Difference between revisions of "Helltower"

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(See also: Hightower and Magic Spells are already linked in the lead. * Gorge Event, Redmond has escaped from Hell with his coffin; BLU assaults his mansion to send him back. * Brimstone, Redmond is taken ''back'' to Hell.)
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{{Map infobox
 
{{Map infobox
   | game-type                   = Payload Race
+
   | map-status                = official
   | file-name                   = plr_hightower_event
+
  | map-game-type             = Payload Race
   | map-image                   = Plr hightower event3.png
+
   | map-file-name             = plr_hightower_event
   | map-environment             = Desert
+
   | map-image                 = Plr hightower event3.png
   | map-setting                 = Nighttime, cloudy
+
  | map-released              = {{Patch name|10|29|2013}}
   | map-hazards                 = [[Environmental death#Pitfalls|Pitfall]], [[Pumpkin bomb]]s,<br>[[Skeletons]], [[Ghost]], Lava
+
  | map-released-major        = Scream Fortress 2013
   | map-pyrovision             = Yes
+
   | map-environment           = Desert
   | map-health-pickups-small   = 4
+
   | map-setting               = Nighttime, cloudy
   | map-health-pickups-medium   = 7
+
   | map-hazards               = [[Environmental death#Pitfalls|Pitfall]], [[Pumpkin bomb]]s,<br>[[Skeletons]], [[Ghost]], [[Environmental death#Crushing|Crushing]]
   | map-health-pickups-large   = 1
+
  | map-hazards-underworld    = [[Environmental death#Lava|Infernal Lava]]
   | map-ammo-pickups-small     = 5
+
   | map-has-pyrovision       = yes
   | map-ammo-pickups-medium     = 5
+
   | map-pickups-health-small = 4
   | map-ammo-pickups-large     = 3
+
   | map-pickups-health-medium = 7
   | map-special-pickups-hhgift  = yes
+
   | map-pickups-health-large = 1
  | map-special-pickups-pumpkin = yes
+
   | map-pickups-ammo-small   = 5
   | map-bots                   = 1
+
   | map-pickups-ammo-medium   = 5
 +
   | map-pickups-ammo-large   = 3
 +
   | map-pickups-special-sgg  = yes
 +
   | map-has-bots             = yes
 
}}
 
}}
{{Quotation|Helltower publicity blurb|Push a corpse-filled cart through a magic-blasted, skeleton-infested terrorscape to reach the infernal maw of a gaping Hellmouth in this Halloween-themed Payload Race of utter pants-filling terror! Just to be clear: You will poop your pants.}}
 
{{Map Variant}}
 
'''Helltower''' is a [[Payload Race]] map added in the [[Scream Fortress 2013|Scream Fortress 2013 Update]]. It is the [[Halloween map|Halloween-themed]] version of [[Hightower]].  Players who own a [[Spell Book]] may equip it and be able to pick up and cast the many [[Magic spell|Magic Spells]] that can be found on this map.
 
  
The objective is to push a cart of gravel containing the corpse of the opposing team's employer (Blutarch for [[RED]], Redmond for [[BLU]]) to the lift at the high towers before the other team while the brothers scream at you. At the beginning of the round your team's employer will request or demand that you send their brother (The other team's employer) to Hell. Once either brother is pushed to the checkpoint, all players will be sent to a demonic cave only known as '''Hell'''.  
+
{{Quotation|'''Helltower''' publicity blurb|Push a corpse-filled cart through a magic-blasted, skeleton-infested terrorscape to reach the infernal maw of a gaping Hellmouth in this Halloween-themed Payload Race of utter pants-filling terror! Just to be clear: You will poop your pants.}}
  
In Hell, the teams are pitted against each other, and all players must attempt to enter the Skull Island. Any player killed in Hell will become a [[Ghost]] and can pursue the living players; however, ghosts have no way to deal any damage. Pressing primary-fire as a ghost will cause the player to yell "BOO", which can be used to annoy living players but serves little other purpose.  Players that survive and reach the book receive an [[Unfilled Fancy Spellbook]], if they do not already possess one in their [[backpack]], which can be filled with pages found from the [[Haunted Halloween Gift]]. Only those that are alive and have reached Skull Island can receive the Unfilled Fancy Spellbook.
+
'''Helltower''' is a [[Payload Race]] map added in the [[Scream Fortress 2013|Scream Fortress 2013 Update]]. Players who own a [[Spell Book]] may equip it and be able to pick up and cast the many [[Magic spells|Magic Spells]] that appear on this map. Occasionally, the [[Soul Gargoyle]] spawns for randomly selected players on the server to find and [[Pickups|pick up]].
  
