SOTW
| SOTW | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Start of the World |
| Marks | The start of a map |
| Before it | PvP disabled, building only |
| Opposite | EOTW |
SOTW, or Start of the World, is the moment a Hardcore Factions map properly begins. Before it, PvP is disabled and players build in safety. When the timer hits zero, PvP switches on and the map is live.
Why it matters: SOTW is the single busiest moment of a map. Everyone is online, everyone is geared, and nobody has a deathban yet. The kill counts factions post in the first hours are often the highest of the entire season.
The protection period
A map opens with PvP off, typically for a few hours or a day depending on the network. During this window factions:
- claim land and set their home
- build a base with storage, spawners and an autobrewer
- gather materials and gear the roster
- stock potions and pearls before anyone can interfere
The location you claim is decided here and lasts the whole map, so scouting during protection matters more than it looks. Land near the Citadel, a KOTH or the End portal gives faster access to events for the rest of the season.
When PvP enables
The moment the timer expires, the map becomes what it will be for the next several weeks. Three things happen at once:
- Spawn fights. Large numbers of players are near spawn, and the first fights happen immediately.
- Kit sniping. Killing people as they collect gear from spawn, before they can equip properly.
- Deathbans begin. The first deaths of the map remove players for hours, and factions that overcommit at SOTW spend the rest of the day short-handed.
Players who post the most kills at SOTW often build reputations on it alone. Larkyo's FoxyMC footage includes several SOTW kill records.
Preparation
- Full attendance. Rosters coordinate around the announced time; being absent at SOTW costs the faction its opening.
- Gear before the timer. Anything not stocked during protection has to be gathered under fire.
- Decide your opening. Whether to push spawn, defend the base or go quiet for the first hour is a real strategic choice.
- Watch your DTR. Early deaths freeze regeneration when the faction can least afford it. See Cooldowns.