The Mann vs. Machine update for Team Fortress 2 has revealed something called "Mann-Up" mode, which plays the new maps on official Valve servers, and requires a "Tour of Duty" ticket.
However, the only references I can find to that item are in the Mann. Co store, on sale for .99 cents each.
Do I have to fork over 1$ every time I want to play this mode? What gives? How does Mann-Up mode work? If I can play the update without playing in Mann-Up mode (and without paying), what's the benefit to paying Valve each time?
Can I perhaps pay a lump sum, like when I originally purchased TF2?
Best Answer
Found out some information here.
It seems that you do need to buy a ticket each time you want to play in Mann Up Mode, however you do not need to pay to play Mann vs. Machine.
Playing on the Valve servers in Mann Up mode is the same as playing on regular Mann vs Machine servers, with the addition of item drops and service record information tracking, in the form of a Tour of Duty Badge.
Each successful win in Mann Up Mode gives you a exclusive Mann vs Machine item drop.
Mann Up mode keeps track of the games you have played, and you can earn progress to a 'rare item'. Then upon receiving that rare item, your card gets leveled up and you can repeat the process as a higher rank and continue to get more and more rare items.
The $0.99 you spend gets you an item each time. I'm going to say it gives you a hat or misc each time since the FAQ linked above states:
So the $0.99 you spend each time gives you a hat/misc each time, as well as adding up to a 'rare-item' though the progress of your Tour of Duty Badge.
However, you do not need to pay the $0.99 each time you play Mann Up Mode,
So a disconnect or a loss does not consume the $0.99. Therefore you really do get a hat/misc for each ticket you buy.
Personal Experience:
I have played Mann vs. Machine on a regular, non-Mann Up mode, server. I did not receive any item drops upon successful completion of the game.
(Aside, this game mode is very fun and I highly recommend it. Although it can be glitchy, it seems as though Valve hasn't fully tested it when they released it.)
It seems as though STAR has beaten me to sum up what Mann Up Mode is. Watch his vid at 2:35 to 3:15 and 4:24 to 5:28 for some first hand experience as to what Mann-Up mode is.