TF2 "Mann Co. Beta" Map Testing Begins - Two New Maps Introduced

[Omnomnick]

Late last night, Valve revealed the "Mann Co. Beta Maps" program, a new early access system for Team Fortress 2 which allows the community to test unfinished or unpolished maps to send gameplay feedback straight back to the developers. This effectively allows for large scale map testing, something which should provide more detailed feedback to help Valve perfect the design and visuals of new levels and gamemodes in a shorter period of time.

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In order to get the ball rolling, Valve have introduced two new maps in the form of a Payload map by the name of "pl_cactuscanyon" and a space-themed map known as "rd_asteroid", the first of a new gamemode by the name of "Robot Destruction". Cactus Canyon stands as a two-stage Payload map with a large focus on vertical gameplay, while Asteroid features two symmetrical bases filled with team-coloured robots which need to be destroyed in order to build up enough points to win the round.

Cactus Canyon (left) and Asteroid (right).
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Both new maps can be accessed on official Valve servers by clicking "Play Beta Maps" on the "Play Multiplayer" matchmaking tab within the main menu. It is important to note that both of these maps are far from being finished, and we imagine both feature balance issues alongside the more obvious unfinished visuals and detailing. Beta maps will be updated extremely regularly as Valve improves balance or introduces new areas or mechanics, so expect to see them evolve quickly.

The update released to TF2 last night also introduce two new songs from the Expiration Date short released last month, entitled "Red Bread", and "Night of the Living Bread", both of which you can find within the game files and across YouTube. For a closer look at yesterday's update and the new Early Access map testing program, be sure to check out the official changelog and the announcement blog post.