Idling
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| “ | Thanks fer standin' still, wanka.
Click to listen
— The Sniper on Idling
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Idling is the act of joining or creating a server in TF2 for the sole purpose of waiting for random item drops from the Item Distribution System.
Idling and playing are no different in respect to getting items the difference is that Idling is not done to achieve map goals. It is usually done when away from your computer.
Reasons
- The item drop system was introduced in The Sniper vs. Spy Update.
- The system randomly drops Weapons or Hats to players connected to a TF2 server.
- Since the system had the capacity to give item drops as long as you are connected, people would connect to a server and just wait for items to drop.
- Idliing on servers running official maps was discouraged and players were kicked for being idle or AFK
- To avoid annoying other players many server owners set up servers running special maps designed to just let the connected players Idle.
- Mostly, players would connect to the Idle servers and leave their computer running while they themselves left.
Controversy
- SteamStats was a program created by Drunken F00l, who also created tf2items.com.
- The purpose of this program was to connect you to a server without needing to launch TF2.
- It was seen as a CPU friendly way to Idle.
- On September 2, 2009; a patch was released. The patch deleted any items received from using the program, and warned that continued use would result in a ban.
- Players who had not used the program were given a Cheater's Lament. A halo-like hat given to anyone who never used the program.
- Now, no one uses the program as it will cause an instant ban.
The Drop Cap
- On April 20, 2010; Valve released a patch that changed handled how drops were distributed. This introduced a weekly cap of 8-12 items per player.
- Idling is now only profitable if you have not played for a long period of time.
Recent Changes
- After the recent Polycount Update theCheater's Lament was issued to all players it is not know if this is an error or deliberate policy from Valve.
