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ExploreTeam Fortress 2 is now free to play for as long as you like. It’s not a demo or a limited trial, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try it out. But what to do once you’ve downloaded the game? Don’t panic, because I’ve done the tutorial that will help you make those first steps.
Like its predecessors, Team Fortress 2 is focused around two opposing teams, Reliable Excavation & Demolition (RED) and Builders League United (BLU) competing for a combat-based principal objective. Players can choose to play as one of nine character classes in these teams, each with his own unique strengths, weaknesses, and weapons. Although the abilities of a number of classes have changed from earlier Team Fortress incarnations, the basic elements of each class have remained, that being one primary weapon, one secondary weapon, and one melee weapon.
The game does have it’s own tutorial built in. You should definitely do that first. To find it, just look to the bottom of the main page and click on a spiked ball with a hat on it. If you find the game lagging, it probably means your computer isn’t up to scratch, so what you want to do next is go to the settings and put everything on low quality except for the sound, as you will need that to be good at the game.
Now you can select a map. Learn the maps and learn the team advantages. In the majority of maps, RED is defending from BLU. Also use the offline mode to figure out which classes are best suited for which map. Don’t forget, this is primarily a team game, so you’re not helping anyone by hiding behind a wall, waiting for a random opponent to pass. The team needs to work as one, or you will fail. If possible, try playing it with a microphone, so you can talk to your teammates.
A good way to learn about classes is to check what class is missing from your team. If you’re missing a medic, pick that class, as a team without a medic most likely won’t survive. Get good with all the classes and try to get achievements, since they might get you better weapons. Learn your weapons too. Some weapons are more powerful over short distances and some are more powerful over long ones. Make sure you’re using yours correctly.
And most of all, have fun. Team Fortress 2 is a fun game, the players are people who want to enjoy their playing, without being stressed out. One way to make it more fun is with one of these t-shirts, so go get one.
