update · December 11, 2024
Team Fortress 2 Smissmas 2024 Update Balances Versus Saxton Hale
Team Fortress 2 launches Smissmas 2024 with six new maps, cosmetic cases, and major balance changes for Versus Saxton Hale mode.
Team Fortress 2 releases its Smissmas 2024 update, running through January 7th, 2025. The patch adds new community maps, winter cosmetics, and substantial balance adjustments for the Versus Saxton Hale game mode.
Versus Saxton Hale Balance Adjustments
Saxton Hale receives Brave Jump Fatigue, making consecutive jumps less powerful and disabling the Weightdown ability during fatigue. Hale's health formula changes to add 2000 HP for every opponent past 23, and his base health scales by roughly 100 HP per opponent. His knockback resistance drops from 75% to 35%, Head Stomp damage scales with downward speed from 64 to 193 damage, and explosives and fire deal 50% more damage against him.
Mercenary and Weapon Adjustments
The 40% minigun damage penalty now applies exclusively to full crits. Broken Demoman shields retain the charge ability but absorb only 50% of incoming damage, leaving a would-be lethal blow at 1 HP. Sticky trap damage reduction decreases significantly, and the Scottish Resistance loses its 20% damage penalty. Baby Face's Blaster now loses 20% of its boost upon wall climbing.
Smissmas Events and Additions
All players receive a Stuffed Stocking gift upon logging in during the event. The update adds six new community maps including Overcast and Fortezza, the Winter 2024 Cosmetic Case with 23 items, three new taunts, and 18 unusual effects. The Mann Co. Store hosts a winter sale for the duration of the event.
Map and General Fixes
Updates apply to several Versus Saxton Hale maps including vsh_tinyrock, vsh_distillery, vsh_nucleus, and vsh_skirmish to improve performance, clipping, and setup times. Standard maps like cp_brew, koth_krampus, pl_emerge, and cp_carrier receive visual tweaks, bug fixes, and collision cleanups.
Why this patch matters
The Smissmas 2024 update delivers extensive holiday content alongside a focused overhaul of Versus Saxton Hale combat balance.