View source for Basic Heavy strategy

The [[Heavy]] is the largest, toughest, but slowest class in the game. Although his [[Minigun]] takes some time to rev up, it possesses some of the greatest damage output in the game, especially at close range. The Heavy can continue to keep his weapon revved in anticipation for future encounters. His great health pool and firepower makes him a very good [[Medic buddy]]. However, his large size and slow speed makes him a juicy target, especially for enemy [[Sniper]]s or [[Spy|Spies]], and his general loudness makes him subpar at ambushing. A good Heavy will coordinate with his team to tackle mission objectives together. His usefulness as a shock trooper while on offense or defense should not be underestimated by either side.

==Primary Weapons==

===[[Minigun]] / [[Iron Curtain]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Minigun|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Iron Curtain|icon-size=100x100px}}

Think of the Minigun as a rapid-fire [[Shotgun]]; it is extremely powerful, but less effective over distances. Although the Minigun possesses a lot of firepower, it has a moderate wind-up time and firing it brings your speed to a crawl. Thus, you'll either want to have it as your active weapon at all times or simply use a different weapon when moving between areas. You can rev it while in midair, allowing you to catch enemies by surprise as you jump around corners. 

===[[Natascha]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Natascha|icon-size=100x100px}}

Natascha will slow enemies, forcing them to stop and face you in combat. Additionally, the effects of [[slowdown]] will interrupt an enemy's approach, any taunts, and the consumption of [[lunchbox]] items. The reduced damage dealt means you will be at a significant disadvantage when facing an enemy Heavy with the normal [[Minigun]] or [[Brass Beast]].

===[[Brass Beast]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Brass Beast|icon-size=100x100px}}

While the Brass Beast is the strongest weapon in the game in terms of damage per second, you are virtually immobile while using it. The long spin-up time makes it unsuitable for ambushing or constantly moving around. If you haven't already revved it up, you are very vulnerable to even frontal attacks. Use it alongside the [[Shotgun]] in defensive situations where you will move around less.

===[[Tomislav]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Tomislav|icon-size=100x100px}}

The Tomislav's faster rev time allows you to deal more initial damage, compensating for the overall reduction in firepower. Additionally, the silent spin-up makes it an excellent choice for ambushing enemies. Against most enemies, save perhaps an enemy Heavy, you should be able to quickly deal enough damage before the Tomislav's firepower disadvantage becomes significant. Pair it with the [[Gloves of Running Urgently]] to gain a relatively high degree of mobility.

==Secondary Weapons==

===[[Shotgun]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Shotgun|icon-size=100x100px}}

If healing yourself or your allies is not an issue, pick the Shotgun over the [[Sandvich]]. Although it may be a secondary weapon, it still deals plenty of damage, so use it when moving between areas or when there is no time to spin up your Minigun. It is good for [[Spy_checking]] without the need to spin your Minigun slowing you down.

===[[Sandvich]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Sandvich|icon-size=100x100px}}

The Sandvich is useful for patching yourself up in between fights. However, you are helpless during its long consumption time. While a Sandvich thrown on the ground might heal for only half as much, it can often be a more efficient way to heal. Additionally, a thrown Sandvich can help keep teammates healthy, particularly any [[Medic]] you may work with.

===[[Dalokohs Bar]] / [[Fishcake]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Dalokohs Bar|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Fishcake|icon-size=100x100px}}

The Dalokohs Bar cannot heal you as quickly as the [[Sandvich]] and cannot be dropped for allies. However, because it has no cooldown, you can eat it at any time to heal minor wounds and continuously keep your increased maximum health. The Dalokohs Bar can be beneficial if your team lacks a Medic but does have a constant source of healing from either a [[Dispenser]] or [[medkit]]s.

===[[Buffalo Steak Sandvich]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Buffalo Steak Sandvich|icon-size=100x100px}}

The Buffalo Steak Sandvich is best used to move around the battlefield quickly. Avoid engaging enemies while under its effects, as you will be restricted to melee weapons only. Consider using it alongside the [[Fists of Steel]] to mitigate the increased damage you take from ranged attacks. It can still be thrown onto the ground to heal yourself or injured teammates.


