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Posts Tagged ‘pass time’

TF2 Meet Your Match + WAR! Update

Posted on: July 6th, 2016 by Obey

This blog has been updated for the changes from Day 2.  Here’s the summary, with more details forthcoming:

 

Day 1′s Important Changes

  • Competitive Mode is now out of Beta
  • PASS Time is now out of Beta
  • You can play in unranked (casual) games, if you wish, to match you into games with players with roughly equal Comp Rank
  • Three new Community maps
    • Released in the Day 2 patch: Sunshine, Swiftwater, and Metalworks
  • No TF2 patch has released yet–but one is expected on Day 2 (tonight or tomorrow?)

Day 2′s Important Changes:

  • A “WAR” between Team Heavy and Team Pyro
    • Choose one Team when you join your next Ranked or Unranked game
    • Points you score go toward your Team; doesn’t matter what class you play
    • Winning Team overall all of TF2 (Heavy or Pyro) will decide which character will be first to get a patch designed for that character
    • The losing character will likely get a patch some time after the winner
  • Some important game rebalances
  • Added 4 new taunts
  • Added the Perfect Stranger crate
  • Added new “starter pack” crates and “keyless cosmetic” crates in the Mann Co. Store
    • Each class has one of each, so that you can outfit your favorite class
  • Added new items in the Valve Store

 

Comp

What is Competitve Mode?

As the splash page says, you can now join a ranked 6-vs-6 game, solo or with up to 5 of your friends, to play a Ranked game where the outcome of the game affects your Rank. Measured from 1-18, your Rank can go up or down depending on points scored and whether you win or lose. You can lose Rank and face temporary bans from Comp play by leaving a match or being disconnected.

There seems to be an option for 9-vs-9 games as well, but it isn’t currently available.

Quickplay now has the option to join a casual, unranked match where you play against players of similar Rank. “Unranked match” means that playing doesn’t affect your Rank, but does put you into a game with (hopefully) users of similar skill.

Here’s the FAQ and the wiki page, but here’s some more pertinent info:

  • To play, you need to be a Premium (not F2P) user. See this blogpost for more info on what Premium is.
  • To play, you also need either a valid phone number registered to your Steam account OR buy a Lifetime TF2 Comp Pass.
    • The Lifetime Comp Pass is not to be confused with the TF2 Comp Beta Pass.
    • If you currently have the Steam Mobile Authenticator on your smartphone, you should already qualify.
  • During play, note the following additional rules:
    • Currently only 6v6 is supported, no class restrictions
    • You can’t change your teams, and you’re penalized if you leave the match
    • Random critical hits are disabled for all weapons
    • Shotgun-type weapons (only) have fixed damage spreads (in a 3×3 grid pattern)
    • Symmetrical Control Point maps play best-of-3 rounds (or best-of-5 rounds in higher Ranks)
    • Attack/Defense maps play the Stopwatch mode where the fastest attacking team wins
    • DirectX9 and certain vanilla graphical modes/options are enforced
  • Maps currently supported: Process, Badlands (!!), Gorge, Gullywash, Snakewater, and KOTH Viaduct
    • Note that the 3 new Community-made maps are not yet supported

3 New Community Maps

(I’m glad to see that these maps aren’t set in the desert.)

 

300px-Sunshine_main

Sunshine is a traditional 5CP map designed for competitive 6v6 play that might remind you a little of Badlands. Has already seen UGC Comp play. A Halloween-themed clone, Sinshine, also exists, so expect it to show up in this year’s Halloween rotation as well.

 

300px-Cp_metalworks_b22_5

Metalworks is also a traditional 5CP map, set in a cloudy industrial setting at night. It’s as grey as your bosses’ hearts.

 

300px-Swiftwater_overview

Swiftwater is a payload map in a water bottling map in an Alpine setting. This map has seen lots of play in the UGC Comp Highlander ladders.

 

Important Game Rebalances

There are SO MANY important game rebalances, I’m going to have to write a separate blogpost about it. Here are the biggest changes:

website_under_construction

Yeah, I’m out of time. Scroll down to read the patch notes–you’ll be glad you did. Have fun adjusting how you play Medic!!

 

4 New Taunts

These taunts are currently only available for purchase in the Mann Co. Store, and not in a crate at this time.

  1. The Balloonibouncer has the Pyro jump onto a spring-loaded Balloonicorn and ride it… well, a little gentler than the Engineer rides his Bucking Bronco. $7.99 in Mann Co. Store.
  2. The Disco Fever has the Spy do a short disco-inspired dance for 8 seconds. $4.99 in Mann Co. Store.
  3. The Carlton has the Scout do a 6-second dance where he wishes he was related to the Fresh Prince, Will Smith. $6.99 in Mann Co. Store. Da da DAA daa….
  4. The Fubar Fanfare has the Soldier play a sad trombone for 5 seconds. $4.99 in Mann Co. Store. Womp womp womp womp….

 

The “Perfect Stranger” Crate

Also known as Crate #103, this crate requires a standard Mann. Co Key, and is filled with Strange-quality weapons and weapon parts that have been requested by the TF2 community. Here’s what’s inside:

  • Strange Part: Heavies Killed
  • Strange Part: Pyros Killed
  • Strange Part: Critical Kills
  • Strange Part: Allied Healing Done
  • Strange Part: Damage Dealt
  • Strange Sandvich
  • Strange Natascha
  • Strange Powerjack
  • Strange Degreaser
  • Strange Reserve Shooter
  • Strange Ambassador
  • Strange Quickiebomb Launcher
  • Strange Back Scatter
  • Strange Panic Attack
  • Strange Iron Bomber
  • or the usual 1% chance of an Unusual cosmetic item

None of the above items existed as a Strange item before. Also, all of those items are assumed to have an equal chance to drop. (Don’t forget: all of those items are marketable also!)