During the witching hour, Green [[Skeletons]] will spawn along with the bridge linking to the clocktower appearing. Occasionally, the Haunted Halloween Gift will spawn for randomly selected players on the server.
+
The objective is to push a cart of gravel containing the corpse of the opposing team's employer (Blutarch for [[RED]], Redmond for [[BLU]]) to the lift at the high towers before the other team, all while the brothers' spirits shout general insults ([[Announcer|announcements]]) at the players. At the beginning of the round each team's employer requests or demands that the team send their corpse (the other team's employer) to Hell. Once either brother is pushed to the checkpoint, all players are sent to '''Hell'''.
  
 +
In Hell, the teams spawn on opposite sides of a ruined tower and must make their way to the spellbook on Skull Island while avoiding enemy fire, spells, and falling into the [[lava]]. Any player killed in Hell becomes a [[Ghost]] and can pursue the living players; however, ghosts have no way to deal any damage. Pressing primary-fire or using a [[voice command]] as a ghost causes the player to yell "BOO", which can be used to annoy living players but serves little other purpose. Players that survive and reach the book receive an [[Unfilled Fancy Spellbook]], if they do not already possess one in their [[backpack]], which must be filled with [[Spellbook Page]]s in order to become usable.
  
[[Image:Helltower Hell Overview.jpg|thumb|top|Overview of the Hell part of the map.]]
+
{{Soul Gargoyle bit}}
 +
{{Maps that formerly had Haunted Halloween Gift Pickups}}
 +
 
 +
== Witching Hour ==
 +
The [[Witching Hour]] is a timed-event feature introduced in Helltower. It occurs every time the minute hand on the Clocktower reaches 12 and lasts while the minute hand steps backwards around back to 12 again. Every 2 minutes and 25 seconds, the Witching Hour runs for 40 seconds.  Clocktower bells ring announcing the Witching Hour. Clockworks clunk loudly within the tower, increasing in rate to warn players of the end of the Witching Hour.
 +
 
 +
During each witching hour, many Magic Spells spawn all over the open areas of the map and two Bridges open over the Lava pit to the Cliff House. Players who survived the bridge crossing may pick up the Rare Magic Spell at the Cliff House and be returned instantly to their own spawn with an [[Healing#Overheal|Overheal]] and a brief speed boost.
 +
 
 +
At the start of the second Witching Hour and every second hour after that, the Green Skeleton King and 5 [[Skeletons]] appear and begin chasing the nearest players.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Helltower Hell Overview.jpg|thumb|top|Overview of the Hell part of the map.]]
  
 
== Mann Brothers ==
 
== Mann Brothers ==
The Mann Brothers, [[Redmond]] and [[Blutarch]], are the Halloween-themed [[Payload carts]] unique to Helltower. After being slain by their long-lost brother [[Gray Mann]], the ghosts of the Mann Brothers endeavour to have their respective mercenaries send the other brother to Hell so that one may claim their father's inheritance as described in [[Grave Matters]]. Thus each team must push the corpse of the other team's boss to Hell while the ghosts of their respective employers bicker, report progress, and give instruction in place of the [[Administrator]].
+
The Mann Brothers, [[Non-player characters#Blutarch and Redmond Mann|Redmond and Blutarch]], serve as Helltower's Halloween-themed [[Payload carts]]. After being slain by their long-lost brother [[Non-player characters#Gray Mann|Gray Mann]], the ghosts of the Mann Brothers endeavour to have their respective mercenaries send the other brother to Hell so that one may claim their father's inheritance, as described in [[Grave Matters]]. Thus, each team must push the corpse of the other team's boss to Hell while the ghosts of their respective employers bicker, report progress, and give instruction in place of the [[Administrator]]. [[Halloween Boss responses#Scream Fortress V (2013)|Voice responses]] spoken by them are typically made in response to progression of the game, including environmental factors such as spells or newly spawned enemies.
  
 
<gallery perrow="4">
 
<gallery perrow="4">
Line 41: Line 52:
  
 
== Hell ==
 
== Hell ==
While the initial push to the end works like a regular Payload race on Hightower, once a team has pushed their corpse to the end, the screen will flash white as all players are transported to what is believed to be Hell.  
+
While the initial push to the end works like a regular Payload race on Hightower, once a team has pushed their corpse to the end, the screen flashes white as all players are transported to what is believed to be Hell.
  
