Facts about the Beta
The beta will currently involve elements that are both for competitive AND public play. Certain modes or changes will be available for the competitive scene as CVARs for example; but changes related to class balance will be applicable to the public as well.
One reported map change. See below
Suspected List of Gameplay Changes
Map-related changes
[unconfirmed] New screen shot of first stage of Goldrush suggests some wierd changes. Could be fake, could be real - details are very sparse at the moment.
Other Changes
Suspected class-specific changes
All Classes
[confirmed] There is now a menu option that will reload all clip-based weapons when enabled - however, this feature currently is in the testing phase and may get tweaks.
Heavy
[confirmed] The heavy appears to have gotten a KGB replacement of sorts that makes him go around pyro speed when their out. This would explain the "vanguard party" achievements that were popping up earlier.
[confirmed] The heavy's minigun cone has been tightened; however there is no confirmation whether this change will remain permanent.
[confirmed] There are going to be changes to the sandvich. However, these changes are still mostly in the planning phase.
Medic
[confirmed] There are improved particles to show when players are using Kritzkreig more easily.
Pyro
Scout
[confirmed] As of the moment the Sandman reduces the scout's health to 95 and returns his double jump. There are planned changes to the stun mechanic, but none have been implemented yet.
[confirmed] FaN knockback has been adjusted significantly; it now knocks back targets based on damage and distance.
[confirmed] Pistol scripts will apparently no longer work. The pistol fires every 0.175 seconds at its maximum rate as opposed to .1 seconds
[confirmed] Pistol now fires at the rate of 1 shot per 0.175 seconds while holding down attack button (used to be 0.25 seconds)
Sniper
Engineer
[confirmed] The engineer is receiving a wrench that allows him to build his buildings faster. It does not allow him to upgrade them and repairs them at the same rate as before, however.
Demoman
[unconfirmed] There are some proposed changes to the demoman and soldier's self-damage; however no specifics are available as of yet.
Soldier
[unconfirmed] There are some proposed changes to the demoman and soldier's self-damage; however no specifics are available as of yet.
[unconfirmed] (credit to ThatLatvianGuy for spotting it first and forwarding the image and Vandall for spotting it on the thread) According to this screen shot, the Soldier has a mysterious bar next to his ammo counter. It is currently unsure what this bar does or what its for.
Spy
[confirmed] The spy is apparently getting not one, but two suits. However, it is currently unsure if both suits or just one will make it past the beta.
[confirmed] The first suit is as heard of before, giving the spy 90% damage reduction from flames and takes the place of his revolver.
[confirmed] The second suit is also geared against pyros, but its effects and abilities are currently unclear.