 

“Starter Pack” Item Bundles

Nah man, it’s not a meme.  These are item packages sold in the Mann Co. Store to outfit the class of your choice. They’re on the Home screen of the Store under the “Starter Pack” tab.

Starter Packs

Each item bundle includes one each of all of the non-Stock, non-promotional items for that class. All of the items are Unique-quality, cannot be used in crafting, and they (and the item bundle itself, if left unopened) are tradable after a few days. The bundles cost between US$2 and $6, with the Medic being cheapest (fewest items) and the Soldier being the most expensive (most items). Each bundle also includes one Name Tag, so you can rename your new favorite weapon.

For example, the $3.99 Sniper Starter Pack include a Huntsman, Razorback, Jarate, Tribalman’s Shiv, Syndey Sleeper, Darwin’s Danger Shield, Bushwacka, Shahanshah, Bazaar Bargain, Machina, Cozy Camper, Cleaner’s Carbine, Hitman’s Heatmaker, and the Classic, plus a Name Tag. (Note that you don’t get items like the AWPer Hand or a Fortified Compound, because those were both promotional weapons and cosmetic reskins of other weapons.)

You can also choose not to open the bundle after you buy it, and trade or market it later. Perfect for gifting to noobs.

 

“Keyless Cosmetic” Crates

Called the “Unlocked Cosmetic Crates” in the Mann Co. Store, you can buy for US$2.49 (the same price as a key!) this tool item of the class of your choice. When opened, it produces one random cosmetic equippable by that class, with an unknown chance of it being Strange or Unusual. These crates are found under the same “Starter Pack” tab in the Store.

Cosmetic Crates

We don’t know what the chances are for the item to be Strange or Unusual. We also don’t know if all-class or multiple-class cosmetics can drop from it, or cosmetics from certain series like Robocrates, or promotional items. The crates do say that any Strange or Unusual items pulled are hats only, so don’t expect to get lucky and pull an Unusual that wasn’t possible before. If a drop list becomes available, I’ll provide a link in the future.

Consider this: It costs four refined metal + one class token to craft a hat of a given class (or three ref for a cosmetic of a random class), which is cheaper than buying this crate (or a key). But it can be a pain to bother finding a trading partner to trade enough metal, with keys being worth 20 ref for a while now.

Also, all of the cosmetics for sale in the Mann Co. Store are minimum US$4.99, so whatever you get is a relative deal. The TF2 community, as well as Valve, has gotten away from crafting or introducing new weapons into the economy (at least until the Pyro and/or Heavy future patches come out), and players are much more likely now to buy straight from Valve or the Market. TF2Newbs still has two trade servers, #2 and #18, so you can try to find trade partners there.

 

One More Thing About Crates

All (well, maybe most) crates in your inventory now include a list of the possible items within. If you mouse over the items, you get a pop-up picture of the item, so you can see better what possible items are in the crate.

 

 

Full Patch Notes: July 8, 2016

As always, the full patch notes are from the Official TF2 Wiki.

Patch 1: The Meet Your Match Update has arrived!

General

  • Reworked the main menu
    • All play-related buttons are now accessible by clicking the “Find a game” button
    • Moved the Workshop and Replay buttons down the bottom group of mini-buttons
  • Enemies killed by energy weapons now play a special sound as their body dissolves
  • Improved stopwatch UI to help better communicate game state
  • Added new sound vo files for Competitive Mode
  • Added sounds to all attacks where the target player resisted a part of the damage
  • Added Prinny promo items for purchasing Disgaea: Prinny Hat, Prinny Pouch, and Prinny Machete
  • Added AsiaFortress Cup Mercenaries Cup Season 7 medals
  • Added TF2Maps 72hr TF2Jam Summer Participant medal
  • Added Random Acts of TF2 medals
  • Added check to prevent players with P-REC loaded from participating in matchmaking
    • Prevents P-REC crashing which results in players receiving abandon penalties
  • Updated the Demo Support feature
    • Added an option to only record matches that are played using Tournament mode (mp_tournament)
    • Added an option to auto-delete matches that don’t have any events recorded
    • Fixed a bug where tickcount values were being noted incorrectly
    • Options can be set using the Adv. Options menu
  • Updated model/materials for the Bonk Boy, Dr’s Dapper Topper, The Sole Saviors, and The Dark Falkirk Helm
  • Updated the localization files
  • PASS Time update
    • No longer in Beta!
    • New Items Available
      • An Early Participation Pin will be awarded to everyone who played PASS Time during beta
      • Two new achievements with item rewards
        • Tune Merasmus’s Multi-Dimensional Television
        • Jackpot!
    • Map Changes
    • Game Mode Changes
      • Changed the score limit from 3 to 5
      • Tweaked various JACK throwing parameters
      • Pack Running
        • The JACK no longer heals the player carrying it
        • A player carrying the JACK with no nearby teammates is marked for death
        • Teammates near a player holding the JACK will be slowly healed, and can run as fast as the fastest nearby teammate
      • JACK Power
        • Passing the JACK increases a power meter
        • The power meter will decay over time
        • Filling the power meter unlocks a special goal worth extra points
    • Art Changes
      • New view model animations
      • The HUD provides more information about goal type and status
      • Player pips for Spies will reflect cloak and disguise status
    • Misc Details
      • Added cvar tf_passtime_scores_per_round
      • Added tf_glow entity that can be used to enable the glow effect on any entity
      • Updated trigger_passtime_ball FGD entry to hide unimplemented features, temporarily
      • Spawnflag added to func_passtime_goal to indicate to the HUD that a goal is unlocked by JACK power

