Mar 6, 2026
View on Steam↗Team Fortress 2 Update Released
3/5 Moderate
Critical fix for system message impersonation exploits alongside a major quality-of-life improvement for Medi Gun heal targeting and a comprehensive rework of koth_demolition.
Key Changes
- 1Fixed system message impersonation exploit using color control codes
- 2Improved Medi Gun heal targeting to prioritize teammates under the crosshair
- 3Fixed Spy cloak and rage meter prediction issues
- 4Extensive visual and structural rework of koth_demolition
- 5Fixed Dragon's Fury fireball projectile pathing
- 6Resolved a memory leak on servers related to dynamic models
- 7Fixed cp_frostwatch death pit being survivable with ÜberCharge
- 8Added missing Steam Controller inputs for loadout menus
- 9Fixed Short Circuit projectile offset when using flipped viewmodels
- 10Fixed teleporter spin sound playing while being carried
All Changes
🛡️Security & Technical(7)
- fixSystem Messages: Fixed an issue where players could impersonate TF2 system messages by exploiting color control codes
- fixLinux: Fixed a bug where certain custom maps would not load assets correctly on Linux
- fixTF2 SDK: Fixed some crashes relating to singleplayer TF2 SDK mods
- fixServers: Fixed a memory leak on long running servers related to dynamic models
- fixClient: Fixed client crash related to invalid D3D texture flag
- fixNetworking: Fixed network state changes for player condition vars
- fixNetworking: Fixed for mismatched cl_flipviewmodels values between client and server
🔫Gameplay & Classes(8)
- buffMedi Gun: Improved Medi Gun heal target selection to prioritize teammate directly under crosshair when teammates are close together
- changeTargetID: Improved targetid selection to replicate Medi Gun heal target selection
- fixSentry: Fixed sentry rockets not sending the object_deflected game event when deflected
- fixShort Circuit: Fixed Short Circuit projectile offset ignoring cl_flipviewmodels
- fixDragon's Fury: Fixed Dragon's Fury fireballs having incorrect projectile path
- fixSpy: Fixed cloak and rage meters being mispredicted
- fixSpy: Fixed prediction issues with Spy watches and cloak
- fixScout: Fixed Scout.NegativeVocalization04 sound not playing because of a typo in the volume
🗺️Maps(23)
- changehtf_marshlands: Renamed sd_marshlands to htf_marshlands to accurately describe its game mode (Hold the Flag)
- fixpl_frontier_final: Updated pl_frontier_final to fix invisible func_detail water near BLU spawn
- fixcp_frostwatch: Updated cp_frostwatch to fix first point death pit being survivable with ÜberCharges on Stage 1
- fixcp_manor_event: Updated cp_manor_event to fix invisible func_detail water near BLU spawn
- changekoth_demolition: Updated map lighting to a golden sunset color
- changekoth_demolition: Replaced capture point light models with versions having better collision and illumination
- changekoth_demolition: Reworked the capture point platform with a stronger design
- changekoth_demolition: Reworked all catwalks to give them a more stylized look
- changekoth_demolition: Reworked lighting in furnace rooms to be more neutral and less dark
- changekoth_demolition: Reverted a previous change to the capture point team change steam whistle
- removekoth_demolition: Removed all ambient_generics near the furnaces and fire pipe
- changekoth_demolition: Reworked soundscapes to be more efficient and functional
- changekoth_demolition: Reworked the crane control room design
- changekoth_demolition: Reworked crane ropes for a better visual look
- fixkoth_demolition: Fixed some props fading out incorrectly
- fixkoth_demolition: Fixed ships in the 3D skybox casting shadows
- fixkoth_demolition: Fixed missing cubemaps on parts of the map
- fixkoth_demolition: Fixed reflective surfaces missing attached cubemaps
- newkoth_demolition: Added a 128x128 cubemap on the control point for better reflectivity
- changekoth_demolition: Improved water cubemaps
- changekoth_demolition: Restructured the spawn platform so players face the shortcut upon spawning
- changekoth_demolition: Improved visuals on the spawn platform to match structural changes
- fixkoth_demolition: Fixed a blockbullets allowing players to stand on the exterior side of the helipads
🎩Cosmetics & Visuals(19)
- fixTeleporter: Fixed hearing teleporter spin sound when carried
- fixBuildings: Fixed objects sometimes using the incorrect activity when being placed
- fixPASS Time: Fixed 3D HUD using the incorrect animations while holding the PASS Time ball
- fixStat Clock: Fixed Stat Clocks not drawing correctly in UI using playermodelpanel
- fixCamera: Fixed flipped initial pitch/yaw on thirdperson switch
- fixVisuals: Fixed missing alpha mask for generator_01
- fixRescue Ranger: Fixed BuildingRescueLevel proxy overwriting TextureScroll on Rescue Ranger oscilloscope
- fixBotkiller Weapons: Fixed Botkiller team color bugs
- changeThe Overdose: Updated the Festivizer model for The Overdose to fix LOD issues
- changeMann of the Hour: Updated the Mann of the Hour to improve hair blending with the hat and skin
- newTournament Medals: Updated and added some tournament medals
- fixThe Bare Necessities: Updated The Bare Necessities to fix movement while taunting
- fixThe Headliner: Updated rigging for The Headliner to fix stretching during taunts
- changeHydro: Updated alpha channel for Hydro water texture to remove inconsistencies
- fixCase of the Blues: Updated Case of the Blues rigging to fix stretching during taunts
- changeCase of the Blues: Updated Case of the Blues materials to look less flat
- changeHeartbreaker: Updated Heartbreaker taunt prop materials to add ambient occlusion and depth
- changeHeartbreaker: Updated Heartbreaker taunt prop lighting to show albedo tint
- fixHeartbreaker: Updated Heartbreaker taunt prop model to fix missing faces and LOD stretching
🖥️UI/UX(2)
- newSteam Controller: Added missing Steam Controller inputs for loadout menus
- fixUI: Fixed Casual doors player list sometimes using wrong size
Summary
Security & Technical Fixes
This update addresses a significant exploit where players could use color control codes to impersonate system messages. It also resolves several stability issues, including a memory leak related to dynamic models on long-running servers and various client crashes on Linux and D3D systems.
Gameplay & Class Adjustments
Medics receive a notable quality-of-life improvement with prioritized heal targeting for teammates directly under the crosshair. Spies benefit from fixes to cloak and rage meter prediction issues. Additionally, several weapon-specific bugs were addressed, including the Dragon's Fury projectile path and Short Circuit offset issues.
Map Overhauls
koth_demolition has undergone a massive visual and structural rework, featuring new lighting, redesigned catwalks, and a restructured spawn platform to improve player flow. Other maps like cp_frostwatch and pl_frontier_final received specific bug fixes regarding death pits and invisible water.