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What makes TF2: Gold Rush different from other TF2 mods?

TF2: Gold Rush is not about reinventing TF2 or adding our own flashy new content—it’s about curation. We want veteran players who remember TF2’s early days to feel right at home, with nothing pulling them out of that familiar experience.

At the same time, we want newer players to be able to experience what TF2 used to be like, with an authentic atmosphere and immersion that stays true to the game’s original artistic vision. That means no cut content restorations, no custom weapons; just a refined, nostalgic TF2 experience.

Is this mod free?

Of course. Always has been, always will be.

Will there be hats?

Yes! But not too many.

What year of TF2 is Gold Rush emulating?

Gold Rush is less about reverting to one specific moment in TF2’s history, and more about applying an extra layer of thoughtful curation and polish to an era of the game that could have been that much better.

That being said, we’re primarily curating content from up until around 2010.

How will you choose what items will be in the mod and what won’t?

We are only picking out the good stuff—the items that fit seamlessly into TF2’s world, and making small adjustments where needed. Most early additions will stay, but we’re cleaning up inconsistencies: subtly tweaking colors to better match the game’s palette, fixing minor modeling issues, that sort of thing.

Our guiding principle is simple: if an item is classic and feels like something TF2’s original art team would’ve signed off on, it belongs. Anything that clashes too much with the launch game’s established characters, style, or tone won’t make the cut. We are trying to immerse you in TF2, not distract you from it.

The list of available weapons on the Steam launch will be as follows:

  • Scout: Force-a-Nature, Bonk Atomic Punch, Sandman
  • Soldier: Direct Hit, Buff Banner, Gunboats, Equalizer
  • Pyro: Backburner, Flare Gun, Homewrecker*, Axtinguisher
  • Demoman: Loch-n-Load*, Scottish Resistance, Ullapool Caber*
  • Heavy: Natascha, Sandvich, KGB
  • Engineer: Frontier Justice, Wrangler
  • Medic: Blutsauger, Kritzkrieg, Ubersaw
  • Sniper: Huntsman, Razorback, Jarate
  • Spy: Ambassador, Your Eternal Reward*, Dead Ringer, Cloak & Dagger

* indicates a weapon that must be owned in your Steam inventory before it can be unlocked.


And the hats, which all have to be owned first in your Steam inventory:

  • Scout: Batter’s Helm, Baker Boy
  • Soldier: Soldier’s Stash, Gentle Manne’s Service Medal
  • Pyro: Brigade Helm
  • Demoman: Demoman’s Fro, Glengarry Bonnet
  • Heavy: Football Helmet, Officer’s Ushanka
  • Engineer: Mining Light, Texas Ten Gallon, Engineer’s Cap
  • Medic: Prussian Pickelhaube, Otolaryngologist’s Mirror, Physician’s Procedure Mask
  • Sniper: Trophy Belt
  • Spy: Fancy Fedora, Backbiter’s Billycock

Why do I need to own certain items in my Steam inventory before they can be used?

Valve have made it clear that they don’t want mods interfering with the TF2 item economy. While we have been told that we may distribute achievement items however we want, we are not allowed to give out items that can only be obtained via random drop or purchase without you owning that item in normal TF2.

Is there bot support?

Yes, we support offline play with bots.

Where can I play the mod?

You can download the mod from Steam:

How can I help?

Stick around the Discord and show up for game nights, invite your friends and spread the word, or even host your own server for the mod.

Thank you for your interest!