Basic Newbie Meta Questions
Kwil
Join Date: 2003-07-06 Member: 17963Members
Join Date: 2003-07-06 Member: 17963Members
These are some meta-game questions I have, and searching doesn't really pull up anything concrete. Also, I thought it might be handy to future Newbies if these were answered in one thread.
What are "binds" and how do they work?
Is there a file I need to edit outside of NS, and if so, which one and how?
Also, is editing your binds considered poor-play.. (I gather there is something called pistol scripting that is), and if not, are there any binds which are considered standard to have altered?
Are there some things I might do as a marine that I should avoid? Or as a kharaa?
(frex, I recently discovered that crouching as a marine is considered bad form, and I gather that the bunnyhop thing is bad too -- but since I have no idea how to bunnyhop, I might wind up doing it by accident.) There's also apparantly something strange with the flashlight, I don't know what though, so I've just avoided using mine completely. Basically, I want to know what might be seen as cheating or poor-play so that I can avoid it.
How does skulk wall-crawling/ceiling walking work? I keep trying, but it seems I can never travel very far on the roof or walls before I fall off. Is there a time limit, or does it have to do with the roof layout?
What is /stuck?
When you're killed, do you have to re-choose/re-evolve your upgrades as a Kharaa?
What's standard etiquette for voice? Is it reserved primarily for the comms and emergencies, or should we use it to announce when we've joined/are at waypoints, etc? Also, a lot of the time it seems I can only hear half of a conversation. Is that normal?
How do we get rid of a waypoint as a marine? I've been in a game or two where the commander placed a waypoint, I got to it, stood on it for a while, ran through it six or seven ways, and it just wouldn't go away. Even after I got eaten, the same waypoint was still there. Was this an error or was it just that the commander really wanted me at that point?
How do we go voting on a server in general? How do we start a vote on the server if we think it needs to be done?
Thanks in advance.
What are "binds" and how do they work?
Is there a file I need to edit outside of NS, and if so, which one and how?
Also, is editing your binds considered poor-play.. (I gather there is something called pistol scripting that is), and if not, are there any binds which are considered standard to have altered?
Are there some things I might do as a marine that I should avoid? Or as a kharaa?
(frex, I recently discovered that crouching as a marine is considered bad form, and I gather that the bunnyhop thing is bad too -- but since I have no idea how to bunnyhop, I might wind up doing it by accident.) There's also apparantly something strange with the flashlight, I don't know what though, so I've just avoided using mine completely. Basically, I want to know what might be seen as cheating or poor-play so that I can avoid it.
How does skulk wall-crawling/ceiling walking work? I keep trying, but it seems I can never travel very far on the roof or walls before I fall off. Is there a time limit, or does it have to do with the roof layout?
What is /stuck?
When you're killed, do you have to re-choose/re-evolve your upgrades as a Kharaa?
What's standard etiquette for voice? Is it reserved primarily for the comms and emergencies, or should we use it to announce when we've joined/are at waypoints, etc? Also, a lot of the time it seems I can only hear half of a conversation. Is that normal?
How do we get rid of a waypoint as a marine? I've been in a game or two where the commander placed a waypoint, I got to it, stood on it for a while, ran through it six or seven ways, and it just wouldn't go away. Even after I got eaten, the same waypoint was still there. Was this an error or was it just that the commander really wanted me at that point?
How do we go voting on a server in general? How do we start a vote on the server if we think it needs to be done?
Thanks in advance.
Comments
Is there a file I need to edit outside of NS, and if so, which one and how?
Also, is editing your binds considered poor-play.. (I gather there is something called pistol scripting that is), and if not, are there any binds which are considered standard to have altered?
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There are binds that help's you evolve (Aliens) or drop items faster (Marines) I don't know the binds but I'm sure some people around here does. Pistol scripting is considered cheating IMO.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Are there some things I might do as a marine that I should avoid? Or as a kharaa?
(frex, I recently discovered that crouching as a marine is considered bad form, and I gather that the bunnyhop thing is bad too -- but since I have no idea how to bunnyhop, I might wind up doing it by accident.) There's also apparantly something strange with the flashlight, I don't know what though, so I've just avoided using mine completely. Basically, I want to know what might be seen as cheating or poor-play so that I can avoid it.
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The most common thing for a new player to avoid is not being a Commander for the marines and/or Gorge or the aliens. Never become those until you master the way of the grunt/marine killers. Also try to avoid some of the exploits like the one of the things you mentioned.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->How does skulk wall-crawling/ceiling walking work? I keep trying, but it seems I can never travel very far on the roof or walls before I fall off. Is there a time limit, or does it have to do with the roof layout?
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Try aimming up a little while you walk across the ceiling and don't press your crouch button, since it will make you fall.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->What is /stuck?
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
/stuck or /unstuck is a server add-on. It helps you get unstuck if your trapped. EX: A building landed on you, then you type /stuck so you can move again.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->When you're killed, do you have to re-choose/re-evolve your upgrades as a Kharaa?
