Valve has announced the release of the anticipated "Gold Rush Update," which includes the Gold Rush map, payload gameplay style, a new unique item system, and medic achievements. In addition, this upcoming weekend will be a TF2 free weekend, giving everyone a chance to try out the new updates.

"The Gold Rush Update introduces the new Gold Rush map and Payload gameplay style, the first set of unlockable weapons, and a new set of achievements for the Medic.

Valve also announced a worldwide Team Fortress 2 Free Weekend will begin Friday at noon PDT, and will include access to the new content released today in the TF2: Gold Rush Update. Using the functionality made available through Steam and Steamworks, all of the files needed to join the Free Weekend are available for pre-loading now.

"Since Valve released Team Fortress Classic nine years ago this month as a free add-on for Half-Life owners, Valve has continuously looked for new ways to support the players of its online games," said Gabe Newell, president and co-founder of Valve. "Following in that tradition, today owners of all PC versions of Team Fortress 2 will automatically receive a free update containing new gameplay, weapons, and achievements by connecting to Steam, a platform built for gamers and creators of online games."

The Free Weekend is open to players around the world, and there is no obligation to purchase to participate; all that is needed is a Steam account to join.

To start pre-loading everything you need to play on Friday and learn more about Team Fortress 2, please visit www.steamgames.com/goldrush"