Upvote Upvoted 12 Downvote Downvoted
Getting into competitive play
1
#1
11 Frags +

First of all, hello everyone, I'm new in these forums, hopefully I'll have a good time.
Second, there probably are dozens of these threads but I wanted to explain my situation so please bear with me.

So I've been playing TF2 for 850 hours now, and it simply is my favourite FPS. While I still enjoy playing everyday, it isn't the same as it was before. I hit a skill plateau, I became the best a pub player can become. However I can still be very inconsistent: I can dominate half a team in a round and don't kill anyone in the next.

Something I always look for in online games is cooperation. Whenever I start a MMORPG, I try to find someone to side with through the whole game. I figured it is a much more pleasent experience to grow along side someone, to learn how to play with and for that companion.

And so I thought, why not do the same for TF2? Playing in pubs is fine, and one of the most enjoyable online gaming experiences I've had, but sometimes I just wished me and my team played as an actual team, and not as individuals, or individual groups.

I looked up TF2 competitive videos, and I was put in awe with what I saw (I don't need to describe as you guys probably know better than me). I wondered how the hay they got so good. But I just thought they could be exceptional cases. But then I found out there are entire competitions of players with similar skills. How can someone become that good?

At a friend's house, I tried TF2Lobby. I played a bunch of different ones: and I got completely destroyed. As an engineer, I didn't even get double digits in my score, after 3 rounds.

I just shrugged it off and thought to be bad luck, my inconsistency kicking in. Later at home I tried again; same result. This time I tried combat engineer: shotgun and gunslinger. I got to see up close what I was up against: airshotting soldiers and demos, scouts that meat-shot all the time, snipers headshotting everytime they pull the trigger...

I wondered if I accidently got in some higher skill scene that I wasn't prepared for, and looked for similar lobby systems, but for "competitive newbies". I found nothing.

I really want to play something more, to have fun as a team and not just by myself. However if there's no middleground, where do I begin? In pubs I'll go nowhere, in TF2Lobby I'll get destroyed before I can shoot twice. Any ideas?

--
Edit: I refrained myself from mentioning the ragers at my performance as such behaviour is commonly found in the internet

First of all, hello everyone, I'm new in these forums, hopefully I'll have a good time.
Second, there probably are dozens of these threads but I wanted to explain my situation so please bear with me.

So I've been playing TF2 for 850 hours now, and it simply is my favourite FPS. While I still enjoy playing everyday, it isn't the same as it was before. I hit a skill plateau, I became the best a pub player can become. However I can still be very inconsistent: I can dominate half a team in a round and don't kill anyone in the next.

Something I always look for in online games is cooperation. Whenever I start a MMORPG, I try to find someone to side with through the whole game. I figured it is a much more pleasent experience to grow along side someone, to learn how to play with and for that companion.

And so I thought, why not do the same for TF2? Playing in pubs is fine, and one of the most enjoyable online gaming experiences I've had, but sometimes I just wished me and my team played as an actual team, and not as individuals, or individual groups.

I looked up TF2 competitive videos, and I was put in awe with what I saw (I don't need to describe as you guys probably know better than me). I wondered how the hay they got so good. But I just thought they could be exceptional cases. But then I found out there are entire competitions of players with similar skills. How can someone become that good?

At a friend's house, I tried TF2Lobby. I played a bunch of different ones: and I got completely destroyed. As an engineer, I didn't even get double digits in my score, after 3 rounds.

I just shrugged it off and thought to be bad luck, my inconsistency kicking in. Later at home I tried again; same result. This time I tried combat engineer: shotgun and gunslinger. I got to see up close what I was up against: airshotting soldiers and demos, scouts that meat-shot all the time, snipers headshotting everytime they pull the trigger...

I wondered if I accidently got in some higher skill scene that I wasn't prepared for, and looked for similar lobby systems, but for "competitive newbies". I found nothing.

I really want to play something more, to have fun as a team and not just by myself. However if there's no middleground, where do I begin? In pubs I'll go nowhere, in TF2Lobby I'll get destroyed before I can shoot twice. Any ideas?

