Difference between revisions of "Basic Scout strategy"
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| + | {{hatnote|This page contains basic strategy for the Scout. For more advanced strategies, see [[Community Scout strategy]]. For how to play against the Scout, see [[Anti-Scout strategy]].}} | ||
{{Quotation|'''The Scout''' |Say goodbye to ya kneecaps, chucklehead!|sound=Scout_taunts08.wav}} | {{Quotation|'''The Scout''' |Say goodbye to ya kneecaps, chucklehead!|sound=Scout_taunts08.wav}} | ||
[[File:Scouttaunt2.PNG|350px|right]] | [[File:Scouttaunt2.PNG|350px|right]] | ||
| − | The [[Scout]] is the fastest and arguably the most mobile | + | |
| + | The [[Scout]] is the fastest and arguably one of the most mobile classes in the game. His speed and ability to [[Jumping#Double Jump|double jump]] lets him access ambushing routes and get to places before most other classes. Combine this mobility with his Scattergun's high damage output, and he is one of the best at picking and winning duels. The Scout can ideally control the outskirts of the battlefield by picking off important or damaged enemy targets, then support his team at objectives with his increased capture rate. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Scout has a low health pool and relies on completely avoiding damage to survive; his double jump lets him escape [[knockback]], [[fall damage]], and explosions. Dodging becomes harder when being attacked by multiple enemies at once, generally dissuading the Scout from the frontlines. Additionally, not everything can be dodged; weaponry that can [[Slowdown|slow]] or track players, such as [[Natascha]] or the [[Sentry Gun]], are deadly to the Scout. | ||
== Primary weapons == | == Primary weapons == | ||
| − | When fighting, don't rely on your mouse alone to track foes. Use your movement to keep the opponent centered on your screen, firing whenever your cross-hairs and opponent match up. This allows you to focus on moving efficiently and erratically, making you harder to hit, while at the same time making your aim smoother and more accurate via prediction. Find what distance you operate at best and use your speed to maintain it; extremely close range combat favors quick jumping to avoid enemy shots fired downward, while more moderate distances allow you to stay grounded and continuously strafe from side to side. | + | When fighting, don't rely on your mouse alone to track foes. Use your movement to keep the opponent centered on your screen, firing whenever your cross-hairs and opponent match up. This allows you to focus on moving efficiently and erratically, making you harder to hit, while at the same time making your aim smoother and more accurate via prediction. Find what distance you operate at best and use your speed to maintain it; extremely close-range combat favors quick jumping to avoid enemy shots fired downward, while more moderate distances allow you to stay grounded and continuously strafe from side to side. |
| − | ===[[Scattergun]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Scattergun]] + [[reskins]]=== |
{{icon item|Scattergun|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Scattergun|100px|link=Festive weapons}} {{icon item|Silver Botkiller Scattergun|100px|link=Botkiller weapons}} {{icon item|Australium Scattergun|100px|link=Australium weapons}} | {{icon item|Scattergun|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Scattergun|100px|link=Festive weapons}} {{icon item|Silver Botkiller Scattergun|100px|link=Botkiller weapons}} {{icon item|Australium Scattergun|100px|link=Australium weapons}} | ||
| − | At point blank range, your Scattergun | + | At point-blank range, your Scattergun kills most classes with just two well-placed shots. Use your speed to avoid attacks and get in close range to deal maximum damage. The Scattergun runs out of ammunition quickly and you are fragile, so take cover or run circles around your enemies while reloading. When fighting distant enemies, switch to your [[Pistol]], as the Scattergun's wide bullet spread means it deals minimal damage at long range. |
| − | ===[[Force-A-Nature]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Force-A-Nature]] + [[reskins]]=== |
