A rather Unusual choice of sweets.
Man’s best friend pales in comparison to a Burning Flames Polar Pullover according to one TF2 trader, who appears to have traded a dog for the virtual hat. The animal, which is confirmed to be a Shih Tzu, is being used as collateral for the digital deal.
This may be the very first instance of a virtual item trade that involves a family pet. Here’s what we know about the trade and whether or not it’s actually true.
The traders publicized the deal on Feb. 12, 2024. The backpack.tf thread confirms multiple trades between two users named OrangeZest and Gummy. Steam screenshots confirm two trades with details for an additional trade involving the sale of a family pet.
The deal in question will trade multiple valuable items including OrangeZest’s family dog for Gummy’s Burning Flames Polar Pullover. The hat, which is wearable by all classes, is already quite pricy, and Burning Flames is arguably the absolute best Unusual effect.
After some back-and-forth regarding the breed of the dog, which is a Shih Tzu, the two traders agreed to value it at 450 keys. That makes the pooch worth approximately $635 USD according to TF2 currency converter site calculator.tf.
For reference, one site claims that the cheapest Shih Tzu puppies are worth around $750. OrangeZest’s dog is at least ten years old, which likely reduces its value for this trade.
This trade values the hat at 4,740 total keys, or $6,685.39. OrangeZest previously offered a hamster valued at 50 keys for the deal, but Gummy asked him to up the ante with another pet.
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Is the TF2 dog trade real?
The TF2 community is understandably skeptical that anyone would actually trade a dog for an Unusual, but several factors point to this case being legitimate.
First, both OrangeZest and Gummy are very reputable and experienced traders. The former’s TF2 inventory is worth just over $10,000 (not including dog) while the latter has over $33,000.
Both have excellent standing with long post histories on backpack.tf, the most popular site for Team Fortress 2 trading. It would be a strange business decision to attempt a trade hoax. Other users who claim to be in contact with OrangeZest have also confirmed the trade.
Second, while trading a beloved family dog may seem heartless, other screenshots make it more understandable. According to an unconfirmed Discord screenshot, OrangeZest’s family will not be able to care for the dog in the near future.
The trader claims he intended to get rid of it anyway. The community has generally responded negatively to his shrewd business practices.
Lastly, while quite strange, this is far from the first time traders have used real-life items as collateral. Russian Counter-Strike trader Buster reportedly traded his skins for a BMW in 2022. The TF2 dog trade still isn't 100% confirmed, but in the world of virtual goods, there’s always a first for everything.
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