It’s that festive time of year again in Team Fortress 2, as the beloved Smissmas event makes its annual appearance. This year’s celebration brings an array of delightful additions, including six new community maps, a selection of fresh taunts, and a variety of unusual effects. Players can also look forward to an abundance of new targets for their Festivizer, alongside a comprehensive list of bug fixes designed to keep the gameplay smooth and enjoyable.
New Community Maps and Festivization
For those who thrive on wintery landscapes, the introduction of community maps such as Nutcracker, Sidewinder, Abbey, Winter Ridge, Matterhorn, and Gavle is a welcome treat. Notably, Gavle is inspired by the real-world Swedish town, and Valve has humorously noted the correct pronunciation as ‘yeah-vleh,’ a detail that may elude many players.
Valve has a history of enhancing the festive spirit through seasonal crates, offering festive versions of popular weapons. This year, the developer has expanded the list of weapons eligible for festivization, allowing players to wrap their armaments in Christmas lights. The community’s contributions have significantly increased the number of weapons that can now be festivized, including the Wrap Assassin—a delightful addition for those looking to elevate their holiday cheer.
To obtain Festivizers, players will need to either open Winter 2025 Cosmetic cases or purchase them from the marketplace. The value of these items has surged since the Smissmas update went live, making it essential for players to choose their desired weapon for a festive makeover wisely.
Community Contributions and Bug Fixes
The Smissmas event, running until January 7, 2026, features three community-contributed taunts: The Critical Fail, Dead Mann’s Drink, and Chairholder. Additionally, players can enjoy 20 community-created unusual effects, comprising 11 hats and nine taunts. Among the updates, Valve has addressed several bugs, including a notable fix for Detonator jumps, which will now be recognized as self-damage jumps, allowing for more strategic gameplay during Quick-Fix Ubers.
While the level of support for TF2 may not match its peak popularity, it is encouraging to see Valve making efforts to keep the game alive and vibrant, particularly through the integration of community creations. Recent datamines hint at the possibility of a port to Valve’s Source 2 engine, which could pave the way for a potential renaissance for the game.
Looking ahead, players can anticipate the rebranded community mod Team Fortress 2 Classified, set to launch at the end of January 2026. This mod promises to introduce a new VIP mode class, adjustments to existing weapons like the Nail Gun, and a host of chaotic multi-team maps featuring the newly introduced GRN and YLW factions. The excitement surrounding Eminoma’s work suggests that there are thrilling times ahead for the TF2 community.
