TF2 Queue Timer

A simple overlay utility for Team Fortress 2 that tracks how long you have been queueing for a match.

Note

This program clears your TF2 console.log file on every start-up to prevent it from getting bloated.

Windows may flag this program as suspicious because it is not digitally signed. You can verify that the file is safe by checking it on VirusTotal: VirusTotal Scan Result

How it Works

The program monitors the Team Fortress 2 console log file to detect specific events:

• Queue Start: Starts the timer when you join a casual matchmaking queue.
• Match Found: Stops the timer when a lobby is assigned.
• Map Detection: Displays the current map name once you are connected to a server.

The overlay automatically shows itself when the TF2 window is focused and hides when you tab out.

Showcase

Usage

1. Ensure Team Fortress 2 is installed via Steam.
2. Important: Add -condebug to your TF2 launch options (Library -> Right-click TF2 -> Properties -> Launch Options).
3. Run the executable (TF2QueueTimer.exe on Windows, TF2QueueTimer on Linux).
4. The program will run in the system tray.
5. Launch Team Fortress 2.
6. Join a casual queue to see the timer in action.

Linux Notes

This app supports Linux (Ubuntu/Debian and Arch) and expects Steam to be installed in one of the default locations:

• ~/.local/share/Steam
• ~/.steam/steam

For automatic focus detection (show overlay only when TF2 is focused), install xdotool:

• Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt install xdotool
• Arch: sudo pacman -S xdotool

If xdotool is not available, the overlay will stay visible while TF2 is running.

Build (Linux)

1. Install dependencies: pip install -r requirements.txt
2. Build with PyInstaller: python build.py
3. Output is in dist/TF2QueueTimer/

Configuration

You can easily adjust the overlay settings directly from the program:

1. Right-click the TF2 Queue Timer icon in your system tray.
2. Select Settings... to open the configuration dialog.
3. Adjust the following options:
   • Opacity: The transparency level of the overlay.
   • Font Size: The size of the timer and map text.
   • Position: The [X, Y] coordinates of the overlay on your screen.
   • Wait Period: Delay in seconds before saving to CSV (allows time for map detection).
   • Save queue data to CSV: When enabled, logs each queue session to queue_log.csv. (Note: Data is only saved if a map is detected.)

Changes are saved automatically to settings.json in the application folder on every save.