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General Concept

What is Dodgeball?

Dodgeball (commonly abbreviated as TFDB or DB) is a community-created game mode for Team Fortress 2 that transforms the game into a fast-paced arena of reflexes and precision. The core concept is simple yet compelling: two teams of Pyros face off, reflecting homing rockets back and forth until one team fails to deflect.

The Core Mechanics

Homing Rockets

Unlike standard TF2 rockets, Dodgeball rockets are homing projectiles that track their target. When a rocket is reflected, the plugin selects a new target based on positioning logic - typically the furthest player in the direction of the reflect.

Key characteristics:

  • Rockets gain speed with each reflection
  • Rockets lock onto a new target after being reflected (based on positioning, not random)
  • Maximum speed can reach extreme levels in extended rallies
  • Rocket speed resets when a new round begins

Target Selection

The rocket's target is determined by the SelectTarget algorithm in the TFDB plugin:

  1. Each potential target receives a base random weight (0-100)
  2. A directional bonus is added based on alignment with your aim direction
  3. The bonus uses the dot product of your aim direction and the vector to each player
  4. Players more aligned with your crosshair get higher weight
  5. The player with the highest combined score becomes the target

The RocketClassTargetWeight server config determines how much aim direction matters versus randomness.

Dragging

Dragging is a technique where you manipulate your aim during the airblast to influence targeting. Aiming toward a player increases their selection weight; aiming away decreases it. While not 100% deterministic (there's still a random component), skilled dragging significantly improves your odds of hitting your intended target. See Dragging for details.

The Airblast

The airblast (secondary fire for Pyro) is your only tool for survival. When timed correctly, an airblast will:

  1. Deflect the incoming rocket
  2. Change its target to an enemy player
  3. Increase its speed slightly
  4. Reset your airblast cooldown (on most servers)

Timing is Everything

Airblast too early, and the rocket will pass through. Airblast too late, and... well, you know what happens.

Server Plugins

Dodgeball servers run specialized SourceMod plugins that modify game behavior.

The Skill Ceiling

What makes Dodgeball unique is its deceptively high skill ceiling. While the concept is simple, mastery involves:

  • Reaction time: Responding to rockets at extreme speeds
  • Prediction: Anticipating where rockets will go
  • Positioning: Being in the optimal location to reflect
  • Technique execution: Performing advanced moves like orbits, spikes, and dragging
  • Mind games: Outplaying opponents psychologically

Why Play Dodgeball?

Simple to learn - Only one mechanic to master
Deep gameplay - Endless room for improvement
Active community - Dedicated players and servers
Competitive scene - Organized leagues and tournaments
Satisfying gameplay - Nothing beats a perfectly timed reflect

Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Continue to the Gameplay guide to learn the rules and objectives of a Dodgeball match.