On first arrival, all players will arrive on separate sides of a small area surrounded by lava (along with a short [[Thriller Taunt|dance-off]].) The team that has successfully pushed their cart to the end will gain a noticeable [[health]] buff as both teams are to fight over winning a prize upon Skull Island; an [[Unfilled Fancy Spellbook]].
+
On first arrival, all players appear on separate sides of a small area surrounded by lava (along with a short [[Thriller Taunt|dance-off]]). The team that successfully pushed their cart to the end receive a noticeable [[Healing#Overheal|Overheal]] buff as both teams are to fight over winning a prize upon Skull Island; an [[Unfilled Fancy Spellbook]].
  
At this point, the game turns into a short [[Arena]] match, with no respawns. Instead, killed players will turn into ghosts. Whichever team manages to make it to the end and lower the gate around the book wins the match, even if they lost the Payload race. However, the team that wins the Payload match receives over-healing, giving them a slight advantage over the losing team in the race for the book.
+
At this point, the game turns into a short [[Arena]] match, with no respawns. Instead, killed players turn into maneuverable ghosts. The team that manages to make it to Skull Island and lower the gate around the book wins the match, even if they lost the Payload race.
  
 
== Locations ==
 
== Locations ==
*'''The Hightowers''': Similar to the Hightowers in the [[Hightower]] map. There are movable platforms at the bottoms that when a Payload cart and at least one player is standing on it, will raise. Like the Hightower map, once the carts reach the end of the track they will detonate and all players will be sent to Hell.
+
{{HelpfulOverviewNote}}<br>
 +
 
 +
*'''The Hightowers''': Similar to the Hightowers in the [[Hightower]] map. There are movable platforms at the bottoms that when a Payload cart and at least one player is standing on it, will raise. Like the Hightower map, once a cart reaches the end of the track it detonates and kills all nearby players (which respawn in Hell shortly after).
 
*'''Central Tower''': Includes a long pit/shaft, similar to [[Ghost Fort]].
 
*'''Central Tower''': Includes a long pit/shaft, similar to [[Ghost Fort]].
*'''The Ramp''': Unlike Hightower, the carts do not fall back down these ramps by gravity.
+
*'''Crossing'''':Just like with the Hightower, there is a crossing shortly before the ramp.
*'''Cliff-House''': Its back wall is now opened up and can be fallen off of.
+
*'''The Ramp''': Unlike Hightower, the carts do not roll back down the Ramp.
*'''Clocktower''': Past the Cliff-House, a Clock tower can be accessed by bridges that appear during the witching hour. The [[ghost]] of [[Zepheniah Mann]] watches over the battle here but disappears during the witching hour. His [[Stun|haunting]] here prevents long-ranged players (e.g., Snipers) from using the location as an unassailable position.
+
*'''Cliff-House''': Its back wall is now opened up and can be fallen off of, and players can stand on the roof.
 +
*'''Clocktower''': Past the Cliff-House, a Clock tower can be accessed by bridges that appear during the Witching Hour. The [[ghost]] of [[Non-player_characters#Zepheniah_Mann|Zepheniah Mann]] watches over the battle here but disappears during the Witching Hour. His [[Stun|haunting]] here prevents long-ranged players (e.g., Snipers) from using the location as an unassailable position.
 
*'''Balconies''': At the end of the spawn hallways, like Hightower, are small balconies that overlook most of the battlefield.
 
*'''Balconies''': At the end of the spawn hallways, like Hightower, are small balconies that overlook most of the battlefield.
 
*'''Tower Corridors''': Some changes have been made here, including small puddle rooms on each side that players can drop down into, and small inaccessible tunnels, which can be used to teleport to the opposite tunnel when you are affected by the shrinking spell.
 
*'''Tower Corridors''': Some changes have been made here, including small puddle rooms on each side that players can drop down into, and small inaccessible tunnels, which can be used to teleport to the opposite tunnel when you are affected by the shrinking spell.
*'''The Bridge''': Two bridges that allows players to access the Clocktower. They appear during the witching hour, replacing [[Zepheniah Mann|Zepheniah]]'s [[ghost]] and disappear when it is over.
+
*'''The Bridge''': Two bridges that allows players to access the Clocktower. They appear during the Witching Hour, replacing Zepheniah's [[ghost]] and disappear when it is over.
*'''Hell''': When one of the caskets reaches its goal, both teams are sent to Hell. Hell takes on a slightly more demonic and lava-filled appearance than the map itself and still has the top half of the Central Tower. A route can be traveled across to Skull Island where surviving players can find the Bombinomicon watching the surviving players and receive a [[Unfilled Fancy Spellbook|reward]].
+
*'''Hell''': When one of the caskets reaches its goal, both teams are sent to Hell. Hell takes on a slightly more demonic and lava-filled appearance than the map itself and still has the top half of the Central Tower. A route can be traveled across to Skull Island where surviving players can find the chatty [[Bombinomicon (character)|Bombinomicon]] and receive a Unfilled Fancy Spellbook.
  
