switches to the new playlist as soon as the current match concludes.
H2Server Command-Line Options

H2Server is the Halo 2 Dedicated Server application used to manually run a game server, or to create or
delete a Windows service that runs the game server automatically. If you do not specify a Windows Vista
user account to associate with that service, the H2server application creates one for you. Its command-line
options are as follows:
H2server -createservice -live
Installs the server in LIVE mode. Example:
H2server$ -createservice -live
H2server -createservice -lan
Installs the server in LAN mode. Example:
H2server$ -createservice
H2server -deleteservice -live
Uninstalls the current LIVE server. Example:
H2server$ -deleteservice -live
H2server -deleteservice -lan
Uninstalls the current LAN server. Example:
H2server$ -deleteservice -lan
H2server -live
Runs the server as a console application in LIVE mode.
H2server -lan
Runs the server as a console application in LAN mode.
H2Admin Command-Line Options

H2Admin is the administration console for Halo 2 Dedicated Server, when Dedicated Server runs as a
Windows Vista service. You use this console to run server commands when you started a Halo 2 Server
service. It has two options, indicating a LIVE server and a LAN (network) server, as follows:
H2admin -live
H2admin -lan
H2Server Commands
The following lists and describes commands you can give the server. Note in the following examples that
H2Server$ is the prompt you see on the command line while the server is running, instead of C:\.
Ban
The ban command displays or adds temporary or permanent bans for players (referred to as gamers) on
LIVE dedicated servers. For non-LIVE (that is, LAN) games, it bans specific computers specified by IP
address, subnet, or network interface card (NIC) .
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ban display gamer

Displays the list of banned gamertags for this dedicated server.
ban gamer gamertag duration
Bans the specified gamertag. The duration time setting is optional. If you dont set the duration of the ban,
the default ban is permanent (from this dedicated server). For syntax on duration, see following.
ban display ip
Displays the list in effect of bans of IP addresses and Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) subnets.
ban ip (ip-address |cidr-subnet-mask) duration
Bans an IP address (in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) or subnet (in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/xx). The time
span indicated by duration is optional; the default is a permanent ban from this dedicated server.
ban display nic
Displays the list of NIC bans in effect.
ban nic Ethernet-address duration
Bans a NIC by Ethernet address (in the format xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx). The time span indicated by duration is
optional; the default is a permanent ban from this dedicated server.
Setting duration for ban is optional; a duration setting can be used to specify temporary bans. You can
specify a duration in any combination of seconds, minutes, hours, or days.
Examples:
30s is 30 seconds.
45m is 45 minutes.
12h is 12 hours.
30d is 30 days.
3m 30s is 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
2d 8h is 2 days and 8 hours.
Description
The description command sets or displays the description for the session. This command only works in
LIVE (not on a network). You can use quotes to enclose phrases that include spaces. These session
descriptions appear in the LIVE Game Browsers detail dialog box. Each description is limited to 31
characters long.
Example:
H2server$ description Mayhem and chaos
This command line sets the description to Mayhem and chaos. To see the current description, type at a
command prompt:
H2server$ description
Mayhem and chaos
Exit
If you are running the server manually through H2server.exe, the exit command terminates the game and
immediately disconnects everyone.
If you are connected to the server using H2admin.exe, exit closes the administration console. The server
continues to run, and gameplay is uninterrupted. If you want to stop the server and disconnect the players,
you need to stop the Halo 2 Server service as described previously.
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Kick
Kick player-name
The kick command ejects the specified player from the game. Replace player-name with the gamertag of
the player you want to kick off of that server.
Example:
Suppose the status of a game is as shown:
H2server$ Status
Network mode: Live
Current state: online - pregame lobby
Sign-in: happy@domain.com
Name: HappyServer
Description: Running small maps
Playlist: C:/server playlists/smallmap.hpl
Playing Slayer on Beaver Creek.
Next: Team Slayer on Elongation.
Players:
RabidDog
Hyena
JackRabbit
H2server$ kick RabidDog
This command ejects the player RabidDog from the game.
Help
The help command gives you more information about the list of commands or a particular command. Type
help command where command is the item you want more information about.
Live
The live command sets the server's product key, Games for Windows LIVE identifier (ID), and password.
The live command also lets you sign your server out of LIVE and get server status.
Live autosignin live-id
Securely saves a LIVE ID (indicated by live-id) and password for automatic sign-in with the servers
configured LIVE ID.
Example:
H2server$ live autosignin happy@domain.com
live key xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
Sets your servers product key to the key specified by xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx.
live signin live-id
Tells the server to sign in to LIVE manually, using the provided account.
live signout
Signs the server to out of LIVE.
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Name
The name command only works with non-LIVE (that is, LAN) games. The default network name is the
computers name, displayed in the Network Browser. For LIVE server games, the gamertag of the account
is displayed in the LIVE Game Browser.
name
Displays the servers current game name.
name name
Sets the servers current game name to name.
A name used with the name command is limited to 20 characters long. Any names longer than one word
(that is, with internal spaces) must be inside quotation marks.
Examples:
To check the current name:
H2server$ name
In this case, the command returns:
Large Map Server
The game is currently called Large Map Server.
To change the name to something else:
H2server$ name Squash Make Flat
The game is now called Squash Make Flat.
Play
The play command loads a new playlist onto the server while the server is still running. You can modify
your current playlist, save it, then use this command to update the server without a restart. Any names
longer than one word (that is, with internal spaces) must be inside quotation marks.
play playlist-filename
Plays the playlist specified as playlist-filename.
Examples:
H2server$ play default.hpl
H2server$ play every slayer variant.hpl
Players
The players command displays or sets the maximum number of players allowed on the server (or server
instance) at one time. For example, if youre running small maps and want to restrict total people per map
to 6, you can use the players command to set players in all matches on the server to 6. The maximum
number of players possible is 16.
H2server$ players
16
Returns the number of players allowed at once on the server. (Sixteen is the default.)
players number
Sets the number of players on the server to the specified maximum.
Example:
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H2server$ players 6
Set players to a maximum of 6 on the server.
Playing
The playing command displays information about the current playlist. If there are any errors in the playlist
matches or custom variants, this command shows you those and lists the line numbers that the errors
occurred on. You can check those line numbers in Microsoft Wordpadto do so, turn off the word wrap
option, click Status Bar on the View menu, and check the number of the line at the bottom, in the status
bar. A playlist can run with errors in matches and in the variants. In this case, the matches or custom
variants that contain errors are skipped.
Example:
H2server$ playing
Playlist: C:\MyHaloPlaylists\LivePlaylists\wildwest.hpl
Privacy
The privacy command displays or sets the privacy settings for the server. You can allow anyone to join
with open, restrict your games to LIVE Gold members only with gold, or restrict people to a list of specific
gamertags with vip. For more information on setting a VIP list, see the entry on vip, following.
Example:
H2server$ privacy gold
This example sets the privacy level to LIVE Gold members only.
Sendmsg
The sendmsg command broadcasts a message to all the players active on the server through text chat in
either the lobby or the game. This command is very useful if you need to do server maintenance.
sendmsg message
Sends the specified message.
Example:
H2server$ sendmsg Server will be going down in about 30 minutes.
Skip
The skip command ends the current game in the playlist and moves the players to the next game in the
playlist, or to the next random game if the playlist is shuffled.
Example:
H2server$ skip
This command skips the game ahead and stop the current game immediately.
Statsfolder
The statsfolder command displays or sets the location of the folder to which the server outputs game
statistics. This command, if a folder is set, enables the ability to record statistics from the server games. If a
folder path is supplied, this command sets the stats folder path. Paths that contain spaces can be specified
with quotation marks. Put in an empty string () to disable exporting stats.
Stats are sent in XML format and can be used to set up your own ranked or leaderboard games, to be
displayed on a Web site.
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Examples:
H2server$ statsfolder c:\myfolder
H2server$ statsfolder c:\my documents\my Halo 2 for Windows Vista games\my server stats
Status
The status command displays status information about the servers connection, state, and sign-in gamertag,
as well as who is connected to the server, what game they are currently playing, how much time is left in
the game, what game is next, and whether the network is a LIVE network. Players are listed by gamertag,
which you can use for the kick command. If time is listed, the format is hours: minutes: seconds. The
network status includes details of LIVE or network, your current signed-in status, and your current LIVE
ID credentials used to sign in.
Examples:
H2server$ status
Network mode: Live
Current state: online - pregame lobby
Sign-in: happy@domain.com
Name: HappyServer
Description: Running small maps
Playlist: C:/server playlists/smallmap.hpl
Playing Slayer on Beaver Creek.
Next: Team Slayer on Elongation.
Players:
RabidDog
Hyena
JackRabbit
Unban
The unban command removes a ban from a computer or a gamer (a player).
unban gamer gamertag
Specifies by gamertag a LIVE gamer to unban. This command is only valid with LIVE games.
unban ip <ip-address:cidr-subnet-mask>
Specifies an IP address (in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) or CIDR subnet mask (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/xx) to unban.
This command is only valid for non-LIVE (that is, LAN) games.
unban nic <Ethernet-address>
Specifies a NIC (xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx) to unban. This command is only valid for non-LIVE (that is, LAN)
games.
unban all gamer
Removes all LIVE gamer bans.
unban all IP
Removes all IP address and CIDR subnet bans.
unban all NIC
Removes all NIC bans.
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VIP
The vip command displays and edits the VIP gamer list. VIP gamers are the specific people you allow to
play on your server, listed by gamertag. The vip command works for LIVE games and LIVE game servers
only.
vip display
Displays the list of VIP gamertags.
vip add gamertag
Adds the specified gamertag to the VIP list.
vip remove gamertag
Removes the specified gamertag from the VIP list.
vip clear
Clears the VIP gamer list.
Making a Playlist
A playlist is a collection of matches to be played in order, or randomly, by a remote server, instead of
hosted by a human. The playlist can also contain a game (known as match) that has special rules set up
ahead of time, known as a custom game variant.
In Halo 2 for Windows Vista, you can design your own playlist of games and custom variants to play
games in sequence on the dedicated server.
Creating a Playlist File

