Difference between revisions of "Community Demoman strategy"

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{{Quotation|'''The Demoman'''|Not one of ya's going to survive this!|sound=Demoman_taunts11.wav}}
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[[File:Community_Demo_Strategy_Header.png|400px|right|Ka-BOOM!]]
  
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Like the [[Soldier]], the [[Demoman]] is a versatile and easy class to use in most situations. It can be great for players who have poor aiming skills or those who have experience with ''[[Team Fortress Classic]]'''s Grenades. A minor downside to the Demoman's Grenades is that he can cause damage to himself with them. Advanced players can transform the Demoman from a Grenade-sprayer to a lethally accurate [[Gibs|gibbing]] machine.
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{{Quotation|'''The Demoman''' just before detonating his stickybombs|Not one of ya's going to survive this!|sound=Demoman_taunts11.wav}}
  
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==Quick Tips==
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The [[Demoman]] is a medium-ranged, projectile-heavy class with an outstanding damage output, capable at both offensive and defensive support. While inaccurate at range and often threatened by self-damage at point-blank, the Demoman is one of the few classes able to attack without a line of sight to their target, allowing him to utilize his [[Grenade Launcher|Grenade]] or [[Stickybomb Launcher|Sticky Launchers]] for crowd control on the offensive, or area denial via Stickybomb traps on the defensive. His playstyle can change completely with access to a [[sword]] and [[shield]], making the Demoman a fearsome [[melee]] class courtesy of his long melee range and the ability to perform charged dashes. Like the Soldier, the Demoman is also capable of performing explosive jumps, and can reach objectives well in advance of other classes once the [[Jumps#Demoman jumps|jumps]] have been mastered. The Demoman is a rewarding class to learn but challenging and difficult to master, and is an ideal class for players oriented towards protecting objectives or eliminating multiple enemies.
  
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* The Demoman is vulnerable when surprised or relocating.  Run alongside teammates when on the move, and otherwise keep to cover.
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{{TOC limit|limit=3}}
  
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* Your biggest advantage is delivering damage where other classes can't reach.  Try bouncing grenades around corners and lobbing bombs through windows and onto battlements.
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==Quick tips==
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* Like other defensive classes, Demoman benefits greatly from being able to predict his opponents, as this allows him to ambush other classes as they move around the map and to lead his projectiles in direct engagements.
  
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* In defending an objective, try placing stick-bombs on the objective and retreating to complete cover.  You can use the game's alert messages ("The control point is being contested!") to detonate them at just the right moment, eyes closed.
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* A Demoman is most effective at medium range, where his explosives are easier to aim, harder to avoid, and won't deal self-damage to himself. Since [[Grenade Launcher|Grenade]]s and [[Stickybomb Launcher|Stickybomb]]s have travel time and obey the laws of gravity, you will have to aim where a target is going in order to hit them.
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** Aim higher for distant targets or lead towards the direction of a traveling opponent.
  
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* Look for map opportunities where you can create a death trap while maintaining your personal safety.
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* One distinct advantage the Demoman has compared to other classes is the ability to deliver damage where others cannot easily reach; try bouncing/arcing Grenades/Stickybombs around corners, through windows, and onto battlements.
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** When aiming at a distant target, skipping Grenades across the ground may be more effective than lobbing them through the sky.
  
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* When aiming for a distant target, sometimes the best option is to skip grenades along the ground rather than lobbing them across the sky.
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* Search for areas of the map that would make ideal Stickybomb traps for unsuspecting enemy players; if they are in plain sight, enemies may destroy the bombs before you can detonate them. Maintaining a safe distance from the trap, while keeping a clear view of it, would be an ideal scenario.
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** When defending a key target, try placing Stickybombs onto obscure areas of the objective and retreating to cover. One can then simply wait for an alert that the area is being captured, then detonate the Stickybombs.
  
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* The Demoman can be an effective melee combatant, but you'll want to equip an entire melee equipment set first (shield, boots, melee weapon).  In this mode, a Pyro-like ambush strategy is best.
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* Stickybombs are small and a cluster can stick in a single spot, allowing for surprisingly strong ambush traps such as on the ceiling of [[Junction]]'s control points.
  
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==General==
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* When fleeing, leave Stickybombs in your wake; you can often kill pursuers by detonating said Stickybombs as soon as you can. Pursuers may also pause to destroy the Stickybombs or choose an alternate route, giving you more time to escape to safety.
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* The [[Grenade Launcher]] rounds will explode on contact with an enemy player or building, such as a Sentry Gun, giving massive damage. These Grenades can also rebound off a wall or another platform.
 
  
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* [[Sticky bombs]] can be used to propel the Demoman into the air, similarly to the [[Soldier]]'s [[Rocket jump]] technique. This allows players to move over large distances quickly or get into hard to reach places. However, the Demoman is also susceptible to [[fall damage]] when landing from a Sticky Jump. If you go to high, you could die from damage of the explosion and the fall.
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* Use the potent knockback of your explosives to disrupt enemy tactics, such as [[Medic Buddy#Heavy|Heavy/Medic pairs]], by using explosions to push the [[Medic]] away from the [[Heavy]] so each can be killed more easily. One can also use a large number of Stickybombs and detonate all of them at once to kill one or both targets.
  
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* Sticky Bombs can travel great distances by holding the primary fire button for an extended time. Players can use this to their advantage when targeting foes from afar.
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* Mastering Demoman Jumps, also called sticky jumps, can allow players to easily propel themselves behind enemy lines and take out unsuspecting players from either the rear or above.
  
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* Sticky Bombs can be placed in tunnels, upon ceilings, or in between map details such as support beams. Doing so will conceal them until enemies draw close enough to secure a considerable hit or a kill. This is an effective strategy since players tend to scan floors more often than ceilings.
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* The Demoman is one of the most effective [[melee]] classes, with advantages including longer ranged melee weapons and charged dashing capabilities (with a shield equipped). However, in order to utilize these advantages effectively, one must try to employ ambush tactics in order to launch surprise attacks on enemy players.
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** Like your projectiles, your charge works best at a distance, and requires you to lead targets who are not running away from you. Get used to the distance needed to gain a charging Critical hit.
  
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* To take out [[Sentry Gun]]s around corners, the [[Sticky bombs]] are often more useful than the [[Grenade Launcher]], since accurate rebounds aren't necessary. A player should simply throw a few Sticky bombs next to the Sentry Gun and detonate them: the blast will destroy the turret quickly and perhaps injure a nearby enemy [[Engineer]] tending to it.
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* The Demoman is the only class without [[hitscan]] weapons, meaning that most classes (especially Snipers or Scouts) have a high advantage over you at long distances. Additionally, fighting at close range will always result in self-damage and potentially a suicide unless you switch to your melee weapon.
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** Three Sticky bombs directly next to a fully upgraded enemy Sentry Gun will destroy it, two if they're crits.
 
  
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* The Demoman has two main roles:
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* You cannot detonate Stickybombs while taunting.
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** Defense: The classic role for the Demoman is defense. For example, a Demoman can place [[Sticky bombs]] on key areas, then switch to the [[Grenade Launcher]] to keep enemies at bay. As soon as an enemy walks within the blast radius of the Stickies, the Demoman can detonate them with the alternate fire button for an easy kill.
 
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** Offense: When a team's progress is denied by a strong [[Engineer]]-led defense, switch to offense to punch through their defenses. Along with the [[Spy]] and the [[Pyro]], the Demoman is a team's best hope in clearing enemy Sentry Guns and [[Heavy|Heavies]].
 
  
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* A good team-mate for the Demoman is the [[Scout]], who can capture a point or the Intelligence after enemy defenses are cleared. The Scout can also help battle enemy Engineers who will attempt to confront the Demoman directly.
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== General ==
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* When it comes to base stats, the Demoman is comparable to a less durable, yet slightly faster [[Soldier]]. With 175 base [[health]] and 93% [[speed]], he matches the [[Pyro]]'s base health, but moves slower to compensate for his high damage output.
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** As such, the Demoman is one of several classes able to endure uncharged [[headshot]]s at full base health, but also makes it slightly more difficult to chase opponents down or retreat on foot.
  
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* While it is certainly an effective strategy to stay at one choke point in a map and set up Sticky traps, this typically requires full, active attention; it is essential to survey the capture point constantly for incoming enemies.  If a player wishes to Sticky bomb something while still retaining the flexibility of being able to move all around the map, Sticky bombing objectives comes in to play.  While this seems obvious, the bonus is that the game automatically alerts the player (one way or another) when the objective is under attack or being captured. When this happens, simply detonate the bombs to secure a quick and easy kill. (It may not work with the Scottish Resistance, because the delayed explosion may give a Scout enough time to run away.
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* As a Demoman, you completely lack any source of [[hitscan]] weaponry. To make up for this, all your ranged weapons deal heavy explosive damage; two direct hits with your Grenade Launcher is enough to kill or severely damage any enemy, while a bunch of detonated stickybombs from any of your Stickybomb Launchers (except the Sticky Jumper) are the single strongest burst damage options in the game. Use this to your advantage by eliminating bulky targets like Heavies, or protect key areas with Stickybomb traps.
  
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* The [[Grenade Launcher]] is very useful as a fire-support weapon. Instead of closely confronting enemies in an assault, hang back near (but a little ahead of) friendly Snipers. Next, fire the Grenade Launcher high into the air (45 degrees or higher) and launch all 4 shots in a row in the general direction of the opponents. Do this continually, using Ammo Boxes or Dispensers to maintain ammo supply. This technique, dubbed "artillery," often results in extra kills and assists for Demomen while keeping them well out of the way of harm. It can be especially useful in 2Fort because it will land in the center of the battlefield.
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* Like the Soldier, your explosives deal excellent splash damage, allowing you to deal heavy damage to groups. This shines when defending objectives, as enemies often crowd onto a single spot, leaving them open.
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** However, this splash damage also applies to you. Keep a safe distance from the fight to avoid blowing yourself up by mistake.
  
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* Grenades linger on the ground after bouncing. Just because an enemy isn't near where a grenade first bounces doesn't mean an enemy won't run over it and take damage when it explodes. In chaotic fights involving a lot of people, enemies often tend to ignore less immediate threats like Grenades and instead focus on charging Pyros or Heavies. Lay down some grenades in order to push them back.
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* The projectile nature of your weapons allows you to act as covering fire; even if you miss, you can cover the area with ticking grenade hazards that will often deter opponents from retreating, making them open for another grenade or your teammates.
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** This inherently allows you to attack enemies out of sight. Lob grenades and Stickybombs to damage opponents in enemy territory that would otherwise be risky to enter.
  
