Team Fortress 2's new update adds contracts, unique weapons, new maps and more

Valve's venerable free-to-play shooter Team Fortress 2 is getting a new update — dubbed the Gun Mettle update — this week that will add a new contract system, a slew of new weapons, a trio of new maps and some fresh taunts.

The Gun Mettle campaign is a three-month event in which players can take on contracts, each of which feature various skill-based challenges. Complete those contracts and players will be rewarded with one-of-a-kind weapons featuring randomized paintjobs, ranging from the tasteful to the garish. Those weapons, which have varying degrees of rarity, can be traded or sold.

Taking part in the Gun Mettle campaign requires players to purchase a campaign pass, which costs $5.99. Valve has posted a lengthy FAQ with extensive details about the campaign.

Players won't have to pay for the rest of the update's additions, which include Powerhouse, a new three-point capture point map, three new community-made maps — Borneo, Suijin and Snowplow — and community-made taunts, including one aimed squarely at the Metal Gear Solid fan.

Gun Mettle adds even more in the form of new achievements and a long list of more subtle gameplay changes. The full list of changes is available at the Team Fortress 2 website.