 
<gallery widths=140px heights=80px>
 
<gallery widths=140px heights=80px>
Line 80: Line 94:
 
File:Plr hightower event hell entry.jpg|From this point of view, the winning team enters on the left, and the losing one enters on the right.
 
File:Plr hightower event hell entry.jpg|From this point of view, the winning team enters on the left, and the losing one enters on the right.
 
File:Plr hightower event hell left side.jpg|Hell Losers' side
 
File:Plr hightower event hell left side.jpg|Hell Losers' side
File:Bombinomicon on Hell Island.jpg|The [[Bombinomicon]] in Hell
+
File:Bombinomicon on Hell Island.jpg|The [[Non-player characters#Bombinomicon|Bombinomicon]] in Hell
 
File:Unfilled Fancy Spellbook on Hell Island.jpg|The Unfilled Fancy Spellbook
 
File:Unfilled Fancy Spellbook on Hell Island.jpg|The Unfilled Fancy Spellbook
File:Plr hightower event spellbook.png|Regular [[Magic spells‎|Magic spell]]
+
File:Plr hightower event spellbook.png|Regular [[Magic spells‎|Magic Spell]]
File:Plr hightower event superspellbook.jpg|Rare Magic spell on the Clocktower
+
File:Plr hightower event superspellbook.jpg|Rare Magic Spell on the Clocktower
 
File:Plr hightower event skeletons.jpg|A group of skeletons
 
File:Plr hightower event skeletons.jpg|A group of skeletons
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
== Strategy ==
+
== Helpful overview ==
{{hatnote|See [[Community Helltower strategy]]}}
+
[[File:Helltower overview with lines.png|600px|left|Helltower's locations]]
{{anchor|Strategies}}
+
<big>1.Tower corridor
 +
2.Balconies
 +
3.Central Tower
 +
4.Crossing
 +
5.The Ramp
 +
6.Cliff House
 +
7.Clocktower
 +
 
 +
Blue diagonal lines: Blu spawn
 +
Red diagonal lines: Red spawn
 +
 
 +
Blue circle: Blu's Hightower
 +
Red circle: Red's Hightower</big>
 +
 
 +
{{clr}}
 +
== {{anchor|Strategies}} Strategy ==
 +
{{Hatnote|See [[Community Helltower strategy]]}}
 +
{{community strategy stub link}}
 +
{{Hatnote|See [[Community Skeletons strategy]]}}
  
 
== Related achievements ==
 
== Related achievements ==
{{see also|Obtaining Halloween achievements}}
+
{{See also|Obtaining Halloween achievements}}
=== [[File:Pumpkin.png|20px|link=Scarechievements{{if lang}}]] [[Scarechievements]] ===
+
 
 +
=== {{Achiev type link|scarechievements}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
| col1 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Attack o' Lantern}}
+
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Attack o' Lantern}}
        {{Show achievement|Halloween|Scared Stiff}}
+
| 2 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Scared Stiff}}
| col2 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Candy Coroner}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
=== [[File:Ghostchievements icon.png|20px|link=Ghostchievements]] [[Ghostchievements]] ===
+
 
 +
=== {{Achiev type link|ghostchievements}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
| col1 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Masked Mann}}
+
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Masked Mann}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
=== [[File:Pumpkin.png|20px|link=Bereavements{{if lang}}]] [[Bereavements]] ===
 
  
 +
=== {{Achiev type link|bereavements}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
| col1 =
+
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Competitive Spirit}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Hat Out of Hell}}
+
      {{Show achievement|Halloween|Hat Out of Hell}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Competitive Spirit}}
+
      {{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Hell on Wheels}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Hell on Wheels}}
+
      {{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Hell's Spells}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Hell's Spells}}
 
  
| col2 =
+
| 2 = {{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Mine Games}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Mine Games}}
+
      {{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Skeleton Coup}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Skeleton Coup}}
+
      {{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Spelling Spree}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|Helltower- Spelling Spree}}
+
      {{Show achievement|Halloween|The Mann-tastic Four}}
{{Show achievement|Halloween|The Mann-tastic Four}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Update history ==
 
== Update history ==
 +
{{update history|
 
'''{{Patch name|10|29|2013}}''' ([[Scream Fortress 2013]])
 
'''{{Patch name|10|29|2013}}''' ([[Scream Fortress 2013]])
 
* Added Helltower to the game.
 