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* If an initial attack doesn't kill the enemy, the Grenade Launcher and Sticky bombs will often launch them away, allowing a player to set up for another attack while also forcing them to adjust their aim.
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* Always keep your weapons loaded. While your Grenade and Stickybomb Launcher variants have reasonably large clip sizes, they have a comparatively long reload time, especially if they are completely empty. This is especially true for the [[Loch-n-Load]] and [[Quickiebomb Launcher]].
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** It is beneficial to keep a loaded Grenade Launcher as a backup weapon instead of the other way around, as Stickybombs have an arm time that can be the difference between life and death.
  
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* [[Sticky bombs]] can be used to scatter enemy Sticky bomb traps. Plant a Sticky bomb or two in center of the minefield and detonate them. The enemy mines will scatter, making them less effective.
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* You have access to Demoman-specific explosive [[Jump]]s, allowing you to traverse long distances and offset your below-average movement speed. However, unlike the Soldier, you only resist 25% of the damage from explosive jumps (compared to the Soldier's 40% resistance) and you do not have access to [[Gunboats]], making this a far riskier maneuver.
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** Optimize your jumps via a friendly [[overheal]], or simply take note of the position of the map's health packs.
  
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* When shooting at moving opponents with the Grenade Launcher, aim ahead of where the enemy is going in order to hit them dead on. Depending on distance, aim up a little to account for the grenades' ballistic trajectory.
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* As the class' name implies, the Demoman is a go-to demolition expert when it comes to [[Building]]s. Your high overall damage, large clip size, and ability to lob projectiles from a safe angle allows you to take down [[Sentry Gun]]s in two or three Stickybombs before an [[Engineer]] can destroy them himself; at best, you can destroy an entire nest and the Engineer in the process.
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** However, this does not mean you do not require team support. A large Engineer nest or one with enemy backup (such as Pyros) may require a teammate's help, either through a friendly [[Spy]]'s [[Sapper]] or a [[Medic]]'s [[ÜberCharge]].
  
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* The Sticky bombs are one of the few weapons that have a visible [[Critical hit]] notice before they are activated. This denoted by an aura of sparkles coming off the bomb when it is placed, meaning it will be cause a [[Critical hit]] to an enemy player. Fewer stickies are required in an area with a Critical Sticky bomb because of the increased damage.
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* Do not underestimate the utility of the [[Bottle]]! It deals reliable damage with no danger of harming yourself, allowing you to punish enemies who get into dangerous point-blank range, where you would usually risk blowing yourself up with your own bombs.
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** Pesky enemies who weave in-and-out of melee range can be baited into a hastily-set Stickybomb cluster; after all, you can still detonate your traps while holding out your melee weapon.
  
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* In addition to being a good offense against Sentry Guns, the Demoman is also effective at assisting Engineers fight off enemy Spies. Place one or two sticky bombs near a building, then wait nearby. When an Engineer says "Spy sapping my [building]," or if an Engineer just destroyed a Sappers, then detonate the bombs and return to reset them. The Stickies will not damage a friendly player or building.
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* Your dependence on projectiles means that you will be inaccurate without properly leading your target and accounting for distance. Even so, you still have a natural disadvantage against hitscan in general, especially if your enemy strafes constantly or keeps their distance. This can make fighting [[Scout]]s or [[Sniper]]s difficult.
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** If you have no other options, leave a trail of grenades or Stickybombs in the direction your opponent is moving; you might kill them even once you're dead. At worst, you can approach and {{botignore|kamikaze}} with a point-blank shot for an equal net loss.
  
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* A Demoman is one of the best counters for an [[ÜberCharge]] pair, arguably second only to the Pyro. First, place a string of [[Sticky bombs]] on the ground to create a mine field. Either detonate them just before the pair reaches the bombs to push them backward or just after the first one crosses the bombs to separate the [[Medic]] from his [[ÜberCharge]] target. Even if they manage to regroup, they have lost precious seconds of invincibility. Sticky bombs can also be placed on walls or edges of bridges in order to push the pair into corners or off of bridges. Use advance planning and creativity to make this strategy effective.
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===Knockback and [[Aerials]]===
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* Your explosives deal massive [[knockback]] to enemies if they connect with their lower body, with exceptions being the Heavy (due to his natural resistance to knockback), Soldiers wearing the [[Mantreads]], and a Medic and/or his patient under the influence of an [[ÜberCharge]] from a [[Quick-Fix]]. This makes you even more imposing near [[environmental hazards]], allowing you to force an untimely death.
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** A [[Scout]] under the effects of [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] or an [[ÜberCharge]]d target can be easily thrown into the air with a well-timed explosion, thus wasting their invincibility and leaving them wide open for the rest of the team. However, competent players can abuse this knockback and propel themselves on a [[Control point (objective)|Control Point]], or even straight into your team. Watch out and use this brutal power with care.
  
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* As a Demoman can only place eight stickies down at once with the Stickybomb Launcher, previously shot Stickies will blow up after passing this limit. The "self-detonating" stickies can still damage opponents, and could be a useful tactic for taking out incoming enemies while still attacking other enemies with new stickies.
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* Your ability to knock enemies into the air (and, by extension, your ability to deal heavy damage with direct hits at any range) allow you to perform aerial kills, or '''"Airshots"''', one of the Demoman's specialties. When an enemy is launched into the air, a Demoman with good prediction skills can score a direct hit with his [[Grenade Launcher]] to kill the helpless enemy. While aerials are possible with the [[Stickybomb Launcher]], it is not recommended due to damage falloff and the arming time.
  
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* The Grenade Launcher has the additional advantage of not suffering from falloff damage (on a direct hit). Only two other weapons in the game, the Sniper Rifle and the Pyro's [[Flare Gun]], have this property. This means that the weapon is deadly at all ranges. For example, a Soldier has similar damage output and more health than a Demoman up close, but at long range his damage falls off to less than half of his point blank damage, while the Demoman's stays the same. As such it helps to get some range on Soldiers when fighting them. (A thing you should think of while doing this is, when you go back, your accuracy weakens while the Soldier's stay the same)
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* Aerials work on any class, but the more common targets include [[Scout]]s, [[Demoman|Demomen]], and [[Soldier]]s. This is because these classes' own special abilities ([[Double jumping]], [[Jumping#Demoman Jumping|Sticky Jumping]], and [[Rocket jump|Rocket Jump]]ing, respectively) make them more likely to be spotted airborne than the other classes.
  
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* When retreating from a lost fight through a tunnel or pipes such as in [[2Fort]], the Grenade Launcher and Stickybomb Launcher can easily finish off a pursuer. Using the Grenade Launcher in these areas will give the enemy no place to run and the Sticky bombs can kill them when the enemy can't even see them. This strategy isn't recommended against experienced Pyros, as a Pyros compression blast will bounce the grenade back, meaning certain death for an injured Demoman.
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=== Roles===
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=====''[[Defense]]''=====
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Defense is the traditional role a Demoman will play, and is well suited to the class.
  
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===[[Aerials]]===
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* One of the more basic defensive strategies a Demoman will employ is placing well hidden Stickybombs on or near key strategic points on a map. When enemy players approach the target, a properly timed detonation can severely injure or kill passing enemies, and even if the stickies are spotted, they can delay and slow enemy pushes toward an objective.
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====[[Grenade Jump]]ing====
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** Setting up Stickybomb traps in unexpected places are critical to their success. Hiding Stickybombs behind escape routes and spamming grenades can make the enemy recklessly retreat, driving them to their death.
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* For smaller jumps or when having a group of stickies already deployed elsewhere, it might be more beneficial to use Grenade Jumping. This inflicts slightly less damage, and placed stickies are left undetonated. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntu9aIsGEkk YouTube video on various grenade jumps.]
 
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* Note that, obviously, grenade jumps are less practical than sticky bomb jumps in situations where enemies may be nearby due to the fact that one must wait for the grenade to explode. However, Grenade Jumping is a very viable tactic with the [[Chargin' Targe]] equipped, and it can easily catch people off guard when they find a Targe-equipped Demoman in such an awkward place.
 
  
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====[[Stickybomb jumping|Stickybomb Jumping]]====
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* Maintaining pressure on choke points is another core Demoman defensive strategy due to his pure burst damage. Once the enemy team begins to push through a chokepoint, a Demoman can single-handedly obstruct any enemy progress by covering the area with Stickybombs and spamming Grenades at incoming opponents. This is especially useful if the enemies are taken by surprise, or in confined or narrow spaces.
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* Sticky jumping is similar to [[Rocket Jumping]]. It allows a player to jump much higher at the cost of more health (45-114 excluding [[fall damage]]). To do this, lay a sticky bomb(s) on the ground, run over it, jump, and then detonate. As when Rocket Jumping, crouching in mid-air before setting off the sticky will propel the player with even more force. Multiple stickies can be used for an even greater effect, at the cost of a higher amount of self damage (Using this method, it is possible to jump from one battlement to the other in [[2Fort]]). When Sticky Jumping with the [[Scottish Resistance]], any stickies directly under the Demoman will be detonated when the alternate fire is activated, so long as there are no other stickies in the reticule.  However, jumps with a lot of forward momentum are difficult to achieve with the Scottish Resistance unless the sticky bomb being used for the jump is being directly looked at -- essentially the player will be facing away from the direction they wish to go when the bomb is detonated.  This can take some practice to get used to.
 
  
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==Weapon Specific==
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* A Demoman can use the knockback of his explosives to split apart or disrupt pushes and isolate enemies to allow for easy pickings.
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===Primary Weapons===
 
  
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====[[Grenade Launcher]]====
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* The Demoman is effective at helping Engineers to fight off enemy [[Spies]]. Your attacks won't harm friendly buildings, so place one or two Stickybombs near a building, then wait nearby or while providing offensive support with your Grenade Launcher. When an Engineer says "Spy sapping my [building]," or if an Engineer just destroyed a Sapper, detonate the bombs to kill the Spy in case he is still there, then return to place more. You can also use the [[Scottish Resistance]] to protect friendly buildings from enemy Demoman Stickybombs.
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{{Icon weapon|weapon=Grenade Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
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An easy weapon for the inexperienced and a deadly tool of destruction in the hands of an experienced player.
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* Because the Stickybombs on the Scottish Resistance take a longer time to arm, it is better suited for defensive play that requires guarding multiple areas simultaneously while still leaving unneeded traps undetonated. Additionally, this allows for a "safety net" in case your first cluster misses or isn't enough to kill a group of enemies; simply have another group of Stickybombs prepared close by so you can have another go. You can also deliberately prematurely detonate one group of Stickybombs where the enemy can see them; this may trick the enemy into thinking that they have tricked you into prematurely detonating your Stickybombs, causing them to relax their guard and stumble directly into your ''real'' Sticky trap.
  
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* Grenades explode on contact with an enemy, provided they have not bounced first.
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=====''[[Offense]]''=====
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For a Defense-based class, the Demoman has one of the highest damage outputs in the game, allowing him to fill in the offensive role and punch through enemy defenses, letting his entire team move forward.
  