Bug fixes

  • Fixed being able to repeatedly activate taunts before the current one had ended while underwater
  • Fixed disguising with the Conniver’s Kunai while spotted by a Sentry causing the Sentry to ignore the Spy
  • Fixed class change notifications appearing to the enemy team for a period of time after teams swap sides in Competitive Mode
  • Fixed a case where players would sometimes see other players carrying the wrong weapon(s)
  • Fixed a bug where the Engineer couldn’t remove the Sapper from a linked teleporter if was building (not active)
  • Fixed a bug where the Engineer was able to heal a linked teleporter while it was building. This now matches the behavior for the other buildings.[1]
  • Updated several hats to fix the Sniper not removing them while taunting
  • Fixed hiding the Pyro’s head when using the second style of the Fear Monger
  • Fixed using the wrong ozfortress medals for divisions other than Premier
  • Fixed a few UGC tournament medals using the wrong names
  • Fixed the Engineer’s missing pelvis hitbox
  • Thanks to Justin G., aka sigsegv, for these reports
    • Fixed airblasts sometimes sending reflected projectiles toward friendly players, buildings, and projectile shields
    • Fixed demo record/read stringtables not writing/reading past 512kb
    • Fixed inconsistency between items that use mini-crit buff (TF_COND_ENERGY_BUFF)
    • Fixed multiple Mann vs. Machine bugs caused by bot AI functions being executing after the bots have died
    • Fixed a bug related to lunchbox items, where the ammo bar can be drained in cases when it shouldn’t be
    • Fixed Medics sometimes instantly reviving players in Mann vs. Machine

Performance

  • Fixed several cases of loading and rendering hitches that would cause abrupt changes in FPS
  • Improved Flamethrower flame performance in Mann vs. Machine on clients and servers by up to +500%
  • VGUI .res files are now cached after loading, reducing framerate hitches. Custom HUD authors can disable this by setting vgui_cache_res_files to 0.
  • Improved rendering performance of zombies
  • Improved VGUI font performance

Custom HUD Versioning

  • In order to reduce crashing and broken UI elements after updates, custom HUDs now must explicitly specify the version of the TF UI with which they are compatible
  • Custom HUD files must now be installed as add-ons under the tf/custom/ folder. Loose .res files extracted to the game directory will not be loaded
  • Custom HUDs must now contain a file named “info.vdf” in their root folder, with the key “ui_version” set to the TF UI version with which they are compatible
  • The current TF UI version is 1
  • Non-HUD add-ons under tf/custom/ will continue to work without an “info.vdf” file, but may not load .res files

Mann Co. Store

  • Added the Competitive Matchmaking Pass
  • Added new class starter packs
  • Added new key-less cosmetic crates
  • Revamped main store pages
  • Added a spotlight item
  • Added ability to mouse over and preview items in a bundle/crate/collection
  • Adjusted some weapon prices for consistency

Maps

  • cp_granary
    • Added new ammo pack locations in final and yard areas
    • Clips and blockbullets added to stairs
  • cp_badlands
    • Final cap point capture time increased to 2 seconds (from 1 second)[2]
    • Clips and blockbullets added to stairs
  • cp_foundry
    • Reduced ammo kit in final cap entry room (attackers’ side) to medium
    • Slightly reduced attacking team’s spawn time when working on final
  • pl_upward
    • Fixed an exploit where players could sometimes build sentries in the cliffside by capture point 3
  • pl_thundermountain
    • Fixed the first and second cap points of stage 3 each awarding 2 points to the capturing team instead of 1
  • Mannpower
    • All official maps now set Mannpower mode without requiring the use of the tf_powerup_mode convar

Game Balance

  • Scout
    • Crit-A-Cola
      • Added Marked-for-Death debuff for 2 seconds after the buff effect expires
    • The Soda Popper
      • Added “On hit: build Hype”
      • Removed “build hype by running around”
    • Shortstop
      • Added an Alt-fire attack — reach out and shove someone!
      • Removed +healing bonus
      • Reduced pushback vuln to +20% (from +40%)
    • Sun on a stick
      • Take 25% less damage from fire while deployed
  • Soldier
    • The Righteous Bison
      • Fixed a bug causing players to be hit by the same projectile multiple times, causing the damage dealt to vary wildly
      • Per-shot damage has been increased to compensate, resulting in slightly more damage on average [1]
        • Point-blank deals 54 damage (previously 20-80)
        • Maximum range deals 24 damage (previously 14-56)
      • Slowed projectile by 30%
      • Projectile damage reduced by 25% for each enemy penetrated
      • Updated projectile impact sound
    • The Disciplinary Action
      • Reduced duration of speed bonus on teammates to 2 seconds (from 3)
    • The Rocket Jumper
      • Updated model/materials and sound
  • Sniper
    • Cozy Camper
      • Now requires a full charge to gain flinch resistance
    • The Sydney Sleeper
      • When fully charged, or when making a headshot, now applies Jarate in a radius
      • Scoped shots now extinguish teammates
    • The Cleaner’s Carbine
      • Removed hidden +10% damage taken multiplier while under the effects
  • Heavy
    • Natascha and Brass Beast
      • 20% damage resistance now only applies when spun up and below 50% max health
    • Huo-Long Heater
      • Added -10% damage
      • Added +25% increased damage vs. burning players
      • Reduced ammo drain to -4/sec (from -6)
      • Reduced pulse damage from Ring of Fire to 12 (from 15) due to increased damage vs. burning
    • Buffalo Steak Sandvich
      • Fixed “damage taken” multiplier accidentally being +10%, instead of the listed +25%
  • Spy
    • Base
      • Max speed increased to 320 (from 300)
    • Enforcer
      • Attacks pierce resist and absorb effects from all sources
  • Pyro
    • All Flamethrowers
      • Added: Direct damage reduces Medi Gun healing and resist shield effects by 25%
        • Medics hear a “healing interrupted” sound when this is happening to their heal target
    • The Manmelter
      • Removed (hidden) 20% fire rate penalty
  • Medic
    • Base
      • All Mediguns allow the Medic to match the speed of their heal target
    • Quick Fix
      • ÜberCharge rate reduced to +15% (from +25%)[3]
    • Overdose
      • Increased movement speed bonus to +20% (from +10%)
      • Increased damage penalty to -15% (from -10%)
    • Dropped Mediguns
      • Stored ÜberCharge begins to decay over time after coming to rest
  • Demoman
    • Base
      • All boots now require a shield to activate any move speed bonus listed on the item
    • The Iron Bomber
      • Decreased the fuse time to 1.4 seconds (from 2.0)
    • The Quickiebomb Launcher
      • Increased charge time reduction to -70% (from -50%)
      • Increased damage bonus for (max) charged shots to +35% (from +25%)
      • Increased clip size penalty to -50% (from -25%)
      • Removed “Stickybombs fizzle 4 seconds after landing”
    • The Sticky Jumper
      • Updated model/materials and sound
  • Engineer
    • Base
      • Level 1 teleporters now cost 50 metal (previously 125)
    • Widowmaker
      • Damage increased +10% when attacking the same target as your sentry
    • Eureka Effect
      • Reduced “50% less metal from Dispensers and Pickups” to 20%
      • Added “Teleporters cost 50% less metal”
    • The Short Circuit
      • Base projectile attack is -10 metal (hit or miss) and then add -5 metal for each projectile destroyed (sometimes a buff, sometimes a nerf)
    • The Pomson(sic)
      • Fixed an exploit with shooting through your own buildings
      • Increased close-range damage to 72 (from 62)
      • Reduced long-range damage to 32 (from 42)
      • Updated projectile impact sound

