Valve Shifts Team Fortress 2 into the 64-Bit Computing Era: What Gamers Need to Know
Valve has recently introduced Team Fortress 2 into the modern era of 64-bit computing, approximately 17 years after its initial release. This significant update is anticipated to have a substantial impact on certain systems and provide a temporary relief to the ongoing bot issues within the game.
Following the latest update, Valve has not altered the system requirements for Team Fortress 2, as the 32-bit version still remains available in the game’s directories. However, with the widespread availability of 64-bit processors and systems, most users are unlikely to require the 32-bit version, as all top gaming processors currently available are 64-bit.
One of the most noteworthy changes in the recent TF2 updates is the introduction of support for 64-bit Windows and Linux systems as of April 18, 2024. Unfortunately, Mac users were left out of this enhancement. Valve has explicitly stated that this upgrade should lead to improved performance for the majority of users.
During our own testing using Ryzen 7 7800X3D and GeForce RTX 4090, we did not observe a significant difference in frame rates between the 32-bit and 64-bit applications. However, anecdotal reports from some TF2 subreddit users suggest that the outcome may vary depending on the specifications of your system.
Valve has implemented several undocumented changes aimed at enhancing gameplay quality, including an increase in the maximum frames per second from 300 to 400 for users with advanced hardware. Additionally, all players will now benefit from the default activation of raw mouse input, improving the responsiveness of gaming mice, albeit possibly requiring an adjustment period for some players.
Players on Steam Deck and Linux-based computers will also transition from OpenGL to the more modern Vulkan renderer when playing Team Fortress 2.
While this significant shift in the game’s technological foundation naturally carries the risk of encountering errors, it is expected to temporarily deter 32-bit bots in TF2. One of the most frequently reported issues, the mislabeling of Team Fortress 2 as malicious software by certain antivirus packages, has been promptly resolved. Players can report TF2 bugs to Valve through the official Github page.
Although we are eagerly awaiting Valve’s introduction of a true Source 2 update for TF2, the transition to a 64-bit version may indicate that such an update is on the horizon. This is especially encouraging following the removal of a previous fan-made TF2 modification under the DMCA notice.
While TF2 undoubtedly remains one of the best free-to-play PC games, be sure to explore our list of alternative recommendations. If you are in search of a new monitor to fully leverage the increased maximum frame rate in Team Fortress 2, check out our guide on the best gaming monitors.