* Added Helltower to the game.
Line 144: Line 176:
 
'''{{Patch name|11|6|2015}}'''
 
'''{{Patch name|11|6|2015}}'''
 
* Fixed players sometimes not being able to select a team and spawn on Helltower.
 
* Fixed players sometimes not being able to select a team and spawn on Helltower.
 +
}}
  
 
== Bugs ==
 
== Bugs ==
* The carts will not destroy any buildings when passing over them.
+
* The carts do not destroy any [[buildings]] when passing over them.
 
* It is possible to go outside the map in certain spots.
 
* It is possible to go outside the map in certain spots.
* When the speed boost from exiting the clock tower runs out, any speed boost from a [[Disciplinary Action]] will also be removed.
+
* When the speed boost from exiting the clock tower runs out, any speed boost from a [[Disciplinary Action]] is also removed.
 
<!-- possibly by design, do players drop Ammo in any underworld? * Players do not drop ammo upon death in Hell. -->
 
<!-- possibly by design, do players drop Ammo in any underworld? * Players do not drop ammo upon death in Hell. -->
* Killing players with the [[Half-Zatoichi]] will not restore your health in Hell.
+
* Killing players with the [[Half-Zatoichi]] does not restore the user's health in Hell.
* It is possible for [[pumpkin bombs]] and [[Skeletons]] to spawn directly on the exit gates of a team's base, preventing them from opening.
+
* It is possible for [[pumpkin bomb]]s and [[Skeletons]] to spawn directly on the exit gates of a team's base, preventing them from opening.
* Environmental death in Hell will be shown in the kill feed as bumper cars rather than the usual skull and bones, regardless of being finished off or falling in the lava.
+
* Environmental death in Hell is shown in the kill feed as bumper cars rather than the usual skull and bones, regardless of being finished off or falling in the lava.
 +
* It is sometimes possible to escape Hell using the [[Eureka Effect]].
 +
* It is possible to hear footsteps from ghost players not flying around, but hovering just above the ground.
 +
* Ghosts players in Helltower can be healed by friendly Medics and are affected by magic spells.
 +
 
 +
== Notes ==
 +
* If a player manages to get past the gate in hell before it has opened, the player will continually receive damage.
  
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
 
* Each Mann brother has a knife sticking out of his back. This is a reference to when [[Gray Mann]] stabbed them at the end of the [[Blood Brothers]] comic.
 
* Each Mann brother has a knife sticking out of his back. This is a reference to when [[Gray Mann]] stabbed them at the end of the [[Blood Brothers]] comic.
** However, Gray used only one knife to commit both murders and he [[:File:Gravematters07.jpg|dropped the knife]] and left it on the floor.
+
** However, Gray used only one knife to commit both murders, and he [[:File:Gravematters07.jpg|dropped the knife]] and left it on the floor.
 
<!-- Map feature, not trivia : * The Ghost of [[Zepheniah Mann]] can be spotted on the Clocktower's walkway when the bridge is not active, presumably watching the fighting. -->
 
<!-- Map feature, not trivia : * The Ghost of [[Zepheniah Mann]] can be spotted on the Clocktower's walkway when the bridge is not active, presumably watching the fighting. -->
 
* A Spy corpse (RED Spy for BLU and BLU Spy for RED) can be seen flying towards the lava next to the clock tower after the explosion, most likely serving as stand-ins for Blutarch/Redmond going to Hell.
 
* A Spy corpse (RED Spy for BLU and BLU Spy for RED) can be seen flying towards the lava next to the clock tower after the explosion, most likely serving as stand-ins for Blutarch/Redmond going to Hell.
* According to an [https://wiki.teamfortress.com/w/images/d/da/Sf13_blutarch_misc05.wav?t=20131031013218 unused line for Blutarch], Blutarch states that his laywers are watching from the clock tower at the end of the map, ensuring his team is doing their job.
+
* According to an [[:File:Sf13_blutarch_misc05.wav|unused line for Blutarch]], Blutarch states that his laywers are watching from the clock tower at the end of the map, ensuring his team is doing their job.
 