{{icon item|Force-A-Nature|100px}} {{icon item|Australium Force-A-Nature|100px|link=Australium weapons}} {{icon item|Festive Force-A-Nature|100px|link=Festive weapons}} | {{icon item|Force-A-Nature|100px}} {{icon item|Australium Force-A-Nature|100px|link=Australium weapons}} {{icon item|Festive Force-A-Nature|100px|link=Festive weapons}} | ||
| − | The Force-A-Nature deals heavy burst damage but must be reloaded often, | + | The Force-A-Nature deals heavy burst damage but must be reloaded often, so it is best used as a hit-and-run weapon. Its shots inflict [[knockback]] on both you and your target, leading to some interesting applications. Your enemy is launched backwards proportionally to the damage dealt, allowing you to land easy follow-up shots or launch them into map hazards. The self-inflicted knockback allows you to [[Jumping#Force Jump|Force jump]] to even more locations. If you actively jump while in combat, save your extra jump until after you've fired the Force-A-Nature; the knockback will leave you suspended in midair and vulnerable. For efficient ammo usage, always fire your two shots before reloading; reloading with one shot in the barrel will discard that shot. |
===[[Shortstop]]=== | ===[[Shortstop]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Shortstop|100px}} | {{icon item|Shortstop|100px}} | ||
| − | The Shortstop is a cross between your Scattergun and | + | The Shortstop is a cross between your Scattergun and Pistol, holding 4 shots that all reload in a single clip. While it deals less damage than the Scattergun, its narrow bullet spread and fast reload time make it reliable at longer ranges. While the Shortstop is deployed, you receive 20% greater [[knockback]]; explosions will throw you around and disrupt aiming, but can be used to escape a losing fight easier. Alternate fire is a melee shove, which is best for keeping enemies at optimal mid-range firing distance or throwing them into [[environmental hazards]]. |
===[[Soda Popper]]=== | ===[[Soda Popper]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Soda Popper|100px}} | {{icon item|Soda Popper|100px}} | ||
| − | The Soda Popper is similar to the [[Force-A-Nature]], but does not | + | The Soda Popper is similar to the [[Force-A-Nature]], but does not have its knockback effects. Like the Force-A-Nature, it is best used as a hit-and-run weapon, although its faster reloading speed makes it more useful in prolonged combat. Damaging enemies builds a "Hype" meter. When the Hype meter is full, alternate-fire will put you into Hype mode, allowing you to jump up to five times in midair for 10 seconds. Hype mode is incredibly useful for accessing routes that normally require another class's [[explosive jump]], and staying in the air to dodge attacks when dueling. However, Hype mode is not usable as often as your other mobility options. |
===[[Baby Face's Blaster]]=== | ===[[Baby Face's Blaster]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Baby Face's Blaster|100px}} | {{icon item|Baby Face's Blaster|100px}} | ||
| − | The Baby Face's Blaster has a clip of only 4 bullets and initially reduces your movement speed by 10%. | + | The Baby Face's Blaster has a clip of only 4 bullets and initially reduces your movement speed by 10%. Dealing damage with any weapon charges a Boost meter, which increases your speed by up to 30% at 100 damage dealt. Taking damage lowers Boost, while double jumping costs 75% Boost. Overall, first build Boost via ambushes or at a distance with the help of weapons like the [[Winger]], [[Flying Guillotine]], and [[Wrap Assassin]]. Then, use the speed increase to completely avoid taking damage. Keep in mind that you will sometimes need to sacrifice your speed to access a side route or dodge enemy attacks that would remove your Boost anyway. |
===[[Back Scatter]]=== | ===[[Back Scatter]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Back Scatter|100px}} | {{icon item|Back Scatter|100px}} | ||
| − | The Back Scatter deals Mini-Crits when fired at the backs of enemies | + | The Back Scatter deals Mini-Crits when fired at the backs of enemies in close range, but has a reduced clip size and is less accurate. The Mini-Crits now allow you to kill the weaker classes with just one well-placed shot. However, the reduced accuracy may be a problem when you can't get close to your target. Overall, this weapon is best for flanking or punishing fleeing enemies, but not for dueling. |
