Spamming

“

You're all a bunch of no-hopers! Click to listen — The Sniper

”

Message spam

Message spamming refers to the continual repetition of any type of communication; it is generally used to annoy or gain the attention of other players on the server. Spamming is normally frowned upon on most servers, with some servers kicking or banning players that do so.

Chat spam

Chat spam involves one or more players continually using the in-game text based chat system to send nonsensical or repetitive messages, continually request trades or free items, or abuse other players. Chat spammers normally copy and paste a message repeatedly within the chat window or bind a key to the say command along with a message, allowing the message to be sent repeatedly with the press of a key. Eg: Bind l say Buying Name Tags

Mic spam

See also: Voice chat

Mic spam occurs when a player uses the in-game VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system to repeatedly send messages to other players. Unlike chat spamming, players can get a lot more creative by using a number of sound effects, voice clips, or music from an external program. While some players find it amusing, many players consider this irritating as this may disrupt their concentration or affect their ability to listen for key in-game sounds, such as incoming players or uncloaking Spies. In addition, micspamming can make it very difficult to listen to a teammate's alerts or responses. Another program, HLDJ, was used before the Hatless Update and introduced the Silk codec. Players could use its binds to play sound clips and music.

Quiet spam

Quiet spam involves a player using the in-game VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system to continuously emit silence; only the notice displaying the name of the quiet spammer is visible. Its purpose is to confuse other players or occurs without reason.

Loud spam

Loud spam involves a player using the in-game VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system to send nonsensical sound at a high volume, edited purposefully to affect other players' ability to listen for key in-game sounds such as incoming players or uncloaking Spies, or simply to irritate other players.

Voice command spam

“

Need a dispenser here! Need a dispenser here! Need a dispenser here!... Click to listen — The Scout

”

Voice command spam involves a player abusing voice commands (pre-defined calls used to communicate with other players) by using them repeatedly and often without legitimate reason. For other players it mainly affects their ability to read the in-game text chat, being flooded by the transcribed voice commands. This also results in the disruption of proper voice command usage. Voice command spamming frequently occurs in servers that have the tf_max_voice_speak_delay disabled. Other times a player can repeatedly call for Medic, which results in flooding the chat box and confusing friendly medics.

Countering message spamming

Sometimes simply asking the spammer to stop will work if they're considerate enough. If a player is micspamming, use the Main Menu and select the Mute Players option to silence them. Message spamming can easily be remedied if a Server Admin is present, as they have the ability to either prevent a player from using Voice Chat and/or Text Chat, or kick and ban the player from the server; some servers also allow you to vote to kick a player from the server through the Main Menu or a server plug-in if enough players vote in support of kicking the offending player.

Most message spamming is usually targeted to make you feel as annoyed as possible; sometimes ignoring the spamming players and not giving them the attention they seek will cause them to stop.

Weapon spam

Weapon spamming occurs when a player fires repeatedly upon a specific location or in the general direction of enemies, hoping to damage opponents that may wander into the general vicinity of the shots. Spam is not to be confused with suppressive fire, a technique involving firing constantly at points of interest on a map in an attempt to discourage an enemy advance.

Weapon spamming is often associated with classes that have a high damage or weapon fire output, mainly Soldiers, Demomen, and Heavies. Projectiles that are difficult to aim, such as Huntsman arrows and Sandman baseballs, are often spammed as well. Searching for cloaked Spies often involves spraying down an area with bullets in the hopes of disrupting the Spy's Cloak. This will not be an instance of spamming if the player has recently bumped into the Spy and is therefore aware of their presence. Continually attaching Electro Sappers to Buildings does not classify as spamming.

Countering weapon spamming

Enemies bombarding an area with uncoordinated fire can be easily countered. If a route is blocked by weapon spam, it may be possible to use alternative routes to flank the opponent and catch them off guard. Having a Medic deploy an ÜberCharge on a player can allow them to push directly through the damage and remove the source of spamming by killing them or forcing a retreat. Pyros can also counteract projectile spam by reflecting enemy projectiles from the area, allowing teammates to move forward. Waiting for the spammers to run out of ammo is possible, but not advised in case of nearby Dispensers or ammo packs. If the enemy in question is a lone Soldier or Demoman, it is possible to take cover and retaliate when they pause to reload. Spies equipped with the Dead Ringer may pass easily through the damage blockade and ambush unaware enemies. Additionally, Scouts equipped with Bonk! Atomic Punch may be able to get past the front lines while still invulnerable. This technique helps 'break up' the enemy spam via distraction, as a lone Scout behind enemy lines can create a fairly effective distraction for a short time.