RDL Rules

Player Requirements

• Before joining, all Pilots must provide a valid email address. The RDL will verify its authenticity as part of the registration process
• Pilots must not use aliases. We would like pilots to go by their common pilot. For example, b2af should not register as b2. Maintain a consistent name throughout the Descent community.
• Country: Setting your home country is recommended but optional. The RDL would like for you to set your country so others can prepare for a high-ping match.

Players must register with three home maps that follow the home level framework.

Home Level Frame Work

• Homes should be used as a last-ditch measure for pilots to play. Ideally, you should agree on maps rather than rely on one single level. Map diversity is encouraged on the RDL.
• Home maps that do not follow this standard will be rejected.

1. Primary weapons should be equal in number.
2. Weapons should not focus on subtype matches (e.g., disorientation, single-use weapons, rat, Gauss and Mercs, etc.).
3. Map sizes should be reasonably sized for 1v1 play.
4. Maps that encourage "missile boating" are prohibited. (e.g., levels that start players with maxed-out missiles and include large caches of additional missiles).
5. Home Maps should be stock (e.g., no MCAPs or Xs).

Version Requirements

• For Descent/Descent II, players must use only the game files provided by Steam, GOG, or the US CD versions of the game, and the most recent DXX-Redux build (Click here), currently v1.1.
• For Descent 3, players must use the Piccu Engine along with game files provided by Steam, GOG, or the CD versions of the game. The current Piccu Engine is v1.2.2 and can be found here.
• Any D1/D2/D3 experimental builds are prohibited in RDL ladder matches.

• Ranking System: The RDL uses a ladder system to rank players. Players are ranked based on their Elo rating, which is calculated based on match performance.
• Scoring System: To prove your skill, players compete for ladder positions. However, ELO determines your skill level. Skill levels are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald.

The Ladder System

The ranges are as follows:

1. 1400–1600: Bronze
2. 1600–1800: Silver
3. 1800–2000: Gold
4. 2000+: Emerald

• Players gain or lose Elo based on match performance and are placed according to their latest ELO value. ELO is not determined by K/D ratio, but by wins against opponents (upsets grant bigger gains). The ladder resets with all pilots at 0 matches each season. However, ELO does not reset.

• A player can call a timeout at any time. Pilots must evade any in-air projectiles before stopping. Players must not pick up any objects during a timeout.
• Once the timeout is done, the pilot who called timeout must type "Ready" in the message box. The other pilot must acknowledge by typing "Go." On the message "Go," the match resumes.
• Extended timeouts are allowed if both players agree. The pilot must justify the extended timeout. If justification is not heard or agreed upon, the match is forfeited.

• The RDL encourages a spirit of open, fair, respectful, and good-faith competition among players. RDL admins have first, last, and final say on disciplinary action, up to and including permanent removal from the ladder.
• General conduct, including in the Discord, and on the ladder:
  • Do not use slurs or derogatory language about any group or pilot, anywhere, at any time.
  • Do not impersonate other players or RDL admins.
  • Do not share others' private information without their consent.
  • Do not engage in targeted harassment or bullying.
  • Aliasing – the practice of flying under other in-game pilot names or profiles – is permitted, with three guidelines and two rules:
    • Names should typically be recognizable as your ladder profile name or a name you commonly use.
    • If you plan to alias during a match, disclose it when setting up the match.
    • Aliases shall never be commonly used names by other pilots or their ladder profiles.
    • Aliases should only be used in games; pilots should only maintain one RDL profile.

• Communication and trash talk are allowed. However, no pilot is obligated to chat during a match, and any requests for minimal communication (besides timeouts) must be respected.
• Demos, observers, and streaming:
  • In Descent/Descent II, leaving observer slots open and recording demos is strongly encouraged, but not required, especially if all pilots agree beforehand.
  • Streaming is encouraged but not required. You may stream your own POV, but not your opponent's.

• All players must adhere to the league's Respect and Sportsmanship rule. Failure to do so will result in a reduction in rank, skill level, time ban, or general ban.

• Players should never, under any circumstances, use cheats, hacks, asset replacements, or similar software/techniques to gain an edge during a match.
• Do not accuse someone of cheating publicly without consulting League Admins. If you suspect cheating, report evidence. RDL staff will make a determination and take appropriate action.
• Cheating constitutes:
  • Using Hog edits
  • Playing with non-default Descent physics (e.g., making plasma bounce off walls, or increasing ship velocity)
  • Using graphical enhancements such as OpenGL ReShade for unfair advantages
  • Using network tools like VPNs, proxies, or VLANs to maliciously hinder an opponent's connection
  • Using Cheat Engine or other hex editors to alter game physics (beyond simple color changes)

• Comming soon