[Guide] Modeless Spectator

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

 

Hello tankers! Welcome to a quick and somewhat easy guide to using Modeless Spectator! Follow these simple steps and you'll become a master at in-game photography in no time!

 

 

What is Modeless Spectator?

 

Modeless Spectator

/mōd-les spek-tādər/

 

Modeless Spectator is something for those "spectator wannabes" who can't get spectator mode because they don't completely meet the requirements. It's basically a method to taking photos that look like they were taken with spectator mode, but weren't.

 

 

To begin, you'll need:

1. A Tanki Online account;
2. An alternative account or a partner to take pics of;
3. A PRO Battle Pass (you and your alt / partner need one), (technically modeless spectator is possible without a PRO Battle Pass, but you should have one to make things a lot easier);

 

Steps to using Modeless Spectator (the guide):

• You and your alternative account / partner must enter the game (obviously).
• Then you need to create a PRO battle with these specs:
  • Ranks: Make sure you create the battle for the right ranks, so that you and your alt / partner can both join.
  • Battle Mode: TDM or CTF, so you can see your alt's / partner's health bar (like you do with real spectator mode), whereas if you use DM you don't see your alt's / partner's health bar (NOTE: I don't advise CP mode, especially in big maps, because you'll always have CP dots in your way).
  • Time / Battle Length: I suggest you make it 999 mins and / or 999 flags / kills, so the battle doesn't end while you're taking a pic, like it might in a 15 minute battle.
  • Format: Parkour Mode; to access self-destruction zones (NOTE: Another reason to use parkour mode is it automatically disables other options which should be disabled, such as Smart Supplies and auto-finish).
     
  • Private battle ON: So no random people join.
  • Upgrades ON: Because, why not? It can't hurt.
  • Supplies ON: You may need them throughout the photoshoot (e.g. to get places quicker).
  • Alterations: Doesn't matter. If the Alteration your alt / partner is using effects visuals, toggle the option on or off depending on how you want the visual to look. Otherwise, just tell your alt / partner to take it off or keep it on.
  • Smart Supplies OFF: There's no reason to have them on, and if you want a picture with full supplies activated, this is probably the best way to go.
  • Auto-finish OFF: If the option is enabled, the battle will end automatically if the teams aren't balanced, which they most probably won't be (being you and your alt / partner will need to be on the same team as you, leaving no one on the other team).
  • Friendly fire OFF: Does anyone ever actually turn this on, for any reason?
  • Weapon change ON: If you're taking multiple pics, you may want to change equipment.
  • Clan VS Clan OFF: This is for, well, Clav VS Clan battles only. So unless your planning to take pics in middle of a clan battle, turn this off.
  • Auto-balance OFF: So you and your alt / partner can join the same team.
  • [Optional] Supply boxes OFF: I personally don't like boxes falling in my pics.​
    
    
    
    Summary:
    
    

• Invite you alt / partner to the battle.
• Both accounts join the battle.
• Choose a combo to take a picture of. It isn't hard, just be creative (If you're using an alt, equip it yourself, if you're using a partner, tell him what to equip).
• Snapping a pic (action shots and non-action shots). Now, this step depends on how you did the previous step ('Choose a combo').
  If you're partner (not alt) is using the turrets Firebird, Freeze, Isida, Twins, Rico, Vulcan, Shaft (in sniping mode) or Striker (in sniping mode), all you have to do is make your alt / partner pose in a unique and creative way. As soon as that's done, press "Shift / Control + K" on your keyboard, a window will pop up (on the left side of the screen), type "vars.set cam_maxmove 0" (NOTE: I advise to keep this command copied) into the window's text bar, then click "Enter". Then, just get rid of the window by pressing "Shift / Control + K" again. After you've done that, drive your tank away, out of your screens view (NOTE: Your camera won't follow your tank since you set the camera speed to 0, so make sure you know where you're going and don't flip). Then, whenever you're ready, tell your partner to shoot, and snap a pic by pressing "Shift / Command + 3" on Mac, or by pressing the "Prt Sc" button on PC).
  If you use an alt, I don't see how you can snap a pic of yourself while shooting, unless you have two computers or a phone with Puffin browser. If you do, log your alt onto that device and shoot with one computer while taking a pic with the other.
  ~ If you use a partner, you could potentially end up with something cool like this:
  
