Mindustry Game Modes and Wave Settings
Switch between Mindustry's four game modes (survival, attack, pvp, sandbox) using the host command. Tune wave timing, enemy health, and other rules using the rules command.
Mindustry Game Modes and Wave Settings
Mindustry supports four distinct game modes, each with different objectives. The active mode is set via the host command when starting or changing maps.
Switching Maps and Modes
host <mapname> [mode]
Examples:
host Serpulo survival
host Glaciamere attack
host Tallus pvp
host Maze sandbox
If you omit the mode, Mindustry defaults to survival.
To see all available maps:
maps
Game Modes
Survival (Default)
Defend your core from waves of enemy units. Waves increase in intensity over time. The core is destroyed → game over.
host Serpulo survival
Best for: casual community play, tower defense fans.
Attack
Both teams have a core. Your team attacks the enemy core while defending your own. The team that destroys the opponent's core wins.
host Tallus attack
Best for: competitive, structured matches.
PvP
All teams are player-controlled. Each team has a core; objective is to destroy all enemy cores. Supports multiple teams.
host Maze pvp
Best for: competitive multi-team play.
Sandbox
No enemies, unlimited resources, manual wave trigger. Build freely without pressure.
host Serpulo sandbox
Best for: creative building, testing schematics, community construction projects.
Tuning Wave Rules
Use the rules command to adjust game parameters. Changes take effect from the next wave.
Wave Spacing
rules add waveSpacing 120
Sets time between waves in seconds. Default is ~60–90 seconds depending on map.
Enemy Unit Health
rules add unitHealthMultiplier 1.5
Multiplies enemy unit health. 1.0 = default, 2.0 = double health.
Enemy Build Speed
rules add unitBuildSpeedMultiplier 1.0
Controls how fast enemy units construct their own structures.
Unpredictable AI
rules add unpredictableWaveAI true
Makes enemy units choose random targets instead of heading straight for the core — creates more chaotic and interesting waves.
Enemy Spawn Indicators
rules add showEnemySpawns true
Highlights enemy spawn points on the minimap so players can prepare.
Viewing Current Rules
rules
Lists all active rule overrides and their current values.
Resetting Rules
rules remove waveSpacing
Removes a rule override and reverts to the default value.