** This unused reference to an "evil castle" and his [[:File:Gravematters13.jpg|lawyers]] there, as well as the presence of [[:File:DoomMates7.jpg|Merasmus's refrigerator]], suggests that the tower was meant to be castle at one point.
 
** This unused reference to an "evil castle" and his [[:File:Gravematters13.jpg|lawyers]] there, as well as the presence of [[:File:DoomMates7.jpg|Merasmus's refrigerator]], suggests that the tower was meant to be castle at one point.
*In Hell, there is a secret ledge at the bottom of the waterfall with a skeleton leg at the bottom.
+
* In Hell, there is a secret ledge at the bottom of the cliff with a skeleton leg.
*A hut is visible in the far right side of the normal Hightower, in this version, it's missing with a black spot, implying that it exploded.
+
* A hut is visible in the far right side of the normal Hightower; in this version, it is missing with a black spot, implying that it exploded.
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:RED Helltower Bombcart.png|The RED team's bomb cart.
+
File:RED Helltower Bombcart.png|The RED team's tomb cart
File:BLU Helltower Bombcart.png|The BLU team's bomb cart.
+
File:BLU Helltower Bombcart.png|The BLU team's tomb cart
File:Skeleton King.png|The Skeleton King.
+
File:Skeleton King.png|The Skeleton King
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 +
The Redmond Cycle:
 +
* '''Helltower''', Redmond is taken to Hell.
 
* [[Gorge Event]], Redmond has escaped from Hell with his coffin; BLU assaults his mansion to send him back.
 
* [[Gorge Event]], Redmond has escaped from Hell with his coffin; BLU assaults his mansion to send him back.
* [[Brimstone]], Redmond is taken ''back'' to Hell.
+
* [[Brimstone (map)|Brimstone]], Redmond is taken ''back'' to Hell.
  
 
{{Scream Fortress 2013 Nav}}
 
{{Scream Fortress 2013 Nav}}
{{Maps nav}}
+
{{Halloween Map Nav}}
 +
{{Maps Nav}}

Latest revision as of 16:23, 22 February 2024

Helltower
Plr hightower event3.png
Basic Information
Map type: Payload Race
File name: plr_hightower_event
Released: October 29, 2013 Patch
(Scream Fortress V)
Variants: Payload Race and Smissmas
Developer(s): Valve
Map Info
Environment: Desert
Setting: Nighttime, cloudy
Hazards: Pitfall, Pumpkin bombs,
Skeletons, Ghost, Crushing
Hazards (Underworld): Infernal Lava
Pyrovision Support: Yes
Bot support: Yes
Map Items
Healthico.png Health Kits: Healthbar.png ×4  •  Healthpie.png ×7  •  
Health Cauldron.png ×1
Ammoico.png Ammo Boxes: Smallammo.png ×5   •   Mediumammo.png ×5   •  
Largeammo.png ×3
TF2 crosshair.png Special: Gargoyle Ghost.png
Map Photos
Loading screen photos.
Map Overview
Helltower overview.png
Push a corpse-filled cart through a magic-blasted, skeleton-infested terrorscape to reach the infernal maw of a gaping Hellmouth in this Halloween-themed Payload Race of utter pants-filling terror! Just to be clear: You will poop your pants.
Helltower publicity blurb

Helltower is a Payload Race map added in the Scream Fortress 2013 Update. Players who own a Spell Book may equip it and be able to pick up and cast the many Magic Spells that appear on this map. Occasionally, the Soul Gargoyle spawns for randomly selected players on the server to find and pick up.

The objective is to push a cart of gravel containing the corpse of the opposing team's employer (Blutarch for RED, Redmond for BLU) to the lift at the high towers before the other team, all while the brothers' spirits shout general insults (announcements) at the players. At the beginning of the round each team's employer requests or demands that the team send their corpse (the other team's employer) to Hell. Once either brother is pushed to the checkpoint, all players are sent to Hell.

In Hell, the teams spawn on opposite sides of a ruined tower and must make their way to the spellbook on Skull Island while avoiding enemy fire, spells, and falling into the lava. Any player killed in Hell becomes a Ghost and can pursue the living players; however, ghosts have no way to deal any damage. Pressing primary-fire or using a voice command as a ghost causes the player to yell "BOO", which can be used to annoy living players but serves little other purpose. Players that survive and reach the book receive an Unfilled Fancy Spellbook, if they do not already possess one in their backpack, which must be filled with Spellbook Pages in order to become usable.

