Server Rules
The conduct, roleplay and combat standards everyone in Hydrate plays by, in game and across our community platforms.
By joining our community, through Discord or our game servers, you agree to follow these rules. They can change over time, so check back regularly.
New to the city? Start with the Getting Started guides, then read Character Expectations, the New Life Rule and Random Death Match (RDM).
Every situation is different
The rules can't cover everything, so staff look at each situation in context. Not sure whether something's OK? Ask in a ticket first: we're happy to help.
Community Conduct
Standards for everyone, in game and out, across every Hydrate platform.
- Prohibited Conduct and LanguageBehaviour and language that is never OK at Hydrate, in game or out, because it hurts real people.
- Age RestrictionsPlayers must be 16 or older to join Hydrate, and every character must be 18 or older.
- Respect the CommunityKeep conflict between characters. Out-of-character toxicity and personal remarks about real people aren't allowed.
- Respect the Staff TeamTreat staff with respect, never pretend to be staff, and talk to us if you disagree with a decision.
- ExploitingCheats, bug abuse and unfair graphics settings aren't allowed. Found a bug? Tell us, we appreciate it.
- Real Money TradingSelling or buying in-game items, vehicles or money for real-world money isn't allowed, and leads to a ban.
Roleplay Standards
How to play your character and keep the world believable.
- Character ExpectationsThe baseline every character must meet: 18 or older, a working microphone, English, and an appearance that fits a modern city.
- Breaking CharacterStay in character at all times, unless a staff member or the Community Support Team tells you to break character.
- New Life RuleWhat your character may know and do after being incapacitated or killed, including the 15-minute cooldown before returning to the same scenario.
- Fail FearYour character must value their life and act as a real person would when their life is threatened.
- Injury RoleplayAfter being incapacitated or seriously hurt, roleplay your injuries realistically until you've been treated.
- MetagamingUsing information your character didn't learn in character, such as from streams or Discord, is not allowed.
- PowergamingUsing game mechanics, outside information or unrealistic actions to force an unfair advantage in roleplay.
- Unique RoleplayAnimals, bounty hunters, hitmen, paranormal and serial killer roleplay need staff approval first.
Combat and Crime
Rules for violence, hostility and criminal activity.
- HostilitiesKidnapping time limits, hospitals as hostility-free zones, EMS as protected parties, and harming animals.
- Law Enforcement BaitingDon't provoke police just to get a reaction. Crime and police chases need a real roleplay purpose.
- Robbing and ScammingScamming isn't allowed. Robbing needs prior roleplay, and there are limits on heists, targets and what can be taken.
- Random Death Match (RDM)Attacking or killing another character without a valid in-character reason and clear initiation first.
- Vehicle Death Match (VDM)Using a vehicle to harm or kill other characters is not allowed. Pitting is allowed below 100 mph.
- Criminal GroupsMember limits for crews, gangs and organisations in hostile roleplay, the Crews app, roster cooldowns, and Cayo Perico teaming rules.
Government Jobs
The higher standard for allowlisted government roles: Police, EMS, DOJ and DOC.
Breaking the Rules
Rule breaks are handled case by case: staff will talk to you and work out what's fair. See How We Handle Rule Breaks, and Reporting a Rule Violation if you've seen someone break a rule.