You can run a playlist on the dedicated server by creating a properly formatted playlist file with the suffix
.hpl. An Example.hpl file is included with the game.
Naming and Formatting the Playlist File

A playlist file can be named any name you like, as long as it ends in .hpl. Any plain text editor can be
used. If you want to use variant names or map names that contain non-ASCII characters, you need to use a
text editor that supports saving plain text with UTF-8 or UTF-16 encoding.
For each setting, the name and value need to be on the same linefor example, shuffle=On. Extra tabs and
spaces in that line are finefor example, shuffle = On. You cant break headings across multiple lines
either.
This format works:
Base Variant = Team Crazy King
However, these do not:
Base Variant=
Team Crazy King
Base Variant
= Team Crazy King
Variant = Team Crazy King
Some of the settings in the playlist file use yes or no, 0 or 1, On or Off, or true or false to determine if the
feature is turned on or off. You can format these in a variety of ways. For yes or no and true or false, only
the first letter matters.
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The following examples all work to turn on a setting:

Shuffle=T
Shuffle = tRuE
Shuffle = yes
Shuffle=YEAH ALL RIGHT
Shuffle = Y
Shuffle=1
Shuffle = On
The following examples all work to turn off a setting:
Shuffle=N
Shuffle=No way
Shuffle=Nope!
Shuffle=0
Shuffle=False
Shuffle=F
Shuffle = Off
Placing the File

You can put the playlist files wherever you want. You can also have more than one playlist file. The server
points to a single playlist file. When you start the server, that file is loaded and played. If you want to run a
different playlist, you need to manually run the play command to change the servers playlist. When you
run that command, you pass in the name of the playlist file and the path to the playlist file. The server
switches playlists after the conclusion of the current game. Hint: Use double quotes () around the playlist
path if it contains spaces.
Optional Section in the File: Playlist