Soul Gargoyles spawn on the map for each player individually during game play. The first notification of the Soul Gargoyle is vocally announced to the player by Merasmus, and repeated notifications may appear until the player grabs the Pickup or it disappears. Only the player for which the Soul Gargoyle has spawned sees the notifications or the Pickup. During Halloween Events, picking up a Soul Gargoyle scores the player 10 additional collected souls.


Note: ​This map was originally released with Haunted Halloween Gifts spawning on the map during Halloween Events; this feature was replaced with Soul Gargoyles in Scream Fortress 2015.

Witching Hour

The Witching Hour is a timed-event feature introduced in Helltower. It occurs every time the minute hand on the Clocktower reaches 12 and lasts while the minute hand steps backwards around back to 12 again. Every 2 minutes and 25 seconds, the Witching Hour runs for 40 seconds. Clocktower bells ring announcing the Witching Hour. Clockworks clunk loudly within the tower, increasing in rate to warn players of the end of the Witching Hour.

During each witching hour, many Magic Spells spawn all over the open areas of the map and two Bridges open over the Lava pit to the Cliff House. Players who survived the bridge crossing may pick up the Rare Magic Spell at the Cliff House and be returned instantly to their own spawn with an Overheal and a brief speed boost.

At the start of the second Witching Hour and every second hour after that, the Green Skeleton King and 5 Skeletons appear and begin chasing the nearest players.

Overview of the Hell part of the map.

Mann Brothers

The Mann Brothers, Redmond and Blutarch, serve as Helltower's Halloween-themed Payload carts. After being slain by their long-lost brother Gray Mann, the ghosts of the Mann Brothers endeavour to have their respective mercenaries send the other brother to Hell so that one may claim their father's inheritance, as described in Grave Matters. Thus, each team must push the corpse of the other team's boss to Hell while the ghosts of their respective employers bicker, report progress, and give instruction in place of the Administrator. Voice responses spoken by them are typically made in response to progression of the game, including environmental factors such as spells or newly spawned enemies.

Hell

While the initial push to the end works like a regular Payload race on Hightower, once a team has pushed their corpse to the end, the screen flashes white as all players are transported to what is believed to be Hell.

On first arrival, all players appear on separate sides of a small area surrounded by lava (along with a short dance-off). The team that successfully pushed their cart to the end receive a noticeable Overheal buff as both teams are to fight over winning a prize upon Skull Island; an Unfilled Fancy Spellbook.

At this point, the game turns into a short Arena match, with no respawns. Instead, killed players turn into maneuverable ghosts. The team that manages to make it to Skull Island and lower the gate around the book wins the match, even if they lost the Payload race.

Locations

Note: If you are having trouble with finding the locations listed here, see the Helpful overview section to see their exact position marked on the map.

  • The Hightowers: Similar to the Hightowers in the Hightower map. There are movable platforms at the bottoms that when a Payload cart and at least one player is standing on it, will raise. Like the Hightower map, once a cart reaches the end of the track it detonates and kills all nearby players (which respawn in Hell shortly after).
  • Central Tower: Includes a long pit/shaft, similar to Ghost Fort.
  • Crossing':Just like with the Hightower, there is a crossing shortly before the ramp.
  • The Ramp: Unlike Hightower, the carts do not roll back down the Ramp.
  • Cliff-House: Its back wall is now opened up and can be fallen off of, and players can stand on the roof.
  • Clocktower: Past the Cliff-House, a Clock tower can be accessed by bridges that appear during the Witching Hour. The ghost of Zepheniah Mann watches over the battle here but disappears during the Witching Hour. His haunting here prevents long-ranged players (e.g., Snipers) from using the location as an unassailable position.
  • Balconies: At the end of the spawn hallways, like Hightower, are small balconies that overlook most of the battlefield.
  • Tower Corridors: Some changes have been made here, including small puddle rooms on each side that players can drop down into, and small inaccessible tunnels, which can be used to teleport to the opposite tunnel when you are affected by the shrinking spell.
  • The Bridge: Two bridges that allows players to access the Clocktower. They appear during the Witching Hour, replacing Zepheniah's ghost and disappear when it is over.
  • Hell: When one of the caskets reaches its goal, both teams are sent to Hell. Hell takes on a slightly more demonic and lava-filled appearance than the map itself and still has the top half of the Central Tower. A route can be traveled across to Skull Island where surviving players can find the chatty Bombinomicon and receive a Unfilled Fancy Spellbook.

