RPCTF 2026

< Rise From The Ashes />

Every hacker starts somewhere. Start here: Red Phoenix's CTF, made for beginners who are ready to rise.

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Competition status
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Schedule
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Challenges
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Flag format
RPCTF{...}
Welcome to RPCTF. Start with the lowest point values. --:--:-- UTC

# what is a CTF?

Capture The Flag is a security game. Each challenge hides a secret piece of text called a flag. Find it, submit it, and you score points.

challenge
A small puzzle: a website, a file, an encoded message or a program, with a short description of what to look for.
flag
The answer. It looks like RPCTF{...}, and each challenge tells you the exact format.
points
Harder challenges are worth more. Your total decides your place on the scoreboard.
guest@rpctf:~/warmuptry one now

This text is encoded with Base64. Decode it to reveal the flag.

cat message.txt
UlBDVEZ7SDNMTDBfVzBSTERfIX0=

> Correct. That is your first flag. Every challenge works the same way. > Incorrect. Check for extra spaces and keep the curly braces. > Type the decoded text first.

hint

Run echo UlBDVEZ7SDNMTDBfVzBSTERfIX0= | base64 -d in a terminal, or paste it into CyberChef with "From Base64".

# six kinds of puzzles

Pick the one that sounds fun. Every category has easy entry points.

web

Find the weak spot in a website. Read the page source, change requests, inspect cookies.

start with: browser DevTools

crypto

Decode hidden messages, from simple letter shifts to badly chosen keys.

start with: CyberChef, dCode

forensics

Search files, images and network captures for data someone tried to hide.

start with: strings, exiftool, Wireshark

osint

Answer questions using only public information: photos, profiles and maps.

start with: reverse image search

reverse

Take a program apart to see what it checks and how to get past it.

start with: Ghidra, strings

pwn

Break a running program by feeding it input it was never meant to handle.

start with: gdb, pwntools

# how to play

register

Create an account. Pick a name you are happy to see on the scoreboard.

ls challenges/

Open the board and start with the lowest point values.

solve

Read carefully, search what you do not know, try ideas. Wrong answers are part of the game.

submit flag

Paste the flag into the challenge. Correct answers score right away.

# ground rules

  • Attack the challenges only. The platform, its servers and other players are off limits.
  • Keep flags and solutions to yourself until the event ends.
  • Asking organizers for help is fine. They will point you in the right direction.
  • Write down what you learn. Writeups are welcome after the event.

Every expert started at zero.

Like the phoenix, you come back stronger after every failed attempt. Your first flag is waiting.

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