Teamwork vs Skill (e.g. Team Fortress)

The Game Room
1

I’ve recently started playing Team Fortress 2, which is the first real-time online game I’ve played for a while. I was startled by the degree to which the need for active co-operation is built into the game design -
[ul]
[li]pairs of classes that work together[/li][li]multiple routes to be guarded[/li][li]periods of vulnerability when cover is needed[/li][li]defensive points where concentration of force is needed[/li][li]directional problems where someone needs to face each way[/li][/ul]

Because I’m new, and don’t have fixed times I can play, I have just been joining servers on an ad-hoc basis. In some games there is no co-ordination at all, and individual skill is paramount. In others, there is informal co-operation (usually pairs linking up, and defenders finding an unoccupied spot to defend). Once or twice there’s been a band of people who obviously know each other making up part of the team. Those games are the most fun, particularly when mikes are used.

It’s impressive how ineffective highly skilled individuals (judged by their ability to survive and deal out damage one to one) are against any sort of co-ordination, and how unstoppable they are when co-ordination breaks down.

My question is, is there a formal or informal system for finding teamwork games when you aren’t part of a fixed team who meet at particular times? Where does one go to find scratch games with players who want to actively co-ordinate instead of display their individual skills?

2

Most people will cooperate with others on their team when given leadership. I’d say to just play like you are now, but add servers to your favorites list so you can go back to the ones that you had the most enjoyable games on.

As you become more comfortable with the game, the maps and the classes you’ll be able to start getting your team coordinated with just a few simple requests over microphone. You do have a mic right?

It’s very easy to never say a thing, then all of a sudden speak up and ask someone to go medic if you’re unable to and unless you’re with a lot of new or selfish players, you’ll probably get two medics. Or if you need more defense in a certain area, just let your team know, “hey guys, we’re being heavily invaded on this and this side, head over or we’re going to lose soon.”

3

Back in the day, it was #tf2pickup on Quakenet. I think the pug scene is pretty dead these days though.

4

For pickup games now you go to TF2lobby.com, but it’s aimed at the competitive scene where you’ll only get nine players for highlander or six players for 6v6 and you’ll play the same boring maps over and over and over.

5

If you figure it out, tell me. I’d like to find a place like that too.