metal you can make more items. Keys are a bit different and it's probably worth staying away from them as a beginner, but they're important because they represent real-world value: someone's spent money on them in the Mann Co. Store. Rare items, like the Mac Earbuds, are almost always talked of in key value. But this is a beginners guide, so it's best to stick to metal as the primary currency. I'd expect your first trade to happen between a friend on a normal server, according to the little scenario in the opening paragraph. The first time you do it you'll realise how much fun it can be. If only there was places dedicated to just trading? There are! How to find them: in the TF2 Server browser, arrange all the servers by and search the filter for the map name "trade": you'll find a few servers all set up for that one aspect. But before you head in, there are a few things you should know. First, run TF2 in a window so you can consult the Item Price Spreadsheet . It's a site that acts as a guide for what people are paying for. Also, there's the backpack viewer , a site that people will refer you to in the chat sometimes so you can see what they have to offer. You might also want to keep Steam Rep open as well. Any notorious traders/scammers will be logged in there. Don't fret: the community is still overwhelmingly nice,