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*Grenades can be used as an improvised temporal area denial tool when the secondary has no stickies loaded or the Sticky Jumper or Charging' Targe is equipped.
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* Stickybombs are a very useful weapon, as their short detonation time, combined with their damage and splash range, can destroy enemy pushes and break stalemates. Multiple stickies can be used to take down slower and larger targets such as the Heavy.
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** The Grenade Launcher is also powerful on its own, with the added benefit of exploding on hit and contributing to spam, which limits enemy movements.
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** Stickybombs can be charged to throw them further.
  
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* Grenades spin when fired, which sometimes causes them to bounce unpredictably. They do obey gravity (e.g. bouncing down slopes) and will bounce around corners and off walls. Predicting their direction after multiple bounces relies on knowing the area being attacked. To shoot long distances it's often better to jump and fire than change the angle of fire much past 45 degrees.
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* When your team's progress is denied by a strong Engineer nest, a Demoman is an optimal choice for offensive pushing. Along with the Spy and the Soldier, the Demoman is a team's best hope at clearing enemy Sentry Guns and [[Heavy|Heavies]].
  
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* Like most other ''Team Fortress 2'' weapons, accuracy can only be relied on at close quarters. Grenades launch to the right of the cross-hair, so lead to the left to compensate.  This is especially important for dealing with the faster classes such as [[Pyro]]s and [[Scout]]s.
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* If given an [[ÜberCharge]], the Demoman becomes a formidable front-line attacker that can fill in several roles. With a standard ÜberCharge, the Demoman can clear out an entire Engineer nest as well as enemies and other obstructions, while a [[Kritzkrieg]] ÜberCharge allows him to shut down enemy groups and pushes completely. This proves particularly effective with backup from other Demomen and Soldiers.
  
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* But keep in mind that it is very easy to avoid grenades at long and even medium range - because of the grenade's low speed, enemies have a lot of time to react. High angle fire at long distances can help to hit enemies behind cover.
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* Being a support [[Demoman]] is slightly harder than concentrating on offense or defense alone, as it revolves around covering as much friendly ground or chokepoints as possible. A Demoman can lay down spam to hold enemies back, while also utilizing Stickybombs to hold ground for other teammates to advance forward.
  
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* If an enemy is about to run away, shoot one or two grenades at his escape route. After that, attempt to get a direct hit.  
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==[[Glossary of player terms#Demoknight|Demoknight]]==
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[[Image:Eyelander.png|right|100px|thumb|A Demoknight set completely changes the playstyle of the class.]]
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Using a '''Demoknight''' set (generally seen as one of the [[shield]] weapons paired with a [[sword]]-based melee weapon) grants the Demoman a unique combat style that requires separate tactics and techniques.
  
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* If a group of enemies are distracted, it's better to bounce grenades off walls to get splash damage, but be careful not to miss as bouncing if off the ground at any angle makes the grenade dart forward.
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* Unlike a standard Demoman, who is a medium-ranged expert focused on traps and strong crowd control, a Demoknight is instead a sub-class focused on single-target melee [[pick]]ing, with advantages including higher resistance to explosives and [[fire]], better mobility and the removal of debuffs via charging, longer melee range combined with on-hit/kill weapon perks, and the ability to chase down and eliminate a single target with a well-positioned critical swing.
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** Downsides of the class include contributing less to large firefights and battles, since Demoknights do not fare well as their longer range damage output is reduced. Melee combat in itself is risky due to a Demoknight being unable to escape if their charge misses. Finally, with [[Boots]] equipped, a Demoknight is completely forced to depend on melee combat, making him extremely vulnerable to long-range damage and Sentry Guns, the latter of which is (ironically) usually simple to deal with if playing as the stock class.
  
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* The Grenade Launcher's large splash damage radius is useful against large groups of enemies in small confined spaces.
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* Playing a Demoknight requires a different mindset from a standard Demoman, as you sacrifice the Stickybomb Launcher's strengths for the utilities gained by your array of shields and swords.
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** Your shields make you harder to kill with flames and explosives, giving you an advantage against Soldiers, Pyros, and other Demomen. This is most apparent with the [[Chargin' Targe]], which allows you to tank a [[Flame Thrower]]'s flames when a Pyro would usually have the upper hand.
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** Meanwhile, your sword-based weapons have increased melee reach, and also give you health or charge on hit/kill. Combined with the resistance and charge ability granted by your shields, you can dash in quickly and slice at opponents, then escape with the health or charge gained by your melee attacks.
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** Boots give you more health and charge maneuverability, and also grants you additional speed when equipped alongside a shield, making it easier for you to swordfight; with the [[Eyelander]] and four heads, the extra speed even allows you to chase down any class on foot, including [[Scout]]s. However, all these tempting upsides are offset by this setup's pure-melee requirement, making you easy to kill unless you are already in melee range. In essence, a full Demoknight setup tests your prowess as a Demoknight, and rewards players who understand when to run in and which opponents to engage with.
  
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* Jumping on a fired Grenade will provide an effective, mid range jump that's comparable to a sticky jump. It deals less damage to the player than the sticky bomb launcher, so it's perfect for cautious players.
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* Even if you are not actively using your melee weapon, a shield is still an effective utility tool. It lets you get to places without self-harm (unlike your explosive jumps), endure more blast and fire damage while still being aggressive with your Grenade Launcher, and can even lead you and a friendly Medic to safety if he is healing you with the [[Quick-Fix]] while you charge.
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** Charging also immediately removes the effects of [[Jarate]], [[Mad Milk]], [[Bleeding]], and [[Afterburn]], which is very useful due to a Demoknight's tendency to work alone and run into danger.
  
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*Grenade Launcher can be used to protect you and any Sticky traps you have set up; also, many players rarely expect a Demoman with Grenade Launcher out to have a Sticky trap at all.
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* Grenade or Loose Cannon explosive jumps can be extended using your charge, even letting you switch direction in midair. This is especially efficient when using the [[Tide Turner]].
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** The mechanics of charging also allows you to charge into the air using slopes, a technique named '''"trimping"''', which is explained further below in the '''"Demoman Jumps"''' section.
  
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====[[Loch-n-Load]]====
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* Remember to prioritize the original role of the Demoman class! If there is a building or Engineer nest that desperately needs taking down, be a team player and drop the shield for your Stickybomb Launcher. A Demoknight simply lacks the firepower needed to take down nests by himself, and you can always re-equip your shield after clearing a nest.
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{{Icon weapon|weapon=Loch-n-Load|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load is notably weaker on area control and building demolition than the standard Grenade Launcher, as standard grenades will, barring a direct hit, stick around for a few seconds and then explode, whereas the Loch-n-Load's shells shatter on impact, exploding only if they hit an enemy or Sentry Gun/Dispenser/Teleporter.
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load's higher damage per-hit and higher splash damage, paired with the increased shot velocity means that the Loch-n-Load is a great weapon for tunnel fighting; it proves its worth in areas like the tunnels of ctf_turbine and pl_hoodoo. Consider taking it if you have to fight in such an area, as the shells are much harder to avoid than the Grenade Launcher's, especially for bigger targets like the [[Heavy]].
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load's grenades are somewhat better for dealing with tightly-packed crowds than the Grenade Launcher, making it extremely good at holding choke-points - again, mostly due to the enhanced damage and speed. You're simply more likely to hit a member of a group with a faster grenade shell, and higher damage makes them all the better. If you can get enemies to cluster up (such as any of the control points on cp_egypt), the damage and disruption the Loch-n-Load can cause makes it extremely useful.
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load does have a small clip size (which means more reloads in the face of enemy aggression) and does notably more self-damage than the Grenade Launcher. It's a good idea to switch to your Sticky Launcher of choice for extended battles, and switch to a suitable melee weapon should an enemy insist on getting close.
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load functionally removes your ability to Grenade Jump, since the grenades explode on impact with an enemy. This means you will need to either use Sticky Jumps to get to hard-to-reach areas, or else find another route.
 
−
* The [[Chargin' Targe]] can mitigate the improved self-damage of the Loch-n-Load in close combat situations.
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load is particularly devastating against low-HP classes - the [[Sniper]], [[Engineer]], [[Scout]], and [[Spy]]. A direct hit will leave these classes with critical health - and often kill them through falling damage alone if it knocks them into the air.
 
−
*Reload often; with only two shots, you really don't want to get caught with empty chambers in the middle of a firefight.
 
−
*The downside of destructible grenades can be used to your advantage if an enemy [[Pyro]] is good with the airblast. Should the Pyro airblast the grenade but miss you and/or your teammates, the reflected grenade will be destroyed without any explosion whatsoever. This is an immensely useful advantage to have when fighting skilled Pyros.
 
−
*The Loch-n-Load is part of the [[Expert's Ordnance]] set, and will need to be used if you intend to take advantage of the set's fire resistance.
 
−
*In summary, this weapon is one that takes skill, timing, and good accuracy to make the most of. Practice making direct hits from various ranges and angles if you intend to use it; your time will be well-spent honing your technique.
 
  
−
====[[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]]====
+
* If you are not willing to drop the shield, equip one of the Grenade Launchers. You can provide some extra firepower at the cost of 25 health.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Ali Baba's Wee Booties|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
** Chain a [[Grenade Jump]] with a trimp to gain some distance!
 +
{{clr}}
  
−
*Used in conjunction with either the [[Chargin' Targe]] or the [[Splendid Screen]] and a [[Demoman#Melee|Melee]] weapon, you can become a melee based offensive powerhouse.
+
* It is possible to increase the range of your melee weapon by 128 [[units]]. You can do this by swinging your weapon just before charging.
 +
** On top of that you will still be charging after doing this, granting you two swings in one charge. (note that the first swing will not be a Critical hit) If you are in front of a low-health enemy and there is another one behind him, use this tactic to kill the enemy in front of you and use the Crits of your second attack to kill the one behind him.
  
−
===Secondary Weapons===
+
==Demoman Jumps==
−
====[[Stickybomb Launcher]]====
+
{{main|Jumping#Demoman jumps|l1=Demoman Jumps}}
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Stickybomb Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
−
The use of [[Stickybomb]]s is one of the defining features of advanced [[Demoman]] play. They are detonated by using your alternative fire ([[Default key]] mouse2), no matter which weapon is currently out.
+
The Demoman, along with the Soldier, is one of the two classes who can perform explosive jumps. His various weapons, including the [[Grenade Launcher]], [[Stickybomb Launcher]], and [[Scottish Resistance]], can be used to perform such jumps, each with different methods to execute.  
  
−
Some basic pointers for planting Sticky bombs are:
+
===[[Stickybomb jumping|Stickybomb Jumping]]===
  
−
* When guarding a [[Maps#Control point|capture point]] or the [[Intelligence]], create a large blast radius by spreading out a Sticky bomb carpet.
+
'''Stickybomb jumping''', or '''sticky jumping''', is often the most common type of Demoman jump, which involves the detonation of one or more [[stickybomb]]s for a large, though highly damaging, explosive jump.
  