== Secondary weapons == | == Secondary weapons == | ||
| − | ===[[Pistol]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Pistol]] + [[reskins]]=== |
| − | {{icon item|Pistol|100px}} {{icon item|Lugermorph|100px}} | + | {{icon item|Pistol|100px}} {{icon item|Lugermorph|100px}} {{icon item|C.A.P.P.E.R|100px}} |
| − | The Pistol is a backup weapon, primarily used for finishing off wounded targets or fighting at range. It reloads | + | The Pistol is a backup weapon that is accurate at medium range, primarily used for finishing off wounded targets or fighting at range. It reloads quickly and can be used to harass enemies, cover a retreat, and take out [[Sentry Gun]]s from afar. Keep track of the Pistol's ammunition, as your three extra magazines can run out surprisingly quickly. |
| − | ===[[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] + [[reskins]]=== |
{{icon item|Bonk! Atomic Punch|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Bonk! Atomic Punch|100px|link=Festive weapons}} | {{icon item|Bonk! Atomic Punch|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Bonk! Atomic Punch|100px|link=Festive weapons}} | ||
| − | Bonk! Atomic Punch is a utility item that, when consumed, | + | Bonk! Atomic Punch is a utility item that, when consumed, grants invulnerability to all enemy attacks. Its main use is to dodge or draw enemy fire. For example, you can use it to get past [[Sentry Gun]]s, retreat safely, bait [[Demoman|Demomen]] into detonating their sticky traps, or block choke points. Outside of combat, it can also be used to negate [[Fire|afterburn]] or [[bleeding]]. Even though you are temporarily immune to damage, you can still be pinned down by [[knockback]], so be careful to not get cornered. You are encouraged to retreat as the effect wears off, as you are [[Slow]]ed for 5 seconds based on the damage you negated, up to 50% for absorbing 200 damage. |
===[[Crit-a-Cola]]=== | ===[[Crit-a-Cola]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Crit-a-Cola|100px}} | {{icon item|Crit-a-Cola|100px}} | ||
| − | Crit-a-Cola is a utility item that rewards you for taking risks. When consumed, it grants you guaranteed | + | Crit-a-Cola is a utility item that rewards you for taking risks. When consumed, it grants you guaranteed Mini-Crits for eight seconds. However, firing any gun or swinging your melee weapon will cause you to also take Mini-Crits for five seconds. Crit-a-Cola is best used before an ambush or other situations where your opponent can't see you coming. Alternatively, pair Crit-a-Cola with the [[Shortstop]] for ranged harassment, as Mini-Crits don't have damage fall-off. The Crit-a-Cola boost does not stack with the boosts of other items, such as the [[Buff Banner]] or [[Jarate]]. |
| − | ===[[Mad Milk]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Mad Milk]] + [[reskins]]=== |
{{icon item|Mad Milk|100px}} {{icon item|Mutated Milk|100px}} | {{icon item|Mad Milk|100px}} {{icon item|Mutated Milk|100px}} | ||
| − | Mad Milk is thrown like a grenade and inflicts a temporary debuff upon its victims, allowing any member on your team to heal by damaging an opponent under its effects. It can be used | + | Mad Milk is thrown like a grenade and inflicts a temporary debuff upon its victims, allowing any member on your team to heal by damaging an opponent under its effects. It can be used in single combat for yourself or large firefights for your team, especially if you lack a Medic. Additionally, Mad Milk can be used to extinguish teammates and reveal cloaked or disguised [[Spy|Spies]]. |
===[[Winger]]=== | ===[[Winger]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Winger|100px}} | {{icon item|Winger|100px}} | ||
| − | Like the Pistol, the Winger can be used to harass enemies or cover a retreat. When compared to the Pistol, | + | Like the Pistol, the Winger can be used to harass enemies or cover a retreat. When compared to the Pistol, the Winger's increased damage is best for short encounters; it deals less damage over long periods of time due to its reduced magazine size. The 25% added jump height lets you evade attacks and access alternate routes easier. |
===[[Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol]]=== | ===[[Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol|100px}} | {{icon item|Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol|100px}} | ||
