radiomonster

Points: 538, Level: 10

Activity: 0%

I'm looking for inspiration.

I've only lobbied 5 times, & every time I ended up regretting it (read: "OH LOL UR A GIRL GB2 THE KITCHEN", etc.), so I'm wary of trying again. None of the people I play with are interested in lobbying, so I'm sort of just trying to get the balls to get out there & do it by myself. But like I said, wary.

SO, I'm just looking for some experiences. How did you get started? Is it worth the rocky start? Do you still have fun, or is it really just all about the frags?

mightymonarch

Points: 1,306, Level: 21

Activity: 8.3%

Lobbies aren't much more then slightly better organized pubs. Which sucks, in and of itself, when you want to get into comp TF2 and don't have friends that know anything about it. I was lucky enough to have a friend in comp who introduced me and it's been gravy ever since.

As for getting started, there is a lot to learn. What class? If you want some help, feel free to add me and I'll show you the ropes. (http://steamcommunity.com/id/hcranomythgim)

And, coming from one lady to the other, anyone that has an issue with your girl are Forever Alones that can't deal with the opposite gender. Especially when you're a better player than them. I've found that generalized sexist behaviour goes away when you get into real comp and on a team. My guys are great and I love them.

Hoot

Points: 618, Level: 12

Activity: 66.7%

Hey radiomonster! I'm also a chick, add me and if you're on, I'll invite you to any lobbies I start up. I usually host lobbies most weekday nights, anytime after 8 pm PST. What class do you play?

http://www.steamcommunity.com/id/hoot3n4ny

Sway

Points: 2,514, Level: 32

Activity: 16.7%

Honestly, your best bet is to go out and try finding a team. I used to suggest lobbies to new players - but honestly, most lobbies have devolved to 6v6 pubs, with people ragequitting, not talking one bit, talking way too much, playing like idiots (hurr hurr I'm trolling), or just overall just playing ridiculously poorly so that it is no fun for anyone involved. Lobbies can still be fun if you get a group of 12 good people, but those are few and far between.

I would say, once you understand the basics of competitive TF2, I would try finding a team to scrim with if you have the time. By "basics," I mean understanding why pushes revolve around ubers, what it means to cover your flank, and when to suicide for their Medic. Everything else can come later. Once you have those down, you can find a Low-level team to start out with, and just explain that you are new, and ask to work with them.

I really can't comment on being a female in the community, as I am not one. I know several female gamers playing competitive TF2 right now, and have played on teams with a couple as well. Their stories are pretty much the same as yours.. for the most part, they've just figured out how to ignore the idiots. It usually boils down to three types of people.. people that worship the ground your virtual self walks on, people who think sexism is hilarious, and people who just don't care one way or the other.

Anyways.. good luck. I hope it's helpful, and I certainly hope it doesn't discourage you from continuing to try out playing competitively. It's a whole 'nother ballgame around here. Personally, I love it, and I think anyone could really enjoy it when they get a group of good people to play with.

internetexplorer_

Points: 1,812, Level: 26

Activity: 8.3%

I play and have tons of fun because, to me, it's how TF2 is supposed to be. Lobbies are basically just for you to see what 6v6 with class limits on cp maps will look like, because a lot of pubbers haven't seen that. You've got to use it (or pug.na or whatever else) as a springboard to find a team and start playing scrims - then you'll start getting into it a little more. If you're really interested in playing, take a look at the recruitment forum on here - find some entry level teams and at least play a game or two with them to see how different it is from lobbying. That alone should inspire you - if it doesn't, competitive TF2 might not be what you wanted after all and you will have spared yourself a lot of wasted time.

Good luck!

general_norris

Points: 8,973, Level: 65

Activity: 8.3%

TF2Lobby is full of horrible players who have inferiority complex. I used to play there but I stopped because it's just bad. It attracts the kind of people who think they are better for being "competitive", meaning "I know a group of people who suck as much as I do". It's just crap.

I have played with and against many great girls with my old team(s) and there was never a problem. Fortunatedly not everyone is an iditot and there's always a green patch of land waiting for you.

Just focus on getting a good team and you will be golden. I'm sure the rest of the forums can be more helpful than me in that regard.

Zigzter

Points: 2,563, Level: 32

Activity: 0%

I'd rant about TF2Lobby being shit, but I see that's already been done for me. :P

Personally, competitive TF2 is the most fun I've had in gaming in general in a long time. It's great once you find a team you get a long with.

