Dan: Add How to Learn to Strafe guide with embedded GIFs from CTF Holocron #2

2026-10-31T18:50:05Z

Add How to Learn to Strafe guide with embedded GIFs from CTF Holocron #2

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<blockquote>'''Source Video:''' [https://youtu.be/w38LNsFrQTU How to Learn to Strafe | CTF Holocron #2] by Xennito</blockquote>

Strafe jumping is the foundational movement mechanic in Jedi Academy CTF. Rather than reinventing existing movement tutorials, this guide provides a structured '''learning roadmap''', essential Newmod practice tools, and practical habits to turn raw strafe mechanics into real in-game movement.

<blockquote>'''Speed Reference Across Games:''' Because many of the best strafe-jumping explanations come from the Quake community, keep the base speed differences in mind when comparing videos:
* '''Quake 3 / Quake Live Base Speed (<code>g_speed</code>):''' <code>320</code> UPS (units per second)
* '''Jedi Academy Base Ground Speed (<code>g_speed</code>):''' <code>250</code> UPS
* '''Jedi Academy Ground Speed with Force Speed:''' <code>425</code> UPS</blockquote>

== Step-by-Step Video Curriculum ("The Five Holy Videos") ==

Understanding the theory of strafe jumping is only half the battle—developing the muscle memory requires time and deliberate practice. Work through these five resources in order:

=== 1. [https://youtu.be/su4ucyH3nq0 Strafe Jumping 101] (by Commodore) ===
Start here to learn the three fundamental building blocks of strafe jumping in Jedi Academy:
# '''Bunny Hopping:''' Holding <kbd>W</kbd>, jumping, and immediately jumping again the instant you land (without using Force Jump).
# '''Bunny Hopping with Strafe Keys:''' Continuing to hold <kbd>W</kbd> while alternating <kbd>A</kbd> (strafe left) and <kbd>D</kbd> (strafe right) on each consecutive jump.
# '''Strafe Jumping:''' Combining <kbd>W</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd> with a smooth mouse turn to the '''left''', and <kbd>W</kbd> + <kbd>D</kbd> with a smooth mouse turn to the '''right''' (plus circle jumping to build initial speed).

[[File:Strafe-101-basics.gif|frame|none|Building from basic bunny hopping to alternating W+A and W+D jumps with synchronized mouse movement.]]

=== 2. Enable Newmod Practice Tools (<code>cg_strafeHelper</code>) ===
Once you understand the basic motion from ''Strafe Jumping 101'', enable Newmod's built-in visual aids in the console:

{| class="wikitable"
! Command !! Recommended Value !! Description
|-
| <code>/cg_drawMovementKeys</code> || <code>1</code> || Displays on-screen WASD/jump key presses. Most useful when spectating experienced players or reviewing demos to see their exact inputs.
|-
| <code>/cg_strafeHelper</code> || <code>2</code> ''(Basic)'' or <code>4</code> ''(Advanced)'' || Draws guide lines near your crosshair indicating the optimal mouse angle for maximum acceleration.
|-
| <code>/cg_speedometer</code> || <code>1</code> || Displays your current horizontal speed in units per second (UPS).
|}

* '''How to read <code>/cg_strafeHelper 2</code>:'''
** When holding <kbd>W</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd>, aim your crosshair onto the '''left green line'''.
** When holding <kbd>W</kbd> + <kbd>D</kbd>, the right white line turns green—aim your crosshair onto the '''right green line'''.
** An audio tone plays while you are holding the optimal acceleration angle. Don't worry about perfection right away; use it to build a feel for the angles.

[[File:Strafe-helper.gif|frame|none|Practicing with /cg_drawMovementKeys 1 and /cg_strafeHelper 2—aligning the crosshair with the green line on each jump for optimal acceleration.]]

=== 3. [https://youtu.be/XVzA8dKzPUk Strafe Jumping 102] & [https://youtu.be/rTsXO6Zicls Strafe-Jumping Physics Explained] ===
After getting comfortable with basic <kbd>W+A</kbd> / <kbd>W+D</kbd> motions, watch these two videos to understand ''why'' specific angles accelerate your player:
* '''Do not memorize numeric angles'''—let <code>cg_strafeHelper</code> show you the angles dynamically.
* '''Understand the "Dead Zone" (see [https://youtu.be/rTsXO6Zicls?t=171 02:51 in the Quake physics video]):''' When your crosshair passes through the center zone between your left and right strafe angles, you gain '''zero speed'''.
* '''Switch Sides Quickly and Accurately:''' Because of the center dead zone, slowly sweeping your mouse from left to right wastes acceleration time. You want to snap cleanly from one green strafe-helper line to the other at the moment you switch strafe keys, then smoothly track the green line as it moves outward.

