Team Fortress 2 Classic, the popular mod that resurrects the game’s early days, is making its way to Steam later this year. You can already add it to your wishlist.  

This isn’t just a simple graphical overhaul. TF2 Classic goes deep, bringing back the Civilian class, reimagining classic weapons like the nail gun and dynamite pack, and even introducing entirely new ones like the tranquilizer gun. And forget the usual two-team setup – prepare for four-team mayhem in Arena, King of the Hill, and other modes, with yellow and green joining the fray.  

The mod developers have painstakingly recreated the game’s beta aesthetic, restoring the toon-style shading and reintroducing cut content. They’ve also trimmed away many of the later additions to the game, opting for a purer, earlier TF2 experience. But it’s not all about nostalgia. TF2 Classic boasts improved textures, models, and mapping features, along with fresh content and exclusive game modes.  

Combat gets a serious shake-up with new weapons and items. Think jump pads, flak cannons, and even the ability to wrap chains around your fists. The mod also embraces customization with extensive modding support, letting players tweak their game’s visuals and allowing servers to run custom weapon packs and maps.  

The developers have been working on this labor of love for over a decade. “Beginning development in 2014 and formally releasing in July of 2020, Team Fortress 2 Classic has been worked on for over a decade now—almost certainly longer than you’ve been alive,” their Steam description playfully states. They also emphasize the constant work being done on content, balance, and bug fixes.

Since it’s a mod, you’ll need to own Team Fortress 2 to play TF2 Classic. Luckily, TF2 is free, so that shouldn’t be a problem.