A playlist must contain a [playlist] section.
In the [playlist] section, you define the nature of the playlist to the server. This section may appear once at
the top of a playlist file. These are the options you can put in this section:
[playlist]
;The Sample Playlist
Shuffle=On
Pregame Team Selection Delay=30
Pregame Delay=10
Postgame Delay=14
Heres the breakdown on those options:
[playlist]
Defines the playlist section.
;The Sample Playlist (optional)
Gives a name to the playlist in a comment. The user interface (UI) does not display the comment; the
comment helps keep track of which file you are working in. You can make comments anywhere in the file
by preceding them with a semicolon.
Shuffle = On (optional)
Randomizes the lists of matches so that they dont play in order.
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Pregame Team Selection Delay (optional)

Sets the delay, in seconds, that you want the lobby to pause between games if players need to pick their
teams or change teams. This option is used only when teams are present. The maximum delay is 10
minutes.
Pregame Delay (optional)
Sets the delay, in seconds, that you want the lobby to wait between games in the playlist on the server. This
period is everyones opportunity to send text or voice chat, or decide if they want the server admin to
change the playlist to different maps or variants.
Postgame Delay (optional)
Sets the delay, in seconds, that the postgame Carnage Report is shown to the players. They check their kills,
medals, assists, and other information at this time.
As described preceding, there are three timers that delay the start of a game for the dedicated server. They
go in this order:
Pregame Team Selection Delay (silent timer)the amount of time people have to change teams (if there
are teams), view the map, chat, and read the game rules before a game. People can join or leave the
Pregame Lobby during this silent countdown. The default is 10 seconds. The maximum is 10 minutes.
Pregame Delay (audible and visible timer)the amount of time the server waits in the game lobby for
people to view the map, chat, and read the game rules before a match. The default is 10 seconds. The
maximum is 10 minutes.
Postgame Delay (silent timer)the amount of time people have to spend viewing the postgame Carnage
Report, before switching to the next Pregame Lobby. The default is 30 seconds.
Required Sections in the File: Match

Every playlist must have at least one match section. This section can be repeated to create a long list of
possible games to play. A list can have a maximum of 100 matches. The shuffle option plays these matches
in random order. If anything is wrong with a particular match, the server skips it.
The minimal required format looks like this:
[match]
variant=Team Crazy King
map=Sanctuary
All the options in the match look like this:
[match]
variant=Team Crazy King
map=Gemini
weight=700
minimum players=2
maximum players=16
In these examples:
[match]
Defines the match listing
variant
Names the base variant or custom variant that you want to play in this match.
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There are several ways to state what match you want in your playlist (or to build upon in your custom
variant). The name used with variant matches the game shell (UI) spelling of the variant exactly. (For a
listing of all variants and their descriptions, see the end of this document.) You can use custom variants;
how to define those in the dedicated server playlist is explained in a later section of this document. If you
misspell a variant name, that match is skipped in the playlist.
map
Sets the map for this particular game. You can use a Bungie-created map or a custom map, as long as all the
players have a copy of the map or are willing to get a copy of the map. If you have a Games for Windows
LIVE Gold account, you can get the map downloaded to your client from the server while you wait in the
Pregame Lobby.
If you misspell a map or variant, that entry wont work and is skipped. Also remove any extra spaces added
between the option words.
weight
Helps you set the probability higher or lower whether this match appears in the servers rotation. The
weight value only matters if you set playlist shuffle to yes. The weight can be a number from 1 to 1000.
Matches with a higher weight are chosen more often than matches with a lower weight. For more
information, see the "Setting Match Weight" section following.
minimum players
Sets the minimum number of players required for the match to be played. If you require 2, as in the
preceding example, and only one person is on the server, this entire match is skipped rather than played. If
no match that fits the minimum and maximum settings specified can be found, this match is played with the
available players regardless of the minimum and maximum settings for it.
maximum players
Sets the total number of players allowed in a match at once. The game has a maximum of 16, so this value
must be 16 or less. This option is very useful if youve designed a small map with 2 x 2 teams, for example.
If no match that fits the minimum and maximum settings specified can be found, this match is played with
the available players regardless of the minimum and maximum settings for it.
Creating Custom Variants in the Playlist File

The playlist file can also support custom variants that you define in the playlist file itself. Because the
variants are defined on the servers list, everyone on the server automatically has access to them (no
downloading needed).
You can define up to 100 custom variants per playlist. Custom variants are optional and do not have to be
included in the playlist file.
Note: Custom variants must be listed before matches in a playlist file.
Defining Your Variant

To create a variant, first you need to define it. You can use a game variant as a base and modify it, similar to
creating a new game variant in the game shell. Or you can create a variant from scratch. The tables at the
end of this document list options for a custom variant.
Note: You must list either a Base Variant or a Game Type for each custom variant for it to work.
The format looks like this example:
[Custom Variant]
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Name=Snipers Special
Base Variant=Snipers
Active Camo = On
Weapons on Map = random
Force Even Teams = On
In this example:
[Custom Variant]
Provides the section header for a variant. You can have up to 100 custom variants in one playlist.
Name
Names your variant. This name appears on the Game Details page in the Game Browser, in the Game
Browser variant column, and also in the Pregame Lobby while everyone is waiting for the game to start.
Maximum name length is 16 characters (including spaces).
Base Variant
Provides a base for a custom variant. There are two ways to start building your custom variant. You can
start with a base variant, which is any of the subtypes or variations of the basic game types. For example,
Slayer is a basic game type and Team Slayer would be the base variant. Any additional options you add
supersede any base variant rules. This process is similar to creating a new game variant in the game UI by
choosing one of the existing variants and then changing settings.
Game Type
Provides a game type to create a custom variant from. Instead of using a base variant, you can start from
scratch using one of the seven major types of games: Slayer, CTF, Assault, Territories, and so on. Doing
this is similar to creating a new game variant in the game UI by choosing a game type, selecting the Create
New command, and then changing settings.
Active Camo
Makes all the players invisible with active camo all the time. This is an example of one of the game options
you can set in the game.
Weapons on Map
Sets the weapons used in games on this map. In this case, this option is set to place random weapons on the
map. Weapons can also be inherited from the base variant. For other options, see the tables following.
Force Even Teams
Sets whether you want the server to force the teams to be even for a match. This option for the variant uses
Y/N.
Changing Playlists and Match Weight

