Stealing¶
Difficulty: Basic (execution) / Controversial (etiquette)
Overview¶
Stealing is taking a rocket that wasn't meant for you. The rocket is only "yours" when you hear the sentry beep sound indicating you are the target. Taking someone else's rocket is a steal.
How Stealing Works¶
flowchart TD
A[Rocket targeting Player A] --> B{You intercept it}
B --> C[You deflect it]
C --> D[Rocket now targets new player]
D --> E[Player A's timing is disrupted]When you steal:
- The original target loses their expected timing
- The rocket switches to a new target
- You've interrupted someone else's gameplay
When is a Rocket "Yours"?¶
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sentry beep heard | You are the target - it's yours |
| No beep | Not your rocket |
| Beep on someone else | Their rocket |
The Sentry Beep
The targeting sound (sentry beep) tells you when you're the target. If you don't hear it, the rocket isn't meant for you.
Stealing Rules¶
Usually NOT Allowed:
- Stealing during rallies
- Stealing to disrupt other players
- Habitual stealing
Consequences:
- Some servers slay you after X steals
- Some servers have no punishment
- Community will judge you regardless
Defensive Stealing¶
There's one scenario where stealing is often tolerated:
Saving Yourself from a Snipe¶
If you're about to be hit by a rocket that was sniped at you (targeted at you unexpectedly), you may steal/deflect to save yourself.
| Situation | Usually Allowed? |
|---|---|
| You got sniped, deflect to survive | Yes |
| You walked into rocket's path, then steal | No |
| You positioned badly, then steal to save | Usually no |
Positioning Matters
If you put yourself in a position where you could be sniped, stealing to save yourself is often not allowed. You're responsible for your positioning.
Why Stealing is Discouraged¶
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Disrupts gameplay | Breaks the flow between players |
| Unfair advantage | You weren't supposed to have that rocket |
| Timing disruption | Original target loses their rhythm |
| Community norms | Generally considered bad etiquette |
Steal vs Accidental Intercept¶
Sometimes you accidentally intercept a rocket:
| Scenario | Is It a Steal? |
|---|---|
| You airblasted at wrong time | Accidental, still a steal |
| Rocket passed through you | Depends on intent |
| You were moving and intercepted | Usually accidental |
| You deliberately took it | Intentional steal |
Accidents happen, but repeated "accidents" are noticed.
Server Enforcement¶
Different servers handle stealing differently:
| Server Type | Typical Rule |
|---|---|
| Strict | Slay after 2-3 steals |
| Moderate | Warning then slay |
| Lenient | No automatic punishment |
| Competitive | Usually strict rules |
Strategic Stealing (Where Allowed)¶
On servers that allow stealing, it can be used strategically:
- Interrupt a rally you're not part of
- Take rockets from players you want to target
- Create chaos
Know Your Server
Only do this on servers where it's explicitly allowed. Most servers discourage or punish stealing.
Avoiding Being Stolen From¶
| Tip | Effect |
|---|---|
| Keep distance from others | Less chance of intercept |
| Stay aware of player positions | Know who might steal |
| Learn server rules | Know if stealing is punished |
Related Techniques¶
- Rally: Often disrupted by stealing
- Sniping: Related targeting behavior
- Switch: Intentional target change (not stealing)
Summary¶
Stealing is taking a rocket not meant for you. While mechanically simple, it's usually discouraged or punished. The only commonly accepted exception is deflecting to save yourself from an incoming snipe - but even then, if you positioned yourself poorly, it's often not allowed.