Combat Rules
Rules for killing, death, and engagement
Combat Rules
Combat is core to DarkRP, but it needs to make at least some sense. These rules keep the chaos fun without it becoming a deathmatch server.
1. RDM (Random Deathmatch)
Principle: Have some kind of reason before you kill someone.
RDM is killing without any justification. You don't need a detailed backstory — just don't kill people for literally no reason.
Valid Reasons to Kill
| Situation | Why It's Valid |
|---|---|
| They're raiding your base | Defending your shit |
| They pulled a weapon on you | Self-defense |
| They refused your mug demand | Consequence |
| You have a hit on them (Hitman) | Job function |
| They attacked your friend | Protecting allies |
| They're wanted and you're police | Government RP |
| They're trespassing after warning | Property defense |
Dumb Reasons to Kill
| Excuse | Verdict |
|---|---|
| "They looked at me" | Stupid |
| "They walked near my base" | Not trespassing |
| "They insulted me" | Words aren't RDM-worthy |
| "I just felt like it" | That's literally RDM |
The Reality Check
This is DarkRP, not a military simulator. We understand kills happen for goofy reasons sometimes. The difference between "minor dispute" and "rule break" is:
- One-off accident or joke? Probably not worth reporting.
- Same person killing you repeatedly? That's a pattern. Report it.
- Lost nothing and it was funny? Who cares, move on.
- Lost stuff and it was bullshit? That's what reports are for.
Staff aren't here to moderate every death. We're here to stop people ruining the server, not referee every 1v1.
2. VDM (Vehicle Deathmatch)
Principle: Vehicles are for driving, not killing.
Running people over intentionally is VDM. This includes:
- Targeting pedestrians
- Ramming players into walls
- Using vehicle physics to crush/trap people
Exceptions
- Accidents happen. If you genuinely didn't see them, apologize and move on.
- Self-defense. If someone's shooting at your car and blocking your escape, drive through them.
Fleeing an accident you caused can be treated as VDM depending on context. Stop and check on people.
3. NLR (New Life Rule)
NLR exists to stop people from ruining scenarios after they die.
The Timer
5 minutes before you can return to where you died.
The Core Principle
Don't interfere with the situation that killed you.
After you die:
- ❌ Don't run straight back to defend your base
- ❌ Don't call friends to come counter
- ❌ Don't hunt down your killer for revenge
- ❌ Don't mic spam or be annoying about it
You can:
- ✅ Go back after 5 minutes
- ✅ Do other stuff elsewhere
- ✅ Defend against a different raid later
During Active Raids
If you die defending your base during a raid, you cannot return until the raid is over — even if 5 minutes pass. Let the raid play out.
The spirit of NLR: Don't ruin the experience for the people who killed you. That's the whole point.
4. Revenge Killing
If someone killed you (even if it was RDM), you cannot hunt them down and kill them back.
Why?
- You don't "remember" who killed you (NLR)
- Vigilante justice creates endless kill loops
- That's what staff reports are for
If you got RDM'd, record the clip and report it. Don't become part of the problem.
5. Crossfire
You're responsible for your bullets.
If you accidentally kill an innocent during a firefight, you may face consequences depending on:
- Was the area crowded? (Your fault for shooting there)
- Did the victim run into the fight? (Their problem)
- Did you use explosives in public? (Definitely your fault)
- Did you apologize and explain? (Shows good faith)
Repeated "accidents" will be treated as negligence or intentional.
Quick Reference
| Action | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Kill someone raiding you | ✅ |
| Kill someone for insults | ❌ |
| Run over someone shooting your car | ✅ |
| Return to base after 5 mins | ✅ |
| Return during ongoing raid | ❌ |
| Kill your killer after respawn | ❌ |
| Hitman kill without advert | ✅ |
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