| − | The Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol | + | The Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol recovers three health per hit, but expends its 25% reduced magazine quickly. The Pocket Pistol can be used mid-combat to quickly recover some health, but you should switch back to your primary weapon for finishing fights. |
===[[Flying Guillotine]]=== | ===[[Flying Guillotine]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Flying Guillotine|100px}} | {{icon item|Flying Guillotine|100px}} | ||
| − | The Flying Guillotine can be thrown every six seconds to deal moderate damage and cause bleeding, making it decent for mid-range harassment | + | The Flying Guillotine can be thrown every six seconds to deal moderate damage and cause [[bleeding]], making it decent for mid-range harassment. Overall, the Flying Guillotine rewards you greatly for landing that one single hit; a cleaver is equivalent to several Pistol shots. The Flying Guillotine deals no damage to buildings, leaving you very disadvantaged against Sentry Guns. |
== Melee weapons == | == Melee weapons == | ||
| − | ==={{anchor|Bat}}[[Bat]] + reskins=== | + | ==={{anchor|Bat}}[[Bat]] + [[reskins]] === |
| − | {{icon item|Bat|100px}} {{icon item|Frying Pan|100px}} {{icon item|Saxxy|100px}} {{icon item|Conscientious Objector|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Bat|100px|link=Festive weapons}} {{icon item|Freedom Staff|100px}} {{icon item|Bat Outta Hell|100px}} {{icon item|Memory Maker|100px}} {{icon item|Ham Shank|100px}} {{icon item|Golden Frying Pan|100px}} {{icon item|Necro Smasher|100px}} {{icon item|Crossing Guard|100px}} | + | {{icon item|Bat|100px}} {{icon item|Frying Pan|100px}} {{icon item|Saxxy|100px}} {{icon item|Conscientious Objector|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Bat|100px|link=Festive weapons}} {{icon item|Freedom Staff|100px}} {{icon item|Bat Outta Hell|100px}} {{icon item|Memory Maker|100px}} {{icon item|Ham Shank|100px}} {{icon item|Golden Frying Pan|100px}} {{icon item|Necro Smasher|100px}} {{icon item|Crossing Guard|100px}} {{icon item|Batsaber|100px}} {{icon item|Prinny Machete|100px}} |
| − | + | The Bat swings rapidly but deals less damage than your Scattergun. The Bat is best used to finish off dodgy enemies or other easy targets when you run out of ammo in your primary and secondary weapons. | |
===[[Sandman]]=== | ===[[Sandman]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Sandman|100px}} | {{icon item|Sandman|100px}} | ||
| − | The Sandman slightly lowers your maximum health | + | The Sandman slightly lowers your maximum health but grants an alternate fire that launches a baseball capable of [[Slowdown|slowing]] enemies. The baseball's slow duration starts at 1 second, but can reach up to 7 seconds depending on how far the ball travels. Slowing an enemy will give you a chance to move in for the kill or retreat safely. Additionally, you can use it to provide support in large firefights by slowing certain enemies to separate them from teammates, such as Medics and [[Critical hits#Crit Boost|Crit-boosted]] enemies. Your low health pool makes the small health penalty significant, so make sure you actually use the baseball. |
| − | ===[[Holy Mackerel]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Holy Mackerel]] + [[reskins]]=== |
| − | {{icon item|Holy Mackerel|100px}} {{icon item|Unarmed Combat|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Holy Mackerel|100px}} | + | {{icon item|Holy Mackerel|100px}} {{icon item|Unarmed Combat|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Holy Mackerel|100px|link=Festive weapons}} |
| − | The Holy Mackerel functions identically to the Bat but announces each hit in the kill feed | + | The Holy Mackerel functions identically to the Bat but announces each hit in the kill feed, allowing for humiliating kills and sometimes detecting Dead Ringer Spies due to the lack of "FISH KILL!". Like with the default Bat, other melee weapons with more useful effects are recommended for serious combat. |
===[[Candy Cane]]=== | ===[[Candy Cane]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Candy Cane|100px}} | {{icon item|Candy Cane|100px}} | ||
