Difference between revisions of "Help:Style guide/Weapons"

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'''Weapons''' are the bread and butter of Team Fortress 2. They were the first ever items to be patched into the game, and therefore are important to gameplay and strategy. The ever increasing arsenal of each class will leave the majority of players unaccustomed to their usage or simply curious about their background or looks. As such, weapon articles must be kept in good condition, as they are often the first port of call for visitors to the Official Team Fortress Wiki.  
+
Weapons are the bread and butter of ''Team Fortress 2''. They were the first [[item]]s to be patched into the game, and therefore are important to gameplay and strategy. The ever increasing arsenal of each [[class]] will leave the majority of players unaccustomed to their usage, or simply curious about their background or looks. As such, weapon articles must be kept in good condition as they are often the first port of call for visitors to the official [[Team Fortress Wiki]].  
  
The following guide aims to demonstrate the correct layout and style of these articles. Please refer to this in order to help improve existing weapon pages and raise them to high quality standards.
+
The following '''Weapons Style guide''' aims to demonstrate the correct layout and style of these articles. Please refer to this in order to help improve existing weapon articles and raise them to high quality standards.
  
The term 'weapon' refers to all equippable and useable class items in the game, excluding [[hats]] and certain backpack items. [[PDA]]s and [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]], for example, are classed as weapons, whereas [[Duelling Minigame]]s are not.
+
The term "weapon" refers to all equippable and usable class items in the game, excluding [[hats]] and certain [[Backpack]] items. [[PDA]]s and [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]], for example, are classed as weapons whereas [[Dueling Mini-Game]] and [[Mann Co. Supply Crate]]s are not.
  
Please note that these article should generally be restricted to this layout and order only. Sections scattered all over the place will leave readers easily confused and unble to easily progress from one article to another and make comparisons.
+
Please note that these article should generally be restricted to this layout and order only. Sections scattered all over the place will leave readers easily confused and unable to easily progress from one article to another and make comparisons.
 
 
If a section must be implemented into a page because of nowhere else to go, such as ''Merchandise'', then please place it in a suitable position in the article.
 
  
 
==Title==
 
==Title==
 
 
The title of the page should be the weapon name without the 'The-' prefix.  
 
The title of the page should be the weapon name without the 'The-' prefix.  
  
 
'''Example''': The Backburner article is entitled 'Backburner', not 'The Backburner'.
 
'''Example''': The Backburner article is entitled 'Backburner', not 'The Backburner'.
  
Occassionally weapon names will be disputed, particularly if they appear in two seperate forms, such as [[Flamethrower]] and Flame Thrower. If such an instance occurs, raise the issue on the weapon's talk page and schedule a Merge.
+
Occasionally weapon names will be disputed, particularly if they appear in two separate forms, such as [[Flamethrower]] and Flame Thrower. If such an instance occurs, raise the issue on the weapon's talk page and schedule a "Merge".
  
 
==Introduction==  
 
==Introduction==  
 +
All weapon articles must contain an introduction which will introduce the reader to the weapon and its main uses. This will serve as the article's initial portrayal of the weapon. It should include information such as, but not limited to, the [[class]] owner, a brief visual description, and any relevant gameplay information. This should be kept moderately up to date, and any outdated information moved to the Update history section.
  
All weapon articles must contain an introduction which will introduce the reader to the weapon and its main uses. This will serve as the article's initial portrayal of the weapon. It should include information such as but not limited to the [[class]] owner, a brief visual description and any relevant gameplay information. This should be kept moderately up to date, and any outdated imformation moved to the Previous Changes section.
+
Use of the weapon can be explained here, but it should be kept moderately brief and not delve into too much detail. Information regarding best use within maps, class match-ups, etc. should be moved to the correct strategy page for the class involved.
 
 
Use of the weapon can be explained here, but it should be kept moderately brief and not delve into too much detail. Information regarding best use within maps, class match ups, etc. should be moved to the correct Strategy page for the class involved.
 