--
Edit: I refrained myself from mentioning the ragers at my performance as such behaviour is commonly found in the internet
2
#2
0 Frags +

TF2Lobby is the place for competitive newbies.
Practice and practice, getting wrecked isn't always bad. You'll refine your deathmatch skills and get some idea of how to position yourself, and get better movement. After you can dominate lobbies, you can get into pugs and a team.

TF2Lobby is the place for competitive newbies.
Practice and practice, getting wrecked isn't always bad. You'll refine your deathmatch skills and get some idea of how to position yourself, and get better movement. After you can dominate lobbies, you can get into pugs and a team.
3
#3
1 Frags +

Just play the game as much as you can in any way possible. Saying you won't learn anything from pubs/lobbies is not true and defeatist - only you can limit yourself, and only you can make yourself improve. You won't get better by avoiding the game - just play the game. I played a lot of pub when I was improving just to help me get a better feel of the games mechanics (projectiles vs hitscan, different movement speeds, map layouts).

I made a blog post quite a while ago, (mostly to do with one's attitude/mental state when playing TF2), but it is pretty broad regardless and should help you out a little.
http://yookstah.livejournal.com/2698.html but prepare for some light reading (re: ~4k words).

Play pugs, play pubs. This is how you develop connections with other players (potentially like minded) that may want to play with you in a team. You can't really just stumble into a team without putting your face out there. Put in the effort of playing in things you might not want to (lobbies/pubs) and you'll find people to play with in due time.

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to post them here or add me on steam if you like.

Just play the game as much as you can in any way possible. Saying you won't learn anything from pubs/lobbies is not true and defeatist - only you can limit yourself, and only you can make yourself improve. You won't get better by avoiding the game - just play the game. I played a lot of pub when I was improving just to help me get a better feel of the games mechanics (projectiles vs hitscan, different movement speeds, map layouts).

I made a blog post quite a while ago, (mostly to do with one's attitude/mental state when playing TF2), but it is pretty broad regardless and should help you out a little.
http://yookstah.livejournal.com/2698.html but prepare for some light reading (re: ~4k words).

Play pugs, play pubs. This is how you develop connections with other players (potentially like minded) that may want to play with you in a team. You can't really just stumble into a team without putting your face out there. Put in the effort of playing in things you might not want to (lobbies/pubs) and you'll find people to play with in due time.

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to post them here or add me on steam if you like.
4
#4
1 Frags +

tf2lobby, #tf2mix is pretty sick, and be sure to check out the newbie mixes that are run

tf2lobby, #tf2mix is pretty sick, and be sure to check out the newbie mixes that are run
5
#5
1 Frags +

Well, you need to start having a selection and know what you really want to do. For example, if you want to play more of a utility (Heavy, Engie, Sniper, Spy, Pyro) then Highlander is the match for you. However, if you want to play something by the lines of Soldier, Demo, Scout then it's 6s. Also I'm not sure how exactly you want to play, but 6s is always the most competitive by a long shot.

Try doing some newbie mixes 6s and try that out. There's probably some info regarding to the mumble info if you need that. Also, newbie mixes start around the weekends, so fri-sat.

Have fun exploring

Well, you need to start having a selection and know what you really want to do. For example, if you want to play more of a utility (Heavy, Engie, Sniper, Spy, Pyro) then Highlander is the match for you. However, if you want to play something by the lines of Soldier, Demo, Scout then it's 6s. Also I'm not sure how exactly you want to play, but 6s is always the most competitive by a long shot.

Try doing some newbie mixes 6s and try that out. There's probably some info regarding to the mumble info if you need that. Also, newbie mixes start around the weekends, so fri-sat.