| − | When you have the Candy Cane equipped, any kill will cause your victims to drop health packs that can be used to heal your team | + | When you have the Candy Cane equipped, any kill will cause your victims to drop health packs that can be used to heal your team. The Candy Cane does not need to be the active weapon for this bonus to occur. Ensure that enemies don't reach the health kit first and be wary that approaching the health kit may draw attention. The Candy Cane also increases your vulnerability to explosive damage, meaning that a direct hit from a [[Projectiles|rocket]] or [[Projectiles|grenade]] can now kill you in one hit. A Spy who uses the Dead Ringer to trigger a feign death will not drop a health pack and is easier to discern. |
| − | ===[[Boston Basher]] + reskins=== | + | ===[[Boston Basher]] + [[reskins]]=== |
{{icon item|Boston Basher|100px}}{{icon item|Three-Rune Blade|100px}} | {{icon item|Boston Basher|100px}}{{icon item|Three-Rune Blade|100px}} | ||
| − | When striking an enemy, the Boston Basher inflicts the [[bleeding|bleed]] status in addition to the standard Bat damage. However, any missed melee attacks will cause you to damage and | + | When striking an enemy, the Boston Basher inflicts the [[bleeding|bleed]] status in addition to the standard Bat damage. However, any missed melee attacks will cause you to damage and bleed yourself instead; try to attack only if you're sure the strike will connect. Striking an environmental object results in no self-damage, so the weapon is slightly less risky to use in enclosed areas. |
| + | |||
| + | You can use the self-damage to help a [[Medic]] fill his [[ÜberCharge]] meter and the bleed effect to track down [[cloaked]] Spies. Damaging yourself will inflict a small amount of self-[[knockback]] that can be used as an additional jump in order to reach higher areas, albeit at the cost of a significant portion of health. | ||
===[[Sun-on-a-Stick]]=== | ===[[Sun-on-a-Stick]]=== | ||
{{item icon|Sun-on-a-Stick|100px}} | {{item icon|Sun-on-a-Stick|100px}} | ||
| − | Against ignited foes, the Sun-on-a-Stick | + | The Sun-on-a-Stick's main draw is the 25% fire resistance while deployed. It deals 25% less damage, so don't actually fight with it. As the Scout, your low health pool is quickly chipped away by the Pyro's [[Fire|afterburn]]. If you are set on fire, deploy the Sun-on-a-Stick while searching for healing to survive longer. Against ignited foes, the Sun-on-a-Stick deals guaranteed Critical hits and is one of your best damage options. However, you and the Pyro excel at close-range duels and can often finish off an enemy without help, so you might not be able to use this combo frequently. |
===[[Fan O'War]]=== | ===[[Fan O'War]]=== | ||
{{item icon|Fan O'War|100px}} | {{item icon|Fan O'War|100px}} | ||
| − | The Fan O'War deals little damage but can mark victims for death, causing all damage taken to be | + | The Fan O'War deals little damage but can [[Marked for death|mark victims for death]], causing all damage taken to be Mini-Crits. Tag an enemy with it, then either switch to another weapon or have your team finish the job. Weave into melee range of groups carefully, as the Mark of Death can only be inflicted on one enemy at a time. |
===[[Atomizer]]=== | ===[[Atomizer]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Atomizer|100px}} | {{icon item|Atomizer|100px}} | ||
| − | + | When the Atomizer is your active weapon, you have access to a triple jump, which opens up more routes of travel. In combat, the Atomizer is useful for engaging foes from odd angles, as its melee attacks also Mini-Crit while you're airborne. The Atomizer deploys 50% slower, a significant delay when trying to escape instead. | |
===[[Wrap Assassin]]=== | ===[[Wrap Assassin]]=== | ||
{{icon item|Wrap Assassin|100px}} | {{icon item|Wrap Assassin|100px}} | ||
| − | + | Similarly to the [[Sandman]], the Wrap Assassin launches a weak projectile that inflicts a [[bleeding]] effect on struck enemies. Use the projectile to weaken stronger enemies before moving in with the [[Scattergun]]. Keep using your primary weapon at close range to negate this weapon's extremely low melee damage. | |
| − | {{Class | + | {{Class Strategy Nav}} |
{{Scout Nav}} | {{Scout Nav}} | ||
| + | [[Category:Scout]] | ||
[[Category:Strategy]] | [[Category:Strategy]] | ||
| − | |||
Latest revision as of 15:00, 4 September 2024
| “ | Say goodbye to ya kneecaps, chucklehead!