  
==Weapon Infobox==
+
==Weapon infobox==
 +
All weapon articles should be accompanied by the [[Template:Item infobox]] containing a single picture of the weapon (or more if, for example, there are team-color discrepancies) and its basic information. Ammo, cooldown, availability, and other uses may go here.
  
All weapon articles should be accompanied by a [[Template:Weapon infobox]], containing a single picture of the weapon (or more, if for example there are team color discrepancies) and its basic information. Ammo, cooldown and other uses may go here.
+
If a weapon cannot be selected while equipped (for example, the [[Chargin' Targe]]), then <code>ammo-loaded</code> and <code>ammo-carried</code> should be set to "N/A". Otherwise, those fields should be populated accordingly along with the <code>reload</code> field.
 
 
If a weapon cannot be selected while equipped (for example, [[Chargin' Targe]]) then <code>ammo-loaded</code> and <code>ammo-carried</code> should be set to "N/A". Otherwise, those fields should be populated accordingly along with the <code>reload</code> field.
 
  
 
For consistency, the <code>reload</code> field should be populated with one of the following strings:
 
For consistency, the <code>reload</code> field should be populated with one of the following strings:
Line 42: Line 36:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Single
 
|Single
|A weapon that reloads one shell at a time. For example, [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Flare Gun]]
+
|A weapon that reloads one shell at a time. For example, [[Shotgun]], [[Rocket Launcher]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Clip
 
|Clip
|A weapon that reloads multiple shells at a time. For example, [[Shotgun]], [[Force-A-Nature]]
+
|A weapon that reloads to maximum capacity at once. For example, [[Shortstop]], [[Syringe Gun]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Recharge
 
|Recharge
|A weapon that's reloads via a recharge meter. For example, [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]], [[Sandvich]]
+
|A weapon that reloads via a recharge meter. For example, [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]], [[Sandvich]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|No Reload
 
|No Reload
|A weapon that doesn't reload ammunition. For example, [[Minigun]], [[Sapper]].
+
|A weapon that doesn't reload ammunition. For example, [[Minigun]], [[Flamethrower]].
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Damage==
+
==Damage and function times==
 +
Numbers relating to the amount of damage dealt by the weapon at certain ranges and in set situations should be included, as well as figures for reloading, firing, and certain weapon abilities. All numbers should be indicated through community testing and the reader notified if otherwise.
  
Numbers relating to the amount of damage dealt by the weapon at certain ranges and in set situations should be included. All numbers should be indicated through community testing and the reader notified if otherwise.
+
Editors should use the [[Template:Damage table|damage table]] to present this information in a clear format.
  
If the weapon does no damage, a brief note explaining its true purpose should be included.
+
==Item set==
 
+
Regarding weapons that are part of an item set, a section under this heading should be included along with links to the other weapons in the set. Demonstration videos of the set should be presented on the [[item set]] page only.
==Function Times==
 
 
 
Readers should be informed of the time figures related to the weapon, such as reloading and firing, or further weapon state times.
 
 
 
==Item Set==
 
 
 
Regarding weapons that are part of an item set, a section under this heading should be included along with links to the other weapons in the pack. Demonstration videos of the pack should be presented on the [[item set]] page only.
 
  
 
==Demonstration==
 
==Demonstration==
 
{{main|Team Fortress Wiki:Weapon Demonstration}}
 
{{main|Team Fortress Wiki:Weapon Demonstration}}
  
==Blueprint==
+
==Crafting==
 +
Most weapons are now accessible through the [[Crafting]] system through the use of specific blueprints. These blueprints should be included using the subsection "Blueprint" and be presented in a blueprint table with the correct images and names.
  
Most weapons are now accessible through the [[crafting]] system through the use of specific blueprints. These blueprints should be included using the preset blueprint table with correct images and names.  
+
Additionally, if the weapon is a key component of a blueprint for another weapon or item, this should also be here in a table under the subsection ''As a crafting ingredient''.
  
==As a Crafting Ingredient==
+
==Related achievements==
 +
Any official achievements in the game that are related to the weapon, either directly in the wording or can still be completed with said weapon, should be included. We are currently implementing templates of these achievements in order to save space and hassle.
  
