Heavy Update

This article is for content released in the update. For the patch itself, see August 19, 2008 Patch.

“

It's pretty much exactly what we would start a design meeting with. Try coming up with a new unlockable for the Heavy that addresses the goal, while staying within the constraints as much as possible. The extra section includes other details that are useful when trying to compare two viable ideas. Goal: Make the Heavy more viable when he has no Medic to pair with. — Robin Walker

”

The Heavy Update, officially known as A Heavy Update, was the third major content update for Team Fortress 2.

The focus of the update was the Heavy class. As was customary, three new weapons for the class were revealed, and the slowdown mechanic was introduced. To accompany the Sandvich consumable weapon, Meet the Sandvich was released alongside the update.

A new game mode, Arena, was introduced. It focused on combat between the two teams and brought five new maps to the game. Two other maps, Badwater Basin and Steel, were also included.

The update was released with the August 19, 2008 Patch.

Additions

Maps

Name	Picture	Game mode	File name
Badwater Basin	160px	Payload	pl_badwater
Steel		Control Point	cp_steel
Badlands		Arena	arena_badlands
Granary		Arena	arena_granary
Lumberyard		Arena	arena_lumberyard
Well		Arena	arena_well
Ravine		Arena	arena_ravine

Update progress

Beginning a recurring process for major updates, portions and features of the Heavy Update were revealed on a daily basis leading up its culimation and release into the game. Each day was marked with a page depicting at least one of the aspects, delivered in an informative and unique style.

Trivia

• The slowdown effect inherent with Natascha originally stacked upon itself, resulting in enemies coming to a complete halt when hit with multiple bullets. This occured at any range between the Heavy and his target.
• The Sandvich was advertised as having unlimited use before a cooldown bar was implemented for balance issues.

Update gallery

• 

  The Hub of the Heavy Update.

• 

  Day 1. The community map Steel was announced.

• 

  Day 2. The K.G.B. and Heavy achievements were announced.

• 

  Day 3. Badwater Basin was announced.

• 

  Day 4. Natascha was announced.

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  Day 5. Arena game mode and 5 Arena maps were announced.

• 

  Day 6. Meet the Sandvich was announced.

External links

• Heavy Update page
• Meet the Sandvich page