Have fun exploring
6
#6
2 Frags +

not exactly on topic but REMEMBER this is competitive first person shooter. everyone (most people) can aim. don't think that you can breeze through the competition with just good aim. this game requires tons of thinking, discipline, patience and teamwork.

not exactly on topic but REMEMBER this is competitive first person shooter. everyone (most people) can aim. don't think that you can breeze through the competition with just good aim. this game requires tons of thinking, discipline, patience and teamwork.
7
#7
0 Frags +

If you feel that your ability to shoot people is inconsistent you can always try setting aside some TF2 time as dedicated "DM Time," playing like 20 to 30 minutes of DM every day you'll see your consistency skyrocket. There are a few DM servers in the Servers sidebar to the right, although they're all North American.

If you feel that your ability to shoot people is inconsistent you can always try setting aside some TF2 time as dedicated "DM Time," playing like 20 to 30 minutes of DM every day you'll see your consistency skyrocket. There are a few DM servers in the Servers sidebar to the right, although they're all North American.
8
#8
2 Frags +

I really wouldn't suggest TF2Lobby. Only thing you learn there is that 6v6 means 6 versus 6.

I really wouldn't suggest TF2Lobby. Only thing you learn there is that 6v6 means 6 versus 6.
9
#9
3 Frags +

http://teamfortress.tv/articles/view/52-introduction-to-competitive-tf2-part-1

http://teamfortress.tv/articles/view/52-introduction-to-competitive-tf2-part-1
10
#10
0 Frags +

nice vac ban and no steam community
whose alt is this?

nice vac ban and no steam community
whose alt is this?
11
#11
0 Frags +
shifty1gnice vac ban and no steam community
whose alt is this?

Steam was down

[quote=shifty1g]nice vac ban and no steam community
whose alt is this?[/quote]
Steam was down
12
#12
0 Frags +
hookyshifty1gnice vac ban and no steam community
whose alt is this?
Steam was down

sorry! :<

[quote=hooky][quote=shifty1g]nice vac ban and no steam community
whose alt is this?[/quote]
Steam was down[/quote]
sorry! :<
13
#13
0 Frags +

Just because someone's vac banned doesn't mean it's for TF2. Could be for 1.6 (re: doesn't count for TF2 afaik?).

"My vac ban was a douchebag friend" dunno if that's related to TF2 or not - OP will have to clarify.

Just because someone's vac banned doesn't mean it's for TF2. Could be for 1.6 (re: doesn't count for TF2 afaik?).

"My vac ban was a douchebag friend" dunno if that's related to TF2 or not - OP will have to clarify.
14
#14
2 Frags +
SergioSourceI wondered if I accidently got in some higher skill scene that I wasn't prepared for, and looked for similar lobby systems, but for "competitive newbies". I found nothing.

What you are looking for is newbie mixes(http://steamcommunity.com/groups/na6v6newbiemix), a group of advanced players take new players through the ropes.

If you haven't already done it read this fully:http://teamfortress.tv/articles/view/52-introduction-to-competitive-tf2-part-1

The reason you are being yelled at is because you dont know what you're doing, lucky for you there are a fair number of people and resources out there for you. If you want another shitty helping you I would be happy to volunteer my time.

[quote=SergioSource]I wondered if I accidently got in some higher skill scene that I wasn't prepared for, and looked for similar lobby systems, but for "competitive newbies". I found nothing.
[/quote]

What you are looking for is newbie mixes(http://steamcommunity.com/groups/na6v6newbiemix), a group of advanced players take new players through the ropes.

If you haven't already done it read this fully:http://teamfortress.tv/articles/view/52-introduction-to-competitive-tf2-part-1

The reason you are being yelled at is because you dont know what you're doing, lucky for you there are a fair number of people and resources out there for you. If you want another shitty helping you I would be happy to volunteer my time.
15
#15
0 Frags +

It'd probably be a CSS ban over CS 1.6 if it was CS.

It'd probably be a CSS ban over CS 1.6 if it was CS.
16
#16
4 Frags +

First of all, Congratulations, you've come to the right place. This is a community where you can find everything related to competitive tf2 if you ask the right questions.