Weapons that are participants in a crafting blueprint for another weapon should have a blueprint under this heading demonstrating so.  
+
==Update history==
 +
As with any other asset of ''Team Fortress 2'', weapons are subject to overall balance and may have been modified or altered by the developers in the past or future. Such changes should be noted with possibly a correct internal link to a [[Patches|patch]] and a summary reason where appropriate.
  
Please refrain from putting a link to "crafting" in the title, as this is distracting and irrelevant.
+
'''Good Example:'''
 +
<br>
 +
'''[[January 6, 2010 Patch]]'''
 +
*Further corrections to knockback.
 +
**Knockback now only occurs when the shots deal more than 30 damage and the enemy is in close range.
 +
**The angle of the weapon when fired determines the knockback.
 +
**It no longer affects grounded targets as much.  
 +
(''Taken from [[Force-a-Nature]]'')
  
==Related Achievements==
+
'''Bad Example:'''
 +
<br>
 +
'''<nowiki>[[Feb 16, 2010]]</nowiki>'''
 +
*Nerfed Natascha...AGAIN!!
 +
*Added sum hats.
 +
*Robin gave himself another hat, hacker. ¬_¬
  
Any official achievements in the game that are related to the weapon, either directly in the wording or can still be completed with said weapon, should be included. We are currently implementing Templates of these achievements in order to save space and hassle.
+
==Bugs==
 
+
{{main|Help:Style guide/Bugs}}
==Previous Changes==
+
Often there will be unintentional problems with a weapon that many players will notice. Readers will need to be informed of these here.
 
 
As with any other asset of Team Fortress 2, weapons are subject to overall balance and may have been modified or altered by the developers in the past or future. Such changes should be noted with possibly a correct internal link to a [[Patches|patch]] and a summary reason where appropriate.
 
 
 
'''Example in the style of the [[Force-A-Nature]]''':
 
<br>
 
'''October 12, 2009 Patch'''
 
*The damage output is reduced due to balance issues.
 
*Bullet casings appearing below the weapon has been removed. This was a bug.
 
  
<small>Please note the above example is a lie used to explain the layout.</small>
+
Note that the term ''bug'' used here can cover a wide range of problems, from a gameplay mechanic to a cosmetic error. Bugs that are fixed through patches should be moved to the Update history section along with a link to said patch.
  
==Bugs==
+
Bugs should be ordered as follows in this section :
 +
*'''Game-breaking (major)'''. The bug greatly alters the weapon's attributes and affects how it is used within the game to such an extent.
 +
**''The Half-Zatoichi is no longer honorbound and can be sheathed at any time.''
 +
*'''Game-breaking (minor)'''. The bug alters the weapon, but its effects are not obvious and only take effect in certain circumstances.
 +
**''The Sandman's ball can pass through setup gates.''
 +
*'''Cosmetic'''. The bug has no discernable effect on gameplay; it is merely an eyesore.
 +
**''The Saxxy does not Cloak with the Spy in the first-person view.''
  
Readers will need to be informed of current bugs associated with the weapon. Note that a bug can concern a gameplay mechanic, such as a broken reload or lack of attribute, or a cosmetic bug, such as the Force-A-Nature passing through the Scout as he runs.  
+
'''Note:''' Cosmetic bugs, and their status as a bug, are open to debate. Many feel they are irrelevant, whilst others note their value. Please raise the issue with other editors in the IRC or the general discussion page, and come to a reasonable conclusion.
  
Bugs that are fixed through patches should be moved to the Previous Changes section with a link to the said patch.
+
==Unused content==
 +
Where the weapon has attributes or related media that have not yet been implemented in the game at the time, it should be noted here.
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
 
 
This section is for all additional or interesting information regarding the weapon that does not belong in any other section. Trivia should be detailed information that may be of interest to a reader, possibly something they would not immediately know upon playing the game.  
 
