xpilot

TLDR

Start the game and connect to a server

$ xpilot

Connect to a specific server

$ xpilot -join [server_address]

Set player name for the session

$ xpilot -name "[player_name]"

Connect with team selection

$ xpilot -join [server] -team [team_number]

Use a specific ship shape

$ xpilot -shipShape "[shape_string]"

List available servers on the network

$ xpilot -list

Start with specific display

$ xpilot -display [hostname:0]

SYNOPSIS

xpilot [-display host:n] [-join server] [-name name] [-team n] [-list] [-port n] [-shipShape shape] [options]

XPilot is a multiplayer tactical space combat game for the X Window System. Players pilot spacecraft in a 2D arena, competing against others in various game modes including team battles, capture the flag, and survival matches.
The game features Newtonian physics with momentum and gravity, requiring players to master thrust and rotation for maneuvering. Ships can collect power-ups for weapons like missiles, lasers, and mines. The gameplay emphasizes skill in navigation and combat timing.
Players connect to dedicated servers which host the game maps and manage the match. Multiple clients can connect to a single server for competitive play. The game supports both internet play and LAN sessions. Custom ship designs can be created using the ship shape specification language.
XPilot has an active community with various forks and enhanced versions. Configuration can be customized through command-line options or the .xpilotrc configuration file in the user's home directory.

PARAMETERS

-display host:n

Connect to X server on specified display.

-join server

Connect directly to the specified game server.

-name name

Set the player name (default: login name).

-team n

Join the specified team number.

-list

Query and list available servers on the network.

-port n

Use specified port number for server connection.

-shipShape shape

Define custom ship appearance using shape string.

-geometry WxH+X+Y

Set window geometry.

-fps n

Target frames per second.

-keyTurnLeft key

Bind key for turning left.

-keyTurnRight key

Bind key for turning right.

-keyThrust key

Bind key for thrust.

-keyFire key

Bind key for firing.

-help

Display help and available options.

CAVEATS

Requires an X11 display. Network latency significantly affects gameplay on internet servers. Some servers may run modified versions with different rules or physics. The original XPilot has been superseded by forks like XPilot-AI and XPilot NG with improved features.

HISTORY

XPilot was created by Bjorn Stabell and Ken Ronny Schouten, with the first public release in 1991. It became one of the earliest popular networked multiplayer games for Unix systems. The game gained a dedicated following throughout the 1990s with servers running worldwide. Various forks emerged including XPilot NG (Next Generation) which modernized the codebase and added features.