There are basically two formats of tf2 that are considered to be competitive: 6v6 and Highlander (or 9v9). They can both be played in the regular maps that you're used to play in pubs, but they differ in the classes restrictions. 6v6 is played with 2 scouts, 2 soldiers, 1 demo and 1 medic per team, and 9v9 is played with one of each class per team. What you've been playing in lobbies were highlanders, and they're considered to be less fast paced and more disorganized (in low levels of competition) than 6v6, whereas 6v6 is very skill demanding and a single death of someone in the team might be very important for the outcome of a round.

For starters you should keep playing lobbies, that's what I used to do when I found out about comp tf2; eventually you'll find out that you're not going anywhere playing them and then is when you should move on to newbiemixes, tf2mix, tf2.pug.nahl and tf2.pug.na. You can find all the info about those in this site somewhere. Also, if you see the right sidebar of the site there's a tab titled Active Servers, you will find there some very cool servers where you can play with other people from this community and improve your skill by playing in DM and MGE servers.

Wish you luck, this is a good read btw:

DrakeMegrimhttp://teamfortress.tv/articles/view/52-introduction-to-competitive-tf2-part-1

Edit: You can also watch streams, there's usually people willing to answer your questions

First of all, Congratulations, you've come to the right place. This is a community where you can find everything related to competitive tf2 if you ask the right questions.

There are basically two formats of tf2 that are considered to be competitive: 6v6 and Highlander (or 9v9). They can both be played in the regular maps that you're used to play in pubs, but they differ in the classes restrictions. 6v6 is played with 2 scouts, 2 soldiers, 1 demo and 1 medic per team, and 9v9 is played with one of each class per team. What you've been playing in lobbies were highlanders, and they're considered to be less fast paced and more disorganized (in low levels of competition) than 6v6, whereas 6v6 is very skill demanding and a single death of someone in the team might be very important for the outcome of a round.

For starters you should keep playing lobbies, that's what I used to do when I found out about comp tf2; eventually you'll find out that you're not going anywhere playing them and then is when you should move on to newbiemixes, tf2mix, tf2.pug.nahl and tf2.pug.na. You can find all the info about those in this site somewhere. Also, if you see the right sidebar of the site there's a tab titled Active Servers, you will find there some very cool servers where you can play with other people from this community and improve your skill by playing in DM and MGE servers.

Wish you luck, this is a good read btw:
[quote=DrakeMegrim]http://teamfortress.tv/articles/view/52-introduction-to-competitive-tf2-part-1[/quote]

Edit: You can also watch streams, there's usually people willing to answer your questions
17
#17
-4 Frags +

hey man I have the same problem you like working on a team and having a good old competition but its hard to become pro at it unless you play it 24/7 and some people just don't have that kind of time and i'm looking for a ugc team too and for you I would suggest ugc over 6s because ugc is a lot better competition to practice with and also if you're not a supertryhard and you aren't pro (LIKE ME) you won't get raged on nearly as much as in 6s. So if you want to find a team friend me gj10133 or send me a message and we can start a team cause I particulary think instead of waiting for months to find a team and the having to ajust to it a lot why don't you just make your own team so friend or message me gj10133 !!!!!!!!!!

hey man I have the same problem you like working on a team and having a good old competition but its hard to become pro at it unless you play it 24/7 and some people just don't have that kind of time and i'm looking for a ugc team too and for you I would suggest ugc over 6s because ugc is a lot better competition to practice with and also if you're not a supertryhard and you aren't pro (LIKE ME) you won't get raged on nearly as much as in 6s. So if you want to find a team friend me gj10133 or send me a message and we can start a team cause I particulary think instead of waiting for months to find a team and the having to ajust to it a lot why don't you just make your own team so friend or message me gj10133 !!!!!!!!!!
18
#18
0 Frags +
yuki"My vac ban was a douchebag friend" dunno if that's related to TF2 or not - OP will have to clarify.

A friend that used my computer was cheating and got banned on cs1.6. Back then I was a pretty causal player so I never looked much into it.

gj10133So if you want to find a team friend me gj10133 or send me a message and we can start a team cause I particulary think instead of waiting for months to find a team and the having to ajust to it a lot why don't you just make your own team so friend or message me gj10133 !!!!!!!!!!

