DC34 CTF
DEF CON 34 Capture the Flag
About
Engage in a challenging capture-the-flag game with diverse puzzles spanning cryptography, physical challenges, and hardware integration. Unlock fourteen channels, solve intricate problems without hints, and compete on a live leaderboard for prizes. The game is locked until the DEF CON 34 convention begins.
What's New in DC34 CTF
1.4
July 24, 2026
Bug fixes.
Developer apps
FAQ
What is DC34 CTF?
DC34 CTF is a capture-the-flag game designed for DEF CON 34. It features fourteen channels, each presenting a unique type of puzzle, from cryptography to physical challenges, requiring players to use their phone's sensors and various technical skills to solve.
When does DC34 CTF unlock?
The DC34 CTF app is locked until August 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT, coinciding with the opening of DEF CON 34 at the LVCC West Hall in Las Vegas. It will then unlock for gameplay.
What kind of puzzles are in DC34 CTF?
The puzzles span a wide range, including XOR ciphers, steganography, DTMF tone analysis, radio direction finding, Bluetooth beacon hunting, geolocation, reverse image search, physical navigation, NFC, and speech recognition. No hints or walkthroughs are provided.
What are the requirements to play DC34 CTF?
You need iOS 17 or later and Game Center enabled. Several challenges require network access, Bluetooth, NFC, location services, camera, and microphone. Ensure you grant the necessary permissions when prompted by the game.
Are there prizes for completing DC34 CTF?
Yes, prizes are available. The first three players to complete all fourteen channels and claim the final flag receive physical prizes (gold, silver, and copper coins). Finishers four through thirteen receive pins.
How does the leaderboard work in DC34 CTF?
A live in-app leaderboard tracks every player who completes the game, ranked by their completion time. Your rank is permanent and logged to the leaderboard the moment you scan the hand to claim the final flag.
Can I play DC34 CTF anywhere?
You can play the challenges from anywhere. However, unlocking the final flag and being eligible for the in-person prizes is only available to those who are physically present at DEF CON 34 in Las Vegas.
Does DC34 CTF have ads?
No, DC34 CTF does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and play without any ad interruptions.