−
* After planting Sticky bombs around the Intelligence or a Control point, the Demoman is free to leave the area. Look at the Capture the Flag or Capture Point [[HUD]] elements, or listen for the announcements of "The enemy has taken our Intelligence" or "Our Control point is being captured" and detonate the Sticky bombs. Keep an eye on the total number of fired stickies, though, as the enemy could be destroying them before stepping onto the point.
+
* Sticky jumping is very similar to rocket jumping. Simply lay a Stickybomb on the ground, run over it, jump, and then detonate the bomb. As when rocket jumping, [[Jumping#Crouch-jumping|crouch-jump]]ing in mid-air before setting off the sticky will propel the player with even more force.
  
−
* When guarding other strategic locations, place Sticky bombs that are either out of sight until it's too late, or in well hidden/odd places (such as on ceilings, under stairs, above automatic doors etc.). Also place Stickies directly on the Intelligence briefcase, where they will be hidden by it.
+
* Compared to rocket jumping, sticky jumping sends the user much further, but at the cost of much more health ('''45-114 excluding [[fall damage]]'''). Multiple stickies can be used for an even greater effect, at the cost of a higher amount of self-damage.
 +
** Due to the high amount of health lost from sticky jumping, it is wise to memorize [[health pack]] locations on the map, or have a Medic in tow.
  
−
* Never forget that Sticky Bombs can be launched across the visible distance of most open maps. Aim for windows, Sniper ledges and other populated areas. When the trajectory is right, lob in a few bombs and detonate them to clear the room.
+
* Demomen only take 25% reduced damage from their explosive jumps, unlike Soldiers (who take 40% reduced damage). It is usually suicidal to stickybomb jump as a retreat option unless you have [[overheal]] or are at full health.
  
−
* If Sticky bombs are clustered too closely, enemy Demomen can clear them away with a single Sticky. To counter this, spread them out whenever possible. Beware of Demomen carrying the [[Scottish Resistance]].
+
* Your angle to the Stickybomb when it is detonated determines your flight path — standing directly on top of your stickybomb sends you straight up, and the more you stray from the explosion's center, the more horizontal distance you cover. You can adjust when to detonate your Stickybombs to adjust your trajectory to be either more vertical or horizontal.
 +
** For an optimal horizontal sticky jump, fire a Stickybomb where a wall meets with the floor to maximize distance gained.
  
−
* Don't stand still when placing a lot of stickies near objectives like the Payload cart or a control point. Doing so will make the Demoman susceptible to headshots, backstabs, and damage from other weapons as well.
+
* With practice, Stickybomb jumps can be extended with "pogo-jumping" — detonating a second Stickybomb in the air to increase your air time. However, this is quite complicated to master, as it requires your first jump to send you directly over your second, airborne Stickybomb, and it often deals too much damage to survive unless you are overhealed.
  
−
* Place stickybombs around [[Health]] packs, particularly if they are inside buildings (e.g. under Control point A on [[Gravel Pit]])
+
* The Stickybomb Launcher can be replaced by the [[Sticky Jumper]], which will remove all self-damage when sticky jumping, allowing much farther and higher jumps. However, fall damage must still be taken into account.
  
−
* An easier way to destroy a Sentry Gun is to get to such an angle that you can place the stickies ''next'' to the Sentry Gun, and use their splash damage to destroy it. A few more stickies are required, but it is less likely that the Engineer will be able to destroy them all.
+
====Scottish Resistance====
 +
* When sticky jumping with the [[Scottish Resistance]], any stickies directly under the Demoman will be detonated when secondary fire is used, so long as there are no other stickies in the player's crosshair. However, jumps with a lot of forward momentum are difficult to achieve with the Scottish Resistance unless the Stickybomb being used for the jump is being directly looked at — essentially, the player will be facing away from the direction they wish to go when the bomb is detonated. This can take some practice to get used to.
  
−
* If an enemy is on the control point, wait a moment before detonating, as they may have seen the  sticky bombs and be trying to trick you into detonating too early.
+
===[[Grenade Jump]]ing===
 +
'''Grenade jumping''' uses the timed explosion of a Grenade Launcher's [[grenades]] for a smaller, less damaging explosive jump.
  
−
* When death is imminent, detonate the stickies that you placed. There is a small chance that someone might get caught in the blast radius. It is better to have a slim chance of killing an enemy than losing placed sticky bombs for nothing.
+
* Like a Stickybomb jump, simply jump atop a grenade as it is about to explode to send yourself flying; the further you are from the explosion's center, the more horizontal distance you gain and more vertical distance you lose. Remember that grenades have a fuse time of around 2.3 seconds.
  
−
* Do not underestimate the power of Airburst Stickies. The ability to detonate Stickies in mid air allows one to attack with great precision for high damage. The only disadvantage is the slow firing rate.
+
* As grenades tend to roll around after being shot, it is usually best to fire a grenade towards a wall to make its final sitting position more predictable.
  
−
* To use Stickies in an offensive battle, it is very effective to constantly launch stickies and detonate them as soon as they come out. The constant flow of damage can add up very quickly, along with the fact that the [[Demoman]] may have an easier time laying them out in the heat of a battle in which they are not the only target. This method can be very effective, easily killing bigger classes such as [[Heavy]]/[[Medic]] combos, in which the [[Heavy]] may be firing their Minigun, which slows their movement speed down dramatically, not giving them a chance to move away from the bombs.
+
* Grenades deal '''38-73 self-damage''' depending on the distance you are from the center of its explosion. This makes it more efficient for smaller jumps, or when conserving health is a priority.
 +
** Grenade jumping is also beneficial if you already have a group of stickies deployed elsewhere, as placed stickies will be left undetonated.
  
−
====[[Scottish Resistance]]====
+
* Another method of grenade jumping can be used when you are especially close to an enemy, just crouch jump and then shoot a grenade at the enemy, this will inflict damage on both you and the target, allowing you to blast jump away.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Scottish Resistance|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
** This method of grenade jumping is mostly just useful has a retreat tactic.
−
*The SR is far more effective on defense than the normal sticky launcher because of the large number of bombs it can place (currently 14) and the fact that they can be detonated by looking at a desired group of bombs.
 
−
*Although primarily used for defense, the SR can still be an effective offensive weapon. Its fast rate of fire can be used in direct combat, but not in the same way as the normal Stickybomb Launcher. One tactic is to launch stickybombs behind enemies and then attack using the Grenade Launcher. This should cause enemies to retreat, thereby causing them to move backwards through the newly-created stickytrap which can then be detonated at the right time. This technique helps to offset the longer priming time possessed by the SR. When under the effects of an [[ÜberCharge]], the technique can be used just as effectively without using the Grenade Launcher, as enemies will usually retreat when confronted by an ubered player. It is important to consider the speed of enemy players when using this technique however, as the stickybombs should be placed close behind slower classes such as the Soldier and the Heavy, but further behind faster classes such as the Scout. This will ensure that the stickybombs have time to prime before the enemy reaches them.
 
−
*When defending anywhere, especially places like tunnels, having 2-3 distinct groups of main bombs (2-4 per group) on the corner/doorway and 1-2 secondary groups (1-2 bombs) hidden along a retreat route can single-handily hold a position. Detonate individual main groups to take out incoming enemies, and if a Scout/Pyro gets past, lure them into the secondary traps.
 
−
*The longer arming time prevents the SR from being used to deal damage as quickly as the normal Sticky Launcher. It also is much harder to perform airbursts using the SR.  This has led to the conventional wisdom that the SR is only useful for creating traps.  This is no longer the case now that the SR has gained a 25% faster firing rate.  While the bombs now arm even slower, the faster firing can be used to create "offensive" carpets.  Instead of creating a trap and waiting for enemies to walk near it, it is actually possible to place bombs around any enemy player(s) quickly and then detonate once several stickies are out.  This has the effect of rapidly denying enemies room to maneuver, and almost guarantees that enemies in the area being carpeted will take at least some damage once the carpet is detonated.  This technique works best in areas where space is already limited, such as hallways.  Also, some enemies may panic as the area around them rapidly becomes covered in Stickies, and cause them to either rush forward blindly (into a trap) or run away.  Finally, this method of attack works wonders against unaware opponents, since many players are oblivious to Stickies being placed around them until it's too late. 
 
−
*While the SR does require the user to be looking in the general direction of the bombs they set, they do not have to be looking directly AT the bombs in question. Even if there isn't a direct line-of-sight to placed bombs, they can still be detonated, no-matter what their location is on the map, provided the crosshair is fixated on the general area of your trap(s). This can prove invaluable if someone begins capturing a Control Point or takes the Intelligence while the rest of the team is busy chasing down an opponent or otherwise preoccupied elsewhere.
 
−
*While not all of the SR sticky-bombs cannot be detonated at once, they can be detonated in rapid succession by holding down the detonate key (Right-Mouse Button by default) and swinging the crosshair view across all placed stickybombs.
 
−
*Remember that the SR can destroy enemy stickybombs. This is quite useful on offense despite the SR's obvious defensive applications. This is especially true on Attack/Defend maps and Payload maps where enemy Demomen often lay Sticky bombs outside the starting gates. Also, if an enemy Über Demoman is coming to destroy a team's Sentry Gun(s), placing a few quick bombs can nullify the charge.
 
−
*The SR is useful for defending Engineer nests. Since it can destroy enemy stickybombs,  it will be useful if 3-5 stickies are put around the buildings of the Engineer. Activate them if a Demoman tries to destroy it with the sticky launcher.  This is also useful for dealing with Spies placing Sappers.
 
−
*This weapon is great to trick enemies. Set a small group of stickybombs (2-3) unseen near a doorway/entrance/etc. Near the same doorway, set down the rest of your stickybombs. When an enemy comes near, blow up the first group and they will '''think''' that the sticky bombs are done for. Then when the enemy comes to the second group, they will not be expecting a giant stickybomb explosion.
 
  
−
====[[Sticky Jumper]]====
+
* Note that grenade jumps are less practical than Stickybomb jumps in situations where enemies may be nearby, due to the fact that one must wait for the grenade to explode with the stock Grenade Launcher.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Sticky Jumper|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
** However, Grenade Jumping is a very viable tactic with the [[Chargin' Targe]] or [[Splendid Screen]] equipped, and it can easily catch enemies off-guard when they find a shield-equipped Demoman in an unexpected place.
−
*The Sticky Jumper is a weapon used for practicing sticky jumping. However there are some advantages over the normal Stickybomb Launcher if a player wants to use it in serious online play.
 
−
*The Sticky Jumper is incapable of dealing damage to enemies as well as the user. Keep this in mind when using it.
 
−
*Using the Sticky Jumper with the Pain Train can make be an effective method for point capturing. However, both weapons will make you extremely vulnerable. It is best to use this combo against unguarded points or after the previous point was just captured.
 
