If you read around a bit you'll hear every kind of idea, from Commandos to Civilians, from Robots to Ninjas. None of these ideas strike me as very "Valve"; not their style at all for starters and I also don't see how those possibilities could integrate into the game without breaking the balance that already exists.

The delicacy that has been shown for the class updates thus far demonstrates that Valve will not release a 10th class unless it fits well with the other 9 classes, as well as being useful in the various gametypes. So what's missing in the game right now? Starting from that point and trying to hypothesize will most likely lead you to ideas like robots or ninjas, balloons or vehicles. Instead lets think about what it couldn't be, then determine what that leaves.

It will not be similar to any of the existing 9 classes, that's clear. All nine classes are very distinct in their abilities, so while a duplicate in features is certainly out, the suggestion of a helper or assistant class could be possible. Probably not a dog, but then with the warm reception Valve rolled out for that spoof, you never know. But how would you play that!?

You're not going to see a new class with a primary weapon like the Demo. Nothing like bombs or mines or other detonation devices, the power of the demo is already unmatched. The Sniper's rifle and the Heavy's mini-gun are also two weapons that you likely wont see duplicated in their effect. Stalemates and kill-fests are a common occurrence because of the strength of the defensive classes, so don't look for a strong defensive type either. In fact, a class that helped break stalemates somehow would be very useful, but I believe the Spy is exactly this class and the recent spy update tried to encourage more people to be aggressive with this class. The Soldier doesn't need another class like himself, in fact I don't think his personality could handle another class like himself! I doubt we'll see another Pyro-like character, there is enough debate around the flame thrower's reach as it is. We don't want another class as fast as the Scout, the 1-on-1's would be frustrating more than anything else, plus the effectiveness of the scout wold drop dramatically.

While almost every class can be played in various ways, only 2 classes have key functions outside of KILL; the Medic and the Engi. The spy relaying info, the sniper throwing jarate or the pyro with his compression blast are all very important non-death related activities, but they aren't at the core of the character. They are the two classes that get yelled at the most, however for any successful campaign your team will need one or two good players in each of those 2 classes.

On this thought I expect the 10th class, if there is to be one, to be a HUGE team player. Their skills will benifit the team first, and the individual second. This will help integrate them into the balanced gameplay as well as not disturbing heated rivalries that are already in place (Sniper/Spy or Scout/Demo for example). In what form this 10th class will take I am not yeat sure, but I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments.

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Comments

Fulcon

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Personally, I think it'll be a class with some sort of 'Aura' feature...that gives teammates inside the 'aura' a bonus depending on what's selected...and maybe an option to negatively affect the other team instead/as well.

Thursday 18 February 2010, 15:25

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India

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You've hit the ball out the park! Inrcedilbe!

Thursday 28 April 2011, 06:49

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Addy

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Good point. I hadn't touhhgt about it quite that way. :)

Monday 02 May 2011, 03:41

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