This section is for all additional or interesting information regarding the weapon that does not belong in any other section. Trivia should be detailed information that may be of interest to a reader, possibly something they would not immediately know upon playing the game.  
  
For more information regarding this, consult the [[Help:Style guide/Trivia|Trivia guidelines]].
+
For more information regarding this, consult the [[Help:Style guide/Trivia|trivia guidelines]].
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 +
Pictures such as player viewmodels should be included to show the weapon as it appears during the game. Related merchandise products tied to the weapon may also go here.
  
Pictures such as player viewmodels should be included to show the weapon as it appears during the game.
+
==Further links==
 
+
Readers may wish to know of related articles connected to the weapon. This will usually include a link to [[Strategy#Class Strategies|weapon strategies]], as well as any similar weapon articles. It may also include a direct link to the weapon's 'Update' page on the [[TF2 Official Website|Team Fortress 2 Blog]].
==Further Links==
 
 
 
Readers may wish to know of related articles connected to the weapon. This will usually include a link to [[:Category:User Guides|user guides]], as well as any similar weapon articles. It may also include a direct link to the weapon's Update page on the Team Fortress 2 Blog.  
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
Any links with direct importance to statements, wherever in the article, should be provided here with number citations.
  
Any links with direct importance to statements wherever in the article should be provided here with number citations.
+
==Categorization==
 
 
==Categorisation==
 
 
The article should end with the [[Template:Allweapons Nav]] and the relevant class navigation template. The relevant categories (such as [[:Category:Weapons|weapons]]) should follow this.
 
The article should end with the [[Template:Allweapons Nav]] and the relevant class navigation template. The relevant categories (such as [[:Category:Weapons|weapons]]) should follow this.

Latest revision as of 21:30, 14 August 2012

Weapons are the bread and butter of Team Fortress 2. They were the first items to be patched into the game, and therefore are important to gameplay and strategy. The ever increasing arsenal of each class will leave the majority of players unaccustomed to their usage, or simply curious about their background or looks. As such, weapon articles must be kept in good condition as they are often the first port of call for visitors to the official Team Fortress Wiki.

The following Weapons Style guide aims to demonstrate the correct layout and style of these articles. Please refer to this in order to help improve existing weapon articles and raise them to high quality standards.

The term "weapon" refers to all equippable and usable class items in the game, excluding hats and certain Backpack items. PDAs and Bonk! Atomic Punch, for example, are classed as weapons whereas Dueling Mini-Game and Mann Co. Supply Crates are not.

Please note that these article should generally be restricted to this layout and order only. Sections scattered all over the place will leave readers easily confused and unable to easily progress from one article to another and make comparisons.

Title

The title of the page should be the weapon name without the 'The-' prefix.

Example: The Backburner article is entitled 'Backburner', not 'The Backburner'.

Occasionally weapon names will be disputed, particularly if they appear in two separate forms, such as Flamethrower and Flame Thrower. If such an instance occurs, raise the issue on the weapon's talk page and schedule a "Merge".

Introduction

All weapon articles must contain an introduction which will introduce the reader to the weapon and its main uses. This will serve as the article's initial portrayal of the weapon. It should include information such as, but not limited to, the class owner, a brief visual description, and any relevant gameplay information. This should be kept moderately up to date, and any outdated information moved to the Update history section.

Use of the weapon can be explained here, but it should be kept moderately brief and not delve into too much detail. Information regarding best use within maps, class match-ups, etc. should be moved to the correct strategy page for the class involved.

Weapon infobox

All weapon articles should be accompanied by the Template:Item infobox containing a single picture of the weapon (or more if, for example, there are team-color discrepancies) and its basic information. Ammo, cooldown, availability, and other uses may go here.

If a weapon cannot be selected while equipped (for example, the Chargin' Targe), then ammo-loaded and ammo-carried should be set to "N/A". Otherwise, those fields should be populated accordingly along with the reload field.

