# Barotrauma Game Modes Explained (/docs/barotrauma/game-modes)



Barotrauma has four multiplayer game modes. You set the active mode via `gamemodeidentifier` in `serversettings.xml` or through the lobby before starting a round.

Sandbox [#sandbox]

The most open mode — no objectives, no progression, no rewards. Players can spawn items, test submarine systems, and experiment freely.

**Best for:** Testing builds, learning systems, messing around with friends.

```xml
gamemodeidentifier="sandbox"
```

***

Mission Mode [#mission-mode]

Round-based play. Each round is a self-contained mission — players complete it, return to the lobby, and vote on the next. No persistent save between rounds.

**Best for:** Drop-in/drop-out play, competitive servers, players who don't want campaign commitment.

```xml
gamemodeidentifier="mission"
```

Mission Types [#mission-types]

Configure which mission types can appear via `AllowedRandomMissionTypes` in `serversettings.xml`:

| Type      | Description                                               |
| --------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| `Salvage` | Retrieve an artifact or object from a wreck or alien ruin |
| `Monster` | Hunt and kill specific large creatures in the level       |
| `Cargo`   | Deliver goods between outposts                            |
| `Combat`  | PvP round — two teams against each other                  |
| `Beacon`  | Place scanning equipment inside an alien ruin             |
| `Nest`    | Destroy creature egg clusters in a cave                   |

To allow all mission types randomly:

```xml
AllowedRandomMissionTypes="Random"
```

To restrict to specific types:

```xml
AllowedRandomMissionTypes="Salvage,Monster,Beacon"
```

***

Campaign [#campaign]

Persistent co-op mode with a shared save file. The crew earns money, upgrades the submarine, hires crew, and navigates a map across Europa. Progress carries over between sessions.

**Best for:** Regular crews who want long-term progression.

```xml
gamemodeidentifier="campaign"
```

See the dedicated [Campaign Mode guide](/docs/barotrauma/campaign-mode) for setup, saves, and permadeath options.

***

PvP (Combat) [#pvp-combat]

Two teams compete against each other, with combat as the primary objective. Can be combined with traitor mechanics for extra chaos. Accessible as the `Combat` mission type within Mission mode.

**Best for:** Competitive groups who want to fight each other.

***

Changing the Game Mode [#changing-the-game-mode]

Via serversettings.xml [#via-serversettingsxml]

Stop the server, set `gamemodeidentifier` to your chosen mode, save, and restart.

Via the Lobby [#via-the-lobby]

An admin in the lobby can change the game mode before starting a round using the mode selection UI — no server restart needed, as long as `ModeSelectionMode` is not set to `Manual` lock-in.

Traitors [#traitors]

Traitors work across Mission and Campaign modes. One player is secretly assigned as a traitor with hidden objectives that work against the crew. Enable them with:

```xml
TraitorsEnabled="Maybe"
TraitorRatio="0.2"
```

`Maybe` means there's a 20% chance per round that a traitor is assigned. Use `Yes` to guarantee a traitor every round.

> 💡 **Tip:** Traitors are most fun in Campaign — the persistent stakes make betrayal much more impactful.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Configure Your Server](/docs/barotrauma/configure-your-server)
* [Campaign Mode](/docs/barotrauma/campaign-mode)
* [Change Submarine](/docs/barotrauma/change-submarine)