===[[Family Business]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Family Business|icon-size=100x100px}}

The increased magazine size of the Family Business is balanced by its reduced damage, allowing it to be used for the same purposes as the Shotgun.

==Melee Weapons==

===[[Fists]] / [[Saxxy]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Fists|icon-size=100x100px}}  {{Icon weapon|weapon=Saxxy|icon-size=100x100px}}

If an enemy takes you by surprise at close range, it may still be worth it to just spin up your Minigun instead of switching to your Fists; you are slow and will probably be unable to get within melee range of your foe. Still, your large health pool does give you an advantage in a melee fight against one opponent.

===[[Killing Gloves of Boxing]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Killing Gloves of Boxing|icon-size=100x100px}}

Take out the Killing Gloves of Boxing when you have the enemy in a corner and can easily land your punches. Once you've obtained the critical hit boost, make the best use of it by switching to the [[Shotgun]] or simply continue swinging. Unless you're using the [[Tomislav]], switching to your primary weapon will waste a significant portion of the boost.

===[[Gloves of Running Urgently]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Gloves of Running Urgently|icon-size=100x100px}}

Use the G.R.U. to quickly reach the front lines or to retreat from dangerous foes. You can use the Sandvich or Dalokohs Bar to negate the self-damage once you've reached your destination. When wearing them, you can help build a Medic's ÜberCharge meter at the maximum rate.

=== [[Fists of Steel]] ===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Fists of Steel|icon-size=100x100px}}

The Fists of Steel make you very difficult to kill with ranged weaponry, so take them out when crossing open areas. If an enemy tries to melee you, switch one of your powerful ranged weapons and shred them.

===[[Warrior's Spirit]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Warrior's Spirit|icon-size=100x100px}}

If you are being healed by a [[Medic]], the health penalty from the Warrior's Spirit is negligible. The slight damage increase does not significantly aid in killing enemies faster, so consider using a different melee weapon to give yourself some utility.

===[[Eviction Notice]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Eviction Notice|icon-size=100x100px}}

The increased attack speed of the Eviction Notice does not make up for the reduced damage. Unless you are fairly inaccurate in melee combat and could benefit from firing twice as many punches, you're better off using a different melee weapon. It can be somewhat useful in Medieval mode with the Buffalo Steak Sandvich, as the rapid punch speed and the mini-crits can be very deadly.

==Item sets==

===[[Item sets#Heavy|The Hibernating Bear]]===
{{item icon|Brass Beast|100px}}
{{item icon|Buffalo Steak Sandvich|100px}}
{{item icon|Warrior's Spirit|100px}}
{{item icon|Big Chief|100px}}

The item set grants a negligible resistance to critical hits that is rarely noticeable in standard play. Because the [[Warrior's Spirit]] lowers your maximum health, you will still die to a Sniper's fully charged [[headshot]], even when overhealed. Despite the questionable utility of the bonus, the weapons themselves are great when operating alone or when on defense; the Brass Beast provides significant firepower while the Buffalo Steak Sandvich provides healing and a speed boost to quickly reposition yourself.


===[[Item sets#Heavy|Black Market Business]]===
{{item icon|Tomislav|100px}}
{{item icon|Family Business|100px}}
{{item icon|Eviction Notice|100px}}
{{item icon|Capo's Capper|100px}}

The weapons in the item set focus on firing more shots that do less damage. It is best compared to the vanilla Heavy loadout, as the Family Business and Eviction Notice function similarly to the standard [[Shotgun]] and [[Fists]]. However, there is little incentive to be equipped according to the standards of the set. Neither the Family Business nor the Eviction Notice are any more useful than the default weapons, so it may be better to equip other weapons to give yourself some utility.

{{Class strategy}}
{{Heavy Nav}}

[[Category:Strategy]]
[[Category:Heavy]]