Changing Playlists
You can change the playlist on the server by running the play command at any time. Doing this switches
the playlist at the conclusion of the current game without booting the players.
If you modify your current playlist (say, in Notepad) while that playlist is being used, you can save the
changed Playlist.hpl file with the same name. Then, at the command line for the server, type play name
playlist-name (where playlist-name is the list name). When the current game finishes, the server reloads the
playlist.
Page 14
Setting Match Weight

In a random or shuffled playlist, you can set a match weight to help certain games be played more often.
This weighting is done by distributing points to each of the matches to affect the probability that a
particular match will show up more often in a shuffled playlist.
To do this, first you must first set your playlist to Shuffle = yes.
Second, you need to assign a match weight to each match in your list. Possible weight values are between 1
and 1000. Entries without a weight get a default weight of 100.
For example:
Match A
Match B
Match C
700
100
200
This example picks A the most often, followed by C and occasional doses of B. Even though A has a much
higher probability of being picked, the server tries to avoid playing the same match back to back. A
probable match pattern is something like: A C A C A B A C B A
The following example is a bad example:
Match A
100
Match B
100
Match C
100
All these games, A, B, and C, would come up equally in a shuffle. In this case, dont use match weight. Just
shuffle the playlist.
To play matches in order, turn off shuffle and order them in your playlist the way you want them to be
played. The syntax here is something like:
[match]
Base_variant=Team Crazy King
map=Sanctuary
weight=700
[match]
Base_variant=Team Crazy King
map=Gemini
weight=100
[match]
Base_variant=Rockets
map=Gemini
weight=200
Custom Variant Reference: Universal Game Options

The following settings are used for all game types unless otherwise noted. Options specific to a game type
are listed later in the document in game-specific sections (such as "Slayer Options").
Name
Refers to the variant from a match section.
Base Variant
Page 15
Sets the base variant. This option can be used instead of game type. For more information, see the table of
base variants at the end of this document.
Game Type
Sets the game type. Following is a list of game types by name.
Game
Slayer
What it does
Kill as many of your opponents as you can. The player with the most
points wins.
Gain control of the hill to earn time. Keep your opponents off and
earn the most time to win.
Find the ball and hold on to it to earn time. The player with the most
time wins.
Work together to take down the Juggernaut. Beware, you kill the
Juggernaut, you become the Juggernaut, and only the Juggernaut can
win.
Capture the Flag: Invade your opponents stronghold, heist their flag,
and bring it back to your base to score.
Carry your bomb into the enemy base and arm it. Once armed, drop it
on the enemy bomb post to score.
Find and control territories on the map. The more territories you
control, the faster you earn time.
King of the Hill

Oddball
Juggernaut
Capture the Flag
Assault
Territories
Example:
Game Type = Slayer
Note that King of the Hill can also be King and KoTH, and Capture the Flag can also be CTF.
Example:
Game Type = KoTH
Match Options
Option
Number of Rounds
Score to Win Round
Round Time Limit
Rounds Reset Map

Resolve Ties
Value
What it does
1 Round, 2 Rounds, 4 Rounds, 6 A game can end after a single round, after a
Rounds, First to 2, First to 3, First fixed number of rounds, or only after
to 4
someone wins a number of rounds.
See specifics in each game type
section below.
None, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3
A round can be set to end after a set amount
minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 of time has elapsed. Use this to prevent
minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 games from lasting too long.
minutes, 10 minutes, 12 minutes,
15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30
minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour
On/Off
A new round can either keep the map in its
destroyed state from the previous round or
reset it to its original pristine state.
On/Off
When resolve ties is off a game can end in a
tie. When it is on a winner will be chosen
based on secondary winning conditions.
Example:
Round Time Limit = 45 Minutes
Page 16
Player Settings
Option
Value
Max Active Players 2-16
Lives Per Round
1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 99; unlimited
Respawn Time
3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15

seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds
Suicide Penalty
None, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15

seconds
Shield Type
Normal Shields, No Shields,

Overshields
Motion Sensor
Off/On
Active Camo
Off/On
Extra Damage
On/Off
What it does
This setting controls how many players are
active in the game at once. In non-team
games this is total players, in team games,
players per team. All other players must
wait their turn as active players.
The Lives Per Round setting determines
how many chances youll have in the
game. Once youre out of lives you no
longer respawn.
Respawn Time controls the amount of
time that a dead player must wait before
getting another chance at life.
When you kill yourself you will have to
wait the time specified for Suicide Penalty
in addition to any other wait time before
you respawn.
Shield Type determines whether players
have energy shields, and if so whether they
are normal strength, turned off, or
overcharged.
When the Motion Sensor is turned off it
no longer detects or indicates movement.
When this is on, all players will be
invisible with Active Camo. Firing a
weapon or taking damage makes you
temporarily visible again.
When Extra Damage is on all players will
inflict more damage than normal.
When Damage Resistance is on, everyone
will be tougher than normal.
Damage Resistance On/Off

Example:
Shield Type = No Shields
Note that Shield Type can also be Normal, None, or Off.
Team Options
Option
Team Play
Friendly Fire
Value
See specifics in the game type
sections following.
sections following.
sections following.
On/Off
Respawn Time Modifier
Inheritance, Cycling, None
Team Scoring
Team Changing
What it does
Unwary players can injure or even kill

teammates. Friendly Fire can be turned off
so that teammates cannot be directly
damaged by each other.
Players either inherit dead teammate spawn
Page 17
Betrayal Penalty
times (inheritance), respawn together at fixed