  
  
  Photo of former Wiki admin, Issho_Fujitora
  

  
  
  If your partner uses Hammer, Smoky, Thunder, Shaft (actively shooting), Striker (actively shooting) or Magnum, it would be somewhat harder to get an action shot of. But here's how to do it: Open the "Shift / Control + K" window, enter the "vars.set cam_maxmove 0" command, close the window, and drive out of sight. Now all that's needed is your friend to shoot when you're ready. So whenever you want, tell him to shoot constantly. He shoots multiple times, and you snap pics by every shot.
  This technique isn't easy at all. Why? Because let's take Thunder for example, it's shot about 20 milliseconds long. Therefore, you'll need to get a pic at exactly the time of fire. I advise you to take multiple screenshots. Starting from before your partner shoots, until after he shoots. Then, go through the screenshots and choose the one that has the shot in it. If it fails and none have a shot, try again.
  How do you take multiple screenshots? Well, on a Mac, just keep clicking "Shift / Command + 3", and the screenshots will automatically be saved to your desktop. On a Windows, I suggest you download lightscreen. Lightsreen basically gives Windows the feature which Mac has (which is to automatically save screenshots to your desktop). All you have to do is instal lightscreen from the link above, set it up once, and you will never notice it exists, all you have to do is press "Prt Sc", and the screenshot will be saved to your desktop instantly. Another alternative is to record a video of the shot and go back and take a picture of the frame which contains the action shot.
  ~ If you get an action shot, you could end up with something cool like this:
  

  
  
  Photo of Creativity League admin, eragon33
  

  
  
  Now, if you've noticed, I've left out Railgun, because it's a unique turret. How, you ask? Well, it's the only turret you can take an action shot of easily, with a partner AND an alt account. So, here's how to do it: With a partner, just do it the same way you did the first set of turrets. If you're using an alt, set up the camera with the "vars.set" command, and with your alt, shoot, and as fast as you can, switch tabs to the account that's taking the pic, and since Railgun's warm up takes a short amount of time, when you switch tabs, the Railgun should still be warming up, so quickly take a pic.
  ~ In conclusion, you can end up with something like this:
  

  
  
  Photo of me
  

  PM Yisroel.Rabin with this message decoded to head on to the next clue: BQQMFT, QFBDIFT XBUFSTMJEF.
  Of course, if you don't care about getting an action shot and just want a pic of your partner / alt, just type in the "vars.set" command, drive away, and take a pic. Still looks good either way!

• All you really have left is to crop and post the picture you took on the TO Forum (or anywhere else you want). If you use a Mac, open the image, press "Shift / Command + 4" to crop. If you use Windows, paste the pic onto paint.net or some other editing software and crop it. When your done cropping the pic, upload it onto the internet with any image host (NOTE: I use imgur.com), copy the pic, and paste anywhere!

 

And there you have it, you've just taken a spectator photo without spectator mode! Wasn't that simple?

Thank you, and have a good day!

 

Written by,

 

___________

Duplicate topic posted in 'Amateur Writing' section; here's the topic link.

 

Last update 16/04/17

Edited April 16, 2017 by Yisroel.Rabin

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

✮ OLD VERSION ✮

(SELF-DESTRUCTING VERSION)

 

To start the process you'll need:

1. A Tanki Online account.
2. An alternative account, or a partner (to take pics of).
3. A PRO Battle Pass (you and your alt/partner both need one).