−
*Due to the 100% reduction on self-damage, Demomen can perform 8-stack Sticky Jumps without the need of a Medic. This can be used as a hasty retreat method or as a means to get behind enemy lines.
 
−
*Due to the similar appearance with the Stickybomb Launcher's stickies, "fake sticky traps" can be placed to throw enemies off. If the enemy sees stickies on the ground they usually won't proceed and will go back to find a different way. Use this to confuse or deter the enemy. However, do not use this in a one-on-one fight.
 
−
*It might not be wise to use this weapon with the Eyelander because of its health penalty and vulnerabilities. The penalties will make the Demoman a very fragile combatant. However, once a player has collected several heads, said player will be extremely mobile and have a more respectable amount of health. Using the [[Chargin' Targe]] in order to accumulate a respectable amount of heads before returning to spawn to equip the Sticky Jumper is a far more practical idea.
 
−
*A Demoman with great aim can actually benefit with the Sticky Jumper while using the Demoman's item set. With the Sticky Jumper, you won't take any self damage, so you can easily ambush an enemy with the Ullapool Caber or the Loch-n-Load, and you won't take any damage from the Caber like you normally would, AND you won't take any damage from close encounters with the Loch-n-Load.
 
−
*Using the Sticky Jumper in tandem with the Ullapool Caber can have devastating effects. Use the Sticky Jumper to gain access to enemy occupied control points or areas from above and come down with Caber to weaken their attack/defense strength.
 
−
*While sticky jumping in large, open maps or areas, take note of any enemy Snipers in the area. Your increase in vulnerability can make nearly any shot fatal, and any your falling pattern can be you an easy target.
 
−
*You also do not take damage from the [[Pumpkin Bombs]] found in the event versions of [[Harvest]] and [[Mann Manor]]. Use this to your advantage to cause great damage to enemies.
 
−
*A simple tactic in open areas is to get in with the Sticky Jumper, do damage then get out with the Sticky Jumper.
 
  
−
====[[Chargin' Targe]]====
+
* A tutorial on Grenade Jumps can be found [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntu9aIsGEkk here.]
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Chargin' Targe|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
−
A simple shield, just equipping it gives the Demoman resistance to both explosions and fire. A Demoman at full health - even with the Eyelander equipped - can survive a critical rocket if they have the Targe equipped.
+
====Iron Bomber and Loose Cannon====
−
*Keep an eye on your Charge meter, as its color will tell you the effects of the Targe - White is recharging or charged, Green is a recently-activated charge (less than 50% used); yellow means your next attack will be a [[Critical hits#Mini Crits|Mini-Crit]], and red means that your next melee attack will be a full strength Critical hit. The red zone also means that colliding with an enemy will cause the Targe itself to inflict damage. (50 Damage + 10 damage for each Head you have, up to 5 heads.)
+
* The [[Iron Bomber]] can make grenade jumping more efficient, simply because the projectiles stay almost completely stationary until detonation, and its shorter fuse time means a shorter wait for each grenade jump. Overall, this gives you more control over your jumps.
−
*You must be quick to react, as the 'Red Zone' will only be active during the last 25% of the Charge.
+
* [[Loose Cannon]] cannonballs can also be used for grenade jumps due to its short fuse time. However, take note that their shape may make it difficult to position them for an optimal jump, and that cannonballs have a fuse that only lasts one second. Additionally, the Loose Cannon can perform a more efficient Cannon Jump, as shown below.
−
*Try to attack enemies that are unaware of your presence. Getting behind a Soldier or Medic and charging will result in an easy kill.
 
−
*Charging down long hallways can force enemies back as well as give you a chance at a few kills.
 
−
*If you're in danger or on fire, use the charge to quickly move out of the battle zone to find a Medic or Health pack.
 
−
*The very end of your charge grants you a Critical hit with whatever melee weapon you are using. Using this critical in conjunction with the Eyelander can result in an instant kill for every class except for the Heavy and Soldier (it will leave the Soldier with 5 health left). Demoman, Pyro and Medic can survive if they are fully [[overheal]]ed (A Demoman can also survive if he has collected enough heads).
 
−
*The Chargin' Targe does deal damage if you come into contact with an enemy at the end of your charge. This shield bash deals a good amount of damage (50 + 10 for each head you have taken, up to 5 heads), useful for finishing off targets you have struck with the Grenade Launcher (Targe will not shield you from your own grenades and any grenades fired near the end of the charge will not be made critical by the charge, despite the Crit effect shown).
 
−
*The Targe gives you a resistance to fire and explosive damage, but not to bullets and other projectiles. Keep this in mind when charging at Heavies, Scouts, or any players that have a Shotgun equipped.
 
−
*Do not attempt to charge Heavies unless they are distracted by other teammates or you know they are very weak. The Heavy's Minigun fire is very effective at close range, and if they have [[Natascha]] equipped, you will effectively be slowed to a stand still. If you are hit with Natascha, your only real chances are to either crawl to cover or to spam grenades in hopes of killing the Heavy first.
 
−
*The Force-A-Nature's knockback, the Flamethrower's compression blast, Sentry Guns, arrows, Natascha's speed reduction and the explosive force of grenades, rockets, and Sticky bombs will all interrupt your charge.
 
−
*Generally don't try to charge enemy who are aware of your presence and can see the beginning of your charge. Simple strafing will help enemy to avoid your attack and make you vulnerable.
 
−
*During a Charge, you move at 750 Hammer Units per second; two and a half times faster than the Engineer, Pyro, Spy or Sniper, and 87.5% faster than the Scout. Using this sudden burst of speed to retreat can mean the difference between waiting to recharge, and waiting to respawn.
 
−
*A common technique to use with the Chargin' Targe is to fire off grenades from behind obstacles and other such objects to catch someone's attention, then charge around the object to catch them off guard in their pursuit.
 
−
*Use the Claidheamh Mòr in conjunction with the Chargin' Targe to increase your charge distance.
 
  
−
====[[Splendid Screen]]====
+
===[[Grenade Jump#Cannon jump|Cannon Jumping]]===
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Splendid Screen|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
 +
Similarly to the [[Beggar's Bazooka]], the [[Loose Cannon]] can be overloaded. By charging a cannonball for a full second, the detonation allows for a strong, easily-timed explosive jump.
  
−
===Melee Weapons===
+
* The Loose Cannon deals '''64-73 self-damage''' when overloaded, as overcharging causes an explosion directly in front of the player. This is more stable when compared to the Grenade Launcher (38-73 damage) and Stickybomb Launcher (45-114).
−
====[[Bottle]] / [[Frying Pan]] / [[Saxxy]]====
+
** Since both the Loose Cannon's fuse time and the position of the overload's explosion is fixed, it allows for controllable jumps and doesn't necessitate a surface to maximize distance gained. Additionally, since Cannon Jumping offers good distance comparable with a Stickybomb jump, it allows you to clear large distances much faster with a lower health penalty.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Bottle|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Frying Pan|icon-size=100x100px}}  {{Icon weapon|weapon=Saxxy|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
−
The Demoman's [[Melee weapon]], the Scrumpy Bottle, is valuable as an emergency fall-back, and the only weapon you can use in close-combat without injuring yourself.
+
* As Cannon Jumping grants an easily accessible method of explosive jumping without the use of your Stickybomb Launcher, equipping an alternative secondary weapon is a viable option. By equipping the [[Chargin Targe]], [[Splendid Screen]], or the [[Tide Turner]], it's possible to choose a Demoknight loadout whilst keeping a useful jumping ability. Your shield's charge can even let you lengthen your jump or even switch directions in midair.
−
* The Bottle should be used in the same way as most other melee weapons when enemies are too close or too fast to hit with a Grenade (or if you don't have time to reload the Grenade Launcher).
 
−
* The Bottle will break on a Critical hit. This is purely visual and has no game effect.
 
−
* The [[Bottle]] can also be used for [[Spy checking]], as it is safer to use than your other weapons in close quarters.
 
−
* The Bottle has no drawbacks, unlike the Eyelander and the Pain Train so if you aren't planning on bludgeoning enemy players with a melee, it is best to go with this.
 
−
* Keep in mind that an enemy hit with a Frying Pan will be very quick to know what's going on as the Frying Pan makes an incredibly loud and distinctive noise upon hitting anything that isn't air.
 
  
−
====[[Eyelander]] / [[Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker]] / [[Nessie's Nine Iron]]====
+
===Charge jumping (Trimping)===
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Eyelander|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Nessie's Nine Iron|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
'''Charge jumps''', while technically not an "explosive jump", is a unique Demoman jump which uses slanted objects to alter the trajectory of a [[shield]] charge.
−
*In most cases, the Eyelander should not be used without the Chargin' Targe. However, a Demoman with 4 decapitations and a Sticky Launcher is a massive threat.  Head count is not reset until death, so a smart Demoman can use the Chargin' Targe until he accumulates 4 heads, then return to a resupply cabinet and switch to the sticky launcher of his choice. With over 200 HP and the second fastest run speed in the game, an Eyelander Demoman using the Sticky Launcher can be a very powerful enemy and one to avoid at all costs, especially if he has a Medic.
 
−
**This strategy will not work if "Automatically respawn after loadout changes in respawn zones" is checked in Options->Multiplayer->Advanced, as changing weapons respawns the player and resets the player's head count.
 
−
*The Eyelander has a very long range for a melee weapon. Get comfortable with its area of effect and take this into account when going for a critical charge.
 
−
*Don't try to use the Eyelander all the time, you should have the Grenade Launcher out and be proficient with it. Use the Eyelander when you can get your enemy by surprise, cornered them or once your charge meter is full again (listen for the beep sound).
 
−
**If possible, weaken the enemy with the Grenade Launcher first before killing him with the Eyelander
 
−
*Be aware that the Eyelander 'hits' near the beginning of the swing animation, rather than at the middle. Keep this in mind so you don't accidentally 'under-shoot' an attack, especially when using the sword in conjunction with the Chargin' Targe.
 
−
*Decapitating an enemy Demoman who also has the Eyelander equipped allows you to steal any Heads he has accumulated.
 
−
*The Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker is much larger than the Eyelander, but is otherwise statistically identical.  
 
  
−
=====[[Decapitation]]=====
+
* The most basic Trimping technique is a simple leap off a sloped surface while equipping the [[Chargin Targe]], [[Splendid Screen]], or [[Tide Turner]]. This is often executed by moving towards a slope, jumping while looking at it, and charging right before hitting the ground. This burst of speed will propel the player to great distances since the slope will typically point upwards. One such easily-accessible jump exists on [[Degroot Keep]].
−
[[File:Demomaneyelandertauntkill.png|100px|Decapitation]]
 
−
*This taunt kill can be used to kill enemies with one hit. It can be used for very distracted enemies, but like most taunt kills leaves you vulnerable during the animation.  
 
