View source for Basic Engineer strategy

{{Quotation|'''The Engineer''' |Start prayin', boy!|sound=Engineer_taunts08.wav}}
The [[Engineer]] has the unique ability to construct [[Buildings]]. Although he possesses a weaker set of weapons, his [[Sentry Gun]] is more than enough to fend off multiple enemies. His [[Teleporter]] system sends teammates to the front lines, while his [[Dispenser]] heals and supplies ammunition. After constructing a building, he can pick up and [[haul]] it to a new location, allowing him to keep his base alongside an offensive push. The Engineer and his buildings will frequently be targeted by [[Demoman|Demomen]] and [[Spy|Spies]]. A well-timed enemy [[ÜberCharge]], in particular, can quickly ruin all of his hard work. When his buildings are destroyed, it is most important that the Engineer makes it out alive so that he can reconstruct his base. A good Engineer will place his buildings in strategic locations and not be afraid to get his hands dirty defending them.

== Primary weapons ==

=== [[Shotgun]] ===
{{icon item|Shotgun|100px}}

The Shotgun is a deceptively powerful weapon at close to medium range. Use it to defend yourself when alone and scare off enemies that your Sentry Gun cannot target. Choose the Shotgun over your other primary weapons if you need to deal consistent damage over time. 

=== [[Frontier Justice]] ===
{{icon item|Frontier Justice|100px}}

Barring magazine size, the Frontier Justice is statistically identical to the Shotgun. You'll get the most of the Frontier Justice if you place your Sentry Gun in an offensive position, where it should be able to get a few kills or assists before being destroyed and granting you Revenge [[crits]]. Even if you have stored up a great number of Revenge crits, the small magazine size in addition to the threat of losing all of them upon death will prevent you from going on a mini-rampage. Although you can destroy your own Sentry Gun and still receive Revenge crits, the firepower of your Sentry Gun is generally more valuable.

=== [[Widowmaker]] ===
{{icon item|Widowmaker|100px}}

The Widowmaker consumes 30 metal per shot, but will refund metal based on how much damage you deal. Accurate shots at close range will usually yield far more than 30 metal. Medium to long range shots, however, will generally yield close to or below 30 metal. Unless you have good accuracy, you'll generally be inefficient if you fight at the frontlines with this weapon and will often find yourself out of metal. It's best used when defending your buildings, as your [[Dispenser]] can replace most metal you lose from firing the Widowmaker at a distance. Equip the [[Pistol]] alongside the Widowmaker so that you have a reliable ranged attack even when out of metal.

=== [[Pomson 6000]] ===
{{icon item|Pomson 6000|100px}}

When compared to the Shotgun, the Pomson 6000 is less effective in direct combat; it deals reduced damage at close range, has a smaller magazine size, and its projectiles are slower than standard bullets. However, it is accurate, can pierce through multiple targets, and reloads quickly, meaning you can use it to harass enemies at a distance. The Pomson 6000's true value lies within its utility; a Medic or Spy shot by it will lose a small portion of his [[ÜberCharge]] or [[Cloak]] meter, respectively. This can be used to prevent them from attacking or escaping your team, particularly when dealing with the standard invincibility-granting ÜberCharge or Spies using the [[Dead Ringer]]. Consider using the [[hitscan]] Pistol alongside it so that you have a more reliable weapon for self-defense.

== Secondary weapons ==

=== [[Pistol]] / [[Lugermorph]] ===
{{icon item|Pistol|100px}} {{icon item|Lugermorph|100px}}

You have a tremendous supply of Pistol bullets, so feel free to spam them at any enemies. Its effectiveness at medium range makes it combo well with [[Sentry gun|Combat Mini-Sentry Guns]].

=== [[Wrangler]] ===
{{icon item|Wrangler|100px}}

Use the Wrangler to give your [[Sentry Gun]] extra staying power and allow it to attack enemies outside its normal range. Don't be afraid to allow your Sentry Gun to function normally; its AI is more aware and accurate than you are. By commanding a level 3 Sentry Gun fire rockets at yourself, you can [[Sentry jump]] to unusual locations.

=== [[Short Circuit]] ===
{{icon item|Short Circuit|100px}}

The Short Circuit only deals minor damage but can destroy enemy [[projectiles]] and detect cloaked Spies. It's particularly useful for defending your buildings or teammates from rockets, grenades, and even Stickybomb carpets. Because it draws from your metal supply for ammunition, you should stay near your upgraded Dispenser so that you always have a shot to fire.

