The TF2 Freaks, also known as TF2 Monsters (or GMod Monsters if made only in Garry's Mod) are bizarre creatures with incredible abilities that are made by various YouTube users from all around the world using the Team Fortress 2 models as the base.
Their history began with their debut on 31 December 2008.
A few of the most well-known TF2 Freaks pose for a portait. From top left to top right: Intelligent Heavy, Seeman, Weaselcake. From bottom left to bottom right: Christian Brutal Sniper, Painis Cupcake, BLU Vagineer.
Overview
TF2 Freaks are fictional characters based on a playable class, NPC, or even prop from the Team Fortress 2 video game and associated media that possess at least one abnormal quality. They are mutants, cyborgs, zombies, wizards, spirits, angels and demons, or ordinary humans in possession of some peculiar artefact, device, or even trait or skill.
Many TF2 Freaks appear deceptively similar to bog standard mercenaries, but are generally avoided by the latter because of their often volatile and unpredictable nature. Many exhibit their special powers by bringing demise to the people around them (Painis Cupcake and Vagineer are infamous because of this). However, some TF2 Monsters will only attack if provoked or directly confronted (for example, Weaselcake), and others are actually rather friendly and well-mannered (such as Polite Spy or Intelligent Heavy).
Interactions between the TF2 Freaks themselves are at least as varied. Some are actually minions of another (Snyphurr is a well-known example), others hold an intense rivalry between each other (like Sewer Medic and Heavydile, both semiaquatic and highly territorial), but some are also genuine friends, always lending a hand when necessary (for example, Ninjineer and Heavy Sumo Guy, inseparable friends).
They inhabit an equally bizarre world, their origins often a complete mystery. Several, such as Soldine, have an arguably reasonable origin. Others are mutants or results of gene-splicing experiments, undead or ghosts, or come from another dimension altogether.
TF2 Freaks vary wildly in terms of appearance, personality, profession and power. Their origins may be unknown, silly, plausible or supernatural. Nevertheless, they are all united by how unusual and, more often than not, zany they are.
Freak or Monster?
When speaking of these peculiar characters, there are two semi-interchangeable terms that are used.
"TF2 Freak" is the generic and more common term. More specifically, however, it may be used regarding those characters that are somewhat more probable, such as the incredibly skilled but otherwise fairly normal Gentlespy.
"TF2 Monster" frequently refers to the more overtly extraordinary characters, for example the demonic and fire-wielding Nightmare Medic. However, it can also be used for all characters no matter their plausibility as a broader, catch-all term.
Recognition
Like any fictional characters, TF2 Freaks require the approval of their target audience in order to flourish. Well-designed, unique, intriguing or amusing characters are likely to become accepted and more or less popular with time. Conversely, poorly-designed, unoriginal, overpowered or carbon copy Freaks are typically rejected by the community only to fade into obscurity, and with good reason.
This wiki deals only with TF2 Freaks who are approved by the community. Poorly designed and obscure characters are generally unworthy of mention.
List of known TF2 Freaks
The following category includes all valid TF2 Freaks with an article on this wiki: TF2 Monsters
As of June 2024, there were approximately 335 known TF2 Freaks.
Trivia
- Vagineer is by far the oldest proper TF2 Monster - he had first appeared in a YouTube video on 31 December 2008, even though he was not properly identified and developed until several months later. Nevertheless, it was Painis Cupcake's epochal debut on 9 January 2010 which inspired the creation of a multitude of other TF2 Freaks.
- Even though Spycrab was introduced 6 July 2008, about 6 months before Vagineer, he is not considered the oldest because his nature as a proper TF2 Monster is dubious.
- There have been several attempts to establish a TF2 Freak ranking based on their combat power. However, given their capricious nature and extremely varied reception, it is virtually impossible to create a fully objective ranking.
- Among all TF2 Freaks:
- RED Vagineer was the first Engineer and first RED-teamed.
- BLU Vagineer was presumably the first BLU-teamed.
- Crotch Sniper was the first Sniper.
- Intelligent Heavy was the first Heavy.
- Icy Spy was the first Spy, not counting the Spycrab as mentioned above.
- Alien-Scouts were the first Scout.
- Painis Cupcake was the first Soldier.
- Sewer Medic was the first Medic.
- Either Seeman or Dic Soupcan were the first Demoman (Seeman's lost debut date makes it impossible to verify which came first).
- Pystrich was the first Pyro.
- Fadkiller was the first Freak not based on an in-game class, and the first to be based on an NPC.
- Crazy Machine was the first Freak belonging to a custom team, and the first GRN-teamed by extension.
- Ninja Spy was the first BLK-teamed.
- Handsome Rogue was the first YLW-teamed.
- Orangeman was the first ORG-teamed.
- Scott Mundy was the first PRL-teamed.
- Sergai was the first WHT-teamed.
- Dr. Schadenfreude was the first GRY-teamed.
- Ghost was the first Mercenary.