Do Hats Make you a Better Player?

Here I'm going to talk about whether or not hats make you a better player, and you may be surprised.

The Basics

This question has been in the community since hats were introduced, so I'm here to settle this old debate once and for all, because people listen to a random guy on the internet's opinion.

The Psychology

The answer to the question you've come here to answer is both yes and no. Technically, hats don't make you a better player, they make your opponents worse. Let me explain this.


When you see this lovely thing running at you, you tend to underestimate their skill. Don't try to deny it, I'm guilty of this to.

However, when you see this thing running at you, you tend to go into panic mode, as they look like they could wipe their kitchen floor with your charred remains.


When you see a player with a considerably expensive hat, your brain associates this with a challenge, and releases stress hormones. This, in turn, causes your skill level to plummet faster than the 9/11 jumpers. Please don't crucify me for that joke.

How to Overcome Hat-Induced Panic Mode

To overcome Hat-Induced Panic Mode, all you have to do is think to yourself: "I can do this"
While it may sound cliche, it Will help you beat them. Just keep calm, and trust your instincts. Those many hours of practice will help you show that no-good rich person who's the boss. Or you might just die. That's ok too.

[Hobo Soldier]

10/10

[D ubge]

and thus the guide necro was born

[baydock]

YES OF COURSE THEY DO WHY IS THIS EVEN A QUESTION?

[Cytrix Drakani]

and if you own said expensive hat it boosts your self esteem, making you feel better about yourself, making you perform better in everything from washing the dishes, your 2 part time jobs you had to get to afford said hat, and playing TF2 while wearing your hat

[INFERNO]

hmm pretty cool

[sneaky pete]

Also when you see a gibus underestimating the skill could make you not try as hard. Thus making you worse.

[0 TENSION 100 CONTROL]

you have autism

[The Gnome]

i didnt read the guide but i got the answer, YES they make you a better player ofcourse they do this is tf2

[I'm Locked Out]

Hats allow you to identify individual players easier as well, as long as they don't change class.

[Adobo]

Or you could download the no hats mod if the psychology affects your skill that much.