intervals (cycling), or respawn at a set
amount of time after they die (none).
None, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, This setting determines an additional amount
15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1
of time a team killer will have to wait before
minute, 2 minutes
respawning.
Vehicle Options
Option
Vehicle Respawn Time
Value
What it does
Map Default, Half As Often, No Vehicle respawn time determines how
Respawn
quickly dead vehicles come back to life.
Times are relative to the default settings for
the map.
Primary Light Vehicle
Map Default, Warthog, Gauss
This setting allows you to override the mapWarthog, Ghost, Spectre,
specific primary light land vehicle with a
Random, None
vehicle of your choosing.
Secondary Light Vehicle Map Default, Warthog, Gauss
This setting allows you to override the mapWarthog, Ghost, Spectre,
specific secondary light land vehicle with a
Random, None
Primary Heavy Vehicle Map Default, Scorpion Tank,
This setting allows you to override the mapWraith, Random, None
specific primary heavy land vehicle with a
Banshee
Map Default, On, Off
This setting allows you to specify whether
Banshees appear on a map that supports
them.
Primary Turret
Map Default, Large Machine
This setting allows you to override the mapGun, Large Plasma, Random,
specific primary turret with the turret of
None
your choosing.
Secondary Turret
Map Default, Large Machine
This setting allows you to override the mapGun, Large Plasma, Random,
specific secondary turret with a turret of
None
your choosing.
Equipment Options
Option
Starting Weapon
Secondary Weapon
Starting Grenades
Value
Map Default, None, Random,
Battle Rifle, Magnum, SMG,
Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle,
Brute Plasma Rifle, Rocket
Launcher, Shotgun, Sniper
Rifle, Brute Shot, Needler,
Carbine, Beam Rifle, Energy
Sword, Sentinel Beam
Map Default, None, Random,
Battle Rifle, Magnum, SMG,
Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle,
Brute Plasma Rifle, Rocket
Launcher, Shotgun, Sniper
Rifle, Brute Shot, Needler,
Carbine, Beam Rifle, Energy
Sword, Sentinel Beam
On/Off
What it does
This setting determines which primary
weapon players start the game and respawn
with.
This setting determines which backup

weapon players start the game and respawn
with. A backup weapon is optional.
When this setting is on players will start the

game and respawn with grenades.
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Weapons on Map
Weapon Respawn Time
Grenades On Map
Overshields
Active Camo on Map
Map Default, None, Rockets, This setting determines the set of weapons
Shotguns, Swords, Brute Shots, that is available on the map. Weapons on
Halo Classic, New Classic,
map can also be turned off entirely.
Heavy Weapons, All Duals, No
Duals, Rifles, Sniping, No
Sniping, Pistols, Plasma,
Human, Covenant, Random Set
Map Default, No Respawn,
Weapon Respawn time determines how
Half Time, Double Time
much time it takes to respawn weapons.
Times are relative to the default settings for
the map.
On/Off
If Grenades On Map is turned off there will
be no grenades available for pickup on the
map.
On/Off
This setting controls whether or not the
Overshield powerup is available on the map.
On/Off
This setting controls whether or not the
Active Camouflage powerup is available on
the map.
Custom Variant Reference: Slayer Settings

The following options help you create a custom variant of the Slayer game type. In Slayer, you kill as many
opponents as you can. Each kill is a point. The player with the most points wins.
Slayer-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
1, 3, 5, 10, 15,
20, 25, 50, 100,
250, Unlimited
What it does
Points are earned in Slayer for killing other players. This
setting determines how many points are needed to win a
round.
Slayer-Specific Team Options

Option
Team Play
Team Scoring
Team Changing
Force Even Teams
Value
On/Off
What it does
This setting determines whether this is a team game or a
free-for-all. The maximum number of teams for this game
is determined by the map.
Sum, Minimum, A teams score can be the sum of all its members scores,
Maximum
the score of its lowest player (minimum), or the score of
its highest player (maximum).
On/Off
When Team Changing is on players are allowed to
change teams while the game is in progress.
On/Off
When Force Even Teams is on, each team will only have
as many active players as the team with the fewest
players. All other team members must wait for their turn
to spawn.
Slayer Game Options

Option
Bonus Points
Value
On/Off
Suicide Point Loss
On/Off
What it does
When Bonus Points are enabled, players can earn
additional points for notable acts like double kills and
killing sprees. (Off by default.)
When Suicide Point Loss is enabled, a player will lose a
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Death Point Loss
point for committing suicide. (On by default.)

When Death Point Loss is enabled, a player that dies
will lose a point. Careful, this can lengthen games
significantly! (Off by default.)
On/Off
Custom Variant Reference: King of the Hill Settings

The following tables can help you customize the King of the Hill game type. In King of the Hill, you gain
control of the hill to earn time. Keep your opponents off and earn the most time to win.
King-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
Off, 30 seconds,
1 minute, 2
minutes, 3
minutes, 5
minutes
What it does
You accumulate time in King of the Hill by standing on
the hill. This setting determines the amount of time you
must earn in order to win a round.
King-Specific Team Options

Option
Team Play
Team Scoring
Team Changing
Force Even Teams
Value
On/Off
What it does
This setting determines whether this is a team game or a
free-for-all. The maximum number of teams for this game
is determined by the map.
Sum, Minimum, A teams score can be the sum of all its members scores,
Maximum
the score of its lowest player (minimum), or the score of
its highest player (maximum).
On/Off
On/Off
to spawn.
King of the Hill Game Options

Option
Uncontested Hill
Moving Hill
Team Time Multiplier
Extra Damage on Hill
Damage Resistance on Hill
Active Camo on Hill
Value
On/Off
What it does
When this is on, you can only earn time on
the hill when there are no enemies
contesting it. (Off by default.)
Off, 30 seconds, 1
The hill will change to a new random
minute, 2 minutes, 3 location at the set interval.
minutes, 5 minutes
On/Off
When on, you will earn time faster when
you have more teammates on the hill.
(default = off)
On/Off
When on, a player on the hill will be more
powerful than other players. (Default = off)
On/Off
When on, a player on the hill will be
tougher than normal. (default = off)
On/Off
When enabled, a player standing on the hill
will have Active Camo. (Default = off)
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Custom Variant Reference: Oddball Settings

The following variant tables help you customize the Oddball game type. In Oddball, you find the ball,
which looks like a skull, and hold on to it to earn time. The player with the most time wins.
Oddball-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
Off, 30 seconds, 1
minute, 2 minutes, 3
minutes, 5 minutes, 7
minutes
What it does
You accumulate time in Oddball by holding the
ball. This setting determines the amount of time
you must earn in order to win a round.
Oddball-Specific Team Options