= Undocumented changes

  • Pomson 6000
    • Added projectile impact particle.

Patch 2

  • Fixed a bug where the Medic’s run speed would not adjust when his heal target was killed
  • Fixed client crash related to custom HUDs

 

[N] Obey

Feel free to leave a comment with any questions, and I’ll answer them in a future blogpost.

And expect a blogpost about the item rebalances and bugfixes in a LENGTHY blogpost in the next three days. 284,677 lifetime hits, and we want more!

 

TF2 Patch, Contests, and More

Posted on: April 25th, 2016 by Obey

Been pretty busy in the Newbs Community lately! Here’s what’s going on:

  • Nathan Vetterlein (AKA the voice actor for the Scout) has been streaming on Newbs’ #14 lately!
  • TF2Newbs is hosting an Event on Saturday, May 7th!
  • {N} Olse is looking for players for his online, Saturday night D&D games.
  • Minor TF2 Patch (full patch notes below); mostly updated models and Comp beta features.
  • Added: a new “Alternative” Quickplay option for game modes: Territoral Control (Hydro),  Special Delivery (Doomsday), Medieval (Degroot Keep), and Player Destruction.TF2 streamer
  • I’ve updated the FAQ “A TF2 Newbs’ Guide to More and Better Items”
    • Added sections describing Graded weapons
    • Added info on how to earn even more hats

[Updated Apr 26: Another minor TF2 patch. Added Medieval mode to the Alternative Quickplay.]

Meet the REAL Scout!

meet the real scout

TF2 streamer Nathan Vetterlein, the voice actor of the Scout in TF2, has been bumping over to #14 to play the Badwater Basin map! Naturally, users following the streamer quickly fill the server, and we’re okay with that! He is also known for his group of sketch comedians.

Click here for his Twitch channel and other profile links.

Click here if you want to get involved with Newbs’ server starting, becoming a member, or joining one of our many sub-groups.

 

Are Ya Ready for Some Football Soccer XFL Dodgeball PASS Time?

We’re going something different for an event on Saturday, May 7th:  A soccer-like game mode, PASS Time, will be played by Newblets!

Special Rule: No primary weapons! Secondaries/melee weapons only. You’re going to be busy chasing the ball carrier anyway.

Click this link to learn everything you need to know, and to sign up.  An unusual hat will be awarded!!

 

Full Patch Notes: Apr 26, 2016

  • Fixed client crash related to custom HUDs
  • Fixed the Powdered Practitioner not using the correct Blue team material
  • Fixed seeing the Competitive Mode doors at the beginning of the round for Mann vs. Machine
  • Updated the Patriot Peak with a second style that will hide the Scout’s headphones
  • Updated the Quickplay category for Alternative game modes to include Medieval maps

Full Patch Notes: April 25, 2016

Undocumented changes

  • Updated the models/materials for the Powdered Practitioner.
  • Updated the Powdered Practitioner to be equippable by Soldier and Spy.
  • Updated the Hot Dogger and Patriot Peak to be equippable by all classes.
  • Added styles to the Eliminators Safeguard, Bruiser’s Bandanna, One-Man Army, Your Worst Nightmare and Powdered Practitioner.
  • Updated the backpack icons for the Hot Dogger, Powdered Practitioner, Patriot Peak, Diplomat, One-Man Army and Your Worst Nightmare.

[N] Obey

TF2 Update — Gun Mettle Trade Up

Posted on: August 28th, 2015 by Obey

Tradeup4

The “Gun Mettle” optional campaign is still going, but TF2 has elected to inject more items and item options. Here’s the summary:

  1. You can now Trade Up 10 Gun Mettle weapons of the same tier for a random weapon of the next highest tier.
    • Many mid-tier weapons are now increasing in Market price: see below.
  2. Gun Mettle Cosmetic Cases can now drop for players with a Campaign Coin.
    • Apparently drops once per week, so there’s a random chance you’ll get one per week.
    • Requires a Gun Mettle Cosmetic Key to open.
    • Items from this case are marketable. Chance of items to be Strange (or an Unusual Hat).
  3. PASS Time and Server Browser bugfixes.
    • Servers running a Beta PASS Time map now longer need to utilize sv_cheats to access many console features now.
  4. 8/28/15 Patch: Mostly bugfixes and item model updates.

