Crash Team Racing Setup Guide

Crash Team Racing runs as a native PC port with the Archipelago client built in. It does not use an emulator or a ROM patch. The detailed and actively maintained client walkthrough is the CTR Archipelago setup guide.

What you need

• The release archive for your platform from the CTR Archipelago releases page: the Windows .zip, or the Linux and Steam Deck .tar.gz.
• Your own NTSC-U (North American) Crash Team Racing disc image. The client ships no game data. A raw MODE2/2352 .bin can be used directly; .chd images use the optional extractor described in the canonical setup guide.
• Your server address, slot name, and room password, if it has one.
• The matching ctr.apworld and a CTR YAML file if you are generating or hosting the multiworld yourself.

Only the person generating the room needs Archipelago installed locally and the ctr.apworld. Players joining an existing room need the client, their game image, and the room details.

Generating a CTR multiworld

Download ctr.apworld from the same release as the client. Install it by double-clicking it or placing it in the custom_worlds folder of your Archipelago installation.

Open the Archipelago Launcher, choose Generate Template Options, and select Crash Team Racing. Set your player name and options in the generated YAML, then add it to the room's player files. Every available setting and value is documented in that template.

The released client and apworld are a pair. Update both together, even when a release appears to change only one side.

The defaults provide the full randomizer experience: randomized warp-pad requirements and destinations, shuffled Gems, Gem Cups, and a small share of trap items.

Setting up the client

Follow the canonical client setup guide to extract the release archive, add your disc image, connect from OPTIONS → Connection, configure controllers or Steam Input, and troubleshoot platform or disc-image errors.

Once the status says Connected, start Adventure mode. The canonical guide's “Your first five minutes” section explains checks, received items, traps, saving, the seed warning, and the current disconnect limitation.

Getting help

Report reproducible bugs and stuck seeds on the CTR Archipelago issue tracker. The native guide explains how to create a privacy-scrubbed support bundle. New to Archipelago itself? Start with the Archipelago tutorials.