As promised, Valve Software delivered the new Pyro updates to Team Fortress 2 as well as character trait updates, but they also served two new maps courtesy of the official Team Fortress 2 community modders.

In addition to the main highlights of the recent content update, changes to existing official maps and most gameplay mechanics have been implemented.

According to Valve, the mask-muffled Pyro now gets a compression blast attributed to the alternate fire mode of the flamethrower. Plus, even the Pyro's Hadouken taunt deals serious damage. It could kill people, if you time it right. New to the firestarter's arsenal is the Axtinguisher, the Backburner, and the Flare Gun. Other changes include:

Content:

• Added 2 community maps: cp_fastlane and ctf_turbine

Pyro updates:

• Tuned the flamethrower hit detection to improve detection versus retreating opponents
• Removed Flamethrower's damage falloff (was falling off to 25% by the end)

Changes to cp_well

• Added a route from the forward central foyer up to the battlements
• Redistributed health and ammunition throughout the bases

Changes to ctf_well:

• Added a route from the forward central foyer up to the battlements
• Removed central building, reduced overall map length
• Redistributed health and ammunition throughout the bases

Other changes:

• Removed Soldier's 40% damage reduction from his own rockets. Does not affect rocket jumps
• In-game avatar images will now have a badge around them if the player is your friend
• Fixed bug that allowed players to move around in a reference pose
• Added custom death icons for unlockable weapons
• The player join team message now specifies whether the player used the auto team option
• Payload maps now support four control points per stage
• Achievement dialog will stay open when you're moving in & out of the game and the main menu
• Added full Russian localization, with both fonts & speech
• Returned the "Report a Bug" option to the main menu

Been waiting for the new Pyro updates? Now's the time to get back into team-oriented tactics, but you'll have to update your Team Fortress 2 copy via Steam before you could heat up Steam's updated servers. More PC gaming updates as we get them.