Here is a link to the relevant blogpost.

Some prices in this guide were updated on August 30th.

1. Gun Mettle Trade Up

Oh, great. You finally finished a frustrating contract of a class you’ve not very skilled at, and earned another low-tier weapon you already have. That’s no fun. (Look at the top image of this blogpost–Scout has way too many Backcountry Blasters!)

Now, you can do something with your extra, unwanted Gun Mettle weapons. You can take ten Gun Mettle weapons of the same tier, and convert them to one random weapon of the next highest tier. Right-click a Gun Mettle weapon from your backpack and choose “Mann Co. Trade Up”.

 

Tradeup1

 

A postcard pop-up will appear. The first weapon locks in what tier of weapons you can then conveniently choose from to fill out the remainder of the “coupon”.

Tradeup2

Click on “Mail In”, click on the “Stamp” button, and then Mann Co.’s super shipping service will drop you a random weapon of the next tier. (If you need to see this process in more detail, see this post on Imgur.)

As a reminder, here is a list of the six weapon tiers, from my previous Gun Mettle blog post:

  1. Civilian–contracts only
  2. Freelance–contracts only
  3. Mercenary–contracts or weapons cases
  4. Commando–contracts or weapons cases
  5. Assassin–weapons cases only
  6. Elite–weapons cases only

Regardless of whether you mix weapons of different paint styles (Teufort, Craftsmann, Concealed Killer, Powerhouse), the weapon output *should* be random. Trading in ten tier 4 Teufort weapons (or any other combination) should output either a Tier 5 CK or Tier 5 PH weapon.

 

Trade Up’s Effect on the Market

Three weeks before this writing, I blogged in this space about the current prices of various TF2 items. Well, being able to trade in Gun Mettle weapons should surely have an effect on their value in the Market. In the 24 hours since the launch of this patch, here is what I have observed regarding Gun Mettle weapons:

  • Tier 1 “Civilian” weapon prices are staying the same.

Each weapon has over 200 copies of each wear grade for sale, and the upgrade of ten $0.05 items to potentially another $0.10 item hasn’t yet affected the prices of Tier 1 weapons.

  • Tier 2 “Freelance” and Tier 3 “Mercenary” weapons are spiking up.

Users are buying up the cheapest Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 5 weapons they can find, ostensibly to combine with their own extras and convert them to a higher-tier weapon. There are now fewer Battle-Scarred and Well-Worn versions of these weapons left for sale on the Market than before, since those had been the cheapest.

Tradeup3

For example, a non-Strange “Forest Fire” Tier 3 flamethrower had been trading for roughly $0.06 to $0.35, depending on its wear. Forest Fire is now selling from $0.15 to $0.55, or effectively double what it cost before (see image above). Also, there are only dozens left on the Market, instead of hundreds previously. This tells us:

  • Some Tier 4 and Tier 5 weapons have also spiked, and some versions are becoming rare.

(Updated Aug 30) For a couple of days after this patch, you couldn’t buy a Tier 5 “Sudden Flurry” stickiebomb launcher for less than US$2, whereas three weeks ago the higher-wear varieties for selling for well under $1. Now, the value has fallen back to about $1 in most cases. (Remember, previously Tier 5s and Tier 6s were only available by unlocking Cases by key.) Users are buying them up to trade in for a Tier 6 weapon. Meanwhile, the Factory New version are staying roughly the same price, since those are the versions that people want to buy and keep. As a result:

  • (Updated Aug 30) Some Tier 5 and Tier 6 weapons are gently falling in price.

“Factory New” weapons, as well as the other grades, are becoming more commonplace on the Market as users are selling weapons they received while trying to earn something else. Some higher-wear Tier 5s are increasing in price as a few users craft a Tier 6, while some are slowly falling as supply increases.

Now, you should consider whether you want to sell a mid-tier item–while demand is increasing for those buying them up, and while the supply is still there for players to trade up items–or keep it in the chance of it being rare later.  Or ignore all of this, and go kill some fools on 2Fort with your fancy weapons :p

TL;DR version: Keep your Factory New and Minimal Wear weapons. Consider selling or Trading Up the others, unless you simply love the looks of your Battle-Scarred Forest Fire.

Remember: All Gun Mettle weapons are Limited, and they will no longer drop after September 30, 2015. Meanwhile, the TF2 community continues to grow–especially with new players–so the demand for many of these weapons could rise after Gun Mettle ends.

 

2. Gun Mettle Cosmetic Cases (aka Crate #95)

The Gun Mettle Cosmetic Case is a special crate that will drop only for Campaign Coin holders and, according to the TF2 Blog, will only drop once a week (and a random chance of it doing so). Just assume that it is a rare crate, but you still have to buy a Gun Mettle Cosmetic Key to open it.

(As of August 30th, the cases are selling for about US$2 on the Market, and I expect that price to fall this week.)

Gun Mettle Cosmetic Case

There are 16 possible items in a #95 Gun Mettle Cosmetic Case. All of these items, as well as the Cases themselves, are Marketable and tradable. They are not yet craftable or dropping in the Item Drop system.

