Team Fortress 2 Review: Score, Pros and Cons

Team Fortress 2, released in 2007, is a class-based team shooter with nine distinct classes. Each class plays very differently, and its cartoon art style gives every character a clear silhouette. It has stayed popular for many years through regular updates and community creations.

What works

Classes are distinct and reward learning how to combine them in a team.
The humour and art style make the game instantly recognisable.
Community maps and cosmetics keep the game fresh.

What does not

Some older maps and matchmaking feel dated.
Newcomers can find the class differences overwhelming at first.

Category	Score
Gameplay and shooting	8.5/10
Visuals and sound	9/10
Content and modes	9/10
Multiplayer and community	8.5/10
Value for money	9.5/10

Our scores are editorial ratings out of 10, based on each game's design and reported features. They are not a record of hands-on play sessions on this site.

Who should play it

Players who enjoy team play, varied characters and a playful tone. It is free to play, so it is easy to try.

Verdict

A timeless team shooter with unique character and a huge community. Our score: 9.0 out of 10.

Tips for choosing a class

Try several classes in casual matches to see which fits your style. Engineers build defences, medics heal and support their team, and scouts move quickly to flank. Learn how each class counters others, and use voice or chat commands to coordinate with the team. The game rewards players who know when to switch roles.

The community and cosmetics

Team Fortress 2 has a large community of players who create maps, cosmetics and fan videos. Many of the most popular items come from community ideas. Browse the community workshop to find new maps, and remember that cosmetics are mostly cosmetic, so they do not change how the game is balanced.