The perpetually patched Team Fortress 2 is about to get its "largest update ever" (dare we say heaviest?) next week on August 19. In the lead-up, Valve is releasing new information and screenshots about the patch each day, as well as a "special installment to the 'Meet the Team' series of video shorts," according to the press release. The community map cp_steel was revealed on the first day.
Besides new weapons and achievements for the Heavy class, the next update will include new multiplayer maps and a "brand new gameplay mode," possibly related to the new type of environment we heard about earlier this month. As with the other updates, Valve is offering a free Team Fortress 2 weekend starting August 22 at 2pm ET.
Reader Comments (66)
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 4:38AM (Unverified) said
I've been playing TF2 a helluva lot lately and I really cannot wait to see what awesome stuff Valve puts out this time. I don't play the Heavy much, but with 7 "new" maps in the update (not to mention a new game type), I'm sure going to be coming back to the game. Not that I don't already.
and inb4wheresmy360update?
Reply
and inb4wheresmy360update?
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:08AM (Unverified) said
Actually it's only three maps.There is Steel,New PL Map and a game type involving "five maps" - Maybe something a la Hydro?
Still, with so many people playing TF2 here, maybe we could start a clan?
Reply
Still, with so many people playing TF2 here, maybe we could start a clan?
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:33AM (Unverified) said
Ah yes, it does seem to be similar to Hydro since it uses the words "five new arenas". But still, lots of new content to try out in the update.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:35AM (Unverified) said
Whatever it is, this method of morseling out news is brilliant of course. This way they'll be in the news all week, every day.
Good job, Valve marketing team.
Reply
Good job, Valve marketing team.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:57AM (Unverified) said
If you haven't already tried it, I recommend trying the new Npire map which is a CTF with only one "intelligence" suitcase at the end of the map. It's super fun and completely changes strategy and game play dynamics.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 7:58AM PoisonedAl said
TF2 is the hook, and they want to keep you on it. While you are playing TF2, you're using s=Steam, and Valve want you to keep using Steam.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 11:33AM (Unverified) said
I would buy the content for the xbox 360 but just release it.
TF2 is aweosme in the meanwhile I'm playing Bad Company and is almost like TF2 except you can't see sh*t most of the time.
Reply
TF2 is aweosme in the meanwhile I'm playing Bad Company and is almost like TF2 except you can't see sh*t most of the time.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 4:59AM aMac said
I decided to finally get Team Fortress 2 less than a week ago (slowpoke.jpg) and it really -IS- as fun as I'd heard about for the past year.
It's currently the most compelling reason I have to boot to Windows, and that's something I rarely could be bothered with.
Reply
It's currently the most compelling reason I have to boot to Windows, and that's something I rarely could be bothered with.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:03AM (Unverified) said
That's why I strongly advise you to wait till the Free Week-end ends before you starting playing again.Six Heavies on your team can really spoil the game.
Either way, expect no Pyro's and lots of Medics,Spies and Snipers.
Reply
Either way, expect no Pyro's and lots of Medics,Spies and Snipers.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 3:28PM (Unverified) said
Can't wait until the free weekend. My kill count as spy and sniper is going to be through the roof! :D
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 5:16AM (Unverified) said
Typical Valve right here - they only give a shit about PC. I could see if they only released TF2 on PC, but they didn't, so they should update the other versions too.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 5:37AM (Unverified) said
From what I understand, Microsoft won't allow Valve to release the update for free on the 360. Now I don't know if Microsoft wants Valve to charge for the updates or if Microsoft is wanting to charge Valve to be able to put out the updates but either way, Microsoft is to blame for the lack of updates on the 360.
As for the PS3, well that's EA's version, Valve isn't PS3 developers.
Reply
As for the PS3, well that's EA's version, Valve isn't PS3 developers.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 1:32PM Alexisonfire said
I'm a little skeptical about that. The "Microsoft not giving things away" argument seems fairly weak to me, especially when Gears of War has released two map packs for free and all of Halo 3's have turned free after a given time. Yes, there are many games out there that charge for updates, but I doubt Valve would do that.
And I haven't heard of Microsoft charging people to put up free content before.
I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna just have blind faith in someone on the internet if they don't have proof to back it up.
Reply
And I haven't heard of Microsoft charging people to put up free content before.