Option
Team Play
Value
On/Off
Team Scoring
Sum, Minimum,
Maximum
Team Changing
On/Off
Force Even Teams
On/Off
What it does
This setting determines whether this is a team
game or a free-for-all. The maximum number of
teams for this game is determined by the map.
A teams score can be the sum of all its members
scores, the score of its lowest player (minimum),
or the score of its highest player (maximum).
When Team Changing is on players are allowed
to change teams while the game is in progress.
When Force Even Teams is on, each team will
only have as many active players as the team with
the fewest players. All other team members must
wait for their turn to spawn.
Oddball Game Options

Option
Ball Count
Ball Hit Damage
Speed With Ball
Toughness With Ball
Active Camo With Ball
Vehicle Operation
Ball Indicator
Value
1 ball, 2 balls, 3
balls
What it does
This controls the number of balls in the game.
More balls equals more chaos, but thats not
always a good thing.
Normal, Massive The ball is a weapon. This setting determines
whether melee attacking someone with it
hurts a little or a lot. Default = massive.
Slow, Normal,
This setting determines the speed that the ball
Fast
carrier moves in relation to other players.
On/Off
When on, a player carrying a ball will be
tougher than normal. (Default = off)
On/Off
Determines whether a ball carrier can be seen
by other players. (default = off)
On/Off
If off, the player carrying a ball cannot drive
vehicles or operate stationary or vehiclemounted guns. (Default = off)
Always On,
This setting controls if and when you see an
Dropped Ball,
indicator revealing the location of the ball.
Team Control, Off (default = always on)
Page 21
Custom Variant Reference: Juggernaut Settings

The following tables can help you customize the Juggernaut game type. In Juggernaut, work together to
take down the Juggernaut. Beware: If you kill the Juggernaut, you become the Juggernaut, and only the
Juggernaut can win.
Juggernaut-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
Unlimited,
1,3,5,10,15, 20,
25, 50, 75, 100
What it does
Its everyone against the Juggernaut. The Juggernaut
earns a point for each kill, and only he can score. Kill the
Juggernaut to become the Juggernaut. This setting
determines how many points the Juggernaut needs to win
a round.
Juggernaut Game Options

Option
Betrayal Point Loss
Value
On/Off
Juggernaut Extra Damage
On/Off
Juggernaut Infinite Ammo
On/Off
Juggernaut Overshield
On/Off
Juggernaut Active Camo
On/Off
Juggernaut Motion Sensor
On/Off
Juggernaut Movement
Slow, Normal, Fast
Juggernaut Damage Resistance
On/Off
What it does
All players that are not the Juggernaut are
considered teammates. When this option is
on, betraying a teammate results in losing a
point. (Default = on)
When on, the Juggernauts weapons do more
damage than normal. (Default = on)
When on, the Juggernaut will never run out
of ammunition. (Default = on)
When on, Juggernaut has recharging extra
powerful shields. This setting overrides the
player shield setting. (Default = on)
When on, the Juggernaut has active camo.
This setting overrides the player Active
Camo setting. (Default = off)
When on, Juggernaut has a motion sensor.
Overrides the player motion sensor settings.
(Default = on)
Determines the speed of the Juggernaut
relative to the other players in the game.
(Default = normal)
When this option is on the Juggernaut is
extra tough. This setting overrides the Player
Damage Resistance setting.
Custom Variant Reference: Capture the Flag Settings

The following tables help you customize the Capture the Flag (CTF) game type. In CTF, you invade your
opponents stronghold, steal the flag, and bring it back to your base to score.
CTF-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
What it does
Unlimited, 1, 2, How many points it takes to win a round of CTF. A point
3, 5
is earned each time you successfully capture an enemy
flag and bring it back to your base.
Page 22
CTF-Specific Team Options

Option
Team Changing
Value
On/Off
Force Even Teams
On/Off
What it does
to spawn.
CTF Game Options

Option
Flag Type
Value
Single Flag, Flag Per
Team, Neutral Flag
What it does
In Single Flag there is only one defending team. In
Flag Per Team (multi-flag), each team has a flag
and must play offense and defense at the same
time. In Neutral Flag there is a single flag that any
team can capture. (Flag per team = default.)
Sudden Death
On/Off
When Sudden Death is enabled, a round will not
end while a flag is being carried or contested. This
can lead to exciting final moments. (On by
default.)
Flag At Home To Score On/Off
When Flag at Home To Score is enabled, you
cannot score a point unless your flag is safely on
its flag stand. (On by default.)
Flag Touch Return
On/Off
When Flag Touch Return is enabled, you may
return your flag to the base by touching it. (Off by
default.)
Flag Reset Time
5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 The time that must elapse before a dropped flag
seconds, 30 seconds, 45 returns home. An enemy near a flag pauses this
seconds, 60 seconds
timer, an enemy picking it up resets it. (Default =
30 sec)
Slow With Flag
On/Off
When Slow With Flag is on, the flag carrier moves
as a slower pace than other players. (On by
default.)
Flag Hit Damage
Normal/Massive
The flag pole is a weapon. Flag Hit Damage
determines whether a melee attack with the flag
hurts a little or is deadly. (On by default.)
Damage Resistance With On/Off
When this is on, a player carrying the flag is
Flag
tougher than normal. (Off by default.)
Active Camo With Flag On/Off
When this is on, a player carrying the flag is
invisible. (Off by default.)
Vehicle Operation
On/Off
If this is disabled, a player carrying the flag cannot
drive vehicles or operate stationary or vehiclemounted guns. (Off by default.)
Flag Indicator
When Uncontrolled,
Determines if and when you have an indicator
Always On, Away From showing the location of your flag. (Neutral by
Home, Off
default.)
Custom Variant Reference: Assault Settings

The following tables help you customize the Assault (bomb) game type. In Assault, you carry your bomb
into the enemy base and arm it by standing over the marker. Once armed, the bomb is automatically
dropped on the enemy base to score.
Page 23
Assault-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
What it does
Unlimited, 1, 2, How many points it takes to win a round of Assault. A
3, 5
point is earned each time you successfully arm and
detonate a bomb in an enemy base.
Assault-Specific Team Options

Option
Team Changing
Value
On/Off
Force Even Teams
On/Off
What it does
to spawn.
Assault Game Options