== Melee weapons ==

=== [[Wrench]] / [[Golden Wrench]] / [[Saxxy]] / [[Wrench|Festive Wrench]]===
{{icon item|Wrench|100px}}  {{icon item|Golden Wrench|100px}}  {{icon item|Saxxy|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Wrench|100px}}

Hitting buildings with your Wrench will cause them to build twice as fast. When playing as the Engineer, the game prioritizes repairing buildings over melee combat; if you attack an enemy Spy who is standing next to a friendly structure, you will hit the building instead of him. Use your [[Shotgun]], which deals greater damage, to dispatch nearby foes instead.

=== [[Gunslinger]] ===
{{icon item|Gunslinger|100px}}

The additional health the Gunslinger grants makes you a viable attacking force; use your [[Shotgun]] and [[Pistol]] to complement Mini-Sentry fire. The offensive playstyle complements the Revenge crits you can receive for your Frontier Justice.

=== [[Southern Hospitality]] ===
{{icon item|Southern Hospitality|100px}}

The [[bleed]] effect the Southern Hospitality afflicts can be useful in a one-on-one fight and helps to track down [[Cloak]]ed Spies. If a Pyro manages to corner you, you're probably going to die anyway, making the fire vulnerability negligible.

=== [[Jag]] ===
{{icon item|Jag|100px}}

The Jag will let you build or redeploy buildings very quickly and is particularly useful for when you need a Sentry Gun at a forward location. It is a weak weapon, so use your [[Shotgun]] against close foes instead.

===[[Eureka Effect]]===
{{icon item|Eureka Effect|100px}}

The Eureka Effect allows you to use alternate fire to teleport back to your current spawn room at the cost of no longer being able to [[haul]] buildings. You can combine its teleport with your own [[Teleporter]] system to instantly restock your metal supply, particularly useful when you're constructing a fresh set of buildings. Although the teleport has a moderately long animation, it can also be used as an escape in dangerous situations. To compensate for the inability to haul buildings, you'll either need to use your teleports to quickly rebuild bases or ensure you're already camped out where you want to be.


==[[Buildings]]==

===[[Sentry Gun]]===
[[File:RED Level 3 Sentry Gun.png|100px|Sentry Gun]]

It's best to place Sentry Guns in well-frequented areas to prevent enemies from passing entirely. When placing a Sentry Gun, note where it can shoot and where the enemy can fire from. If a Sentry Gun is placed out in the open, it can cover more ground but will be left more vulnerable to attackers. If placed in a corner, it is naturally protected from flanking by walls, but can only focus on a certain angle of the battlefield. The difference between excellent and average Sentry Gun placement can be very small. For example, moving it even a few inches can keep it from being picked off by [[Soldier]]s or [[Sniper]]s. Avoid "gimmicky" Sentry positions such as looking down holes in ceilings, in the middle of narrow hallways, or around sharp corners; a Sentry Gun is useless if it can't fire at anyone.

===[[Combat Mini-Sentry Gun]]===
[[File:Red Mini Sentry.png|100px|Combat Mini-Sentry Gun]]

Due to their small size and quick build time, Mini-Sentry Guns can often be placed in positions that a normal Sentry Gun cannot and perform exceptionally well when laid in concealed areas. These advantages, coupled with the bonus health the Gunslinger provides, allow for relatively aggressive play. They only cost 100 metal to deploy, so you should be able to provide a constant source of suppressive gunfire. Don't hesitate to place them out in the open as distractions or to cover a retreat; players tend to fire at them before you. They are far less useful when placed in defensive positions, where their reduced firepower won't be able to fight enemies off. 

===[[Dispenser]]===
[[File:Lvl3dispenser.png|100px|Dispenser]]

A Dispenser is typically the first building you want to construct so that you have a stable source of metal. Placing Dispensers in forward locations will keep teammates healthy and allow them to hold an area for a long period of time. Additionally, because the Dispenser is a solid object, you can hop on your own Dispenser to climb to inaccessible places or block narrow passages from enemy Spies.

===[[Teleporter]]===
[[File:Telespin.png|100px|Teleporter]]

Always have a Teleporter system active to help a steady tide of reinforcements reach the front lines, even if the distance covered is short. Rotate the Exit so that it faces away from a wall and allows teammates to see the battlefield immediately upon coming through. Be aware that the Teleporter Exit's placement can impact the flow of battle; sending teammates to poor locations will weaken both your offense and defense. If either Teleporter member comes under fire, hitting one end with your melee weapon will repair the other. If guarding your buildings, refrain from standing on your Teleporter Exit, as enemy Spies are able to come through and [[telefrag]] you. 


{{Class strategy}}
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[[Category:Strategy]]
[[Category:Engineer]]