[[File:Strafe-deadzone-physics.gif|frame|none|Visualizing the center "dead zone" where no speed is gained, illustrating why snapping quickly between left and right strafe angles is essential.]]

=== 4. [https://youtu.be/JdjK0Wh83Ds Strafe Jumping in Jedi Academy - Best Examples (UPS)] ===
Created by top Jedi Academy racers (the UPS community), this video showcases optimal strafes and introduces different '''strafe styles''' beyond standard <kbd>W+A</kbd> / <kbd>W+D</kbd>:
* Switch your strafe helper to '''<code>/cg_strafeHelper 4</code>''' to display guide lines for all strafe styles (sideways/<kbd>A</kbd>-<kbd>D</kbd>-only, half-beat, <kbd>W</kbd>-only, etc.).
* '''Learn the "Half-Beat" Style:''' Half-beat strafing alternates between a forward-diagonal jump (e.g., <kbd>W+A</kbd>) and a single-key jump (e.g., <kbd>W</kbd> or <kbd>A</kbd>), requiring much smaller mouse swings in one direction instead of wide side-to-side snaps. It is often easier to control in tight spaces and very practical in real CTF matches.

[[File:Strafe-ups-styles.gif|frame|none|Exploring multiple strafe styles (including Half-Beat) using the UPS acceleration overlay and /cg_strafeHelper 4.]]

=== 5. [https://youtu.be/99AgNHHmnq8 An Easy Explanation of Strafejumping Physics] (Q3 Defrag) ===
A concise breakdown from the Quake 3 Defrag community that reinforces the core mechanics of air acceleration. ''(Note: Ignore the sections on CPM air-control physics, as Jedi Academy uses Quake 3 VQ3-style strafe physics).''
<blockquote>'''Tip:''' Treat the '''UPS video (#4)''' and the '''Q3 Defrag video (#5)''' as your primary authorities on strafe mechanics rather than treating ''Strafe Jumping 101/102'' as gospel.</blockquote>

== Strafe vs. Overall Movement in CTF ==

Strafe jumping is your '''raw technical execution'''—it lets you go fast in a straight line. In actual 4v4 CTF PUGs, strafing sits underneath a much broader tactical skill set called '''Movement''', which includes:
* Moving fast while staying evasive against incoming fire
* Navigating tight map geometry without clipping corners or falling into pits
* Blending different strafe styles (<kbd>W+A</kbd>/<kbd>W+D</kbd>, half-beat, <kbd>A</kbd>/<kbd>D</kbd> turns) to curve around hallways
* Map routing and running circles in bases
* Knowing when to strafe vs. when to Force Pull, Force Push, or go for a pit kill

== 3 Practical Tips to Improve Your Speed ==

Even if you have been strafing for years, you can break through speed plateaus with three habits:

# '''Practice with <code>/cg_strafeHelper</code> Between PUGs:''' Turn on <code>cg_strafeHelper 2</code> or <code>4</code> while waiting for matches to start and strafe around the map. Constant visual and audio feedback refines your muscle memory for optimal angles at different speeds.
# '''Review Your Own Demos (and Top Players' Demos):''' Load a match demo, turn on <code>/cg_strafeHelper</code> and <code>/cg_drawMovementKeys 1</code>, and watch yourself whenever you have an uncontested runway:
#* ''Are you overturning or underturning?''
#* ''Do you hit the green lines at low speed, but fail to widen your angle as your speed increases?''
#* Compare your demos against fast CTF players. Even top players don't hit 100% perfect angles in live matches—observe how they transition between jumps and adapt around map geometry.
# '''Practice Racing / Route Running:''' Load up maps solo and practice running flag routes against a timer. Focus first on beating your own personal bests and using map geometry cleanly, then watch ideal route runs from top players and try to replicate their lines.

== Additional Strafe Resources ==
* [https://youtu.be/Dk3FQo7NNRI How to Circle Jump and Strafe Jump EXPLAINED]
* [https://youtu.be/SSNNhUAVRuA 2GD - QL Beginner Guide - Strafe Jumping, the Basics]
* [https://youtu.be/uw3vIeLPPHs Quake Live - Half Beat Tutorial]
* [https://youtu.be/hS4KIyCTBAw Quake Champions Tutorial by rapha - Strafe, Rocket Jumping & Crouch Sliding]
* [https://youtu.be/gpir6ZZKmcM Quake Champions: All Strafe Jumping Techniques]

== See Also ==
* [[Config & Settings]]
* [[Chase Defense]]
* [[Aim Practice]]

[[Category:Gameplay]]
[[Category:JACTF Wiki]]

How to Learn to Strafe - Revision history

Dan: Add How to Learn to Strafe guide with embedded GIFs from CTF Holocron #2