You can hit up the recruiting forums on here and GotFrag, but I'd recommend finding 5 (well...more would be nice for subs) friends who want to try out 6v6, and start your own team. If, like you said, no one you know seems to be interested in "breaking away" from the pub scene, just barrage them with the good TF2 frag movies until they feel inspired to play 6v6. :D
(I can link some if you don't know any)

I could also see if I can get my team to let you play with us for a game or two. That way you could experience 6v6 without Lobbying or needing a team.
Add me up if you want to give it a shot:
http://steamcommunity.com/id/zigzter

__________________
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coL.carnage : just kicked him from col
coL.carnage : hate that guy

Lutraphobia

Points: 2,314, Level: 31

Activity: 25.0%

I only lobby because it's the only way I get games these days. My shift work makes finding a team damn near impossible and I'm new enough to comp that finding mixes and scrims is a pretty rare thing. It's also an opportunity to play classes other than my main since lobby skill level is so low the fact that I'm pants at them doesn't matter. Most lobbys are frustrating. Just got out of a HL lobby just now one of our team went afk and half the others were raging at me (the pyro) because they were getting backstabbed.

lyse242

Points: 1,250, Level: 20

Activity: 8.3%

This really helped me understand how to play comp. tf2 more than anything else:

cco

Points: 2,154, Level: 29

Activity: 8.3%

I don't play, but I like the community, get to know them, really cool guys. Also, chat up Sway, he's the chillest guy. ever.

mrslin

Points: 9,629, Level: 67

Activity: 0%

Hi Radiomonster,

Everyone plays this game for fun. Nobody plays it because it's a job, or because it's work. Most players who start are pubstars, consistently outperforming other players when they join servers. Bored of killing the same, unskilled, unknown players over and over, they then find competitive TF2 and discover a whole community of pubstars who have skills beyond anything that they have seen before.

Having never played a game competitively before, I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but I started pugging and found the experience to be extremely enjoyable. The beauty of 6v6 is that it clears out all of the spam and nonsense that happens in public servers, and tries to turn TF2 into more of a competitive game of skill where you have to aim your shots and make things happen on your own. My favorite part about this game is playing with others. Everyone in comp uses voice chat, so you get to meet some really cool people and make some really good friends.

So back to the story. I was a pubstar, found comp TF2, and played a ton of pugs. I just pugged for months, playing games all the time because I was scared to tryout for a team and thought I just "wasn't ready yet". When you pug, you get the full spectrum of players. Some people you'll find you get along with great and laugh and have a really fun time. Others are not as fun. But you'll realize that this is part of life, and also it is part of the pugging experience, so you just have to take it for what it is and try not to overthink it. What you're pugging for is practice and experience, trying to build familiarity with this new game format that you aren't used to.

Joining a team ended up being the best thing though. I played backup scout on my first team, and basically just sat in on scrims and watched them play. A few days out of the week the starter scout couldn't show up, so I'd join in and play a few games. The people I was with were really nice, and they taught me the basics of comp TF2 and how it worked. When you find a team, look for players that you get along with well, that you enjoy spending time with, and people who are hopefully better than you who have something to teach you.

From there it's been a similar process every season. People change teams after each season and meet new players that they enjoy playing with, or they stick with the same people every season because they just have so much fun. Either way, I strongly encourage you to just give it a chance and see if you like it. 5 lobbies is nothing. I did over 200 pugs before I joined my first team, and I had a blast.

__________________
MR SLIN
http://steamcommunity.com/id/slin
New to Competitive TF2? CLICK HERE
Guide to Getting Started in Competitive 6v6 TF2
The Scout Essentials

Bernkastel

Points: 1,686, Level: 24

Activity: 0%

There will always be people who act like asses. You just need to get in there and find some people who aren't like that and make friends with them. I got started by a friend asking if I wanted to play scout for them since they needed a 6th. You won't be good at anything instantly so it's usually worth the rough start. I'm still having fun, inside of 6v6, I have fun playing with friends, and outside of it, I have fun hanging out in mumble talking to friends.

tl;dr version. Ignore Jerks, Make friends. :)

edit: Dr. Girlfriend is awesome

radiomonster

Points: 538, Level: 10

Activity: 0%

Oh geeze, I really didn't expect this much of a response. I was honestly looking for some personal experiences, not necessarily pep talks -- but hell, I'll take it. Thanks for actually investing some interest in this; it's definitely made me reconsider. Comp is where I want to go, I just think I need a kick in the ass.