 

Steps:

• You and you alt/partner must enter the game (obviously).
• Equip a light hull (ex: Wasp) and turret with high impact force (ex: Railgun or Smoky) on the account taking the pics.
• Create a PRO battle with these options checked/unchecked:
  • Ranks – Make sure you create the battle for the right ranks, so that you and your alt/partner can join.
  • Battle Mode – TDM or CTF so you can see your alts/partners health bar (like real spectator mode) (and I don't suggest CP mode on big maps especially, because then there will be these CP points popping out everywhere).
  • Time – I suggest make it 999 mins and/or 999 flags/deaths. So the battle doesn't end while you're going to take a pic like with a 15 minute battle.
  • Format – Parkour mode, to access self-destruction zones.
  • Private battle – So no random people join.
  • No autobalance – So you and your alt/partner can join the same team.
  • [Optional] No supply boxes – Because I personally don't like boxes falling in my pics.
• Invite you alt/partner to the battle.
• Both accounts join the battle.
• Choose a combo to take a picture of. It isn't hard, just be creative! When you've thought of one, tell your partner to get it, or get it yourself if you're using an alt.
• Snapping the pic (action shots and non-action shots). Now, this step depends on how you did step #6 ('Chose a combo'), and if you're using an alternative account or a partner.
  If you chose the turrets Firebird, Freeze, Isida, Twins, Rico, Vulcan, or Shaft (in sniping mode) (which are 'constant shooting turrets) all you have to do is make your partner (not alt) pose in a unique and creative way, and as soon as that's done, self-destruct. After you self-destruct, wait until your tank fades away. Then, right before rising to spawn, snap a pic! Tell your partner to shoot as soon as you self-destruct until their turrets reload runs out (it's important to tell them to shoot as soon as you self-destruct, because if they start before, they may run out of recoil/load before it's time for snapping the pic)
  - If you use a partner, you should end up with something cool like this:
  
  
  
  Photo of reporter, Remaine
  

  
  But if your partner uses Hammer, Smoky, Thunder, Railgun or Shaft (in shooting mode), it would be somewhat harder to get an action shot of because, your partner would have to shoot as soon as your completely faded away, but before you spawn. But here's how to do it: Flip yourself over, and shoot yourself in between props (that's why you need a light hull and high impact force for the turret).
  If you're turret is exactly in between props, your tank will be hidden from the screen. This means you don't need to self-destruct, which means your partner won't need perfect timing to shoot. All that's needed is your friend to shoot when you're ready. So whenever you want, tell him/her to shoot, he shoots multiple times, and you simply snap pics.
  Note: This technique isn't easy at all, only with Railgun is it really simple to take a pic of. Why? Because let's take Thunder for example, it's shot is less than a second long. So therefore, if you use a Mac, I advise you to take multiple screenshots - tarting from before your partner shoots, until after he shoots. Then, go though the screenshots and choose the one that has the shot in it. If it fails and none of the pics have the shot, try again. If you use a Windows, use some sort of software that take pics by pressing a hotkey and automatically saving them somewhere. Or you can just use some sort of video software, tape your partner shooting, go to the video, get to the frame of the shooting and snap a pic of the vid!
  - If you do it right, you can get pretty good pics, such as this one:
  

  
  
  Photo of deadtoyou
  

  
  Now, you're probably thinking, "But how do I get an action shot if I'm using an alt?" And well, to tell you the truth, the only turret you can take an action shot with an alt is Railgun (as far as I know at least). What you'll have to do is flip the tank on the account taking the pic, shoot it into position (in between props), pose with your alt, shoot, and since Railgun is the only turret that takes a while to shoot after being activated, quickly switch tabs to the account that's taking the pic, and snap the pic just in time.
  - And there you have it, you'll probably have a pic like this:
  

  
  
  Photo of me from my alt account.
  

  
   
• Cropping and posting. All you really have left to do is to crop and post the picture you took on the TO Forum or anywhere else. If you use a Mac, open the image, press Shift, command + 4 to crop. And if you use a Windows, paste the pic onto Paint.net or some other software and crop it. And for mentions sake, you crop out the pic so that anything like your rank bar, your crystals and notifications are hidden. When your done cropping the pic, upload it onto the internet with any image host (I use Imgur), copy the pic, and paste it onto the forum!

