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Node Interaction

MAGK Nodes are physical devices placed at objective locations during events. Capturing nodes earns points for your team and is a core gameplay mechanic. This page explains how to find, capture, and monitor nodes in the field.

What Is a MAGK Node?

A MAGK Node is a small, portable hardware device placed by organizers at strategic locations throughout the event area. Each node:

  • Communicates wirelessly with the MAGK server
  • Tracks which team currently controls it
  • Displays its status through LED indicators
  • Awards points to the capturing team based on the event's scoring rules

Finding Nodes

Nodes appear on both the tactical map and your TAK client as objective markers. Your organizer may also provide:

  • Grid coordinates — Precise locations shared during the mission briefing
  • Map overlays — Highlighted areas on the tactical map where nodes are placed
  • Verbal briefing — General area descriptions during the pre-event briefing

On the Event View tactical map, nodes display as distinct markers showing their current capture status and controlling team.

Capturing a Node

The capture process depends on the game mode and event configuration, but the general flow is:

Standard Capture

  1. Approach the node — Move within physical proximity of the MAGK Node device
  2. Initiate capture — Interact with the node as directed by your organizer (typically pressing a button or being within range)
  3. Hold position — Some game modes require you to remain near the node for a capture duration
  4. Capture confirmed — The node's LED changes to your team's color and the server records the capture

Capture Rules

Rule Description
Proximity You must be physically near the node to capture it
Capture time Some modes require holding position for a set duration (e.g., 30 seconds)
Contested If players from multiple teams are near the node, the capture may be blocked or slowed
Cooldown After a capture, there may be a cooldown period before the node can be recaptured
Team lock In some modes, a captured node stays locked to a team for a minimum duration

Game Mode Variations

Capture mechanics vary by game mode. Your organizer will brief you on the specific rules for your event. See the Organizer Guide — Scoring Rules for details on game modes.

LED Status Indicators

Each MAGK Node has LED indicators that show its current status at a glance. You don't need to check the map — the LEDs tell you what's happening.

LED Pattern Meaning
Solid Blue Captured by the blue team
Solid Red Captured by the red team
Solid Green Neutral — not captured by any team
Pulsing / Blinking Capture in progress — a team is actively capturing
Alternating Colors Contested — multiple teams are within capture range
White Node is online but not assigned to an active event
Off Node is powered down or offline

Stealth Mode

Organizers can configure nodes in stealth mode where LEDs are dimmed or disabled. In stealth mode, check the tactical map or your TAK client for node status instead of relying on visual indicators.

Node Status on the Map

Node markers on the tactical map and TAK client show real-time status:

Map Indicator Meaning
Team-colored marker Node is captured by that team
Neutral marker Node is uncaptured
Pulsing marker Capture in progress
Grayed-out marker Node is offline or not yet activated

Tap or click a node marker on the map to see details:

  • Current controlling team
  • Time since last capture
  • Point value
  • Capture history for the current event

Scoring from Node Captures

Points from node captures depend on the event's scoring configuration:

Scoring Type How It Works
Per-capture Fixed points awarded each time your team captures a node
Hold time Points accumulate over time while your team controls the node
Objective bonus Extra points for capturing specific high-value nodes
First capture Bonus points for the first team to capture a node

Check the Event View scoreboard to see your team's current score and how node captures contribute to the total.

Tips for Node Gameplay

  • Check the map frequently — Monitor node status to identify uncontested or recently lost nodes
  • Coordinate with your team — Communicate via your TAK client or voice comms to plan captures
  • Watch the LEDs — Approaching a node with pulsing LEDs means another team may be capturing it
  • Hold your ground — In timed capture modes, leaving the area before the capture completes cancels the attempt
  • Prioritize high-value nodes — Some nodes are worth more points than others based on the scoring rules