The #openttdcoop "Sandbox Server"

Since new players on #openttdcoop often face rather complex games on our mainserver, we decided to set up a so-called "sandbox server" where players have the chance to learn the very basic concepts of cooperative gameplay. On this page, you will find a guide for the first steps into our sandbox.

What are the keypoints of the sandbox server?

• New players will get some tutorial guidance by full members of #openttdcoop but start playing right from the start
• Smaller maps will be played (256*256 - max. 512*512). One map lasts until everything is connected and/or optimized.
• There will be some kind of "building convention" like a "coding convention" on programming. This convention consists of some basic rules of "clever building". Be sure to know this convention (as listed below).
• Feel free to build whatever you want - you'll see the errors coming up in a growing network. Our Guides will help you on the very basics of good networking etc.

How / Where / When ?

First of all, be sure to join our IRC channel. You will get information on games and servers. Players find together in the channel and start new or continue existing games. Also, passwords are exchanged in the channel.

An advantage of having a channel on the freenode IRC network is the circumstance of being "next to" the IRC channel (#openttdcoop started there). A disadvantage of using freenode is the need for registration in order to receive/send queries. Since we use queries to send our passwords to players you should be sure of being registered (it doesnt hurt, btw).

If you live in the european part of this planet you probably will have no problem related to our usual playing times. We mostly play between 18.00 to 01.00 (sometimes open ended) GMT during the weekdays and some afternoon sessions on weekends.

The Sandbox Building Convention

• First of all: set your signaling length to "2 tiles" (Patch Options).
• If you build a Hub, name it like "Slh number / Name" for a Sidelinehub (which is, relating to our Guides, a Sideline-to-Mainline-Hub) or "Bbh number / name" for a Mainline-to-Mainline-Hub. Be sure to use exactly this string (with spaces etc) - if you view the signlist, the Hubs will be sorted in the right way then and only then. Also: if we are talking about Hubs and you want to discuss about them too, simply follow the signlist to the corresponding Hub.
• Cooperation is about communication! Always tell your collegues what you are doing and discuss planed tracks/junctions etc. Our members can - of course - help you on some decisions.

more to come soon!