Particle effects
Particle effects are used frequently in Team Fortress 2 to serve as decoration or visual cues for various in-game events.
A detailed explanation of particle effects in general can be found on Template:W. Documentation for the Source engine's implementation can be found here.
It is important to note that an item does not need to possess a particular quality in order for a particle effect to be attached to it.
List of effects
G.R.U. Skull - The G.R.U. skull particle effect is emitted when the Gloves of Running Urgently are wielded by the player.
Overheal - When a player is overhealed by a Medic, the player will emit medical crosses.
Holy Glow - Attached to the Cheater's Lament
Community Sparkle - Attached to Community or Self-Made items.
Treasure Hat - There is no known localized name for the Treasure Hat's effect, but it is attached as a new particle system defined as "coin_spin". The particles from this effect are influenced by the movement of the wearer and will only be emitted when the player is in motion.
Map Stamps - Attached to the World Traveler's Hat. These render similarly to the purple and green Unusual confetti effects but use stamp sprites instead. Like the Treasure Hat, this effect is affected by the movement of the wearer and will only be emitted when the player is in motion.
Flying Bits - Intended to be used for rendering flames on gibs, this effect is also attached to certain Valve weapons.
Musical Notes - The Earbuds emit musical note particles from time to time.
Noise Makers effects - The Noise Makers emit musical note or ghost particles when used.
Unusual effects - Unusual particle effects are particles attached to Unusual quality items.
Gallery
G.R.U. Skull.
- Overheal particle ingame.png
Overheal.
Holy Glow.
- Selfmadedalokohs.png
Community Sparkle.
Treasure Hat.
The sprite sheet used in the effect's spinning animation.
World Traveler's Hat.
- Stamp sprites.png
The sprite sheet used for the effect's spinning animation.
Flying bits.
Musical Notes.
The music note sprite.
Noise Makers effect.
Noise Makers effect.
Unusual effects gallery
The different particle effects are viewable in this animation, as well as in this video.
Green Confetti Effect #6
- Unusual purple Confetti.png
Purple Confetti Effect #7
- Unusual Ghost.png
Haunted Ghosts Effect #8
- Unusual green energy glow.png
Green Energy Effect #9
- Unusual purple energy.png
Purple Energy Effect #10
- Unusual tf2logo effect.jpg
Circling TF Logo Effect #11
- Unusual Flies.png
Massed Flies Effect #12
- Unusual Chieftain's Challenge normal burning fire effect.png
Burning Flames Effect #13
- Unusual Green Flame Effect.png
Scorching Flames Effect #14
- Unusual plasma effect 2.png
Searing Plasma Effect #15
- Vivid Plasma.png
Vivid Plasma Effect #16
- Unusual sunbeam.png
Sunbeams Effect #17
- Unusual Peace.png
Circling Peace Sign Effect #18
- Medic Unusual Heart Effect.png
Circling Heart Effect # 19