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yes.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->What's standard etiquette for voice? Is it reserved primarily for the comms and emergencies, or should we use it to announce when we've joined/are at waypoints, etc? Also, a lot of the time it seems I can only hear half of a conversation. Is that normal?
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It can be used to tell what the commander to do or vice versa but unnesscary chatter can be a annoying so you might want to avoid that.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->How do we get rid of a waypoint as a marine? I've been in a game or two where the commander placed a waypoint, I got to it, stood on it for a while, ran through it six or seven ways, and it just wouldn't go away. Even after I got eaten, the same waypoint was still there. Was this an error or was it just that the commander really wanted me at that point?
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you can't get rid of your waypoint, it usually means that more then one marine have that exact same waypoint. All the marines that have that waypoint have to be there so that waypoint will go away.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->How do we go voting on a server in general? How do we start a vote on the server if we think it needs to be done?
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Depends on what addon the server have. Type "help" (without the ") in console and it will tell you what commands you can use.
First of all, try to limit your questions <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo-->
I mean these really are alot, but I'll try to answer them:
What is binding?:
<a href='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=36244&hl=binds' target='_blank'>here</a>
Basically, you bind an action to a certain key, for instance if I would want to use "R" as my reload key, I'd bind "reload" to "R"
How to bind?:
<a href='http://www.ns-central.co.uk/impulselist.txt' target='_blank'>here</a>
Binding is not considered as a bad thing unless you go and spam alien voice commands (chuckle) or use it for endless medspam
Bunny hopping will be taken out in 2.0, so don't worry too much about that.
Instantly crouching isn't appreciated, so most people try not to, it's your choice, there have been lots of discussions about this, but crouching makes you hareder to hit. Hence, if you crouch you are "exploiting" in "some" way. This will be fixed in 2.0 as well.
Roof walking:
you cant look down and move, dont ask me why. Just keep looking up when you walk the ceiling, you'll get used to it <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
/stuck:
A server plugin that "moves" you when you get stuck. Nearly every server has it these days, just "say" /stuck, and you'll be free'd from your position.
When you die as an alien, you start all over again. This means you become a skulk again, with 0 upgrades, you will have to take them all again. You could always use the "redemption" upgrade, it will transport you back to the hive before you die ---> you don't die, heal at the hive, and keep your evolutions (redemption is a bit bugged so it won't always work)
voice:
Try to limit the use of the voice. Keep the channel clear for tactical info. If you want to chit chat with a m8, do it through text. Most of the times, people will tell you if you should talk less.
waypoint:
That is a bug as well, sometimes a waypoint stays. The commander can remove it by giving you a new one.
Ask polightly <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
voting:
Only admins can start a vote as far as I know. When the vote appears, just press the key corresponding to your wishes. Most of the time you'll be able to chose from 1-5. Just hit the key, and the vote will be cast, and the vote screen will go away.
I hope this helps <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Cheers
*Tsungfai is a fast typer <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Could have spared me the effort <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
Only worry about voting if it pops up on your screen. Sometimes you see a lot of admin_vote_kick's going on in the servers that allow it. If you don't know what that person did wrong, and if it didn't affect you, don't vote yes. Other than that, you're good to go. Have fun, and remember to read the Faq!
Bugged? I thought it was made unreliable intentionally.
<!--QuoteBegin--Scarface121+Jul 13 2003, 05:39 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Scarface121 @ Jul 13 2003, 05:39 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Walking on cielings: another strategy is to look down and move backwords, you can see marines but not where you're going ):<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You can also strafe on flat ceilings.
<!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
cookie? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
I have a question though, how do you quote inside text field and add answers in between like tsungfai did. I have an idea as of how to, but a definitive answer would be neat <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
Cheers
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[quote]message[/quote]
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Cheers <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
You *won't* manage to bunny hop by accident, so don't worry.
Use your flashlight all you like, <b>except near the armoury</b> I'll say no more than that - but it's a bug and it's frowned upon pretty much everywhere. When using the flashlight, remember that your model will light up like a christmas tree to other players - only you see the light where you're shining it. Often this light will come (arguably) through walls somewhat (and lead around corners), so be careful!
Other than that, welcome and enjoy NS, the others covered everything else very nicely.
Roo
if you want to find servers where noobs/newbs/nubs are accepted just look for the post about friendly servers and such (roobs <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> )
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Are there some things I might do as a marine that I should avoid? Or as a kharaa?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Under the current patch, do not go gorge. This is because of the way the Kharaa resource system works at the moment. Basically, if you don't know what you're doing (or when to evolve to gorge) you'll cause your team more harm than good. The fact that you're coherent and posting these questions here, unlike so many others, suggests that you're the type to read up on how to gorge properly and sucklike, but I suggest you stay as a skulk for a while anyway. Good skulking skills is absolutely essential to playing Kharaa properly, so it's important to get lots of practise.
