The chat filter checks every public chat message, every private message and every message in a clan or town channel before anyone sees it. A message that fails is not sent and you get a red notice that names the reason.
Filtered-message notices#
When a message is blocked you see: Your message was filtered for <reason>.
| Reason shown | What triggers it |
|---|---|
| Profanity | Banned words or phrases, including disguised spellings, and advertising. Advertising covers server promotion phrases, IP addresses and Discord invite links that are not on the allowed list. |
| Spam | Sending too many messages in a short time. |
| Excessive Characters | A message made of one character repeated over and over, for example aaaaaaaaaa. |
| Capslock | Writing a whole message in capital letters. |
The same notice text and reason names are used in the report menu, see Reporting Chat Messages.
The filter does not block unusual characters. Messages with symbols, accented letters or non-English text are allowed.
Slow chat and chat lock#
Staff can slow public chat, which limits how often each player can send a message, and can disable chat completely.
- While chat is slowed you see: Chat is currently slowed. Please wait another <time> before sending another message.
- While chat is disabled you see: Chat is currently disabled.
Both only affect public chat. Private messages and team channels are separate.
Spam mutes#
A public chat message that fails the spam check also gets you muted automatically for a short time. A muted player cannot use public chat or private messages and sees You are currently muted for <reason>. Time remaining: <time>. followed by where to appeal.
During a chat typing game the spam filter is relaxed so that quick guesses do not get you muted. See Chat Games.
Automatic mutes#
An automatic chat detection system also reviews public chat messages after they are sent. A message that is clearly abusive earns a short mute without staff having to act first; the mute reason starts with "AI Chat Mute". Staff are alerted whenever the system mutes someone and can review the case. Mutes issued this way are punishments like any other; see Punishments and Punishment Appeals if you believe one was a mistake.
Private messages#
Private messages are filtered too, with the same notice as public chat: Your message was filtered for <reason>. Sending messages too quickly in a conversation shows "You are sending messages too quickly. Please wait a moment and try again."
Tips#
- Keep to the network rules. The filter only catches obvious cases; staff act on reports for the rest.
- Report rule-breaking messages instead of replying to them, see Reporting Chat Messages.