For consistency, the reload field should be populated with one of the following strings:

Single A weapon that reloads one shell at a time. For example, Shotgun, Rocket Launcher
Clip A weapon that reloads to maximum capacity at once. For example, Shortstop, Syringe Gun
Recharge A weapon that reloads via a recharge meter. For example, Bonk! Atomic Punch, Sandvich
No Reload A weapon that doesn't reload ammunition. For example, Minigun, Flamethrower.

Damage and function times

Numbers relating to the amount of damage dealt by the weapon at certain ranges and in set situations should be included, as well as figures for reloading, firing, and certain weapon abilities. All numbers should be indicated through community testing and the reader notified if otherwise.

Editors should use the damage table to present this information in a clear format.

Item set

Regarding weapons that are part of an item set, a section under this heading should be included along with links to the other weapons in the set. Demonstration videos of the set should be presented on the item set page only.

Demonstration

Main article: Team Fortress Wiki:Weapon Demonstration

Crafting

Most weapons are now accessible through the Crafting system through the use of specific blueprints. These blueprints should be included using the subsection "Blueprint" and be presented in a blueprint table with the correct images and names.

Additionally, if the weapon is a key component of a blueprint for another weapon or item, this should also be here in a table under the subsection As a crafting ingredient.

Related achievements

Any official achievements in the game that are related to the weapon, either directly in the wording or can still be completed with said weapon, should be included. We are currently implementing templates of these achievements in order to save space and hassle.

Update history

As with any other asset of Team Fortress 2, weapons are subject to overall balance and may have been modified or altered by the developers in the past or future. Such changes should be noted with possibly a correct internal link to a patch and a summary reason where appropriate.

Good Example:
January 6, 2010 Patch

  • Further corrections to knockback.
    • Knockback now only occurs when the shots deal more than 30 damage and the enemy is in close range.
    • The angle of the weapon when fired determines the knockback.
    • It no longer affects grounded targets as much.

(Taken from Force-a-Nature)

Bad Example:
[[Feb 16, 2010]]

  • Nerfed Natascha...AGAIN!!
  • Added sum hats.
  • Robin gave himself another hat, hacker. ¬_¬

Bugs

Main article: Help:Style guide/Bugs

Often there will be unintentional problems with a weapon that many players will notice. Readers will need to be informed of these here.

Note that the term bug used here can cover a wide range of problems, from a gameplay mechanic to a cosmetic error. Bugs that are fixed through patches should be moved to the Update history section along with a link to said patch.

Bugs should be ordered as follows in this section :

  • Game-breaking (major). The bug greatly alters the weapon's attributes and affects how it is used within the game to such an extent.
    • The Half-Zatoichi is no longer honorbound and can be sheathed at any time.
  • Game-breaking (minor). The bug alters the weapon, but its effects are not obvious and only take effect in certain circumstances.
    • The Sandman's ball can pass through setup gates.
  • Cosmetic. The bug has no discernable effect on gameplay; it is merely an eyesore.
    • The Saxxy does not Cloak with the Spy in the first-person view.

Note: Cosmetic bugs, and their status as a bug, are open to debate. Many feel they are irrelevant, whilst others note their value. Please raise the issue with other editors in the IRC or the general discussion page, and come to a reasonable conclusion.

Unused content

Where the weapon has attributes or related media that have not yet been implemented in the game at the time, it should be noted here.

Trivia

This section is for all additional or interesting information regarding the weapon that does not belong in any other section. Trivia should be detailed information that may be of interest to a reader, possibly something they would not immediately know upon playing the game.

For more information regarding this, consult the trivia guidelines.

Gallery

Pictures such as player viewmodels should be included to show the weapon as it appears during the game. Related merchandise products tied to the weapon may also go here.

Further links

Readers may wish to know of related articles connected to the weapon. This will usually include a link to weapon strategies, as well as any similar weapon articles. It may also include a direct link to the weapon's 'Update' page on the Team Fortress 2 Blog.

References

Any links with direct importance to statements, wherever in the article, should be provided here with number citations.

Categorization

The article should end with the Template:Allweapons Nav and the relevant class navigation template. The relevant categories (such as weapons) should follow this.