These items are substantial in rarity, but the processes used to obtain these rare items were mostly fixed with the introduction of the Genuine quality for most promotional items, and a few other side fixes. Multiple promotional items have been glitched from their original Unique quality into Vintage quality, or even into uncraftable and untradeable quality. Promotional items obtained via one of these non-promotional methods do not have Genuine quality. Since the introduction of the Genuine quality, most of the promotional items have been obtainable via one or more alternate methods – purchase, crafting, or item drop. Promotional items released before the FebruPatch, with the exception of those earned through gameplay, are typically no longer earnable and can only be acquired through trading or gifting.

For example, the Earbuds were awarded to players who launched Team Fortress 2 through the Mac OS X operating system. On other occasions, promotional items have been released to players through other means, such as earning achievements in the game itself. Typically, promotional items are awarded to players who pre-order or purchase the specified game, plushie, or even sets of soundtrack CD's. The means of obtaining promotional items vary.

If purchased during the promotional period and kept as an unsent gift, the recipient of a gifted game with an associated promotional item will receive the item regardless of whether or not the promotional period had long-since passed. Players who purchase selected items from Valve or their partners, usually within a specified timeframe, will receive the item(s) advertised. Promotional items in Team Fortress 2 are exclusive items made available to players through Valve's marketing partnerships with other companies, as well as through their own games.

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