& for all the inquiries, Medic.

mightymonarch

Points: 1,306, Level: 21

Activity: 8.3%

Figured as much. Much to teach you, I do, young Paddawan.

Swift

Points: 1,885, Level: 26

Activity: 0%

You go girl(s).

__________________
steamcommunity.com/id/meraena
youtube.com/user/meraenatv
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strychnine

Points: 168, Level: 3

Activity: 8.3%

If you're playing lobby 6v6, expect nothing but elitism. Unless you're willing to practice, practice, practice and get past the stacks/egos, then it's probably a much better idea to find a group of people that do 6v6 low/mid comp, or highlander.

There are groups of people who are "Tf2 lobby all-stars" - they don't really do anything else BUT lobby, so they bitch and moan if things aren't 100% the way they are used to them being.

Sigma

Points: 7,327, Level: 59

Activity: 16.7%

Ringing for low-level teams is a lot better of an experience than playing lobbies. You can get a few games in the same environment, and are more likely to learn some basic strategies and get some tips (though you should take everything anyone tells you with a grain of salt).

To start you off when you get in some scrims, stick with the pocket, (let other people come to you for heals, don't move to them) follow the calls the team is making, and make a point of calling out what you're doing and where you are every few seconds. Coordination will be rocky at best, but making these calls will help a lot. Also remember that while you have relatively little experience, as a medic you have a very clear perspective on when a push is not working out. Be assertive and keep yourself alive when you see things slipping.

mustardoverlord

Points: 3,784, Level: 40

Activity: 8.3%

if you're looking for a positive female role model in tf2, avoid kaytee :}

shdw.puppet

Points: 3,599, Level: 39

Activity: 66.7%

listen to everything sigma says, read everything he has ever written.

and find a mentor (shameless plug) like me (see, told you ^.^)

Adam

Points: 1,717, Level: 25

Activity: 0%

Just have fun, if you're not having fun then why are you doing it?

I'm a low level medic and I found that plying Quake Live helped me to improve, odd as it may seem. It helped my uber timing which previously was weak and it's helped my positioning and movement as well. Now if only I could master those flick heals ;)

rehab

Points: 1,582, Level: 23

Activity: 8.3%

As far as inspiration: I have that problem myself, though I've been playing for awhile. It's hard to make a simple answer out of it, but after however many games where I was playing catchup, or feeling like I was underperforming, things got better. I would get deer-in-headlights syndrome when I started playing medic and start second-guessing myself, and the game would speed right by me, but I could eventually react to what was happening at least well enough to take care of myself and think. That, in my opinion, is where the game gets much more fun as medic. You can contribute a lot to your team just by looking where your team's attention isn't focused and telling them what you see, and you're often in the best position to know your team's overall health. Keeping your team moving safely, handling your uber to both keep your team healthy through a push and try to outlast the other team's uber, and coming up with unexpected ways to escape danger or save a teammate in trouble can make for a very rewarding experience. My personal favorite thing about playing medic competitively is that what I do makes a difference, and I love how I feel like I can turn a game around from the pits of hell by being in the right place at the right time. 6v6 might not be the most welcoming place to start with, but I've found moments playing it that were honestly crazy fun in ways that I've never quite found anywhere else- your teammates' input matters, your interaction with your team matters, and putting all your input together to adapt to the other team can produce incredible things. In playing medic, there are a lot of things to get into for such a simple-feeling class, and hopefully you can find something that makes the game worth playing.
The downside is that it is, in fact, all but mandatory that you enjoy being around the people you play with, which means you'll either need to make the best of PUGs or, as suggested, start ringing. At least if you want to steer clear of getting burnt out before you really know whether you're on a fun track.

Everybody's hit great talking points about how to try to get into the game better (+1 scrims = learning, lobbies = faffing about mostly), but in the case that you feel like your game is plateauing, you feel tense or unable to think during games, and/or you can't quite understand why you're not playing as well as you think you should be able to, you may also find it helpful to record yourself playing and take another look at your games. When I rewatch footage of a game that seemed to have everything go wrong before I knew it, I can usually see plainly enough how I might've done better, which makes it easier the next time. A mentor can definitely help you with this.

