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TEAM FORTRESS CLASSIC (TFC)
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An in-depth multiplayer guide
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Matt Beisser
Darkdragoon@home.com
Version 1.2 (3.17.00)
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This guide is for:
Half-Life: TFC (PC)
Half-Life: TFC (Mac)
Half-Life: Opposing Forces: TFC (PC)

The latest version of this FAQ is always available at http://www.gamefaqs.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1.  Overview
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1. Introduction
2. Starting off
1. Computer requirements
2. Modem
3. Ping vs. Lag vs. Latency
4. Controls
3. The characters
1. Scout
2. Sniper
3. Soldier
4. Demonian
5. Medic
6. HW Guy
7. Pyro
8. Spy
9. Engineer
4. The maps
1. Two Fortresses
2. Canal Zone 2
3. The Well
4. The Rock
5. Hunted
6. Alpine
7. Blood Tube
8. Open Fire
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2.  Legal Info
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1. Disclaimer
2. Copywrite
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[1.1] Introduction

Congratulations!  If you are reading this FAQ then you probably have bought Half-Life. =)  Half-Life is one of the best games I have ever played.  It got several awards in 1998 including game of the year.

If you bought Half-Life because the plot of the single player sounded interesting then this FAQ isn't for you.  If you bought Half-Life and decided that the single player sucks and you don't like getting fragged every five seconds in a death match game then you're come to the right place.

Team Fortress Classic.  2 teams (usually) going against one another trying to get the most frags and accomplish a common goal.  Unlike single player you have other intelligent teammates to help you (intelligent being the key word.)  And unlike a death match game it isn't a free for all, so you don't have to worry about getting killed every 5 seconds.

In my opinion Team Fortress Classic, or TFC as it is commonly know as, is the best online game that there is.  It's a balance between skill, teamwork, and luck.

[1.2] Starting off

All computer games require a computer to play them. (DUH!) For some of the games out, especially the new ones, you have to make sure your machine can handle it.  That's one of the great parts about TFC you don't need a speed machine to be able to play.

[1.2.1] Computer Requirements

For Half-Life:TFC you need a Pentium 133 or faster, Windows 95, 98 or NT
4.0, 24 MB RAM, 400 MB hard drive space, Windows-compatible sound card,
SVGA 256-color graphics, 2X CD-ROM,  Online play requires 32-bit ISP with 28.8+ modem or local area network. Supports 3Dfx 3D graphics cards.

For Half-Life: Opposing Forces: TFC you to have Half-Life installed. You also need a Pentium 133 or faster, Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0, 24 MB RAM,
200 MB hard drive space, Windows-compatible sound card, SVGA 256-color graphics, 2X CD-ROM,  Online play requires 32-bit ISP with 28.8+ modem or local area network. Supports OpenGL or Direct3D graphics cards.

[1.2.2] Modem

While it says that you only need a 28.8 bps modem in reality the minimum is more a 33.3 bps modem.  That is the absolute minimum.  If you have a slower modem the game won't be very fun because you will move so slow that almost anyone will be able to frag 'ya.  Again if you  have a 33.3 bps modem you can still play Half-Life:TFC but I would strongly recommend getting a 56 bps modem.  They're really not that expensive and make the game a lot more enjoyable.

[1.2.3] Ping vs. Lag vs. Latency

This is a large controversy in Half-Life:TFC.  Some people disagree with others about what is what.  Others use all three interchangeable.  So to set the record straight here are the differences:

Latency, measured in milliseconds, is based on the average number of packets sent to the server.

Ping is based on two things. How long it takes for a _single_ packet to be sent to the server and how long it takes for the server to redirect that packet back to your computer.  Basically, a high number is bad and a low number is good.  So you want to try and keep a low number if at all possible.

Lag is bad.  It slows your game down.  It is produced from your computer and the internet.  So you don't want lag.

Basically the faster your computer the less lag you get, the lower the latency and ping you will have.

Sometimes even if you have a real fast computer you will still have a high latency.  Well since two things, your computer and the internet, create lag and you know it's not your computer then it is unfortunately your isp.

Large isps like AOL, Prodigy, MSN, etc. are not good isps too have for online gaming.  These providers are meant to be used to surf the www, chat with friends, etc. not to play online games.  So get rid of em!  No one said that you have to use a large company to get onto the internet.
As a matter of fact the local providers in your area are almost always faster, more reliable, and can guarantee a good service.  Not to mention they are usually a lot cheaper.

If getting rid of your current isp isn't an option then you do have other options that will help your latency out. Close all programs except
Half-Life.  Use a lower resolution setting.  Don't download anything while your playing.  Be sure you're using the most recent version of
HL:TFC.  Try downloading a program that helps reduce lag.  There are a couple out there (lowlag, lagkiller, and usethisifyoulagonhalflife, etc.)  You can also try turning off the sound (though I don't really recommend it.)

[1.2.4] Controls

No matter how low your latency is you're still going to get fragged a lot if you can't move quickly.  There are good control setups and bad control setups.  A good control setup allows you to move quickly, have an accurate aim, and be able to use all your special abilities without moving your fingers all around.

Here's what I use:
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Q - Drop Flag
W - Move forward
E - Use
R - Reload
A - Strafe Left
S - Move backwards
D - Strafe right
C - Use special ability
V - Set detpack
Z - Call medic
X - Drop extra ammo
Shift - Grenade type 2
Ctrl  - Crouch
Space - Jump
Left Click  - Shoot
Right Click - Grenade type 1
Mouse Wheel Up   - Next weapon
Mouse Wheel Down - Previous weapon

You don't have to use these exact controls just use whatever is comfortable and allows you to play well.  You absolutely, positively,
MUST use a mouse, however.  I don't care how you play other games.  If you don't you'll never be able to hit any one, nor will you be able to move quickly enough.

[1.3] The characters

Half-Life:TFC offers a variety of characters to choose from.  Each has there own skills.  Try to use the best character for the job.  A master of TFC will know how to utilize each characters special skills and attributes.

[1.3.1] Scout

Scout - The perfect flag capturer.

Weapons:    1 Crowbar
2 Shotgun
4 Nailgun

Grenades:   Primary: Concussion
Secondary: Caltrop

Speed:      Very fast
Armor:      Low armor (maximum of 50 green armor)

Abilities:  - Removes an enemy's Spy's disguise by touching him
- Disarms detpacks set by enemy Demomen when he comes in contact with them



Special
Skill:   Display flag status

Scouts are the best flag capturers, so they are utterly essential in any map which involves a flag (maps with objectives like Capture the Flag or
Territorial Control). Scouts can be effective even without firing a single shot, since their strength lies in their speed rather than in their combat skills. If you like moving twice as fast as everyone else, and screaming for an escort as you escape the enemy base with the Flag and the entire enemy team pursuing you, then the Scout is your class.
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