Helpful overview

Helltower's locations
1.Tower corridor 
2.Balconies
3.Central Tower
4.Crossing
5.The Ramp
6.Cliff House
7.Clocktower
Blue diagonal lines: Blu spawn
Red diagonal lines: Red spawn
Blue circle: Blu's Hightower
Red circle: Red's Hightower

Strategy

See Community Helltower strategy
See Community Skeletons strategy

Related achievements

See also: Obtaining Halloween achievements

Pumpkin.png Scarechievements

Attack o' Lantern
Attack o' Lantern
Cause the deaths of 5 players by exploding nearby pumpkin bombs.
Scared Stiff
Scared Stiff
Kill a player scared by a ghost.


Ghostchievements icon.png Ghostchievements

Masked Mann
Masked Mann
Collect a Soul Gargoyle in Mann Manor.


Item icon Spellbook Magazine.png Bereavements

Helltower: Competitive Spirit
Helltower: Competitive Spirit
Win 142 rounds


Helltower: Hat Out of Hell
Helltower: Hat Out of Hell
Get the loot from Skull Island in Hell


Helltower: Hell on Wheels
Helltower: Hell on Wheels
Send Redmond/Blutarch to Hell 10 times


Helltower: Hell's Spells
Helltower: Hell's Spells
Get and use a rare spell
Helltower: Mine Games
Helltower: Mine Games
Perform 17 environmental kills in Hell


Helltower: Skeleton Coup
Helltower: Skeleton Coup
Kill 99 skeletons


Helltower: Spelling Spree
Helltower: Spelling Spree
Use spells to kill 25 players


Helltower: The Mann-tastic Four
Helltower: The Mann-tastic Four
Earn 4 of the Helltower achievements

Update history

October 29, 2013 Patch (Scream Fortress 2013)
  • Added Helltower to the game.

October 30, 2013 Patch

  • Updated the round restart event to remove spells after playing in hell.
  • Updated Helltower to improve server stability.

October 31, 2013 Patch

  • Fixed players keeping their spells if they were rolling for them while leaving hell.

November 1, 2013 Patch

  • Fixed a dedicated server crash related to players becoming ghosts in hell.

November 6, 2013 Patch

  • Fixed being able to instantly respawn by changing teams while a ghost.
  • Fixed being able to get into the enemy spawn with the teleport spell in Helltower.

November 11, 2013 Patch

  • Fixed an exploit caused by attempting to change teams while in hell.

November 6, 2015 Patch

  • Fixed players sometimes not being able to select a team and spawn on Helltower.

Bugs

  • The carts do not destroy any buildings when passing over them.
  • It is possible to go outside the map in certain spots.
  • When the speed boost from exiting the clock tower runs out, any speed boost from a Disciplinary Action is also removed.
  • Killing players with the Half-Zatoichi does not restore the user's health in Hell.
  • It is possible for pumpkin bombs and Skeletons to spawn directly on the exit gates of a team's base, preventing them from opening.
  • Environmental death in Hell is shown in the kill feed as bumper cars rather than the usual skull and bones, regardless of being finished off or falling in the lava.
  • It is sometimes possible to escape Hell using the Eureka Effect.
  • It is possible to hear footsteps from ghost players not flying around, but hovering just above the ground.
  • Ghosts players in Helltower can be healed by friendly Medics and are affected by magic spells.

Notes

  • If a player manages to get past the gate in hell before it has opened, the player will continually receive damage.

Trivia

  • Each Mann brother has a knife sticking out of his back. This is a reference to when Gray Mann stabbed them at the end of the Blood Brothers comic.
    • However, Gray used only one knife to commit both murders, and he dropped the knife and left it on the floor.
  • A Spy corpse (RED Spy for BLU and BLU Spy for RED) can be seen flying towards the lava next to the clock tower after the explosion, most likely serving as stand-ins for Blutarch/Redmond going to Hell.
  • According to an unused line for Blutarch, Blutarch states that his laywers are watching from the clock tower at the end of the map, ensuring his team is doing their job.
    • This unused reference to an "evil castle" and his lawyers there, as well as the presence of Merasmus's refrigerator, suggests that the tower was meant to be castle at one point.
  • In Hell, there is a secret ledge at the bottom of the cliff with a skeleton leg.
  • A hut is visible in the far right side of the normal Hightower; in this version, it is missing with a black spot, implying that it exploded.

Gallery

See also

The Redmond Cycle:

  • Helltower, Redmond is taken to Hell.
  • Gorge Event, Redmond has escaped from Hell with his coffin; BLU assaults his mansion to send him back.
  • Brimstone, Redmond is taken back to Hell.