huntd

huntd [-p port] [-s scorefile] [-l logfile] [-b] [-d] [-q]

-p portnumber
    Listen on specified TCP port instead of default (default: 7648)

-s scorefile
    Path to score file (default: /var/games/hunt.sc)

-l logfile
    Log game events to specified file (default: no logging)

-b
    Background mode disabled; run in foreground for debugging

-d
    Enable debug output

-q
    Quiet mode; suppress score emails

huntd is the server daemon for the classic Hunt game, a networked multiplayer combat simulation where players control tanks in a maze-like dungeon, battling monsters and each other. Invoked typically via inetd(8) or at boot, it listens for TCP connections from hunt(6) clients, authenticates players, and manages game sessions including map generation, player movements, shots, and scoring.

Games feature procedurally generated multi-level dungeons with walls, doors, fog, and destructible terrain. Players select tank types with varying speeds and shot powers. The daemon handles synchronization, collision detection, power-ups, and game over conditions. Scores are recorded in a file for rankings, with options to mail top players.

Designed for LAN or early Internet play, huntd enforces per-game player limits (default 12) and supports password protection. It's lightweight but requires root privileges for raw socket access in some modes. Primarily found in BSD-derived systems and Linux bsdgames packages, it's a staple of Unix gaming heritage, emphasizing real-time strategy and chaos.

Requires root for port binding below 1024; score file must be writable by daemon user. IPv4 only in most implementations. High CPU/network use during games. Deprecated in modern distros due to security concerns with raw sockets.

Run via inetd for isolation. Avoid internet exposure without firewall. Historical buffer overflows patched in recent versions.

Edit /etc/services for port. Ensure /var/games permissions: 664 hunt.daemon games.

Originated in 1985 by Greg Riccardi and Conrad Parker for 4.2BSD. Enhanced in 4.3BSD-Tahoe by Jay Fenlason. Ported to Linux in bsdgames package circa 1990s. Maintained sporadically; last major updates in early 2000s.

hunt(6), inetd(8), rc(8)