I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna just have blind faith in someone on the internet if they don't have proof to back it up.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 5:52AM (Unverified) said
Those lazy assholes at Valve should think about releasing this for 360 and PS3.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:05AM (Unverified) said
How about you just get of your ass and buy the PC Version, because TF2 on consoles is pretty much what H3 beta was to the full version of Halo.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:25AM PoisonedAl said
Well done making console owners look like retards. Here, have a cookie!
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:44AM (Unverified) said
unfortunately Jakka, some people don't have a pc suitable for gaming. I used to be in that category.
also, woot.
Reply
also, woot.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:56AM Fosssil said
"because TF2 on consoles is pretty much what H3 beta was to the full version of Halo"
Poor analogy, because the Halo 3 Beta had arguably better gameplay (with a vastly superior melee system and better weapon balance across the board) than the full version does.
But I'm guessing what you were implying was that the PC version is more full-featured than the console versions. In that regard, I agree with you.
Reply
Poor analogy, because the Halo 3 Beta had arguably better gameplay (with a vastly superior melee system and better weapon balance across the board) than the full version does.
But I'm guessing what you were implying was that the PC version is more full-featured than the console versions. In that regard, I agree with you.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 7:21AM (Unverified) said
@ jakfood
Have you even looked at TF2 minimal requirements? 1.7Ghz Single Core/512MB/DirectX8-based Card.
Trust me,this game will work on 95% of PC's.And thanks to the art-style it still looks good even on the lowest settings.
Reply
Have you even looked at TF2 minimal requirements? 1.7Ghz Single Core/512MB/DirectX8-based Card.
Trust me,this game will work on 95% of PC's.And thanks to the art-style it still looks good even on the lowest settings.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:09AM (Unverified) said
Have you noticed how EVERYBODY loves TF2 and there's absolutely no criticism towards the game? Quite interesting considering that THIS IS THE INTERNET.
Keep up the good work and spread the word(vide aMac), Valve!
Reply
Keep up the good work and spread the word(vide aMac), Valve!
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:33AM PoisonedAl said
Pfft, I wouldn't say that. They made a pigs ear of the Medic update (tho they got it right the next time) and you ALWAYS some whining twat with a 360 who blames Valve and not Microsoft for the lack of updates, or their mum for not buying a better PC (No, wait, it's because they like a pad for FPS games, and not keyboard and mouse like the people who aren't lairs).
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:36AM (Unverified) said
My only gripe about TF2 is that I don't have enough free time to play it.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:26AM PoisonedAl said
A "special installment" of meet the team?
Meet the civilian?
Reply
Meet the civilian?
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 7:15AM foxhound said
I still think the "Meet the Spy" is going to end up being a video of every character mentioned thus far, which is either revealled to be a Spy... Or the Spy being in the background of every one of the videos, stabbing all the met character thus far in a crazy outtake of sorts.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:53AM GenBanks said
CP_Steel is an awesome map, I can't wait to play it on public servers. I play it in clan games but when we try to put it on our server people don't like it because of having to download the map. It's a CP attack/defense map, but the final point can be captured any time. If they manage to do that, they win. It's hard though, because it takes a really long time to cap. They can also win by capturing all of the CPs in order.
Can't wait to see what else they have in store!
Reply
Can't wait to see what else they have in store!
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:13AM PoisonedAl said
Personally, I can't stand Steel. It's just too complicated even before you get to the unlocking checkpoint thing. It's a good idea, but it's too easy for lucky bullshit wins becuase, understandably, no one wants to be the engi who sits on the last point, picking his nose doing nothing for ages.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:35AM (Unverified) said
I agree about the learning-curve, but Al when's the last time you've played Steel? E takes YEARS to cap and there's no way it can possibly be ninja'd by a Scout or a Soldier.In fact I've hardly ever seen anybody capping E before the bridges go up.And if your team was bad and couldn't fight off against two scouts and a handicapped soldier then I guess the other team deserved that ninja cap.
Also as an Offensive Engineer,I assure you it's safe to just build a Level 3 Sentry to protect E then move onto the actual battlefield and support your teammates with a dispenser and teleports.
Reply
Also as an Offensive Engineer,I assure you it's safe to just build a Level 3 Sentry to protect E then move onto the actual battlefield and support your teammates with a dispenser and teleports.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 9:42AM PoisonedAl said
Awhile since I found it annoying getting raped by a few scouts over and over. I guess they fine tuned it a bit. We'll see.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 7:18AM (Unverified) said
Whoa, whoa whoa...........
