Sometimes it occurred to me that players are still caught by surprise when they get banned. So I decided to create this guide as a guideline to any player who wishes to be on the safe side. This guide is also for players who want to know how to file a report.

TLDR this guide somewhat offers an insight on how admins moderate unacceptable behaviour in Darkest Hour.

This guide contains:

• How to report a player
  
• How to appeal a ban
  
• Sorts of bans

1. I am not an admin. I have no say in any matter.
   
2. Any inappropriate comments about anyone or anything will be removed.
   
3. All 'rules' and guidelines in this guide are from my own perception and knowledge. My views may not reflect the views of admins or devs.
   
4. Unwritten rules, guidelines, and perceptions can change over time.
   
5. No rights can be derived from this guide: don't comment or link to this guide crying "SeE! UnBAn Me pLs!".

Use the Guide Index on the right side to navigate.
Anyway, enjoy reading!

As of my current knowledge, I'm not familiar with any official set of rules in Darkest Hour. I haven't found any real official in-game rules published except the Forum rules 'Don't be a jerk' and Discussion Rules and Guidelines. Probably this is the reason why you're reading all of this now.

I assume and have heard that any unwritten rule and disciplinary action stems from the deliberate decision to not have written rules. This means that players are expected to behave and act as normal adults.
So if there is any moment where you're hesitating to say or do something stupid in-game: BEHAVE AND USE COMMON SENSE.

Admins and other players tend to be allergic to childish behaviour, and rightly so.

There are a couple of ways to get on the receiving end of a ban.
So here's a list of big no-no's.

"stfu n****"

A very easy and fast way to get banned is racial slur. This means using the n-word, any glorification of nazism, or outright racism. One n-word can be enough to get permabanned. Really, racism is NOT tolerated.

"That ******* is such an idiot. He deserves to get executed NKVD-style."

Intentional teamkilling is another way to get banned. Sometimes if there's clear evidence, you're easily banned if you're recorded to be teamkilling intentionally.
If someone reported you in the DH discord without clear evidence, they will be keeping eyes on you. Very likely they'll just ban you regardless if there are clear signals.

"I'm going to take the tankman role, occupy the biggest tank out there, lock it, and be AFK for the rest of the game, LOL"

Another way to get banned. Griefing could be hard to spot or report sometimes, but seasoned players are vigilant when they spot any of it. And I can tell you, there are always seasoned veteran players playing.

"**** you! You're a *****! Suck a ****! Your mother is a *****!"

Toxic behaviour can be a reason to get banned. However, this doesn't mean that healthy discussions are not allowed. It's alright to disagree about something and discuss it, but again; adult and responsible behaviour is expected.

There is no real measurement on how to grade toxic behaviour. I guess it depends on the history, situation and graveness. To be on the safe side: no foul language.
But this doesn't mean that you should report every bad language you encounter. Because some players/admins have expressed their concerns about reporting alleged toxic behaviour. So this is still up for debate.

If you spot any unacceptable behaviour and wish to report it:

1. Record the username and ROID of the perpetrator.
   In-game: a quick way is to open your console and type 'listplayers', then screenshot the ROID list.
   Browser: you can find the player ROID and stats on http://stats.darklightgames.com/
   
2. Take screenshots if applicable. Extra evidence may help.
   
3. Join the DH Discord group[discord.com] and report the perp in the channel #report-a-player

Usually one of the admins or mods is online and should be able to take immediate action.

Don't underestimate the power of admins/mods!
They are able to... I'm not going to give away their abilities. ;)
Anyway, if no action is taken straight away; people will be keeping an eye on the perp. Besides, this community is quite open and tight-knit, so he'll get caught sooner than later.

As far as I know, moderators can give to players:

• Sessionban
  
• Ban
  
• Permaban

Do note that these aren't increasing steps: e.g. you could be permabanned immediately.


You've been a naughty boy and you need some cooling down. You won't be able to continue playing the current game session. Take a small break, calm down, have a glass of water, and join the next game session. Perhaps come apologize in the DH Discord group[discord.com]?

You cannot play anymore, not even in new game sessions until you're unbanned. You will need to appeal your ban in the DH Discord group[discord.com] in the channel #appeal-a-ban.
Note: A ban can be server-specific.
Note: If your appeal is dismissed, you could try again in the distant future. (But don't get the illusion that they've forgotten you.)

Oh man, you really screwed up, didn't you?
Uninstall DH. Hide DH from your Steam library. You are an unwanted player. Nobody likes you. Go away. Do not ever come back.

You did something unholy and now you need an unban to continue playing this awesome game:

1. Join the DH Discord group[discord.com] and head to the channel #appeal-a-ban
   
2. Plead your case.
   
3. I won't give you any more details except for the fact that the 'my little brother used my account' excuse has been used too many times.

Final tip: In my opinion the channels #report-a-player and #appeal-a-ban in the DH Discord group[discord.com], besides its function, serves as an excellent entertainment channel. Why? Frankly, it's hilarious to witness what kind of extraordinary people go through here sometimes. ;p

Usually I would ask for people to comment and give feedback on this guide. But since this is a sensitive topic, I prefer to refrain to do so to prevent unnecessary discussions or ranting. If any of the devs or admins would like to have this guide or parts taken down or altered; let me know and I will make amends asap.

Anyway, have fun playing! And do behave!