There are two types of currency in TF2: Metals and Mann Co. Supply Crate Keys. Metals are fine for purchasing lower value items, but you will need Keys for more expensive ones.
Metal can be obtained by selling lower value items like ScrapWeapons on our site or by smelting your ScrapWeapons yourself. We suggest using our auto-scrap duplicates functionality though.
In this article, we will be focusing on obtaining keys though, which can be only purchased or traded for:
- If you are new to Team Fortress 2 and you haven't ever purchased anything in the in-game store, we suggest purchasing a key from the in-game store, which will also upgrade your TF2 Account to the premium status.
- For everyone else, we suggest buying as many keys as they wish from the Steam Community Market.