Option
Bomb Type
Enemy Bomb Indicator

Sudden Death
Bomb Touch Return

Bomb Reset Time
Bomb Arm Time

Sticky Arming
Slow With Bomb
Value
Single Bomb, Bomb
Per Team, Neutral
Bomb
What it does
In Single Bomb there is only one
defending team. In Bomb Per Team, each
team has a bomb and must play offense
and defense at the same time. In Neutral
Bomb there is a single bomb that any
team may use.
Always On, When
Determines if and when defenders have
Dropped, When Armed, an indicator showing the location of an
Off
enemy bomb. (Default = when dropped)
On/Off
When enabled, a round will not end
while a bomb is being carried or
contested. This can lead to tense final
moments. (Default = on)
On/Off
When on, you may reset an enemy bomb
to its original location by touching it.
(Default = Off)
5 seconds, 10 seconds, The time that must elapse before a
15 seconds, 20 seconds, dropped bomb resets to its original
30 seconds, 45 seconds, location. Getting close to your bomb
60 seconds
freezes this timer; picking it up resets it.
(Default = 30 seconds)
5 seconds, 10 seconds, The time it takes to arm the bomb after
15 seconds
youve carried it inside the arming zone
near the enemy bomb post.
On/Off
When on, you can pick up a partially
armed bomb and resume arming it where
someone else left off. (Default = on)
On/Off
When on, the bomb carrier moves at a
slower pace than other players. (Default
= on)
Assault Game Options (continued)

Option
Bomb Hit Damage
Value
On/Off
What it does
The Bomb is a weapon. This determines
Page 24
Damage Resistance With Bomb
On/Off
Active Camo With Bomb
On/Off
Vehicle Operation
On/Off
whether a melee attack with the bomb

hurts a little (normal) or is deadly
(massive). (default = massive/deadly)
When on, a player carrying the bomb is
tougher than normal. (Default = off)
When on, a player carrying the bomb is
invisible with active camo. (Default =
off)
If off, a player carrying the bomb cannot
drive vehicles or operate stationary or
vehicle-mounted guns. (Default = off)
Custom Variant Reference: Territories Settings

The following variant tables help you customize the Territories game type. In Territories, you find and
control territories on the map. The more territories you control, the faster you earn time.
Territories-Specific Match Options

Option
Score to Win Round
Value
Off, 1 Minute, 2 Minutes, 3
minutes
What it does
This setting determines the amount of time
need to win a Territories round. You gain time
by controlling territories the more you
control the faster your time increases.
Territories-Specific Team Options

Option
Team Changing
Value
On/Off
Force Even Teams
On/Off
What it does
to spawn.
Territories Game Options

Option
Territory Count
Contest Time
Control Time
Value
What it does
1 Territory, 2 Territories, 3
This setting determines the maximum
Territories, 4 Territories, 5
number of territories on the map. Notes:
Territories, 6 Territories, 7
Not all maps have this many territories.
Territories, 8 Territories
(Default = 3)
3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, This setting determines the amount of time
15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds it takes to undo someone elses control of
a territory. (Default = 5 seconds)
3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, This settings determines how long it takes
15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds to gain control of a neutral territory.
Enemy territories must first be contested,
then controlled. (Default = 5 seconds)
Appendix A: Example Playlist File

You can run a playlist on the dedicated server by creating a properly formatted file. The following is an
example of a playlist file.
Page 25
This playlist is not shuffled and includes two custom variants and three matches that are played in the order
listed in the file.
[playlist]
; Happy Go Lucky Playlist
shuffle=no
[custom variant]
; name Happys Special
game type=Slayer
number of rounds = 1
score to win round=50
round time limit=10 minutes
respawn time=5 seconds
suicide penalty=10 seconds
weapons on map= rockets
starting weapon = Battle Rifle
secondary weapon = SMG
[custom variant]
; name Standoff
base variant=Slayer
max active players=2
score to win round = 5
weapons on map= Shotguns
starting weapon = plasma pistol
secondary weapon = shotgun
[match]
variant=Oddball
map=Terminal
[match]
variant=Happys Special
map=Coagulation
[match]
variant=Standoff
map=Midship
Appendix B: Default Maps Listing

Following is the complete list of Halo 2 for Windows Vista default maps shipped with the game. You can
use this list to create games in your playlist. The names must match the name of the map as it appears in the
UI of the game.
Name of map
Size of map (for number of people in game)
Lockout
Medium
Ascension
Medium
Midship
Small
Ivory Tower
Small
Beaver Creek
Small
Burial Mounds
Large
Colossus
Large
Zanzibar
Medium
Coagulation
Large
Page 26
Headlong
Waterworks
Foundation
Containment
Warlock
Sanctuary
Turf
Backwash
Elongation
Gemini
Terminal
District
Uplift
Large
Large
Medium
Large
Small
Medium
Medium
Small
Small
Medium
Large
Large
Large
Appendix C: Default Variants Listing

Following is the complete list of default game variants included in Halo 2 for Windows Vista. You can use
this list to create variations on your games in your playlist: Just match up the variant to a map.
The variant name must match the variant name as it appears in the UI of the game.
Game type
Slayer
Slayer
Base variant name

Slayer
Team Slayer
Slayer
Rockets
Slayer
Swords
Description
Prepare for a Classic Slayer duel to the death. 25 pts to win.
Take on a small team of enemies in a straight up Slayer
throw down. 50 points to win.
Get ready for an explosive game of Rockets. All rocket
launchers, no motion sensor. 25 points to win.
Sharpen your Energy Sword and power up your overshields.
25 points wins this game.
Default Variants Listing (continued)