Will do, not today though

Thanks alot to everyone for the input so far

[quote=yuki]"My vac ban was a douchebag friend" dunno if that's related to TF2 or not - OP will have to clarify.[/quote]
A friend that used my computer was cheating and got banned on cs1.6. Back then I was a pretty causal player so I never looked much into it.

[quote=gj10133]So if you want to find a team friend me gj10133 or send me a message and we can start a team cause I particulary think instead of waiting for months to find a team and the having to ajust to it a lot why don't you just make your own team so friend or message me gj10133 !!!!!!!!!![/quote]
Will do, not today though

Thanks alot to everyone for the input so far
19
#19
0 Frags +

As long as you're not lying about the VAC ban (still kinda iffy on it), then don't worry about it.

As long as you're not lying about the VAC ban (still kinda iffy on it), then don't worry about it.
20
#20
0 Frags +
kirbyIt'd probably be a CSS ban over CS 1.6 if it was CS.

If it was for CSS he wouldn't be able to play TF2 on that account. VAC bans by engine.

[quote=kirby]It'd probably be a CSS ban over CS 1.6 if it was CS.[/quote]

If it was for CSS he wouldn't be able to play TF2 on that account. VAC bans by engine.
21
#21
0 Frags +

You're right, I thought it was the other way around.

You're right, I thought it was the other way around.
22
#22
0 Frags +

Welcome to competitive tf2. I recommend continuing to play lobbies, and to maybe join a highlander team. You seem to be an engineer main, so you'll be at a disadvantage DM wise, but practice should help improve it a lot. You're going to want to pick a main class, although be sure to explore all the other classes. If you want to join a highlander team (1 of each class) I suggest ugcleague.com. UGC iron would be a good start, maybe steel. Practice, enjoy tf2 competitive, good luck.

Welcome to competitive tf2. I recommend continuing to play lobbies, and to maybe join a highlander team. You seem to be an engineer main, so you'll be at a disadvantage DM wise, but practice should help improve it a lot. You're going to want to pick a main class, although be sure to explore all the other classes. If you want to join a highlander team (1 of each class) I suggest ugcleague.com. UGC iron would be a good start, maybe steel. Practice, enjoy tf2 competitive, good luck.
23
#23
1 Frags +

If you're actually in Portugal you could try my mix group: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/nlpg. If you prefer highlander there isn't a good low-level European option yet, but HL lobbies are less horrible than 6v6 so you may as well keep playing them.

Also the forums here may be more useful: http://etf2l.org/forum/

If you're actually in Portugal you could try my mix group: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/nlpg. If you prefer highlander there isn't a good low-level European option yet, but HL lobbies are less horrible than 6v6 so you may as well keep playing them.

Also the forums here may be more useful: http://etf2l.org/forum/
24
#24
0 Frags +

If you come to #tf2mix with the attitude to actively try to learn and verbally ask people for tips, people will love to give you help. Good luck yo!

If you come to #tf2mix with the attitude to actively try to learn and verbally ask people for tips, people will love to give you help. Good luck yo!
25
#25
0 Frags +

If Enigma really wants this site to be used by Europeans he would make the users' countries determined by IP rather than choosable from a list. At the moment it's a totally random process getting the correct information to people.

If Enigma really wants this site to be used by Europeans he would make the users' countries determined by IP rather than choosable from a list. At the moment it's a totally random process getting the correct information to people.
26
#26
1 Frags +
fraacIf Enigma really wants this site to be used by Europeans he would make the users' countries determined by IP rather than choosable from a list. At the moment it's a totally random process getting the correct information to people.

This sounds like a bad idea.

[quote=fraac]If Enigma really wants this site to be used by Europeans he would make the users' countries determined by IP rather than choosable from a list. At the moment it's a totally random process getting the correct information to people.[/quote]
This sounds like a bad idea.
Please sign in through STEAM to post a comment.