Commissar's CoatCommissar’s Coat
7 .14%
Flak JackFlak Jack
7 .14%
Lurker's LeathersLurker’s Leathers
7 .14%
Rotation SensationRotation Sensation
7 .14%
Support SpursSupport Spurs
7 .14%
Vascular VestmentVascular Vestment
7 .14%
Wild West WaistcoatWild West Waistcoat
7 .14%
Fortunate SonFortunate Son
6 .25%
Outta' SightOutta’ Sight
6 .25%
Physician's ProtectorPhysician’s Protector
6 .25%
White RussianWhite Russian
6 .25%
Bruce's BonnetBruce’s Bonnet
5 .33%
El DuderinoEl Duderino
5 .33%
Sheriff's StetsonSheriff’s Stetson
5 .33%
Captain Cardbeard CutthroatCaptain Cardbeard Cutthroat
4 .00%
Potassium BonnettPotassium Bonnett
4 .00%
or an Exceedingly Rare Special Item!
1 .00%

 

That White Russian, tho. The Heavy abides:

250px-White_Russian

3. More Gun Mettle Minutiae

  • You can now buy Map Stamps and Strange Filters for the maps Powerhouse, Suijin, Snowplow, and Borneo.
  • The new Gun Mettle Cosmetic Cases is tabbed Crate #95.
  • Concealed Killer Cases are now tabbed as Crate #93.
  • Powerhouse Cases are now tabbed as Crate #94.

For your convenience, here are the #93 and #94 drop lists. Note that the listed percentage chances may not be correct; they were lifted from the Official TF2 Wiki.

Powerhouse Case

Crate Series #94
Drops No
Items
Thunderbolt Sniper RifleThunderbolt
6 .60%
Liquid Asset Stickybomb LauncherLiquid Asset
6 .60%
Shell Shocker Rocket LauncherShell Shocker
6 .60%
Current Event ScattergunCurrent Event
6 .60%
Pink Elephant Stickybomb LauncherPink Elephant
6 .60%
Flash Fryer Flame ThrowerFlash Fryer
6 .60%
Spark of Life Medi GunSpark of Life
6 .60%
Dead Reckoner RevolverDead Reckoner
6 .60%
Black Dahlia PistolBlack Dahlia
6 .60%
Sandstone Special PistolSandstone Special
6 .60%
Lightning Rod ShotgunLightning Rod
6 .60%
Brick House MinigunBrick House
6 .60%
Aqua Marine Rocket LauncherAqua Marine
6 .60%
Low Profile SMGLow Profile
6 .60%
Turbine Torcher Flame ThrowerTurbine Torcher
6 .60%
or an Exceedingly Rare Unusual Weapon!
1 .00%

Concealed Killer Cases have been tabbed as Crate #93.

Crate Series #93
Drops No
Items
Red Rock Roscoe PistolRed Rock Roscoe
6 .60%
Sand Cannon Rocket LauncherSand Cannon
6 .60%
Sudden Flurry Stickybomb LauncherSudden Flurry
6 .60%
Psychedelic Slugger RevolverPsychedelic Slugger
6 .60%
Purple Range Sniper RiflePurple Range
6 .60%
Night Terror ScattergunNight Terror
6 .60%
Carpet Bomber Stickybomb LauncherCarpet Bomber
6 .60%
Woodland Warrior Rocket LauncherWoodland Warrior
6 .60%
Wrapped Reviver Medi GunWrapped Reviver
6 .60%
Forest Fire Flame ThrowerForest Fire
6 .60%
Night Owl Sniper RifleNight Owl
6 .60%
Woodsy Widowmaker SMGWoodsy Widowmaker
6 .60%
Backwoods Boomstick ShotgunBackwoods Boomstick
6 .60%
King of the Jungle MinigunKing of the Jungle
6 .60%
Masked Mender Medi GunMasked Mender
6 .60%
or an Exceedingly Rare Unusual Weapon!
1 .00%

Full Patch Notes: Aug 27, 2015

  • Added Collection Trade-Ups!
    • Check out the blog post for more information
  • Added Map Stamps and Strange Filters for the featured maps in the Gun Mettle Campaign
  • Added the Gun Mettle Cosmetic Case which contains new community cosmetic items[1]
  • All Strange items now have a visible icon in backpack panels
  • Added an option button to display paints and/or styles options for items in the Mann Co. Store preview page and the Steam Workshop item import tool
  • Added the OWL 14 tournament medals
  • Added a Steam Community Profile option to the player right-click context menu in the scoreboard
  • Fixed a buffer overflow exploit (thanks to Didrole for this report)
  • Fixed a Mann vs. Machine exploit related to purchasing upgrades while not at an upgrade station
  • Fixed a Mann vs. Machine exploit related to the Medigun shield
  • Fixed the Gun Mettle Coin not displaying its proper level in the Steam Community view
  • Fixed the Enforcer getting a damage bonus as the Spy was disguising and not fully disguised
  • Fixed the cvarlist command truncating some cvar/command descriptions
  • Fixed hitting ‘Enter’ while in the backpack menu triggering buttons in the main menu
  • Fixed invalid map names in nextlevel convar or the map cycle causing the server to fail to change level after displaying the score panel
  • Fixed the Engineer losing revenge crits and picked-up weapons after using The Eureka Effect to teleport back to base
  • The Dalokohs Bar can now accept Ally Healing Done strange parts
  • Updated several HUD elements to include the name of the weapon’s owner when a player is carrying a weapon they picked-up
  • Updated the materials for the Stickybomb Launcher
  • Updated Mann Co. Store prices for foreign currencies to current USD equivalents
  • Updated the localization files
  • PASS Time update
    • Fixed scoring in your own goal if you change teams while the jack is in flight
    • Fixed disguised and cloaked enemy Spies having a shield drawn for them in the HUD
    • Fixed players sometimes not being able to throw the jack
    • Fixed another case where players could teleport the jack with The Eureka Effect
    • Fixed The Dead Ringer making it impossible to throw the jack or deactivate the Dead Ringer
    • All global special abilities that are activated with alt-fire are now available while carrying the jack, unless you’re actively aiming the jack
    • Unlocked console variables for community servers to experiment with without requiring sv_cheats
    • Fixed Scouts being able to pick up the jack while drinking
    • Fixed disguised Spies being able to carry the jack in some situations
    • Made weapon switch faster after throwing the jack
    • Fixed not getting a speed boost if you score and then get the jack after it respawns
    • Fixed a crash if mp_tournament was enabled and someone scored during pre-game
    • Improved the way blocking works
    • Fixed being able to cancel enemy taunts by hitting them with the ball
    • Fixed seeing a phantom jack in your hand if you threw the jack and couldn’t switch back to your previous weapon (jars, cleavers, etc.)
    • Updated pass_warehouse
      • Fixed issue with jack getting stuck behind props
      • Fixed exploit of jack getting stuck in dropper
      • Fixed issue with unbalanced ammo and health kits
      • Moved resupply closets further from the doors
      • Added plank walkway to central warehouses on top of the containers
  • Server Browser
    • Fixed the history tab of the server browser failing to record servers
    • Fixed the spectate tab of the server browser not working at all
    • Fixed the game info dialog for SourceTV master servers improperly showing the server as not responding
    • Fixed connecting to SourceTV servers via the Favorites tab in the server browser
    • Fixed SourceTV relay servers not properly registering on the server list in some situations
    • Fixed the game info dialog for SourceTV relay servers not allowing connection despite open slots
    • Fixed SourceTV relay servers appearing to have negative max players
  • Maps Workshop Beta
    • Fixed map cycle files specified before the initial map load not properly tracking workshop maps
    • Fixed game servers using registered accounts via sv_setsteamaccount being unable to access workshop content
    • Fixed servers getting stuck in a loop when the nextlevel convar contains a un-loadable workshop map