−
*A decapitation will add 1 to your Eyelander head count.
 
−
*If you catch up to a Heavy about to eat a Sandvich, it is a better idea to use the Decapitation taunt rather than start wailing on them with the Eyelander as they will out-heal the damage and proceed to kill you.
 
  
−
====[[Pain Train]]====
+
* [[Water]] can also be used for a niche charge jump. When fully submerged, the player can leap out of the water in an arc, provided that they have gained enough speed and are aiming upwards at a strong angle.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Pain Train|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
−
*The Pain Train is situational. It is best used on capture point and Payload, especially when the enemy defenses are about to fall or when your team needs to close the distance on a Payload Race. It can also prove extremely handy on King of the Hill maps.
 
  
−
*You should not equip the Pain Train if you are having trouble with Heavies and Scouts, as the increased bullet damage makes these already annoying enemies nearly impossible to beat in some situations. Especially if you're using the Chargin' Targe as well, as Pyros and Soldiers if they see you with it might forgo their primary weapons for the Shotgun to kill you faster.
+
====Tide Turner====
 +
The [[Tide Turner]]'s full turning mobility allows for a charge jump known as '''Trimping''', and is especially useful for [[Boots]]-wearing Demoknights with no access to explosive jumps.
  
−
*For standard melee tactics, see the Scrumpy Bottle/Frying Pan entry, as they both do the same damage and attack at the same rate (see the Chargin' Targe entry for using melee weapons with it). It's worth noting however that the Pain Train makes a different (and quieter) sound when it hits something.
+
* Turning during an airborne charge will increase the speed of the charge, allowing jumps to gain more distance. This allows slopes that would previously fail to work to be jump-able, if the player jumps and turns towards the slope in order to gain sufficient speed to slide on it.
 +
** On slopes that can be walked up and are too long, it is important to jump and gain enough speed to fling off the surface. Simply charging straight up these sorts of slopes will cause the player to brake immediately once the charge is finished, as the game considers the player to be "stuck" against the ground.
 +
** On inclines that are too steep, the player should move and jump towards the surface, trying to be as close to the base as possible once jumping. If timed too late, the game will consider the incline to be a "wall", and the player will crash into it without traveling anywhere.
 +
** Use the [[Claidheamh Mòr]] to increase airtime by 0.5 seconds. This will be useful when trimping up long surfaces.
  
−
*The Pain Train is also effective for [[Back-capping]], as it gives the Demoman a Scout's capturing capabilities. This works well with the Chargin' Targe for getting to an enemy point fast, and Sticky bomb jumping for wide open/raised points (like Badlands 2nd and 4th capture points, or Gravel Pit C). The weakness to bullets it grants makes Scouts, Heavies and Snipers all the more dangerous for you, so it is best to keep alert when attempting to do this and use stickies and grenades to lock down the point's entrances.
+
* Depending on the map and slope, charge jumps with the Tide Turner may cover more ground than other jumps would, whilst retaining all health besides fall damage. This is even more apparent when multiple slopes are used for the jump.
 +
** The turning ability also allows the player to strafe around obstructions mid-jump without requiring to end the charge first, allowing for less restrictive and easier jumps.
  
−
*The Pain Train makes you slightly more vulnerable to any enemies that use bullets regularly: Scouts, Heavies, Engineers, Spies and Snipers. This is particularly noteworthy for Heavies, Engineers and Scouts; A Minigun or Sentry Guns can kill you frighteningly fast if either one gets the drop on you, and Scouts are already arguably the hardest enemy for a Demoman to counter, with the Pain Train making them all the more so. Stay sharp and be aware of attempts by enemies to ambush you or set up Sentry Guns in difficult areas.
+
* Slanted walls too steep to walk up are nevertheless still useful for Trimping, such as the rocks outside BLU spawn on [[Badwater Basin]]. By jumping and charging towards such a surface and then immediately doing a quick 180° turn, the player will gain enough speed to be sent flying into the air, where they can continue to extend the distance gained by continuously strafing in midair.
  
−
*The Pain Train is useless in [[Capture the Flag]] or when defending on an Attack/Defend Control Point map. Equip another melee weapon instead.
+
* Much like the Loose Cannon, the Tide Turner allows players to choose a Demoknight loadout while having a very useful mobility option.
 +
* More info about Trimping can be found in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDUcgOo1Ogs this tutorial].
  
−
====[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]====
+
== Weapon-specific ==
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Scotsman's Skullcutter|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
=== Primary weapons ===
−
*The Skullcutter is generally of good use in two situations: in conjunction with the [[Chargin' Targe]], or when playing defensively, and confining yourself to a specific area (such as the Flag Room of a [[Maps#Capture the Flag|CTF map]].)
+
==== [[Grenade Launcher]] + [[reskins]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=6 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Splash Damage (Landed)
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Self Damage 
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical (Direct Hit)
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical (Missed)
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Projectile Speed
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Grenade Launcher|Stock}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Grenade Launcher}}
 +
| 4
 +
| 16
 +
| 100
 +
| 30-57
 +
| 38-73
 +
| 300
 +
| 90-170
 +
| 1216.6 Hammer units/sec
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Grenade Launcher is a [[projectile]] weapon that launches arcing/bouncing grenades which explode on  direct contact with an enemy (if they do not hit a surface first), or 2.28 seconds after being launched. Each grenade causes a wide area-of-effect explosion; direct hits deal excellent damage against single targerts and crowds, while missed shots deal less damage but are useful for covering areas with ticking hazards.
 +
** Grenades deal 100 damage (at any range) if they hit a target directly; if not, grenades will instead fall to the ground and explode after a set timer, dealing ~60 damage or less to any nearby enemies. Note that the closer an opponent is to the center of an explosion, the more damage they will take.
 +
** The Grenade Launcher's first reload takes twice as long as the rest of the clip (1.24s and 0.6s respectively).
 +
 
 +
* The Grenade Launcher's large splash damage radius is useful against large groups of enemies and in small, confined spaces. A single clip can be enough to take out a team crowded on a [[Control Point (Objective)|control point]], while its timer makes it difficult for opponents to escape if they are busy fighting against other teammates.
 +
** If an enemy is about to run away, try to block his predicted escape route with some grenades. If the enemy's health is low enough to have them hesitate at running into the grenades, attempt to go for the kill.
 +
 
 +
* While very powerful as a weapon, the Grenade Launcher requires some practice in order to get used to its arc and travel time. In one-on-one battles, it is important to make most shots count, as it usually takes only two/three shots to kill a full-healed enemy.
 +
** Keep in mind that it is very easy to avoid grenades at long and even medium range. Because of the grenade's low speed, enemies have a lot of time to react, especially [[Scout]]s. As a rule of thumb, lead moving targets and aim higher for more distant opponents.
 +
 
 +
* The Grenade Launcher has a four-grenade clip and a quick fire rate. This, along with its moderately slow reload speed, makes spamming the weapon unwise; you will easily find yourself out of grenades and caught off-guard against close-range opponents, reloading and helpless.
 +
** As you only hold 16 grenades in reserve, it will also make you run out of ammo quickly without an [[ammunition]] source.
 +
 
 +
* Take note of grenade physics:
 +
** Grenades spin when fired, which causes them to bounce unpredictably. This allows grenades to bounce around corners and randomly move after they have made surface contact. Shoot them around corners by bouncing them off walls, props, and carts at an angle. You can even roll grenades down slopes, albeit with little control.
 +
** Grenades launch slightly to the right of the cross-hair, so lead to the left to compensate. This is especially important for dealing with faster classes such as [[Pyro]]s and Scouts, especially at close range.
 +
** Grenade are shot forward in a gravity-obeying arc. High angle fire at long distances can help to hit enemies behind cover and flush Engineer nests out without getting you in harm's way.
 +
 
 +
* Try to aim near an enemy's feet; your grenades deal excellent [[knockback]] and will send opponents flying in a predictable arc for you to pick off.
 +
** The opposite is true; landing direct hits from above will forcibly plant your target on the ground for a moment, making them open to another grenade.
 +
 
 +
* Like rockets from the [[Rocket Launcher]], [[critical]]-boosted grenades are potent: a single grenade can kill multiple opponents instantly, and will send any survivors flying with high knockback. Even if missed, they are still beneficial as deadly time-bombs for anyone unfortunate enough to walk by them.
 +
 
 +
* On certain maps (and with correct timing), it is possible to keep firing an endless stream of grenades out of spawn by standing right next to a [[Resupply Cabinet]]. Such examples are the first BLU spawns on [[Badwater Basin]] and [[Dustbowl]] Stage 1, respectively. This is helpful if BLU is trapped at their spawn point by RED, as it will weaken enemy defenses and give your team a chance to push out.
 +
 
 +
* The Grenade Launcher is an excellent sidearm if your [[Stickybomb Launcher]] has no stickies loaded, and will be your main ranged weapon when {{tooltip|any of your Shields|Chargin' Targe, Splendid Screen or Tide Turner}} are equipped. The fuse on your grenades can deter enemies from advancing forward, and grenades deal almost as much damage as Stickybombs, allowing you to keep up the pressure even while reloading your Stickybomb Launcher or waiting for your "Charge" meter to refill.
 +
 
 +
* The wide arc, high speed, and low weight of the grenades makes them easy to lob over obstacles or bounce around corners, where they can alert you to approaching enemies by listening for a scream of pain.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Loch-n-Load]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=5 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Splash Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Self Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical (Direct hit)
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Projectile Speed
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Loch-n-Load|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Loch-n-Load}}
 +
| 3
 +
| 16
 +
| 100
 +
| 50-92
 +
| 38-70
 +
| 300
 +
| 1513.3 Hammer units/sec
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Loch-n-Load fires grenades that are 25% faster than grenades from the stock Grenade Launcher, and deal 20% more damage to [[Buildings]]. As a downside, the Loch-n-Load carries one less grenade in its clip (3 instead of 4), while its grenades have a 25% smaller splash radius and shatter harmlessly on contact with the world.
 +
 
 +
* The Loch-n-Load is designed more for sharpshooting single targets and taking down pesky Sentry Guns due to its faster projectiles and stronger damage against buildings. Its lower splash radius and fragile grenades make it less effective at contributing to spam and handling groups when compared to the stock Grenade Launcher.
 +
** Because of this, treat the Loch-n-Load somewhat like the Soldier’s Direct Hit, both feature little to no splash damage and have a faster projectile speed.
 +
 
 +
* The 20% extra damage to buildings allows you to destroy Level 2 and 3 Buildings in 2 hits instead of 3. Combined with the Stickybomb Launcher and good aim, a single well-used [[ÜberCharge]] can be game-changing if an Engineer nest is all there is from keeping you and your team from an objective.
 +
 
 +
* While its smaller blast radius can be problematic against groups, the Loch-n-Load's extra projectile speed is very redeeming in the hands of a player who focuses on direct hits. Its faster grenades make it easier to land direct hits on enemies who are at close to medium range, as it give them less time to react and move out of the way.
 +
 