Click to listen
— The Scout
|
” |
The Scout is the fastest and arguably one of the most mobile classes in the game. His speed and ability to double jump lets him access ambushing routes and get to places before most other classes. Combine this mobility with his Scattergun's high damage output, and he is one of the best at picking and winning duels. The Scout can ideally control the outskirts of the battlefield by picking off important or damaged enemy targets, then support his team at objectives with his increased capture rate.
The Scout has a low health pool and relies on completely avoiding damage to survive; his double jump lets him escape knockback, fall damage, and explosions. Dodging becomes harder when being attacked by multiple enemies at once, generally dissuading the Scout from the frontlines. Additionally, not everything can be dodged; weaponry that can slow or track players, such as Natascha or the Sentry Gun, are deadly to the Scout.
Primary weapons
When fighting, don't rely on your mouse alone to track foes. Use your movement to keep the opponent centered on your screen, firing whenever your cross-hairs and opponent match up. This allows you to focus on moving efficiently and erratically, making you harder to hit, while at the same time making your aim smoother and more accurate via prediction. Find what distance you operate at best and use your speed to maintain it; extremely close-range combat favors quick jumping to avoid enemy shots fired downward, while more moderate distances allow you to stay grounded and continuously strafe from side to side.
Scattergun + reskins
At point-blank range, your Scattergun kills most classes with just two well-placed shots. Use your speed to avoid attacks and get in close range to deal maximum damage. The Scattergun runs out of ammunition quickly and you are fragile, so take cover or run circles around your enemies while reloading. When fighting distant enemies, switch to your Pistol, as the Scattergun's wide bullet spread means it deals minimal damage at long range.
Force-A-Nature + reskins
The Force-A-Nature deals heavy burst damage but must be reloaded often, so it is best used as a hit-and-run weapon. Its shots inflict knockback on both you and your target, leading to some interesting applications. Your enemy is launched backwards proportionally to the damage dealt, allowing you to land easy follow-up shots or launch them into map hazards. The self-inflicted knockback allows you to Force jump to even more locations. If you actively jump while in combat, save your extra jump until after you've fired the Force-A-Nature; the knockback will leave you suspended in midair and vulnerable. For efficient ammo usage, always fire your two shots before reloading; reloading with one shot in the barrel will discard that shot.
Shortstop
The Shortstop is a cross between your Scattergun and Pistol, holding 4 shots that all reload in a single clip. While it deals less damage than the Scattergun, its narrow bullet spread and fast reload time make it reliable at longer ranges. While the Shortstop is deployed, you receive 20% greater knockback; explosions will throw you around and disrupt aiming, but can be used to escape a losing fight easier. Alternate fire is a melee shove, which is best for keeping enemies at optimal mid-range firing distance or throwing them into environmental hazards.