As a marine, avoid going commander until you've had a fair bit of experience as a marine. It's very important to get a feel for the game first. Even if you're a veteran of all kinds of RTSs, it still helps to fight under good commanders and observe what they do to win.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->How does skulk wall-crawling/ceiling walking work? I keep trying, but it seems I can never travel very far on the roof or walls before I fall off. Is there a time limit, or does it have to do with the roof layout?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You will stick to walls and ceilings. You will also always move in the direction you are aiming. That means if you are on the ceiling and you aim at the floor you will attempt to move down, and will disengage from the wall. If you're trying to move along the ceiling, you will have to aim towards it slightly, since you have to ensure that you're touching it. Note that the tooltip help thingy which says you have to hold crouch to wallrun is completely wrong - holding crouch will <i>disengage</i> you from the wall. It takes a bit of practise to move efficiently over walls and ceilings. Remember that floors are designed to be nice and flat and easy to walk on, whereas floors and ceilings aren't. ns_eclipse is a good example of corridors that are decidedly wallwalking-unfriendly.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->What's standard etiquette for voice? Is it reserved primarily for the comms and emergencies, or should we use it to announce when we've joined/are at waypoints, etc? Also, a lot of the time it seems I can only hear half of a conversation. Is that normal?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Unfortunately there is no standard, although I yell at people for simply chatting over it. Please refrain from discussing weekend plans with your friends over voicecom <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->How do we get rid of a waypoint as a marine? I've been in a game or two where the commander placed a waypoint, I got to it, stood on it for a while, ran through it six or seven ways, and it just wouldn't go away. Even after I got eaten, the same waypoint was still there. Was this an error or was it just that the commander really wanted me at that point?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It will probably be better in 2.0, with the upgrade to the commander interface, but at present waypoints are under-used. It's mostly because the commander has no way of selecting everyone, or creating hotgroups. So waypoints tend to be redundant. Also, many commanders will focus on a small elite group of skilled marines and give <i>them</i> orders directly (if the server is heavily populated by what we call "randoms". A random is someone who's not very good, isn't a regular on the server, and displays a decided lack of clue) so any old orders you might have are likely to be redundant. Theoretically you can clear a waypoint by walking over it, but this doesn't always work.
The way to respond to waypoints is in context. Treat them as instructions, not objectives. In other words, if the commander issues a waypoint to a hive or something, treat it as an order to go there. Not as an order to devote your entire existence to trying to stay there. Also, take note of your commander's name and what they say over voicecom\teamchat. Many commanders issue orders over these, rather than waypoints.
Oh, and if you don't get any orders, don't pester the commander for them. In fact, don't pester the commander about anything. You can <i>ask</i> for stuff, if you really have to (but I wouldn't recommend asking for anything other than medpacks) but do <i>not</i> nag. Commanders have a billion things to concentrate on, so persistent beging for something will only annoy them. If you want to make yourself useful follow other marines. Or stay back at base and defend, if nobody else is. It's a bit boring, but many marine teams lose because their base is undefended.
This is something useful anyone can do as a marine.
As a skulk, sneak around, learn the hive locations, and very importantly- use parasites. Weapon slot 2, aim and fire like any gun. The marine or marine building will then be "tagged", its location shown to all alien players until it dies or is destroyed. This is very useful indeed to your team-mates, who can then ambush or avoid the tagged marine at will.
Be aware however, a lot of players consider it very bad ettiquette to parasite tag the buildings in marine base, or anywhere else they crop up in numbers. This will lead to large numbers of parasite blips on hivesight, which can obscure your view when you get close (a nightmare as a skulk when you assault the base), it also can cause panic, as they can be mistaken for a large group of marines standing still, or confuse the issue as to which are marines and buildings when viewing from a distance via hivesight.
This is not to say _don't_ tag buildings, but do pick your targets carefully. If you want to mark the base (say because they've relocated somewhere unusual) try to get one parasite tag on a large building such as the Comm chair, or turret factory.
Same goes for siege outposts. In fact, since the primary aim of the aliens Vs seige outposts is to destroy them, parasite spamming can be useful. Just use voice to alert your team mates to the threat "Seige outside viaduct, it's parasited! kill it! Kill!" The sudden mass of blips should create an agressive response from the team (directed at the outpost, not you <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo--> )
basically, exercise yer brain, and pick yer targets carefully, and all will be well.
AMEN!!
anyway another tip from me when you play,whenever you play skulk or any small alien(except Gorge,which I will discuss later),shadows are your friends.Many marines do NOT use the flashlight due to the fact that he lights up like an X'Mas tree.When they turn their backs on you at all costs attempt to take down one,or if its an HA marine,tag him.
As for Gorges,I suggest you stay away from it until you've watched average Gorges play for a while,you are supposed to stay out of fights,and not hide,instead run,because he mysteriously makes noises that attract marines.
And remember when playing alien,vents are your friends <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->