Other things that might help you improve, if you decide you want to: watching demos of people who really know how to play (see tf2demos.com and the best frag vid of all time; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2SbHLzKfIU), and maybe practicing things that aren't necessarily recommended to medics, like rocket jump maps or dm. Even if you don't play soldier much at all, learning to rocket jump can help you "surf" explosions out of trouble along with becoming fun in itself, and I found that practicing dm in MGE, Ammomod, or to my preference SOAP, helped me feel less tense when I'd get in situations a medic doesn't want to be in. It might help you pick up an alt class, too, which can both teach you new things as medic (medics might not be nearly as dodgy as scouts, but they can apply similar principles to shave off some damage), and maybe give you something to play to blow off steam.

Good luck!

DrHeadcrab

Points: 319, Level: 6

Activity: 16.7%

Ladyfriend, I do believe you are on my friends list and I've offered to play with you and help you out a bunch of times :]

Rude, Musty, rude.

chapdizzle

Points: 1,312, Level: 21

Activity: 16.7%

hit up bbg. she's nice, and is starting a tf2 female team. gogo.

ps: this is the internet. the get back to the kitchen comments will never end. if you were a guy you'd be called fat, gay, ugly, a virgin, bad at video games, and bad at life. consider yourself lucky~

radiomonster

Points: 538, Level: 10

Activity: 0%

to be honest, we hadn't talked in months & every conversation was dead-ending, so i sort of gave up on that idea. & i can only remember playing with you once, but then someone else joined & i think i quietly slunk off to snipe. :c

& chapdazzle, bbg? i know not. & as far as the comments are concerned, it's not what's said, it was that it was so very hostile. dumb comments i can take, hostility i'm not going to deal with. not worth the time.

mightymonarch

Points: 1,306, Level: 21

Activity: 8.3%

http://commforums.com/new-low-team-h...43.html?t=5443

winnie72

Points: 1,624, Level: 24

Activity: 8.3%

that's just the chauvinistic ego of the male gamer. they can't fathom a woman beating them. i'd embrace it, knowing that i'm affecting them mentally. no, i'm not a chick.

jiggawhat

Points: 1,641, Level: 24

Activity: 18.2%

As far as TF2 is concerned, pubs are about 999x more fun that 6v6, for me.

I like spectating 6v6, but as far as actually playing it, it's always just been a frustrating experience that makes me rage.

So I just stick to owning bads on pubs. Well, I don't even play anymore, but when I did.

rehab

Points: 1,582, Level: 23

Activity: 8.3%

Most guy players who are hostile to girls aren't any more considerate or intelligent around the rest of us. Not that I have your perspective, but if you do decide to quit tf2 before you find people who are fun to play with and be around, I hope it's more because you didn't find the good than that you felt forced out by the bad side of the community. It's full to bursting with shitheads no sane person would want to share a room with, yeah, but at least they tend to stick to a couple of places that are avoidable. En masse, at least. :p

Aries L. Thunder

Points: 647, Level: 12

Activity: 9.1%

I know how you feel radio. I've heard the kitchen comments and I've had people jump on me because they thought I was a 12 year old boy. Either that, or there's always the stereotypes that females can't aim and should only play medic...

However, the good news is it means you can write those people off as idiots and you don't have to waste your time with them. I can assure you there are plenty of good people in this community- males and females alike. Heck, it's obvious from this thread, and I'm sure anyone here (including me) would be happy to help you out.

As far as getting into comp goes... for me, it started off with a pub community. The people I played with were nice so I was comfortable enough with playing with them. One day the server own spontaneously wanted to start a scrim team. To say it was a rocky start was an understatement, but at that point it was fun enough just learning all about comp play. Back then we didn't know anything about community fortress, tf2 IRC channels, or even tf2lobby. In that sense, we were in a small bubble, only playing teams we knew personal from friends on steam.

The team I'm on today is around thanks to the teams my first team made friends with. The other people on my first team decided they didn't like comp, but I enjoyed the teamwork aspects so I stuck around. Today, I do say the frags are a portion of that since I learned how to aim, but there is a sick sense of satisfaction when you backcap badlands last with the whole enemy team there. :p

To find out if comp is for you, I would say you need to either get some friends together or get friendly with people that play comp. The later should be no problem considering this thread so you should be set there. :3

Free

Points: 4,384, Level: 44

Activity: 41.7%

Get into a good gaming community that encourages high-skill and competitive play. To be honest, I didn't have one when I was in your shoes, so I started my own:

http://steamcommunity.com/groups/mag...ickingunicorns

Shameless plug, but we went from a pure pub group to fielding a 6s and two HL team. Infy's our HL Sniper, Mop is on both teams, and Miss Fail leads HL Team B, and that's not mentioning the other ladies who play on our server.

Add me on Steam and join us for some lobbies and scrims, sometime.