TF2 Classic Rebrands to Classified After Valve Request

The highly anticipated community mod formerly known as Team Fortress 2 Classic has officially been rebranded to Team Fortress 2 Classified and will now launch on January 30, 2026. The development team, Eminoma, announced the major shift earlier this week, confirming that the delay and the new name are the result of a direct request from Valve Corporation and a necessity for extended quality assurance. While fans will have to wait a little longer than the initially announced 2025 release window, the team insists that the extra time is vital to ensure the game meets the high expectations of the community.

The rebranding comes after Valve, the creators of the original Team Fortress 2, intervened regarding the mod's title. According to Eminoma, Valve requested the name change a few months ago, citing concerns that "Classic" created confusion with their own 20-year-old title, Team Fortress Classic. This request aligns with stricter guidelines Valve reportedly introduced in September to prevent mods from unintentionally mimicking official products. 

The developers admitted that choosing a replacement was "surprisingly difficult" as they wanted to retain the "TF2C" shorthand. They eventually settled on Classified because it maintains that abbreviation and fits the game’s spy-thriller aesthetic, effectively blending the project's roots with its new identity.

Navigating Steamworks and Delays

The release date has been moved to late January 2026 to accommodate the rigorous Steamworks review process, which the developers described as often being "slow and inconsistent". The team emphasized that they need padding in their timeline to avoid last-minute issues, noting that they only have one chance to make a strong first impression. 

The extra weeks will be used for final polishing and extensive testing. Embracing the delay with a nod to industry lore, the developers jokingly remarked, "It wouldn't be an authentic TF2 experience without a bit of Valve time," referencing the publisher’s history of extended production schedules.

Despite the name change, Team Fortress 2 Classified remains a reimagining of the pre-2010 TF2 era of the shooter. The developers noted the mod was always slightly "misnamed", as it is not just a return to the past but an evolution. It strips away modern cosmetic clutter to focus on the readable silhouettes of the early days while adding abandoned ideas. 

Powered by the newer SDK, which received updates in February 2025, the mod revives content previously left on the cutting room floor, including the "Civilian" class for VIP escort modes. It also introduces chaotic four-team battles with "GRN" and "YLW" factions. 

With revived weapons like the Nail Gun, Dynamite Pack, and Tranquilizer Gun, the project aims to deliver a blend of nostalgia and fresh mechanics that fans have been waiting for.