Competitive TF2

[Whatsit]

So I watched my first game of competitive TF2 this evening. It was on cp_badlands and it was very... symmetrical. Both teams had the same class list (with one exception) both took the same routes, and then they exchanged rockets in a perfectly symmetrical fashion until they both got Kritzkriegs at the same time and blew each other up.

Is that usual or was it just coincidence that both teams did the same things?

Perfectly symmetrical violence never solves anything.

[carbad]

well, because of the way competitive works, most teams try to figure out the most efficient strategies and stick to them, so you'll find that the fights at mid, etc. tend to follow a certain pattern. It looks samey, but once you get a feel for the strategies and dynamics of competitive you realize there's a lot more than meets the eye. As for the class list, the "bread and butter" setup of two sollies, two scoots, a demo and a medic is pretty standard because those classes offer the best balance of mobility and power, but other classes can be rotated in for specific situations.

competitive play is really fun once you get into it and understand the intricacies and strategies. being on a team with five or six other people who know their classes really well and actually know how to work together as a team is way more exhilarating and satisfying than a 24 or 32 man pub spam fest where the most teamwork you really get is the occasional uber push or coordinated spy sap.

[rhench]

There's also some really interesting dynamics that I have recently learned about. Coordination is so much more important, and management of Kritz/Uber is crucial. Perhaps one of the hardest things is making a smooth transition from offense to defense and back again when necessary.

In the super-competitive world, class lists are basically the same with limited exceptions. 6 man teams are 1 medic, 2 soldiers, 2 scouts, 1 demo. The scouts play the utility role when necessary (switching to Sniper, Engi, Heavy or Pyro when the situation calls for it). This is just my own interpretation of things, but it seems to be pretty much the case.

[mykungfuisgood]

I'd really echo what carbon has to say whatsit. Its unfortunate but the intensity, much like a chess game, isn't captured by video. So while it looks all lame and boring, I can tell ya rayfe and I did a season in a scrub league and it pretty much ruined pub play for both of us.

I think until you've actually been in the experience, you won't be able to truly appreciate it. That said, I got a comp team put together if you want me to hit you up sometime as a ringer I'd be happy to. Its pretty much old fof'er dudes so you'd be right at home

Also, heavy isn't a utility class :/

[rhench]

I was using utility as in baseball terms. A "Utility Player" is one who is capable of playing many (or all) positions on the field.