Cisco Capture the Flag (CTF) is an engaging, hands-on learning environment that features varying levels of difficulty. The game is similar to a treasure hunt, where answers are typically found within a lab setting. While there is usually a lab component, no "lab guide" is provided. CTF presents you with "Missions" that focus on different Cisco technologies and solutions. Each Mission includes associated "Tasks" to complete, also known as "Flags" to capture. You can choose to play one or more Missions based on your interests.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to play CTF, but participation is on an invitation-only basis. You need a CTF Event Join Link to join a CTF Event. Your CTF Game Host will provide you with the CTF Event join link.

CTF is a fun, hands-on learning experience designed for participants with varying levels of expertise. The game features Missions with different difficulty levels. Some Missions are tailored for those interested in learning new technologies or solutions, while others delve deeply into specific solutions. For most Missions, you do not need prior knowledge of a particular technology to enjoy and benefit from the learning environment.

In Cisco Capture the Flag (CTF), you will be presented with several "Missions," each comprising a set of challenges or "Tasks," also known as "Flags." By solving a challenge, you will have "Captured the Flag" for that challenge and will be rewarded with points. Completing a set of challenges (flags) means you have finished that Mission. The level of difficulty may vary between Missions, with some designed for those interested in learning new technologies and others diving deeply into specific solutions. The difficulty level for each Mission and individual flags is indicated in the Mission description.
Each Mission includes a brief description outlining the situation or purpose of that Mission. Any unlocked Mission can be chosen and tasks can be completed in any order. However, some tasks depend on the completion of other tasks and will only unlock once the prerequisite tasks are done. Additionally, certain Missions will only unlock once enough tasks from other Missions are completed.
Hints may be provided for some flags or tasks. You may choose to use a hint if you feel stuck, but note that using a hint may result in a point deduction (the deduction penalty, if any, is indicated with each hint). The player with the most flags (i.e., points) captured and the fewest hints used will top the leaderboard!
Each Mission is played by connecting to a game (or lab) environment. The "How to Connect" section of each Mission will guide you through the steps for connecting to the associated game lab environment. You can choose to engage in one or more Missions based on your interests. Unless specified in the Mission description, it is NOT necessary to fully complete one Mission before starting another. You may leave at any time and return to pick up where you left off.

CTF consists of several Missions with multiple tasks or challenges to be solved. The time required to complete a Mission varies based on its difficulty level:

• Easy and Intermediate Missions: Typically take 1-3 hours to finish.
• Advanced Missions: May take 4 or more hours to complete.

You can play for as long as you like during the duration of the CTF Event. There is no time limit for playing any Mission, and it is NOT necessary to fully complete one Mission before moving on to another. You have the flexibility to start and stop at your convenience, returning to continue where you left off.

Absolutely! You can play as much as you want during the CTF Event and leave at any time in between. When you log back into the CTF portal to continue, your scores and completed tasks will be retained, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. For a few Missions, where it is explicitly specified in the Mission description, there may be some exceptions or additional steps required for resuming. However, in most cases, you can stop midway and continue without any issues.

Yes, you can leave a Mission at any time and choose to play any other Mission. When you log back into the CTF portal to continue, your scores and completed tasks for each Mission will be retained, allowing you to move forward seamlessly. Only for a few Missions, where it is explicitly specified in the Mission description, there may be some exceptions or additional steps required for resuming. Otherwise, you have the flexibility to switch between Missions as you wish.

Will there be any support if I get stuck or if I have any questions or issues? If you need help related to Flags or Missions, please reach out to your CTF Event Proctors. Information about proctor support can be found once you are logged into the CTF portal and participating in your CTF Event.
For any general information about the CTF Platform, you can reach out to [email protected].

For most Missions, you can simply reserve the same pod again by following the instructions in the "How to Connect" section for each Mission if your current reservation expires before you complete the Mission. The new pod reservation will not affect your already completed tasks or scores. You can continue with your Mission using the new pod reservation. If you need any assistance, please reach out to your CTF Event Proctors.