During the month of June CompTF2C executed the HAMMER MONTH, playtesting a series of custom maps competitively over 3 weekends, as previously covered. During vipr_chopper_b2 (by Damon) in Week 1, it was realized that mp_stalemate_enable 0 does not work properly, with the control points being broken after a Sudden Death round that was bypassed (the way competitive TF2 is played at least since the first ETF2L config in 2008). VIPR and vipr_drizzle creator 14bit, and Damon dug deep into this issue and found out that while the official VIPR maps did not suffer from it, the custom-made vipr_chopper did, because of the shared VIPR logic prefab on tf2maps.net. 14bit then updated the shared prefab with the one we have in our official TF2C installations, and informed the TF2C Mapping Community accordingly. Damon, on the other hand, compiled vipr_chopper_b2pro for CompTF2C, that includes this correct prefab, as well as the customization we will describe below.

In competitive we defined mp_timelimit 30 and mp_match_end_at_timelimit 1 for VIPR, to prevent an infinitely long match and an infinitely long last round, as done for 5CP, which also adds additional time to the round with every point capture–technically making it a necessity, although conceptually we do recognize that VIPR is designed with a “simultaneous A/D CP” or PLR in mind, and not 5CP.
VIPR maps so far are designed with setup times which is a non-issue for public gameplay where mp_match_end_at_timelimit is 0. In our pick-up games, when the map time remaining was only a little more than 60 seconds, the setup timer of 60 seconds made the last round basically irrelevant. These 1-2 minute long last rounds are the history-making ones in the legacy of competitive TF2, with the losing team playing a very aggressive mid, going all-in. The long setup timer also makes all the midfights (the rawest action in competitive) an über exchange situation (both teams cautiously holding on to their 100% charges). Damon was so kind to also remove the setup timer in the pro version of his map according to our feedback.

As creation of a “pro” version for every VIPR map would not be a sustainable solution, we looked for creative ways to achieve that. We turned our heads to the Stripper: Source plugin following Damon’s advice; and with technical support from its guru in the TF2 Classic universe, Dynamilk (host of the Bangerz.TF Engineer Fortress server, connected via bangerz.tf:27018), we installed and tested the right version. Apparently we were not the first ones, as competitive TF2 people wanted to achieve the same thing 17 years ago for the setup timer of cp_well and every other map that would otherwise need a “pro” version. We quickly implemented the solution to our official cfg/plugin/vscript pack, and gave the required guidance in our tech manual. At the end of the day, CompTF2C keeps clearing the obstacles to make a viable competitive TF2 Classic.

The HAMMER MONTH, announced in May and played throughout June, is now over. This crossover event between the TF2C Mapping and TF2C Competitive communities brought enough participants to playtest experimental modes like 4teams (koth_blender by Milkman67) and a new take on domination with constantly moving objectives (dom_carts, by Voodoo People) in an organized competitive setting for the first time; while map makers gained a whole different perspective by observing 6v6, prolander and highlander gameplay on their maps for the first time.

One thing is clear: The TF2C Mapping Community is no one trick pony. Not only did multiple maps show good game flow, but the quality of modelling and artistry was also shown to be top notch. Both experienced competitive players and newcomers alike played through the event, with many of them providing valuable feedback in the post-event poll. Let us now look at that data.

The 30th year of the Team Fortress saga that started in 1996 is just around the corner. Nevertheless, as if it has only just begun, 2025 is being a spectacular year for various TF games spanning multiple generations. TF2 Classic was perhaps the first one to deliver big news this year. From then on it just kept coming: QuakeWorld Team Fortress Live’s (QWTF Live) new Hawaii server that connects Australian and North American players across the Pacific; the “next gen” update to Enemy Territory Fortress’ (ETF) gameplay; the new Pick-up “Cup” bot of Team Fortress [Classic] PUGs along with the integrated new website; and a new official update announcement to TF2 only a month after witnessing arguably the best LAN tournament of the game’s history.

It is with great pleasure that we are sharing these parallel universe occurrences with you.

A light shining bright and beaming and beautiful is descending from above. Something awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, flabber-gasting: from the life-giving palms of azzy (with assistance from mad scientist Güven) and Jaws’ AltTab (server hosting, with hints from sapphonie herself) comes the arrival of MGE–My Gaming Education? Mad Gambling Enjoyment?? We don’t know either. That’s right for the first time in many months players are able to enjoy or grind out their deathmatching on this classic gamemode from within TF2C, so your excuse for not wanting to play live just won’t cut it anymore.

Two full-time servers will feature an EU or NA location for more preferable ping so you know your loss was honorable and a maximum player limit of 16. Staple gamemode bball–a 2v2 with soldiers fighting for control of the intel–is fully functional and playable. Get on that court and slamdunk that goal you maggots. Finally… it is with great displeasure to announce the current removal of ELO which will be missed sorely amongst the most prideful and shameless warriors. Taunt and lure your enemy on #mge-bros, join, !add up, and I will see you fragging on badlands spire soldier!

AltTAB – [EU] MGE: 140.238.84.229:27015
AltTAB – [NA] MGE: 167.234.214.228:27015

There is no viable competitive scene without its map makers, and its custom maps that get the best out of the gameplay mechanics. There is no better way for map makers to test their maps in a coordinated, high-awareness game, than playing it in a competitive setting. We know it. You know it. Therefore we deliver it: the HAMMER MONTH. A full month of playing the weekly CompTF2C PuGs (pick-up games) in TF2C Mapping Community maps every other week.

Find the dates, chosen maps, and surprise details of the finest collaboration between the two communities below. Followed up by an insightful interview with Damon, a renowned figure in the mapping community, and a relatively new member of Eminoma. Not only did we take a look at his journey, but we are also peeked some exciting bits from the upcoming Steam release.