FREE WEEKEND!?!?!?!
like they gonna give the shit away for free that weekend!?!?!?
Stop playin!!?!?!
Reply
FREE WEEKEND!?!?!?!
like they gonna give the shit away for free that weekend!?!?!?
Stop playin!!?!?!
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:07AM PoisonedAl said
YES!!!!!!????!!!!!!£££££££
(For that weekend anyway)
Reply
(For that weekend anyway)
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 10:57AM (Unverified) said
I was wondering if they were giving it out for free......
but I guess not......lol
from what you all are saying its just going to allow people to download and play for free and then make U pay after said weeken??
Reply
but I guess not......lol
from what you all are saying its just going to allow people to download and play for free and then make U pay after said weeken??
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 4:29PM (Unverified) said
Yes, you get to play it for free but only that weekend.
However, the updates are always free.
Reply
However, the updates are always free.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:26PM (Unverified) said
thanx dude..........
hell I might just go ahead and buy it now anyways....lol
getting tired of waiting for the PS3 updates
Reply
hell I might just go ahead and buy it now anyways....lol
getting tired of waiting for the PS3 updates
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:09AM (Unverified) said
ahh yes, the free weekend at the beginnign of this summer is what convinced me to buy this game the day that ended. Best purchase evar... especially consitering the only online multiplayer fps i've spent any time on is counterstrike, which just simply doesn't measure up now...
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:41AM (Unverified) said
Yeah, the reason why I chose TF2 over CSS is community.Way more friendly and fun.I guess each game attracts different folks.Btw,the TF2 part is an actual conversation as quoted by a friend of mine that recently started playing TF2.
CSS:
OMG U R SUCH A FUKIN NOOB U CANT EVEN NOSCOPE WITH AWP!!1 URE PERMBANNED FROM DIS SERVER U PIECE OF SHIT.
TF2:
-Man, you're such a noob.
-Well, actually I just bought this game a few days ago.
-Oh...sorry about that then.Need any help or advise?
Reply
CSS:
OMG U R SUCH A FUKIN NOOB U CANT EVEN NOSCOPE WITH AWP!!1 URE PERMBANNED FROM DIS SERVER U PIECE OF SHIT.
TF2:
-Man, you're such a noob.
-Well, actually I just bought this game a few days ago.
-Oh...sorry about that then.Need any help or advise?
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 9:22AM foxhound said
LoL If only they were that kind to me when I told them I was using a wired X360 controller for the PC version initially. ;D
I was "converting" myself from console gaming to PC gaming at the time... and keyboard+mouse was too hard to pick use at first(but I still wanted to play with my friends). So until my friend's server went up for me to "practice" upon, I used the controller.
Reply
I was "converting" myself from console gaming to PC gaming at the time... and keyboard+mouse was too hard to pick use at first(but I still wanted to play with my friends). So until my friend's server went up for me to "practice" upon, I used the controller.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 9:59AM PoisonedAl said
CSS rewards twitch skill.
TS2 rewards teamwork, tactics and strategy.
The latter is usually preformed better by those people who's voice has broken and promotes more civil conversation anyway.
Except when everyone starts screaming at the huge number of crap engies and snipers on an attacking team.
Reply
TS2 rewards teamwork, tactics and strategy.
The latter is usually preformed better by those people who's voice has broken and promotes more civil conversation anyway.
Except when everyone starts screaming at the huge number of crap engies and snipers on an attacking team.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:23AM JACKOFNOTRADES85 said
Now that my tv just went out of commission on me last night, I should finially pick this game up so I have something to do while waiting.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:37AM (Unverified) said
Give the fat bastard brass knuckles as a melee unlock!
Reply
Sorry, you must be logged in to leave a comment.
Featured Stories
The most popular posts
in the last 7 days
- Vita 'UMD Passport' won't be offered in US 220 comments
- Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning review: A tempting fate 153 comments
- David Jaffe leaves Eat Sleep Play, layoffs hit developer [Update] 108 comments
- Don't call it a remake: Final Fantasy X is a 'remaster,' to be clear 95 comments
- Battleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix 93 comments










