FACEIT, TF2, and YOU: What it is, how to play, etc
So youâve heard of the hit new thing coming to TF2 but you donât know what the heck its all about? Or maybe youâre trying to figure out how to use FACEIT to play Team Fortress 2? This is the guide for you.
For those of you interested in signing up, consider using this link. For those of you looking to learn more, please read under the cut. Iâll be giving a detailed explanation of what FACEIT is, what it means for TF2, and how to queue.Â
Ok, so first thingâs first: what is FACEIT?Â
FACEIT is an Esports company founded in 2012. It has been hosting leagues and community matchmaking for games like CS:GO and Dota 2 for a while. But this isnât really too important in the grand scheme. What you need to know is that FACEIT has taken an interest in creating a skill-based, cheat free, matchmaking platform for casual Team Fortress 2.Â
What this means is that after the closed beta for TF2 ends later this month (March), you will be able to queue into community maps hosted by FACEIT. These servers are heavily monitored with anti cheats so that they will not be infiltrated by hackers and bots which have currently been the plague of Casual Team Fortress 2.Â
Currently, FACEIT boasts zero bots, zero hackers, skill-based matchmaking, free prizes (australium weapons and rare cosmetics), no autobalance, no random crits, no random bullet spread, and more.Â
You can learn more about these things in plenty of youtube videos like these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvfEmlJ_N48
But what does FACEIT mean for TF2? FACEIT poses a chance for TF2 players to experience a more serious casual setting without the current issues plaguing the game. It also means that TF2â˛s community could grow. Potentially, if FACEIT goes well, Valve could be inclined to improve the future of the game.Â
FACEIT currently is one of the best options for people who like playing TF2 seriously. Itâs not technically competitive, but it is a more competitive way to play. Consider it like playing something like Competitive Overwatch casually. You should take the game seriously, not play as a friendly, and not abandon the game.Â
If youâre someone who wants more from your TF2 experience and want a challenge, this could be for you! That being said, I caution that it isnât for everyone. Itâs a very different way to play TF2 than a standard causal game is. Maybe give it a try and see if you like it!Â
-o-
So how all does it work from the technical side of things? How do you play?
Well, Iâve got the guide for you! (This will get long, Iâm sorry).
Currently (3/14) the client only offers a closed beta. To get access you will need to be invited by FACEIT to the closed beta. However, you may be able to get access to this by inviting a friend (Iâm not 100% sure).Â
If you have full access, or this is written after the closed beta has ended and the client opens to the general public: start here.Â
First thingâs first. When you download the client, it may require you to verify your email and phone number before you can queue. This is a component of the anti-cheat. Additionally, it may require that you download the anti-cheat software (this will require a PC restart). I suggest downloading it regardless of it is required. This is merely to help prevent the infiltration of hackers and bots.Â
The anti-cheat download can be found in the bottom left of your screen. Just download the software and make sure you log in afterwards via the same button once it has been successfully downloaded. NOTE: you cannot install the anti-cheat with TF2 or another game open.Â
Once this is setup, you should be able to queue with no issues.Â
From the play menu, you can queue for Solo or Team games of matchmaking 12v12 TF2. It will let you know how many players are currently queuing for the game mode if you hover (hence 21 in this screenshot).Â
There are currently 8 available maps. You can select your preferences here. However, much like in competitive game lobbies, you will have the option to vote for the map chosen for the match. Iâll come back to this in a moment. For now, you need to know how to make sure you make it into a match.
When a match is ready, there is a VERY short period of time to accept the match. Less than 30 seconds to hit accept. If you miss this window, you will have to requeue. If someone else misses this window, you will automatically requeue. The client will automatically play a loud trumpet flourish and you just hit the button to check in. This is to ensure no inactive players and afks.
This is what the window looks like when youâre accepted into a game and the maps are still being chosen. Team leaders (priority towards people with premium passes) will choose and select a map for the game to be played on. If youâre not a team leader, you can request that certain maps be played or not played.Â
After the map has been chosen, you will be provided an IP address to paste into your developer console in TF2. If you donât know how to enable your developer console, please follow this guide.Â
You have less than 3 minutes to connect into the match. If you make it in during this time, you will be partaking in a few moments of warmup. Itâs just like pre-game in Casual TF2 servers. From here, the game functions similar to competitive. One team attacks and sets a standard. The other only has to beat that standard time or amount of points capped etc. (I believe that KOTH maps are best out of 5).
If at any point your team is really getting beaten and you feel the need to forfeit. You can type â!ggâ in the chat and a vote to forfeit will start.Â
If you leave the match early, you will be penalized. So you should really only queue up if you have an interest in completing the game. Even if it goes poorly, you should stick it out or use !gg.Â
Once the match ends, it will automatically close. Similar to an MvM lobby!
As you play, youâll be able to work towards points to win prizes (theyâre expensive but still possible to get!) as you play the game. Hereâs an example of some of the prizes.
There are also missions to help you unlock points. Here are some examples of those:
You will also be able to rank up and unlock points that way. Newer players will have to work up through the ranks. The XP to earn these rank ups comes from playing the game. You can earn your way to the Face Melting rank just by playing the game.Â
An example of how the ranking system currently works is shown here from Big Joeyâs youtube video.
As you can see, the higher ranks will be based on your skill as a player. There are also other things in FACEIT such as ladders and tournaments. These are more complicated and explorable on the actual site or platform itself. So Iâll let you guys check that out on your own.
Overall, there are a lot of fun things about FACEIT! Hopefully this guide helped you understand what it is, how to play, and what there is about it. Please let me know if you have any targeted questions about it in my inbox and Iâll be sure to help provide any info I can.
Have fun yâall and give it a try! This is a cool alternative to casual play.Â

















