Team Fortress 2's Selbyen Map: Meet Bernard the Seal and His Aquatic Friends
The seals in Team Fortress 2's Selbyen map represent one of the game's most unique community-driven features, bringing players together in unexpected ways during matches.
The centerpiece is Silvia (commonly known as Bernard by players), a seal that plays a crucial role in the map's objective. Teams must collect fish buckets from defeated opponents to feed the seal, with victory going to the team that provides the most fish.
Gameplay on Selbyen often leads to impromptu truces, where players from opposing teams pause their fighting to admire the seal's animations, especially when it gracefully slides into the water. This phenomenon has created countless memorable moments within the TF2 community.
Man wearing headphones at desk
The seal-themed content extends beyond just the map itself. Players can equip seal-related cosmetics like:
- "Clubsy The Seal" for Engineer
- "Seal Mask" for all classes
The aquatic environment of Selbyen also features the notorious Pyro Shark, a player-created role that adds an element of danger to the otherwise peaceful seal-watching experience.
Key Facts:
- Seals were officially added in the Summer 2023 update
- The main seal is officially named Silvia, though commonly called Bernard
- Feeding the seal fish is the primary map objective
- The map regularly creates unexpected moments of team cooperation
The seals of Team Fortress 2 exemplify how small, whimsical additions can transform a competitive shooter into a platform for unique social interactions and community-building moments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How does the seal mechanic work? A: Players collect fish buckets from defeated opponents to feed the seal. The team that feeds the most fish wins.
Q: What is the seal's official name? A: The seal is officially named Silvia, though players commonly refer to it as Bernard.
Q: When were seals added to TF2? A: Seals were introduced with the Summer 2023 update, along with the Selbyen map.
Q: Who is the "girl" in Team Fortress 2? A: Miss Pauling, the Administrator's assistant, is the primary female character in TF2's lore. She manages missions and plays a central role in the game's storyline.
Tradeit signup bonus $5
