Timed and Scramble are specialized gamemodes designed for coordinated friend groups rather than chaotic public matchmaking. Timed mode challenges teams to score within time limits, while Scramble introduces objective-based chaos on purpose-built maps like Cratestack. Both modes were developed with community contributor EvolvedPheonix and remain free for all players.
Timed Gamemode Explained
Timed mode sets a clock on scoring objectives. Teams or individual players race to accumulate points before time expires. The highest score when the timer hits zero wins. Timed creates urgency that standard FFA lacks — every second of positioning matters.
Scoring methods vary by map and configuration. Eliminations, objective interactions, and zone control may all contribute points depending on the specific timed variant. Read the pre-match briefing for your lobby's scoring rules.
Timed mode works best with 4-8 friends who communicate. Public timed lobbies exist but random teammates often do not understand objective priority. Private lobbies with friends deliver the intended experience.
Scramble Gamemode Explained
Scramble introduces shifting objectives across the map — capture points, item collections, or zone rotations that change during the match. Adaptability beats raw aim skill. Players who memorize one strategy fail when objectives scramble.
Cratestack is the signature Scramble map, built specifically for this gamemode with tight angles, close corners, and daring parkour jumps. The vertical geometry synergizes with Monke Mode movement and Scramble's dynamic objectives.
Scramble rewards map knowledge and flexible thinking. Top players rotate between objectives efficiently rather than fighting every encounter. Skip low-value fights and sprint — or swing — to the next active objective.
Cratestack Mastery
Learn every vertical route on Cratestack before competitive Scramble. Monke Mode players who know ceiling paths rotate between objectives faster than ground-level runners. Flatscreen players should memorize ground routes and powerup locations.
Close corners on Cratestack create ambush opportunities. Pre-aim corners when rotating between scramble objectives. Proximity chat echoes through tight spaces — use audio bait to lure enemies into knockback traps.
Powerup spawns on Cratestack are contested during scramble rotations. Grab speed boosts when crossing open sections between objectives. Defensive knockback powerups secure objective zones during critical scramble phases.
Friend Group Strategies
Assign objective callers in your friend group — one player tracks scramble rotation timers and directs the team. Even simple callouts dramatically improve scramble performance over uncoordinated groups.
Split roles during timed mode: dedicated scorers and dedicated interceptors who knock enemies away from your scorers. This role split mirrors CTF escort tactics adapted for timed objectives.
These gamemodes were designed with the note that they are "best played with friends." Respect that design intent — queue timed and scramble with your group, not as a solo rank grind.
Future DLC and Availability
Developer Oakley Blade noted that specialized gamemodes like Timed and Scramble may eventually move to DLC, but they remain free for all players at launch. Take advantage of free access while available.
Community feedback shapes scramble objective types and timed scoring variants. Join the official Discord to suggest improvements and learn about new scramble configurations from other players.
Trophy rewards apply to timed and scramble victories. While not as efficient as FFA for pure grinding, wins with coordinated friend groups provide solid progression and more fun per session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Timed and Scramble separate gamemodes?
Yes. Timed and Scramble are distinct gamemodes with different rules, though this wiki page covers both because they share the friend-group design philosophy and Cratestack association.
Do I need DLC for Timed or Scramble?
No. Both gamemodes are currently free for all players. The developer may move specialized modes to DLC in future updates, but launch access is unrestricted.
Why was Cratestack built for Scramble?
Cratestack features tight angles and parkour geometry that complement Scramble's rotating objectives. Vertical routes enable fast objective rotation, making it the definitive Scramble map.
Can I queue Timed/Scramble solo?
Public lobbies exist for both modes, but the experience is significantly better with friends. Solo players may find random teammates uncooperative on objective-focused gameplay.
Related Pages
Free for All
Free for All is the default Catto Pew Pew experience — up to 16 players spawn continuously and fight until the match timer expires or a kill…
King of the Hill
King of the Hill shifts Catto Pew Pew from pure elimination chaos to zone control warfare. Players fight to hold a designated hill area whil…
Race
Race mode transforms Catto Pew Pew from combat arena into a physics-driven speed challenge. Players navigate checkpoint routes across maps a…
Fog Battle
Fog Battle strips away visual information and creates tense close-quarters combat. Short vision range and hidden nametags mean you cannot id…
Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag brings team-based objective gameplay to Catto Pew Pew's physics sandbox. Two teams compete to grab the enemy flag and retur…