Game type
Slayer
Base variant name

Snipers
Slayer
Phantoms
Slayer
Team Phantoms
Slayer
Elimination
Slayer
Phantom Elim
King of the Hill
King
King of the Hill
Team King
King of the Hill
Phantom King
King of the Hill
Crazy King
King of the Hill
Team Crazy King
Description
Steady your shot and aim high. All weapons are sniper rifles
and there's no motion sensor. 15 points wins.
Everyone has active camo, so watch your back. 15 points
wins this game.
Everyone has active camo and you can organize into up to 8
teams. First team to 25 points wins.
You have just one life per round. The last player standing
wins a round. First to win 3 rounds wins the game.
You have just one life and everyone is invisible. Last player
standing wins a round. First to win 3 rounds takes the cake.
Stay on the hill for a total of 2 minutes to win the game. Hill
does not move.
Your team must take the hill and control it uncontested for 1
minute to win. Hill does not move.
Control the hill uncontested to earn time. Everyone has
active camo and the hill does not move. 1 minute wins.
The hill moves once a minute. Be the first to earn 2 minutes
on it to take the crown.
Your team must earn just 1 minute uncontested on the
moving hill to take the crown.
Page 27
Oddball
Oddball
Oddball
Rocketball
Oddball
Swordball
Oddball
Team Ball
Oddball
Low Ball
Oddball
Fiesta
Juggernaut
2 on 1
Juggernaut
3 on 1
Juggernaut
Ninjanaut
Juggernaut
Phantom Fodder
Get ready for a classic game of free-for-all Oddball. Hold

the ball for 2 minutes to win.
This game of Oddball with nothing but rocket launchers is a
real blast. Control the ball for 1 minute to win.
Tense rounds with swords and no motion sensor. Own the
ball for 30 seconds to win a round. First to 3 wins.
Up to 8 teams can go head to head in this game of team
Oddball. First team with 2 minutes ball control wins.
Team Oddball with a twist. Everyone on your team must
hold the ball for at least 30 seconds to win.
An odd game of ball with random weapons. Earn 2 minutes
ball control time to win.
One player is the Juggernaut, the other 2 are teammates.
Only the Juggernaut can score and 10 points wins the game.
One player is the Juggernaut while 3 others are teammates.
Earn 10 points as the Juggernaut to win the game.
The Juggernaut has active camo and a motion sensor. You
don't, so work together to corner him and take him out. 10
points wins.
You're invisible but you have no motion sensor. You're being
hunted, so watch out! 3 rounds wins, 5 points wins a round.
Default Variants Listing (continued)

Game type
Juggernaut
Base variant name

Dreadnaut
Capture the Flag
Multi Flag CTF
Capture the Flag
CTF Classic
Capture the Flag
1 Flag CTF
Capture the Flag
1 Flag CTF Fast
Assault
Multi Bomb
Assault
Single Bomb
Assault
Single Bomb Fast
Assault
Neutral Bomb
Assault
Blast Resort
Territories
3 Plots
Territories
Land Grab
Description
The Dreadnaut is an unstoppable beast. Fear him but work
together to take him out. 20 kills as Juggernaut wins the
game.
Defend your flag while launching a coordinated attack on
your enemy's flag. 3 captures to win.
Defend your flag while capturing the enemy's. 3 points wins,
flag must be home to score, flag may be returned.
Take turns on offense/defense. A capture wins a round. Flag
may not be returned. Rounds last 3 minutes. First to 3 wins.
Intense 2 minute rounds of alternating offense/defense. A
capture wins a round. Flag may not be returned. First to 3
wins.
Defend your base while trying to deliver your bomb into the
enemy's base. 3 successful bombings wins.
Take turns on offense/defense. A successful bombing wins a
round. First to 3 wins. No bomb return. Rounds last 3
minutes.
Intense 2 minute rounds of offense/defense. A successful
bombing wins a round. Bomb may not be returned. First to 3
wins.
There's just one bomb that starts in the middle. Use it to
bomb the enemy base 3 times to win.
You have just 1 life and no motion sensor in this single
bomb game. 10 second arming, 3 minute rounds, first to 3
wins.
There are just 3 territories. Earn 3 minutes control time
before your opponents by owning a majority of them.
Own a majority of territories to earn 5 minutes control time
before your opponents.
Page 28
Territories
Gold Rush
Territories
Control Issues
Territories
Contention
Grab your pistol and load your shotgun! 2 minutes wins a

round. Rounds last 3 minutes. First to 3 rounds wins.
Bring out the big guns to fight for control of just 2
territories. Everyone has overshields, 5 minutes control time
wins.
There's just one territory on the map. Work with your team
to control it for 2 minutes to win.
Page 29

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Halo 2 for Windows Vista

Running a Dedicated Server

Running a Dedicated Server

40 GB of hard drive capacity, with 15 GB free space.

If you want to run a LIVE server, you also need:

Getting a Silver Games for Windows LIVE Account

Installing Halo 2 Dedicated Server

Running a Dedicated Server Manually

Setting Up Your Server to Run Automatically

Starting and Stopping a Server Configured to Run Automatically

Swapping the Playlist

3. In the h2server command line, type

H2Server Command-Line Options

H2Admin Command-Line Options

ban display gamer

Creating a Playlist File

Naming and Formatting the Playlist File

The following examples all work to turn on a setting:

Placing the File

Optional Section in the File: Playlist

Pregame Team Selection Delay (optional)

Required Sections in the File: Match

Creating Custom Variants in the Playlist File

Defining Your Variant

Changing Playlists and Match Weight

Setting Match Weight

Custom Variant Reference: Universal Game Options

King of the Hill

Rounds Reset Map

Lives Per Round

3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15

None, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15

Normal Shields, No Shields,

Damage Resistance On/Off

Respawn Time Modifier

Inheritance, Cycling, None

Unwary players can injure or even kill

times (inheritance), respawn together at fixed

This setting determines which backup

When this setting is on players will start the

Weapon Respawn Time

Custom Variant Reference: Slayer Settings

Slayer-Specific Match Options

Slayer-Specific Team Options

Slayer Game Options

Suicide Point Loss

Death Point Loss

point for committing suicide. (On by default.)

Custom Variant Reference: King of the Hill Settings

King-Specific Match Options

King-Specific Team Options

King of the Hill Game Options

Custom Variant Reference: Oddball Settings

Oddball-Specific Match Options

Oddball-Specific Team Options

Force Even Teams

Oddball Game Options

Custom Variant Reference: Juggernaut Settings

Juggernaut-Specific Match Options

Juggernaut Game Options

Juggernaut Extra Damage

Juggernaut Infinite Ammo

Juggernaut Active Camo