     

Full Patch Notes: Aug 28, 2015

[N] Obey

P.S. I’ll probably do another price guide in about 2-3 weeks, once the Market stabilizes from the changes in this patch.

TF2 Beta PASS Time Patch: Aug 19 2015

Posted on: August 19th, 2015 by Obey

NFL and elite soccer leagues everywhere are horrified: a new challenger has appeared! Finally, a sport where YOU CAN KILL THE OTHER TEAM without having to join a player’s union. The patch summary:

  1. New game mode “PASS Time” substitutes a ball and goals to standard CTF play.
    • Pass the ball to allies or throw the ball with primary fire button; steal the ball with a melee hit.
  2. “Gun Mettle” map Suijin updated to improve play around its central point.
  3. New hat, “The Finder’s Fee”, awarded to users that report major exploits and bugs to Valve.
  4. Bugfixes, including:
    • The Loadout Screen now shows the animation of any equipped Unusual Effects.
    • Demoman gained some missing voice lines when laughing.
    • MvM medigun shield will recreate when switching away, then back to medigun, while medigun shield is engaged.
    • Map voting now enabled with Workshop maps.

 

Don’t forget: “Gun Mettle” Season runs through September 30th, so you can be completing contracts while playing the new game mode.

 

1. Are You Ready For Some… Football? WTF?!

“Soccer? Is that you?” Actually, PASS Time is more of a capture-the-flag remake, with a single flag that spawns over a neutral point, and to be thrown into the opposing goal as the objective. And when you don’t have the ball (or “jack” as they call it), you’ll fight for it in typical TF2 fashion: destroying the enemy with your weapons. Official blog post here.

It’s a simple variation on the familiar CTF theme. All you have to learn is how to throw and pass the ball, and that’s simple: hold the primary fire button for a targeting cursor, then aim and release to chuck it. You can also pass it to allies in the same manner, and you can call out for passes as well.

Warehouse1

Steal the ball from the enemy by killing the player and/or applying a melee hit. Stealing the ball (or being the first to recover it) will grant you a moment of invulnerability, health regeneration and a small speed boost. The game’s center of action will constantly be moving with the ballcarrier, so speed and mobility will be very important. Note that many of the recent weapon tweaks had this game mode in mind when they were launched.

PASS Time is currently in a live beta, similar to rd_asteroid has been for the last year. Currently there is just one map, pass_warehouse: a long, narrow map with plenty of rusty trailers to jump around, air lifts shooting you into the sky, and speed boost zones. Because of the beta, expect changes to be applied to maps and gameplay alike.

Warehouse2

One difference: you have to take the ball to the enemy’s zone to score, not your own! You’ll be closer to enemy respawns when nearer their goal than not. You’ll definitely need teammates to respond to respawning enemies and goaltending sentries. There are also few ammo and health pickups, so don’t get killed too quickly or you’ll be scored on while waiting to respawn.

Joining a PASS Time Game

There are Valve Beta servers running Warehouse now, but they may not come up in Quickplay. Search for them in your Servers menu, and bookmark a Valve server, as it will probably be 24/7 for a while.

Early Meta and Strategies

Essentially, half of the team will try to attack or chase the ball, and the other half ends up defending (probably because some players don’t want to chase all over the map). These are the roles I’m seeing so far:

Scout: Right away, a lot of players will play Scout, just for the increased movement speed and jumping ability. Grab the Atomizer and Soda Popper for extra jump, and possibly Bonk! for your secondary, but a skilled Scout player will shine in a killing role also. This game could devolve into everyone playing Scouts, until you run into a goal-camping Engineer.

Pyro: When the enemy all goes Scout, naturally you’ll want to go Pyro so you can harass them with fire. But without water or cliffs to airblast them, Pyro is a little out of his/her element. Consider a Powerjack for speed and the Reserve Shooter.

Soldier: Rocketjumping really helps you get around, and you’re needed to destroy sentries and discourage campers. Your various buffs and the Disciplinary Action are necessary, since a single attacker usually fails to score. Try to convince your Scout to help you keep up. The Rocket Jumper may even be preferable, but then you can’t carry the ball.

Demoman: Although your role is defense, you’ll usually be chasing the ball and harassing the opposing team. Your stickies are needed to remove sentries, but you’ll shine as a demoman, charging ahead of others and stealing the ball with melee.