 +
* The Loch-n-Load has a longer effective range compared to other {{botignore|grenade launchers}}, as its grenades travel in a straighter trajectory. This allows you to hit distant targets more easily without having to compensate by aiming and predicting, especially against stationary targets like [[Sentry Gun]]s or [[Sniper]]s.
 +
** Its increased shot velocity means that the Loch-n-Load is also excellent for tunnel fighting, such as in the tunnels of [[Turbine]] and [[Hoodoo]]. This is especially noticeable against bigger and slower targets like the [[Heavy]], who otherwise have a natural advantage in long, narrow tunnels.
 +
 
 +
* The Loch-n-Load's shattering grenades grant significant downsides, including the inability to contribute with spam and area denial. You are unable to block off areas with undetonated grenades at all, and you will also be unable to deal chip damage to Buildings if you miss them completely.
 +
** You are also unable to [[grenade jump]] because of your shattering grenades. This means you will need to use sticky jumps to get to hard-to-reach areas.
 +
** The Loch-n-Load's lower clip size means there is little room for error, as it increases the number of times you need to reload in the face of enemy aggression. It can be a good idea to switch to your Stickybomb Launcher of choice for extended battles, and switch to a suitable melee weapon rather than engage them at point blank.
 +
 
 +
* Ironically, the downside of shattering grenades can be an advantage if you are fighting an enemy [[Pyro]] who is good at [[compression blast]]ing. The reflected grenade will simply shatter harmlessly if the Pyro reflects your grenade but misses you or your teammates.
 +
** The faster grenades are a further benefit, as it makes them quite difficult to airblast in the first place.
 +
 
 +
* If using the Loch-n-Load for a [[Glossary of player terms#Demoknight|Demoknight]] setup, do note that the lower clip size and smaller splash radius will hinder your already low effectiveness against groups and during extended battles. However, the faster projectiles can make you more dangerous at a longer range, and the extra damage against buildings can be helpful if you are still determined to help your team destroy Sentry Guns while swordfighting.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Loose Cannon]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=5 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| <br/>Splash Damage<br/> (mid-air)
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| <br/>Splash Damage<br/> (after bounce)
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Self Damage 
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Loose Cannon|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Loose Cannon}}
 +
| rowspan="2" | 4
 +
| rowspan="2" | 16
 +
| rowspan="2" | 57-77
 +
| rowspan="2" | 22-64
 +
| rowspan="2" | 11-32
 +
| rowspan="2" | 56-104
 +
| rowspan="2" | 202
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Loose Cannon knockback}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Loose Cannon is a {{botignore|grenade launcher}} whose damage is dealt as 25-50 damage when hit directly and a 60 damage explosion that occurs soon afterward (instead of dealing 100 damage when hit directly). The cannonballs launched by the Loose Cannon explode in a maximum of 1 second (instead of 2.3) and can be charged to explode even earlier. The cannonballs also feature a 20% faster projectile speed, immense [[knockback]], and the ability to Double Donk foes; if the cannonball hit directly and the explosion occurs within half-a-second of each other, the explosion will be a [[Critical hits#Mini-crits|Mini-Crit]].
 +
 
 +
* For novice players, the 50% reduced direct damage can make the Loose Cannon feel much weaker than the other {{botignore|grenade launchers}}. However, don't be fooled; the Loose Cannon can actually deal 31 more damage per cannonball (~131) if successful Double Donks are achieved. As these Double Donks usually require good timing and aim to pull off, practice is necessary to get them consistently.
 +
 
 +
* As well as being able to perform Double Donks, the Loose Cannon's charge meter has a variety of tricks that it can pull off.
 +
** The first trick is the ability to cause mid-air explosions (~40 damage each), similar to the Pyro's [[Detonator]]. This can be useful for hitting fast-moving targets such as [[Scout]]s, or Pyros using [[compression blast]].
 +
** Another trick is the ability to perform very effective Grenade-jumps. There are two methods for doing this. The first is jumping and looking at the ground/wall as the cannonball explodes while it is still in the chamber (similar to an [[Jumping#Soldier jumps|overload jump]]). Another method is to release the cannonball with less than half-a-second fuse time and to jump off that, like a regular Grenade-jump.
 +
** The third trick is the ability to hold down the fuse meter and let it explode while it is still in the chamber (Kamikaze), in order to damage nearby enemies. You will take around 60 damage from the explosion, but so will your foe. This can be a useful last resort, especially for fighting Scouts.
 +
** A trick of this charge meter is the ability to self-damage yourself by exploding the cannonball while it is in the chamber, in order to assist [[Medics]] wielding the [[Medi Gun|Default Medi Gun]] or [[Kritzkrieg]] in building up [[ÜberCharge]]s at the maximum rate. These weapons build up their ÜberCharges faster if the target has minimal [[Healing#Overheal|Overheal]] or has low health. The [[Quick-Fix]] and [[Vaccinator]] can benefit from this also; however, their Overheal is actually stunted, so most of the time they are building up ÜberCharges at the maximum rate anyway.
 +
 
 +
* The Loose Cannon's high Knockback is useful in a variety of situations.
 +
** The Knockback is powerful for a defensive Demoman wielding a [[Stickybomb Launcher]] variant. The Knockback can be used to push enemies into Sticky-traps (Stickybombs attached to surfaces).
 +
** Yet again, the Knockback is useful for a defensive Demoman, regardless of what secondary he is using. If being chased by a horde of enemies, the Knockback can be greatly useful for pushing them back, giving you time to escape.
 +
** The Knockback can also be used very aggressively, pushing enemies away from areas that you deem off-limits.
 +
** The Knockback can be used to push enemies into hazards or off cliffs ([[Environmental death]]).
 +
** Since its knockback effect is still useful against [[ÜberCharge]], it is an alternative to the Pyro's airblast for Über-jamming. Since Medics are more likely to ÜberCharge Heavies, who are dangerous at short range, this mid-range cannonball might prove useful against enemy Medics. In addition, you can still push them into environmental hazards in maps such as [[Hightower]] or [[Upward]].
 +
 
 +
* The Loose Cannon's fast projectile speed may not be as impressive as the [[Loch-n-Load]]'s (+20% instead of +25%); however, it is still higher than the stock Grenade Launcher and the Iron Bomber. It can be useful in any situation.
 +
** On [[Control Point (game mode)#Game modes|Offense]], the faster projectile speed allows you to kill enemies faster and gives them less time to react.
 +
** On [[Payload|Defense]], the faster projectile speed is helpful yet again; it can be used to keep up the pressure on advancing enemies.
 +
** The faster projectile speed also increases the range of the cannonballs (they are still short-ranged due to having an extremely short fuse) and lessens the arc of the cannonballs.
 +
 
 +
* The shorter fuse time of the Loose Cannon is great for making temporary traps for pursuing enemies to walk over.
 +
** The shorter fuse also allows more Direct and Explosive damage to occur, allowing you to achieve Double-Donks if the enemy is in close range.
 +
 
 +
* Despite having many upsides and special abilities, the Loose Cannon does have some noticeable downsides.
 +
** The Loose Cannon requires a lot of practice for it to be effective at combat.
 +
** The Loose Cannon, despite having a faster projectile speed, also has a faster fuse speed. Although the faster fuse can be a good attribute, it is also bad because it decreases the range of the Loose Cannon's cannonballs (although the faster projectile speed increases the range slightly).
 +
** The Loose Cannon may be the most powerful at PVP (Player vs Player), but it is possibly the worst {{botignore|grenade launcher}} at PVB (Player vs [[Buildings]]). Double Donks don't work against buildings, but the damage of each cannonball overall still matches that of the stock [[Grenade Launcher]]. However, when fighting buildings that are under guard by an Engineer, stronger burst damage is more important than weaker, sustained damage, so using the [[Stickybomb Launcher]] to compensate for the Loose Cannon is optimal.
 +
** The knockback of the cannonballs can also be a problem for achieving Double-Donks. Aiming at the feet of the opponent will launch them farther than aiming at their torso or head; aiming for the head will reduce the knockback severely, allowing Double-Donks to be achieved more.
 +
 
 +
* Synergy
 +
** Paired with the [[Scottish Resistance]], this weapon is one of the pinnacle weapons in defense. Paired with several [[Sentry Gun]]s, and [[Heavy|Heavies]] positioned near [[Dispenser]]s, with adequate Spy checking, this position is nearly impossible to break through and you will easily stop anything short of an [[ÜberCharge]]. The Loose Cannon's role here is long-range support, knockback, and well-timed air detonations.
 +
*** The knockback is especially useful here since you can fire Scottish Resistance stickybombs behind enemies and knock them into the traps despite the stickybombs' long arm time.
 +
*** Even without directly hitting an enemy, you may still do so by scaring your enemies into retreating with a cannonball explosion in mid-air.
 +
** Paired with the [[Quickiebomb Launcher]] or the Default Stickybomb Launcher, the Loose Cannon can be used very effectively on offense. The knockback can be useful for pushing enemies back, which allows room for devastating damage from the Stickybomb Launcher.
 +
** Paired with any of Demoman's [[Demoman Shield|shields]], the Loose Cannon can still do a lot of work. Being the highest damage-dealer, most effective at Grenade-jumping, and best for self-defense and creating temporary traps, the Loose Cannon is the obvious choice for any Hybrid Demoknight (also referred to as Hybrid Knight).
 +
** Paired with the [[Sticky Jumper]], the Loose Cannon offers similar utility to when it is paired with the shields. It can be combined with the Sticky Jumper to get around the map easier.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Iron Bomber]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Splash Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Self Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Iron Bomber|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Iron Bomber}}
 +
| 4
 +
| 16
 +
| 84-123
 +
| 20-58
 +
| 38-67
 +
| 243-297
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Iron Bomber is an odd {{botignore|grenade launcher}}, with upsides that aren't as straightforward as a damage booster or projectile speed booster. Instead, it features the unique ability of grenade rollers that don't move around much (they are still affected by gravity). It also secondarily features a 30% faster fuse for its grenades (1.4 seconds), at the cost of a 15% smaller splash range (except for the Demoman who fired it).
 +
 
 +
* The faster fuse and slow-moving rollers don't affect gameplay at all if direct hits are going to be used primarily. In this case, the Iron Bomber is almost exactly the same except with a tiny splash range penalty.
 +
 
