update · December 20, 2024

Team Fortress 2 Update Refines Saxton Hale Balance and Maps

A Team Fortress 2 update adjusts Saxton Hale combat parameters in Versus Saxton Hale mode, balances weapons, and implements layout fixes for cp_gravelpit_snowy and pl_patagonia.

Valve released a maintenance and balance update for Team Fortress 2 focusing on Saxton Hale adjustments, weapon bug fixes, and map geometry improvements.

Versus Saxton Hale Adjustments

Saxton Hale knockback resistance is restored to 75%, while bonus flame damage against him is reduced from 50% to 25%. Hale can perform one extra Brave Jump before jump fatigue applies, and weighdown is no longer blocked by jump fatigue. Normal punch area-of-effect damage is removed, Demoman shields absorb 70% of Saxton Punch! damage, and underwater combat exploits for Hale are fixed.

Weapon and Item Fixes

The Brain Cane texture and phong values are updated, and Battle Music and missing hat styles are restored. The Quick-Fix can properly mirror a patient's wall climbing, and Baby Face's Blaster loss of boost applies correctly. Direct Hit and Reserve Shooter mini-crit bugs while underwater are resolved.

Map Layout and Flow Updates

Updates to cp_gravelpit_snowy restore ice cave cubemap reflections and adjust perch spots. For pl_patagonia, Stage 1 fixes elevator and spawn soundscape issues, Stage 2 removes rollbacks and adds high ground for Blu on the final point, and Stage 3 adds fencing and mirrors a sniper window.

Why this patch matters

This update delivers targeted balance adjustments to the Versus Saxton Hale mode alongside bug fixes and competitive map refinements.