Continuing with their Heavy Update, that started next week, Valve introduces an all new gameplay mode for Team Fortress 2 entitled Arena.

Below is a snippet from the official website detailing what this new mode is all about:

TF2 Arena keeps the class diversity of Team Fortress 2 while focusing goals around combat between two teams. Where other game modes lean towards a broad overall strategy for the team over a number of lives, Arena concentrates on the specific tactical choices the teams make in a single fight.

Arena features smaller maps that play out in shorter periods of time. The round ends once one team has no players left in the arena, or when the central capture point has unlocked and been captured. Rounds tend to be very fast and highly competitive, with an emphasis on your team’s class makeup and your plan to counter the opposing team’s class choices. Arena mode is great for smaller matches of three vs. three players, while still comfortably supporting huge knockdown twelve-on-twelve brawls.

This new mode, along with all of the other updates from Valve that we’ve seen since Team Fortress 2’s release, are sure to improve the longevity of the game.

A new weapon, or should we say item, for the Heavy class in Team Fortress 2 was introduced today. Acting as some what of a healthpack, the Sandvich will replace the Heavy’s shotgun and when eaten allows for an addition 120 health.

The Sandvich never runs out but, there is a catch. When consuming it the Heavy is left completely vulnerable for a full 4 seconds, giving away his position with obnoxious chewing sounds.

Peep the above vid to be introduced to The Sandvich.

More of a series of updates; The Heavy, so far, includes 2 new maps, a special Heavy powerup, a brand new unlockable weapon named Natascha, and some class specific achievements.

This isn’t all though; over at the update’s website, where you can read more about the above mentioned updates, there are still 2 more additions that have yet to be released but will be next week.