Heavy: You’re likely to spend most of your time between your goal and midfield, killing those who would take the ball, or guarding positions that would attack your sentries.

– THIS PART UNDER CONSTRUCTION–

 

2. Suijin: Waking Up From a Sniper’s Dream

Did you enjoy being able to take three steps out of spawn, scope up your sniper rifle of choice, and be able to cover both the enemy’s spawn and the map’s single point in the same view? Did you enjoy getting headshot every time you took a step to the left after you respawned from the last headshot? Well, koth_suijin has changed all of that.

Suijin1

As you can see in my screenshot above, two decorative, apocalypse-immune Japanese blinds has been placed horizontally on each side of the central point, preventing snipers from having an unobstructed view of the point or enemy spawn from their own. However, the blinds are not tall enough to protect against well-placed sentries on the top level above the point.

Also, note the fencing in the screenshot. It has been altered to allow easier passage around the spawn-side stairs on each side. The bridge on the neutral center, however, was not given this increased access.

Moreover, health and ammo pickups have moved around. There is a convenient walkway under the blindside wall’s bridge along the cliff, with a newly placed medium health kit that scouts and spies will surely appreciate.

 

3. Be a Bug Killer = Earn an Exclusive Hat.

Finder's Fee

In an effort to further encourage TF2 players to be on the lookout for game-ruining, economy-crashing game exploits, a standing bounty has been named by Valve for those who forgo the urge to be a profiteering haxz0r butthead and do the right thing in the first place: the Finder’s Fee is an all-class hat given by Valve when you self-report such bugs and exploits to Valve, such as a recent hack that allowed someone to create impossible items (like MvM robot weapons) with a Name Tag and an exploit. If you do earn this hat, you’ll probably Win the Internet for that day as well, so there’s that, too.

Hey, it’s not an unusual Cheater’s Lament, but people will recognize your contribution to the game. And the TF2Newbs community no-likey cheaters.

Full Patch Notes

As usual, full patch notes taken from The Official TF2 Wiki.

Patch 1

  • Added new game mode ‘PASS Time‘ to the TF2 Beta
    • Check out the blog post for more information
  • Fixed a crash caused by a client sending malformed network data to the server (thanks to Nathaniel Theis for this report and test case)
  • Added a new hatThe Finder’s Fee
    • Will be awarded going forward on a case-by-case basis to those who report major economy-breaking bugs or remote-code-execution bugs, and provide detailed information and steps to reproduce
    • Well deserved congratulations to the first recipient, Nathaniel Theis
  • Fixed visual bugs caused by picking up weapons with special attributes
  • Fixed the Mann vs. Machine Medigun shield not being re-created after switching away from the Medigun and back while the charge is draining
  • Fixed some alignment issues in the HUD meters for the Mann vs. Machine rage knockback and Medigun shield
  • Fixed left-hand view models not displaying Stat Clocks correctly
  • Fixed being able to use the tournament_readystate client command when using per-player ready status mode
  • Fixed seeing a HUD mp_timelimit timer for maps that don’t end the round when the map timelimit runs out
  • Fixed some missing VO sounds for the Demoman when laughing
  • Fixed being able to use the Restore action on Killstreak Kits
  • Fixed character loadout menus so they display the particle effects for all equipped Unusual items
  • The Huo-Long Heater can now accept Posthumous Kills strange parts
  • Updated the Australium Grenade Launcher to fix the wood material being shiny
  • Updated the backpack images for the Gun Mettle Campaign Coin
  • Updated LODs for several weapons and the sentry gun
  • Updated Mann Co. Store prices for foreign currencies to current USD equivalents
  • Updated the localization files
  • Updated Koth_Suijin with the latest changes from the authors
    • Added cover around the point preventing cross-point sight line
    • Opened second window in point building
    • Tweaked pickup amounts and positions
    • Widened space between stairs to point and bridge railing to allow easier movement
    • Clipping improvements
    • Improved lighting in dark areas
    • Fixed an issue where engineers could build on outlying islands
    • Fixed an issue where engineers could trap teammates by building teleporters in spaces with restricted movement
    • Fixed an issue where the spawn room doors could be held open by an opposing team member
    • Optimization improvements
  • Maps Workshop Beta
    • Fixed a common crash when loading some compressed maps
    • Fixed various issues running workshop maps on listen servers
    • Listen servers no longer unnecessarily fetch a second copy of the map
    • Listen servers no longer cause the client to crash upon the second load of the same workshop map
    • Added -ugcpath parameter for dedicated servers to control location of downloaded workshop content
    • Defaults to steamapps/workshop
    • Multiple servers sharing the same UGC directory is currently not supported, and will not go well
    • Added server command tf_workshop_map_status to view currently tracked maps and their status
    • Enhanced handling of updated maps to ensure the newest available version of the map is always used on level change
    • Improved handling of workshop maps in a server’s map cycle
    • Workshop maps in the map cycle will be automatically fetched and updated in the background
    • Workshop maps in the map cycle will have their names updated to the canonical name once known
    • Map votes now work with workshop maps
    • A known issue is that the full workshop map name is currently shown instead of the friendly name
    • Community request: Updated the FindMap and CanProvideLevel API for server-side mods. These functions now always expose the full workshop names for maps when known, even if not the map is not yet installed.

Patch 2

  • Updated LODs for the revolver
  • PASS Time update
    • Fixed a client crash related to the HUD
    • Fixed the Short Circuit being used to remove the Jack from the game
    • Fixed players being able to pick-up the Jack while they have weapons deployed that cannot be holstered
    • Updated pass_warehouse
      • Fixed players getting into enemy spawn rooms
      • Fixed the Jack being thrown into spawn rooms
      • Fixed being able to build in the goals

Patch 3

Fixed a PASS Time sound bug related to carrying the Jack

[N] Obey