Competitive Mode

This article is about the game mode. For other uses, please see Competitive (disambiguation).

“

At least you didn't disappoint me more than usual.

Click to listen

— The Administrator

”

Competitive Mode is an official game mode released for Team Fortress 2. The mode is accessible only by having a Premium TF2 account and a phone number associated with the Steam account, however purchasing a Competitive Matchmaking Pass from the Mann Co. Store also grants access. If a player is eligible for Competitive Matchmaking but has a VAC ban on their account, the only way to get access is to buy a pass from the Mann Co. Store. Like regular matches, there are no bans to any weapon and/or class that can be used.

Gameplay

Competitive Mode is a more refined version of the Casual game modes, but is much less chaotic and random in nature than Public Matches. Each player is able to level up their rank depending on their performance and the outcome of the match, however it is also possible to lose rank levels, for example by not performing above average and losing a match. Once players join the game, they will have the option to mark themselves as "ready" to start the match (Similar to the Mann vs. Machine game mode) once enough players have joined. Once a player marks themselves as ready, a timer will start counting down to the match start. Players leaving a Competitive match mid-game receive a Matchmaking Cooldown punishment which prevents them from playing Matchmaking during a limited time. Each repeated offense increases this timer.

Ranks

Each player has a rank which can be leveled up by performing well in competitive matches. Players start at the rank "Fresh Meat" and can level the rank up as they win more matches.

Rank Icon	Rank(s)
	1: Fresh Meat
	2: Troublemaker
	3: Small-Time Thug
	4: Local Enforcer
	5: Problem Solver
	6: Hired Gun
	7: Mercenary
	8: Field Mercenary
	9: Contract Killer
	10: Master Persuader
	11: Headhunter
	12: Liquidator
	13: Executioner
	14: Kill Consultant
	15: Raging Sociopath
	16: Expert Assassin
	17: Elite Exterminator
	18: Death Merchant

Changes from Standard Multiplayer

Competitive Mode has a round-based match system with alternate announcer voice lines, an interactive winner's screen, and features fewer game modes than Casual lobbies. It also boasts a more exclusive and truly skill-based gameplay that revolves around superior strategy, positioning, and team communications over seemingly random engagements.

The current available game modes are Control Points, King of the Hill, and Payload on a limited number of maps.

Competitive Mode currently supports 6v6.

Stress Test

The competitive beta mode was available to premium players when a stress test event was active if they met the requirements above. In order to participate, users needed to be in the official group and have the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator enabled, as well as have a Competitive Matchmaking Beta Pass. When a stress test was active, a "Play Competitive" button would appear on the main menu with a Stress Test badge when the test began.

Maps

Main article: List of maps

Template:Competitive Mode maps

Update history

February 29, 2016 Patch

Added content and features necessary to begin limited public testing of the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive
- Updated several maps to support competitive mode.

March 3, 2016 Patch

Updated Foundry to support the Competitive mode beta.

March 10, 2016 Patch

Updated content and features for the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive

March 17, 2016 Patch

This update will most likely cause issues with custom UIs and HUDs. We suggest disabling them if you experience any problems.
Updated content and features for the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive

March 22, 2016 Patch

Fixed bugs for the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive
Fixed round timer not being displayed outside of competitive mode.

March 24, 2016 Patch

Updated content and features for the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive
Actually fixed the round timer not showing up in non-competitive games.

March 29, 2016 Patch

Updated content and features for the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive
- Fixed seeing incorrect rank icons during the match summary.
- Fixed team medal totals not matching the total medals handed out during the match summary.
- Increased the rate at which medals are revealed during the match summary.

April 25, 2016 Patch

Updated content and features for the TF2 Competitive Mode beta.
- For more information on how you can participate in testing, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/groups/tfcompetitive
- Added a ten second countdown to the beginning of each round after the first.
- Added cp_gorge to the map rotation to test attack/defense format (using stopwatch mode).
[Undocumented] Removed Granary and Foundry from Competitive Mode rotation.

July 7, 2016 Patch (Meet Your Match Update)

Competitive is No longer in Beta.
Added new sound vo files for Competitive Mode.
Added check to prevent players with P-REC loaded from participating in matchmaking.
- Prevents P-REC crashing which results in players receiving abandon penalties.
Fixed class change notifications appearing to the enemy team for a period of time after teams swap sides in Competitive Mode.
Added the Competitive Matchmaking Pass.

July 9, 2016 Patch