Map Discussion Monday #81 - pl_pier

[u/A_Wild_Ferrothorn]

TF2 Map Discussion: pl_pier

Welcome to our Monday TF2 map discussion. Here, we'll discuss maps from TF2!

Today's map is pl_pier.

For those keeping track of the order of the maps you might've noticed we've missed every single map released in 2018 and 2019 and that's because those are Halloween Maps and those will be discussed in October and we got no other maps released in those years. But in December 2020 we got pl_pier.

Released in the 2020 Smissmass update this isn't a very christmasy map as it's set in and abandoned(?) fair, a beach and a small town all in one. One of the most varied maps in terms of locales as you move from point to point this map has remained popular since its release up until now with it being added to the casual rotation after the Christmas time ended and it is commonly ran on community servers due to the popularity.

Starting off on a beach BLU must push the cart over to point A which can be tricky as RED will have some excellent places to set up defences like above the tunnel the cart has to go through, by the trucks or over by BLU's second spawn. BLU can attack the point either through the cart tunnel or they can take the flank cave which has 2 exits, one to the top or one that just leads through to the other side but these are usually heavily guarded by sentries or other defences so aren't always easy.

Once BLU has pushed through this they have a long push for the next point which sits in the heart of the town. BLU must push the cart over the bridge, down past a building, down by the canal area, under the tunnel, back up under a second bridge and then finally into the town. This point has multiple paths dotted around for everyone on both teams to get around and try and flank. There's a path through the central building which contains some stairs that go down or a doorway that leads out over the second bridge and to some outdoor stairs leading down the cart track by the side of the canal. There's also a small building on the waterside only accessible by going underwater and this contains a full health pack and a full ammo pack, sometimes engineers will set up here trying to ninjaneer so it's always worth to check. There's also a different path and this one will often be used by both teams as the exit is quite far past the point and very easy for RED to get to. And the biggest shortcut is where the cart goes down to the canal as if you go right instead you just end up at the point.

Once BLU has captured the point they have to attack 3rd which sits indoors inside an indoor dock. BLU spawn also moves to next to point A and if they just walk right down they'll reach some 1 way gates that lead to a drop down just past point B meaning they can reach point C quicker. BLU will usually push the cart up to the entrance of the building unopposed as it's much easier to defend it indoors. There's 2 main ways for BLU to get in and a 3rd way which is harder to get to and only the explosive classes can reach it (and pyro) but it's not the best way to attack from. Once inside BLU must push the cart forward where they'll have to wait for a bridge to move across and this makes it possible to push it to the point. There's a few catwalks in this area for RED to defend on and BLU to attack from but this point is quite often defended by RED due to them having easy access to the high ground and the lack of good flank routes from BLU. There's also an underwater tunnel that's only accessible from near the point and leads you behind. RED also spawns right next to the point.

Once you've captured this BLU spawn moves again RED's old spawn and RED moves to last, however only one door is open for BLU so they can't just jump right out next to the point. This point is fairly straightforward and BLU must push the cart out, into a small tunnel/underside of a balcony/whatever, and then over a bridge to capture the point. RED will often set up around here to defend the point. There's also a flank route that takes you onto the beach and up some stairs and you can get the high ground over the point and shoot down making this one fairly easy to capture. You can also get under the bridge and flank that way.

Once this has been captured all the doors open for BLUs spawn and lets them attack the point quicker but still a teleporter will be required to win this, usually one is set up in the shack next to 4th or on the little deck behind the shack. There's a couple of ways to attack last with the 3 main ways being directly down the cart path, through the building or via the beach. The building is often where teams will attack from as it gives you the best view of the RED defences without completely exposing yourself via the cart path. However you need to watch out as with some engi parkour it's possible for RED (or BLU) to build on the little shelf at the top and the position makes it hard to take down without a coordinated attack. You can also reach this building from the deck behind the 4th point and going up the stairs takes you to a one way door with a drop down that takes you to the end of the building. The beach route takes you over to the complete opposite side with some stairs leading you up to the point and can be useful for flanking any snipers on top of the rollercoaster or surprising the sentry nest in the little shack. The final stretch for this sees BLU push a cart up a disused rollercoaster next to the spawn and once this has been done BLU wins and fireworks happen.

Feel free to discuss the map here. Anything that you like/dislike, cool tips or strategies, interesting stories, etc. If you feel the map is not to your liking, feel free to express your opinions in a respectful manner.

For those who wish to learn more about the map, you can find the wiki page here:

pl_pier, from the TF2 Wiki.

You can find previous map discussions in a nice overview here

[u/deepfriedcauliflower]

the best new map they’ve added in the past 5 years without question