Soda Popper
The Soda Popper is similar to the Force-A-Nature, but does not have its knockback effects. Like the Force-A-Nature, it is best used as a hit-and-run weapon, although its faster reloading speed makes it more useful in prolonged combat. Damaging enemies builds a "Hype" meter. When the Hype meter is full, alternate-fire will put you into Hype mode, allowing you to jump up to five times in midair for 10 seconds. Hype mode is incredibly useful for accessing routes that normally require another class's explosive jump, and staying in the air to dodge attacks when dueling. However, Hype mode is not usable as often as your other mobility options.
Baby Face's Blaster
The Baby Face's Blaster has a clip of only 4 bullets and initially reduces your movement speed by 10%. Dealing damage with any weapon charges a Boost meter, which increases your speed by up to 30% at 100 damage dealt. Taking damage lowers Boost, while double jumping costs 75% Boost. Overall, first build Boost via ambushes or at a distance with the help of weapons like the Winger, Flying Guillotine, and Wrap Assassin. Then, use the speed increase to completely avoid taking damage. Keep in mind that you will sometimes need to sacrifice your speed to access a side route or dodge enemy attacks that would remove your Boost anyway.
Back Scatter
The Back Scatter deals Mini-Crits when fired at the backs of enemies in close range, but has a reduced clip size and is less accurate. The Mini-Crits now allow you to kill the weaker classes with just one well-placed shot. However, the reduced accuracy may be a problem when you can't get close to your target. Overall, this weapon is best for flanking or punishing fleeing enemies, but not for dueling.
Secondary weapons
Pistol + reskins
The Pistol is a backup weapon that is accurate at medium range, primarily used for finishing off wounded targets or fighting at range. It reloads quickly and can be used to harass enemies, cover a retreat, and take out Sentry Guns from afar. Keep track of the Pistol's ammunition, as your three extra magazines can run out surprisingly quickly.
Bonk! Atomic Punch + reskins
Bonk! Atomic Punch is a utility item that, when consumed, grants invulnerability to all enemy attacks. Its main use is to dodge or draw enemy fire. For example, you can use it to get past Sentry Guns, retreat safely, bait Demomen into detonating their sticky traps, or block choke points. Outside of combat, it can also be used to negate afterburn or bleeding. Even though you are temporarily immune to damage, you can still be pinned down by knockback, so be careful to not get cornered. You are encouraged to retreat as the effect wears off, as you are Slowed for 5 seconds based on the damage you negated, up to 50% for absorbing 200 damage.
Crit-a-Cola
Crit-a-Cola is a utility item that rewards you for taking risks. When consumed, it grants you guaranteed Mini-Crits for eight seconds. However, firing any gun or swinging your melee weapon will cause you to also take Mini-Crits for five seconds. Crit-a-Cola is best used before an ambush or other situations where your opponent can't see you coming. Alternatively, pair Crit-a-Cola with the Shortstop for ranged harassment, as Mini-Crits don't have damage fall-off. The Crit-a-Cola boost does not stack with the boosts of other items, such as the Buff Banner or Jarate.
Mad Milk + reskins
Mad Milk is thrown like a grenade and inflicts a temporary debuff upon its victims, allowing any member on your team to heal by damaging an opponent under its effects. It can be used in single combat for yourself or large firefights for your team, especially if you lack a Medic. Additionally, Mad Milk can be used to extinguish teammates and reveal cloaked or disguised Spies.
Winger
Like the Pistol, the Winger can be used to harass enemies or cover a retreat. When compared to the Pistol, the Winger's increased damage is best for short encounters; it deals less damage over long periods of time due to its reduced magazine size. The 25% added jump height lets you evade attacks and access alternate routes easier.
Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol
The Pretty Boy's Pocket Pistol recovers three health per hit, but expends its 25% reduced magazine quickly. The Pocket Pistol can be used mid-combat to quickly recover some health, but you should switch back to your primary weapon for finishing fights.
