Approaching TF2 From Other Competitive Squad FPS Games

TF2 undoubtedly falls into the squad FPS category of competitive games, alongside Counter-Strike, Counter-Strike: Source and Call of Duty 4. However TF2 plays drastically different those games and I have always considered it closer to some pseudo-RTS games like Heroes of Newerth.

Firstly be under no illusion, TF2 is by no means an easy game. Having spoken to many converts like myself who have had varied success the general consensus is that it is in fact the hardest squad FPS by a fair margin. Simple bomb defusal games can be won by aim alone and whilst they are mentally engaging, players who can quickly pick up the physical skills required to win will be successful and are likely only to reach a skill plateau at the very top.

Control Points are a key game mechanic that sets TF2 apart from similar titles

To be a successful TF2 player you not only need to be a fast physical learner, but you have to have a quick mind. One of the most important skills, arguably more important than aim is threat analysis. The enemy team will be looking to ambush the bulk of your team and your progress or fall back across the map and assassinate your higher value players. Particularly when playing scout, one of the hardest things to master is finding the appropriate balance between aggression and protection. It doesn't matter how strong your aim is, if you are off by just a fraction your team will pay the price. So even if you are a fantastic Counter-Strike player, TF2 may just not be your game, and like wise, if you find Call of Duty frustratingly difficult you could still be a fantastic TF2 player.

European TF2 has an almost unique infrastructure. The community is hosted primarily by the largest and most prestigious league, the ETF2L which is quite frankly one of the 7 wonders of the competitive eSports world. The league is now in its 8th season and receives many hundreds of team applications taking the most promising 350. In European TF2 peoples skills are rated by the ETF2L division they can comfortably play in and not by the almost standard low/mid/high skill system used in many other games. Because each of the higher divisions only allow a small amount of teams the game is very competitive at the top and often players will have to wait a long time for a team slot to open up at the top, which will then receive many applicants. I personally love these unique features of competitive TF2 as they give a fantastic sense of life to the game.

The ETF2L Premier division mid season

TF2 is probably the only game out there that is still growing and developing. Many of the top teams evolved from bands of public players thrown together just a few years ago. It's like stepping into a time warp and watching CS:S grow and evolve as I remember many years ago. Whilst a lot of people don't even have competitive TF2 on their radar it has a fantastic potential and a bright future ahead of it and I hope you love it!