How to play Crush the Core

Join

Add playctc.co as a server in Minecraft Java Edition (any version from 1.20 to 26.2). You land in the lobby: pick a game server from the selector and you're queued onto a team. If you don't have a premium account, register a password the first time you join.

The goal

Each team has a core: a block of obsidian set in redstone ore for Red and lapis for Blue. A core has 3 hearts. Break all three on the enemy core and your team wins. If the clock runs out first, the team with the most core health left wins.

Take the center

The middle of every map has a netherite pad. Build your team's wool onto it to capture the center. While your team holds the center, the enemy core is open to attack. Lose the center and their core is safe again, so the fight for the middle never really stops.

Crack the core

With the center held, get to the enemy core and mine its obsidian with a diamond pickaxe. Every crack costs them a heart. Defenders will be waiting, which is where your kit comes in.

Pick a kit

There are 14 kits, each with its own abilities and cooldowns. Some are built to take the center (Builder, Runner, Tank), some to hold it (Engineer, Lumberjack, Grandma), and some to break the core or the people defending it (Demolitionist, Spy, Archer). The kits page lists every ability.

Every map is fair

All 16 maps in the rotation are symmetric: two mirrored halves around one center, Red building warm and Blue building cool. Neither team ever starts with a better route. See them on the maps page.

Tips for your first match

• Don't all rush the core. If nobody holds the center, the core can't be cracked anyway.
• Bridge smart. Builder's instant bridges and Runner's Block Run get your team to the center first.
• Watch your cooldowns. Most abilities recharge in under 30 seconds, so use them.
• Defend after you capture. A held center is only useful while it stays held.

Other modes

Outside the full team matches there are 1v1 duels, a practice server, tournaments announced in the Discord, and spectating any live match from the lobby. Your kills, wins, core cracks and center captures are tracked the whole time. More answers are in the FAQ.