Flying Guillotine
The Flying Guillotine can be thrown every six seconds to deal moderate damage and cause bleeding, making it decent for mid-range harassment. Overall, the Flying Guillotine rewards you greatly for landing that one single hit; a cleaver is equivalent to several Pistol shots. The Flying Guillotine deals no damage to buildings, leaving you very disadvantaged against Sentry Guns.
Melee weapons
Bat + reskins
The Bat swings rapidly but deals less damage than your Scattergun. The Bat is best used to finish off dodgy enemies or other easy targets when you run out of ammo in your primary and secondary weapons.
Sandman
The Sandman slightly lowers your maximum health but grants an alternate fire that launches a baseball capable of slowing enemies. The baseball's slow duration starts at 1 second, but can reach up to 7 seconds depending on how far the ball travels. Slowing an enemy will give you a chance to move in for the kill or retreat safely. Additionally, you can use it to provide support in large firefights by slowing certain enemies to separate them from teammates, such as Medics and Crit-boosted enemies. Your low health pool makes the small health penalty significant, so make sure you actually use the baseball.
Holy Mackerel + reskins
The Holy Mackerel functions identically to the Bat but announces each hit in the kill feed, allowing for humiliating kills and sometimes detecting Dead Ringer Spies due to the lack of "FISH KILL!". Like with the default Bat, other melee weapons with more useful effects are recommended for serious combat.
Candy Cane
When you have the Candy Cane equipped, any kill will cause your victims to drop health packs that can be used to heal your team. The Candy Cane does not need to be the active weapon for this bonus to occur. Ensure that enemies don't reach the health kit first and be wary that approaching the health kit may draw attention. The Candy Cane also increases your vulnerability to explosive damage, meaning that a direct hit from a rocket or grenade can now kill you in one hit. A Spy who uses the Dead Ringer to trigger a feign death will not drop a health pack and is easier to discern.
Boston Basher + reskins
When striking an enemy, the Boston Basher inflicts the bleed status in addition to the standard Bat damage. However, any missed melee attacks will cause you to damage and bleed yourself instead; try to attack only if you're sure the strike will connect. Striking an environmental object results in no self-damage, so the weapon is slightly less risky to use in enclosed areas.
You can use the self-damage to help a Medic fill his ÜberCharge meter and the bleed effect to track down cloaked Spies. Damaging yourself will inflict a small amount of self-knockback that can be used as an additional jump in order to reach higher areas, albeit at the cost of a significant portion of health.
Sun-on-a-Stick
The Sun-on-a-Stick's main draw is the 25% fire resistance while deployed. It deals 25% less damage, so don't actually fight with it. As the Scout, your low health pool is quickly chipped away by the Pyro's afterburn. If you are set on fire, deploy the Sun-on-a-Stick while searching for healing to survive longer. Against ignited foes, the Sun-on-a-Stick deals guaranteed Critical hits and is one of your best damage options. However, you and the Pyro excel at close-range duels and can often finish off an enemy without help, so you might not be able to use this combo frequently.
Fan O'War
The Fan O'War deals little damage but can mark victims for death, causing all damage taken to be Mini-Crits. Tag an enemy with it, then either switch to another weapon or have your team finish the job. Weave into melee range of groups carefully, as the Mark of Death can only be inflicted on one enemy at a time.
Atomizer
When the Atomizer is your active weapon, you have access to a triple jump, which opens up more routes of travel. In combat, the Atomizer is useful for engaging foes from odd angles, as its melee attacks also Mini-Crit while you're airborne. The Atomizer deploys 50% slower, a significant delay when trying to escape instead.
Wrap Assassin
Similarly to the Sandman, the Wrap Assassin launches a weak projectile that inflicts a bleeding effect on struck enemies. Use the projectile to weaken stronger enemies before moving in with the Scattergun. Keep using your primary weapon at close range to negate this weapon's extremely low melee damage.
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