Moose Tracks – Introduction to Highlander

Jan 27, 2012 by Moose

Introduction

Hey there eXtv fans!  I’m Moose, and I’m new on staff here at eXtv, helping educate you guys on the exciting Highlander style of competitive play.  I’ll be writing articles every week on some sort of aspect of Highlander, whether it’s maps, weapons, or how each class’ role is pronounced and unique.  I’m going to be calling these articles “Moose Tracks” – and, sadly, they have nothing at all to do with ice cream.

Now, I’m a Soldier kind of guy.  It didn’t take me long to figure out how to use the class to pubstomp, and I looked for a new outlet.  Competitive play opened itself up to me, and I was quickly attracted to sixes play to learn how I stacked up against other Soldiers.  But as time went on, I felt like there had to be a better style of play out there, something that was more realistic and better-suited to the design of the game.  Then I found out about Highlander.  

What is Highlander?

Let’s say you main Spy.  As a master of espionage, you can singlehandedly annihilate an entire defense, or cripple an offensive push.  You’re better than most pubs, and you start wondering if there’s a better game style out there for your skills.  Sixes play doesn’t cater to Spies, so you’re out of luck.  Maybe your calling is Sniper – you make a mockery of other Snipers by splattering their brains against the walls of 2fort.  Not even Scouts are safe from your quick-scoping skills.  Clicking heads makes everybody rage, but there are better challenges out there for you.

If you’ve never heard of Highlander before, then you’re missing out!  Highlander is a competitive style of play in which every class participates.  Not only is it more closely tied to the initial design of the game, but it’s especially attractive to those who don’t main a “sixes” style class.  Each team consists of 9 players, only one player for each class.  This allows for everybody to shine, and definitely adds a lot of exciting and unpredictable action as teams formulate strategies and adapt to any of the infinite situations on the battlefield.  It’s not unusual to see, for example, a single Sniper and Spy absolutely destroying another team’s defense; a definite rarity in sixes play. 

How does it work?

Like I said earlier, Highlander differs from sixes play in the fact that one of every class is run.  This allows for people with interests in the off-classes to really shine and showcase their talent, as well as play in a competitive yet fun game mode.  Teamwork and communication is vital, as making calls can often become hectic when you’re dealing with 9 people.  Strategy is often dynamic and able to change in an instant, since there are so many more variables with every class being played.  Since the teams are large, all map types are played (even payload).

What’s the difference compared to other game play types?

Unlike “pub” play, you’re playing with people who are interested in working as a team.  The skill level is much, much higher and you have to be well-versed with your class’ roles as a team player to be effective in Highlander play.

If you’re familiar with “sixes” play, then you know most teams run 2 Soldiers, 2 Scouts, 1 Demoman, and 1 Medic.  With the addition of every class, the entire strategy mechanic changes entirely, as teams have to be ready for anything that they see.  Sixes players rarely ever get to play anything other than KOTH or 5CP maps, but Highlander players often get to play payload maps as well, since the map type is more viable with a larger team.

Don’t worry, there is sound, give it a few seconds 

Why play Highlander?

If I haven’t managed to sell you yet, I can offer a couple of personal reasons why I love Highlander-style play.

1. It’s made me a better Soldier and a better team player.
2. I’ve met lots of cool people and talented players through Highlander play.
3. It’s exciting, dynamic, and really tests your ability in your favorite class.
4. Even for the competitive 6′s classes, Highlander offers a fun pace and a great teamwork environment. 

You’ve sold me.  Where do I sign up?

The UGC Highlander season starts officially on Monday, January 30 – If you don’t have a team going yet or you haven’t been drafted quite yet, you might have to wait a season.

If you’re looking to join a team, or you want to organize one, there are lots of places to look:

UGC Recruitment Forum - This is the recruitment forum for those interested in playing UGC Highlander.

ETF2L Recruitment Forum - This is the recruitment forum for those interested in playing ETF2L Highlander.

Where can I learn more about Highlander?

The UGC Highlander home page is a great place to start learning about how Highlander works and the league rules.

For you Redditors out there, /r/truetf2 is a great resource when it comes to discussing advanced play.  Highlander is mentioned here very often.

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Be sure that you  watch eXtv every Monday night at 9:30 to see some of the great UGC Highlander action going on this season!  Again, the season starts Monday, January 30th.  Be sure to keep up with the eXtv home page and the Steam group to stay up-to-date with all the league action.

Thanks for giving my first post a read!

- Moose