 

And there you have it, you've just taken a spectator photo without spectator mode! Wasn't that simple?

Thank you, and have a good day!

 

Written by,

 

Please note I got around to correcting all the mistakes I can find, if you find anymore, please notify me. Thanks!

Last updated 08/05/16

Edited August 10, 2016 by Yisroel.Rabin

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

nice but most of all us already know this technique

Agreed, but there are still many who keep asking me for some reason. Any even if people know, why not post anyways? :P

[dilsharox 2,395]

Agreed, but there are still many who keep asking me for some reason. Any even if people know, why not post anyways? :P

some of us do but i know that its not easy to take a screenshot by this method

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

some of us do but i know that its not easy to take a screenshot by this method

You should see my first ever pic with this method then.

We all suck at things at the start, but we grow better.

[applications 993]

LOL, Im so pro at this my tank dosent even show up on screen, dont even have to crop -_-, oh yea and I dont have to be inbetween or next to a prop -_-

Edited June 4, 2015 by applications

[monkeyburn 13,521]

I don't have any up-votes left...+1 on this Yisroel. Your 'pics are neat. hope to see more Tankers screens. :)

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

I don't have any up-votes left...+1 on this Yisroel. Your 'pics are neat. hope to see more Tankers screens. :)

Thanks :)

[freestylefrost 422]

Here I tried and then... many many fails but at last I got success

My first try:

---

Second try:

 

---

---

Third try:

---

very improved :D

Edited June 4, 2015 by freestylefrost

[freestylefrost 422]

And I was not good at first time :P but I improves very slowly! :D

[golden5648 1,686]

nice but most of all us already know this technique

Yep

[golden5648 1,686]

And I was not good at first time :P but I improves very slowly! :D

*improve 

[Raphael2 3,263]

Great guide, you are a resourceful guy :)

[thunderousrailgunner 1,934]

One Doubt , What does Prop mean and how does it hide the tank ? 

[1stsuperwhitedragon 408]

That's so complex :/

[l.Godmode_0N 636]

hope this topic has multiple upvotes for a single player.....well i take pics like the same way u do :D 

way to go bud..ur an inventor :D 

[HichigoShiiro 4,378]

Liek just get spectato and skip all de steps

[r_stdin0 11]

Out of my imagination, even a real spectator can´t take a screenshot of his/her alternate while it is firing except with rail. So they got no advantages on this over you.

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Great guide, you are a resourceful guy :)

Thank you sir :D

 

One Doubt , What does Prop mean and how does it hide the tank ? 

A prob is what the maps are made out off. The grass (for example) that you see on the maps aren't one big piece, it's a square placed multiple times in certain places to create the look of a field of grass. Get in between one tile (/prob)n and another, and you're tank will be hidden from view.

Reserved pic.

 

hope this topic has multiple upvotes for a single player.....well i take pics like the same way u do :D

way to go bud..ur an inventor :D

Thanks :wub:

 

Liek just get spectato and skip all de steps

It ain't easy to geth spectator...

 

Out of my imagination, even a real spectator can´t take a screenshot of his/her alternate while it is firing except with rail. So they got no advantages on this over you.

Well, spectator is easier to use, + it can get better angels.

[unholycloak5 1,814]

My great attempt with the self-destruct technique. :)

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

 

My great attempt with the self-destruct technique. :)

Nice! :)

[tankionline2027 778]

@Yisroel.Rabin

 

Ur a great and awesome player. thanks for all hard work, i guess i ll some day get to take photo's like you.

 

Thanks for being in tanki, hope to be freinds

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

@Yisroel.Rabin

 

Ur a great and awesome player. thanks for all hard work, i guess i ll some day get to take photo's like you.

 

Thanks for being in tanki, hope to be freinds

Thanks :wub:

[tankionline2027 778]

Thanks :wub:

Ur welcome :D I never get to see angels like u only mean dogs around servers who love to eat us using insults

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Ur welcome :D I never get to see angels like u only mean dogs around servers who love to eat us using insults

I wouldn't say that...