TF2 Arena Mode Config Generator

Arena mode has its own set of cvars distinct from standard TF2. Use a preset for Standard Arena, Ultiduo (2v2), or MGE (1v1), or fine-tune every cvar manually. Arena maps use the arena_* prefix.

Presets

Arena Settings

Team Size (players per team)

0 = maxplayers/3 (TF2 default — can be unexpected, prefer explicit values)

Max Win Streak (before scramble)

0 = no auto scramble

Cap Point Activate Time (seconds)

-1 = use map default; 0 = immediate

Pre-round Freeze Time (seconds)

Round Time Limit (seconds, 0 = unlimited)

tf_arena_use_queue (spectators rotate in between rounds)

tf_arena_first_blood (first kill triggers mini-crits)

Generated Arena Config

// ============================================================
// TF2 Arena Mode Config — Standard Arena (12 players)
// Generated by DustBowl.Games Tools
// ============================================================

// ─── Arena Core ─────────────────────────────────────────────
tf_arena_use_queue 1          // spectators queue and rotate in
tf_arena_max_streak 3          // scramble teams after 3 consecutive wins
tf_arena_override_team_size 8   // players per team (0 = maxplayers/3 — prefer explicit value)
tf_arena_override_cap_enable_time 60 // seconds before capture point activates (-1 = map default)
tf_arena_preround_time 10    // freeze time before round starts (seconds)
tf_arena_round_time 0          // no round time limit
tf_arena_first_blood 1     // first kill triggers temporary mini-crits

// ─── Required: no mid-round respawns in Arena ────────────────
mp_disable_respawn_times 0    // MUST be 0 in Arena (elimination requires no respawns)

// ─── Misc ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
mp_autoteambalance 0          // no auto balance in Arena
mp_teams_unbalance_limit 0    // allow unbalanced teams (for small formats)

Save as cfg/arena.cfg and run exec arena after loading an Arena map. Set your map to an arena_* map first.

Arena Format Quick Reference

Format	Team Size	Queue	Use Case
Standard Arena	8–12	On	Public play, community servers
Ultiduo	2 (Soldier+Medic)	Off	Competitive 2v2 format
MGE	1 (1v1)	Off	Mechanical practice, aim training

Note: mp_disable_respawn_times 0 is mandatory in Arena mode — mid-round respawns would break the elimination format.