How to Switch Modes and Maps: Standard Workflow for !rmatch, !match, and !mapvote
Why must you type !rmatch once before switching modes? A complete walkthrough of switching match rule packs, voting on custom maps, fine-tuning boss spawns with !voteboss, plus five troubleshooting checks when a vote fails to take effect.
Why Switching Modes Must Follow 'Unload with !rmatch First, Then Load with !match'
On Anne community servers, whether it is standard AnneHappy, Hardcore AnneHappy, Not0721 multi-SI variants, or ZoneMod competitive Versus, each mode is essentially a match rule pack (cfg) dynamically loaded on the server. When loaded, each rule pack batch-overwrites dozens of underlying ConVars such as Special Infected caps, spawn cooldowns, reserve ammo multipliers, medical item distribution, and team slots.
Many players run into situations where 'we clearly voted back to normal mode, so why are there still no first aid kits or why are Special Infected still spawning as aggressively as a high-pressure room?' The root cause is stacking a new config directly on top without unloading the old one—the new cfg only overwrites the specific parameters it explicitly declares, leaving other variables modified by the previous high-pressure pack lingering in server memory. Developing this clean 4-step switching habit takes just 20 seconds and completely eliminates rule bleed-over:
- Step 1: Type !xx to Check the Active Config：Before starting or switching gameplay modes, type !xx (or !x) in chat first to check whether the room currently has an existing match config loaded.
- Step 2: Type !rmatch to Reset Cleanly to Baseline：If another rule pack is currently active, let your teammates know and type !rmatch to call an unload vote; once passed, the server automatically restarts the round and restores all underlying parameters to a clean default baseline.
- Step 3: Type !match to Select Your Target Rule Pack：Once the round reset finishes, type !match (or !chmatch) and select the mode branch you want to play from the category menu on the left.
- Step 4: Type !xx Once More to Double-Check Parameters：After the new config finishes loading, type !xx once more to verify that the mode name, Special Infected cap, and AI tier are all in place before opening the saferoom door.
Clear Boundaries Between Changing Maps (!mapvote) and Adjusting Bosses (!voteboss)
In the server plugin architecture, switching gameplay modes, changing campaign maps, and adjusting current-chapter Boss spawn positions are handled by three completely independent commands—do not mix them up:
| Operation Goal | Chat Command | Interaction with Other Settings | Best Time to Execute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch gameplay rule pack | !match / !rmatch | Only changes gameplay and SI spawn rules; will not switch you to a different campaign map | Execute inside the starting saferoom before opening the door and locking the AI tier |
| Switch official or custom maps | !mapvote (or !chmap) | Only triggers map change and loading; does not automatically reset or change the currently mounted match mode | If changing both mode and map, set the mode with !rmatch + !match first, then run !mapvote last |
| Check / fine-tune chapter Boss percentage | !tank / !voteboss | Takes effect only for the current chapter (AnneHappy modes support voting to fine-tune spawn percentages) | When typing !tank before leaving shows a Tank spawning on a lethal narrow ladder or water chokepoint, fine-tune it inside the saferoom with !voteboss |
| Open the all-in-one vote master menu | !vote | Aggregates utility toggles like player slots, SI count, full team heal, and chapter restart | Type !vote directly to browse whenever you cannot recall a specific command name |
Five Troubleshooting Checks When a Vote Fails, a Mode Is Missing, or Changes Do Not Apply
- Pop-up says 'Not enough yes votes, vote failed'
- Most global votes on the server require more than half of the players present to press F1 in favor. If teammates are busy fighting off Special Infected or do not want a mid-run restart, asking 'Mind switching to AnneHappy after this wave?' in public chat works far better than silently spamming the vote pop-up three times.
- Prompt says 'Vote is on cooldown' or 'Not allowed during current stage'
- To prevent vote spam from disrupting matches, there is a brief cooldown in seconds between votes; additionally, certain votes involving slots or resets can only be called during saferoom preparation—wait until a wipe restart or the next saferoom to call the vote.
- Cannot find a specific mode inside the !match menu
- Different server groups mount slightly different extension packs depending on their focus. If the current instance menu truly lacks that option, type !ip to hop to a full-featured instance in the same region, or check our Gameplay Guide to confirm the config code.
- Half your teammates disconnect after switching to a custom map
- Switching to a custom map without confirming whether teammates have the matching .vpk installed locally causes anyone missing the map to get kicked back to the main menu with a Missing map error during loading.
- Typing !xx within the first two seconds after a vote passes still shows the old name
- It takes 1–2 seconds for the rule pack to finish ConVar resets and round restart; wait until the round restart notice flashes on screen before typing !xx to see the updated state.
Four Unspoken Rules of Public Room Voting Etiquette
- Ask in Public Chat Before Popping a Vote Window：The vote box that pops up on the left blocks teammates' vision and hijacks the F1/F2 keys; popping a sudden vote mid-firefight easily causes teammates to mispress. Saying a quick word in public chat before calling a vote is basic courtesy.
- Never Call Random Restart or Map Votes During the Finale Rescue Stage：When the whole team has fought hard for twenty minutes to reach the finale rescue, calling a sudden mode vote that wipes the entire run's progress is the most frowned-upon behavior on any community server.
- When Joining a Room Already in Progress, Finish the Current Chapter First：When connecting mid-run to a room where three players are already fighting, type !xx to check the rules and play through the current chapter first; wait until you reach the saferoom or finish the finale before discussing what to switch to next.
- Never Spam Vote Retries Out of Spite After a Vote Is Rejected：If the majority pressed F2 to vote no, it means everyone wants to keep playing the current setup for now. Respect the majority's wishes, or type !ip to find an empty server and host your own room.