 +
* To unlock the benefits of the Iron Bomber, it is recommended that rollers be used frequently.
 +
** If fleeing enemies, the rollers can be useful for stopping their pursuit. By placing the bombs like breadcrumbs, the enemy will think twice about chasing after you, especially if they are a [[Scout]]. The faster fuse on rollers becomes useful in this situation because the pseudo-Sticky-trap will actually detonate in time for the enemy to be damaged by it.
 +
** The Iron Bomber is moderately effective at area denial, due to its stickybomb-like rollers. This also assists it with [[Buildings|Building]] destruction.
 +
** The Iron Bomber is an easy-to-access method of blast jumping. You just throw a grenade onto the floor in front of you and jump while running toward it.
 +
** The shorter fuse allows less time for enemies to get out of the explosion range when at mid to long range, hit Sentry Guns that would have taken less damage from the other choices, and its rollers allow you to hit potential enemies with splash damage if you miss.
 +
 
 +
* The Iron Bomber doesn't really have any huge downsides, the problems with it usually boil down to its underwhelming upsides.
 +
** The Iron Bomber has no advantage with direct hits.
 +
** The Iron Bomber's jumps are of less value if you have a [[Stickybomb Launcher]] variant equipped. However, they are good for any [[Demoman Shield|shield-wielding]] Demomen, as the shield charge, combined with the blast jumps, can allow you to fly across the map.
 +
** The Iron Bomber's rollers are not as effective as stickybombs.
 +
** The Loose Cannon is almost 100% better than the Iron Bomber, serving similar defensive/utility purposes, but also serving other offensive purposes.
 +
*** Both are great for doing blast jumps and both are great for self-defense. The differences lie in the Loose Cannon's terrific offensive capabilities and its incredible complicatedness and difficulty to use. For more serious players looking to use Iron Bomber-like strategies, the Loose Cannon is a better alternative. However, the Iron Bomber's simplicity and its 100-damage direct hits can be appealing for any players who aren't concentrating on their offensive capabilities.
 +
*** The Iron Bomber mostly serves as a simpler and more player-friendly version of the Loose Cannon.
 +
** The Iron Bomber's smaller explosion radius is a minor hindrance, and its shorter fuse and slow-moving rollers restrict its range.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=3 | Effect
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" | Passive Effect
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Ali Baba's Wee Booties|Craft}}
 +
| rowspan="2" |
 +
+25 maximum health on wearer.<br>
 +
+10% faster move speed on wearer. (Only if a shield is equipped simultaneously)<br>
 +
200% increase in turning control while charging.<br>
 +
Refills 25% charge on melee kills.
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Bootlegger|Craft}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Ali Baba's Wee Booties and the Bootlegger give the Demoman 25 extra health at the cost of losing the {{botignore|grenade launcher}}. Used in conjunction with either the [[Chargin' Targe]], the [[Splendid Screen]], or the [[Tide Turner]] and a [[Demoman#Melee|Melee]] weapon, you can become a melee-based offensive powerhouse; you gain 200% more charge turning control (triple), 25% charge meter restored on a melee kill, and 10% increased movement speed. This comes at the cost of all of your ranged weapons.
 +
 
 +
* The main problem with this strategy is the loss of all explosive/ranged weapons. An enemy who the Demoman normally dominates, the [[Engineer]] and his [[Buildings]], suddenly becomes his worst nightmare. Because of this, it is necessary to plan your engagements and to avoid conflict when appropriate.
 +
** In [[Medieval Mode]], the loss of ranged weaponry is no longer an issue.
 +
 
 +
* The 10% speed boost the boots provide (assuming you also have a {{tooltip|Shield|Chargin' Targe, Splendid Screen, or Tide Turner}} equipped) allow you (at 103% speed) to pursue all classes except the [[Medic]], [[Spy]], and [[Scout]] with any of your melee weapons except the [[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]. Your superior speed coupled with the resistances of your shield and the increased range of many of your melee weapons will give you a surprising edge against even many ranged opponents.
 +
 
 +
* The extra health from the Ali Baba's Wee Booties can be useful for both Demomen and Demoknights.
 +
 
 +
* The extra shield turning control and charge restoration don't match that of the Tide Turner, but they do allow the other two shields to become pseudo-Tide Turners.
 +
 
 +
* Synergy
 +
** The Ali Baba's Wee Booties are great for boosting the abilities of any Demoknight, and some Demomen.
 +
** Together with the [[Eyelander]] and [[Splendid Screen]], and with 4 heads (5 for max shield damage) or more, the Ali Baba's Booties will make you almost unstoppable. You will have 235 maximum health (2nd highest in-game), which is a whole 35 health more than a maximum health [[Soldier]]; you also get 350 max [[Healing#Overheal|Overheal]]. You will also have 136% base movement speed (2nd highest in-game, behind [[Baby Face's Blaster]] Scouts), 3% more than the Default [[Scout]]; your shield charge is actually much faster than this, at 250% speed. Your Splendid Screen will also be dealing up to 128 damage shield bashes, killing Scouts, Snipers, Engineers, Spies, or injured enemies in just one hit. You also have a melee weapon that deals 195 damage if used correctly in conjunction with a shield charge. You also turn 200% more effectively while charging, regain 25% charge and 15 health on melee kill (can get Overheal), have 20% resistance to both [[Fire]] and Explosives, have a default shield recharge time that is double that of other shields, and can remove debuffs ([[Bleed]], [[Jarate]], [[Mad Milk]], and Fire)  by charging. Clearly, this is the most powerful possible Demoknight setup. The only problem is gaining the required 5 heads in the first place, and staying alive. Once you die, all your health, speed, and shield damage is lost.
 +
 
 +
==== [[B.A.S.E. Jumper]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="67%" colspan=2 | Effect
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="45%" | Activation
 +
! class="header" width="45%" | Active effect
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|B.A.S.E. Jumper|Craft}}
 +
| Press "Jump" in mid-air to deploy chute
 +
| Decrease descend speed and acceleration<br>
 +
50% decrease in air control.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The B.A.S.E. Jumper gives the ability to activate a parachute by pressing the jump key {{DK|Spacebar}}. The parachute will slow and cap his vertical descent and allowing the Demoman to better control his ability to strafe. Pressing the jump key again will deactivate the parachute, allowing the Demoman to fall normally. When you have the parachute deployed, you have 50% less air control.
 +
 
 +
* The B.A.S.E. Jumper is very situational, as you're giving up the damage and utility of a {{botignore|grenade launcher}}, many official maps have a lower ceiling when compared to custom maps, and it's nigh-useless when indoors.
 +
 
 +
* The effectiveness of the B.A.S.E. Jumper is largely based on how open a map is. Maps with high ceilings or open spaces (such as [[Mountain Lab]]) will benefit the most from this weapon, while smaller, cramped maps (such as [[2Fort]]) will limit your air time; on maps that take place mostly indoors (such as [[Junction]]), this weapon becomes even less effective.
 +
 
 +
* The B.A.S.E. Jumper does prevent fall damage, and its decreased descent speed allows the Demoman to cross wider chasms.
 +
 
 +
* Paired with a sticky launcher (other than the Sticky Jumper), the B.A.S.E. Jumper may be used to rain down stickies on your enemies from above, where they are unlikely to expect a Demoman to be and where it will be difficult for them to get rid of you. That said, this strategy does make you very vulnerable to [[Sniper]]s and to [[Soldier]]s who are competent at hitting [[Aerial|airshots]], so it is not recommended if the enemy team has them.
 +
 
 +
=== Secondary weapons ===
 +
==== [[Stickybomb Launcher]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
 +
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Splash Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Self Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Stickybomb Launcher|Stock}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Stickybomb Launcher}}
 +
| 8
 +
| 32
 +
| 120
 +
| 60-124
 +
| 45-114
 +
| 261
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The [[Stickybomb Launcher|Stickybomb]] is one of the defining features of [[Demoman]] play. Stickybombs are detonated by using your alternative fire {{DK|Mouse2|link=no}}, no matter which weapon is currently out.
 +
 
 +
* When guarding the objective, such as [[Control point (objective)|capture points]] or the [[Capture the Flag#Intelligence|Intelligence]], you can create a larger blast radius by spreading out your Stickybomb carpet.
 +
** After planting Stickybombs around the intelligence or a control point, the Demoman is free to leave the area. Look at the Capture the Flag or Capture Point [[HUD]] elements, or listen for the announcements of "The enemy has taken our Intelligence" or "Our Control point is being captured" and detonate the Stickybombs. Make sure to keep an eye on the total number of fired stickies, as the enemy could be destroying them before stepping onto the point. When doing this on a Control point, make sure to wait a bit as the enemy may have stepped on it briefly to bait out the explosion.
 +
 
 +
* When guarding other strategic locations, place Stickybombs that are either out of sight until it's too late or in well-hidden/odd places (such as on ceilings, under stairs, above automatic doors, etc.). You can also place stickies directly on the objectives, some of which will hide them (such as the Payload Cart or the Intelligence briefcase on some maps).
 +
** Players engaged in a large teamfight or other intense situations may not check for Sticky traps when repositioning, making comparatively visible Sticky traps effective in cases where you do not have the time to set up a concealed trap.
 +
* [[Jumping|High jumping]] classes (such as the blast jumps from a Soldier or Demoman, or the [[Thermal Thruster]] on a Pyro) will similarly have trouble reacting to bombs placed in key locations, making ledges and other frequent landing zones very effective targets for countering them. This is particularly true if they are already weakened by an explosive jump and fall damage, in which case only a few hastily-placed bombs may be needed to finish them off.
 +
 
 +
* Plainly visible traps can also have powerful indirect effects against opponents unable to deal with them, such as forcing an attacker to take a corner at a far wider angle than would be reasonable otherwise.
 +
 
 +
* Holding down the fire key {{DK|MOUSE1|link=no}} will charge your shots, enabling you to shoot stickies much farther than normal. This can be used to great effect when engaged by faraway enemies such as [[Sniper]]s, when first engaging the enemy (such as at the start of the round), or if you already know where the enemy is (such as on an objective, or while carrying Intelligence briefcase).
 +
** Never forget that Stickybombs can be launched across the visible distance of most open maps. Aim for windows, Sniper ledges, and other populated areas. When the trajectory is right, lob in a few bombs and detonate them to clear the room.
 +
 
 +
* If Stickybombs are clustered too closely, explosive classes or an airblast can clear them away with a single shot. Demomen using the [[Scottish Resistance]] or [[Quickiebomb Launcher]] and Pyros using the [[Scorch Shot]] or [[Detonator]] can destroy Stickybombs outright. To counter this, spread your stickies out across the area.
 +
 
 +
* Don't stand still when placing a lot of stickies near objectives like the [[Payload cart]] or a control point. Doing so will make you susceptible to [[headshot]]s, [[backstabs]], and any other form of damage.
 +
 
 +
* Place Stickybombs around [[Health]] packs if you feel like killing your enemies ironically.
 +
** However, this may not work well with small Health packs, due to being almost as small as the stickies themselves.
 +
*** You can place stickies inside a medium Ammo pack as the Ammo pack will be able to almost completely hide a cluster of stickies.
 +
** Don't do this with Crit stickies as the Crit particles emitting off the stickies will give away your trap. 
 +
 
 +
* If it is too dangerous to pop out of cover to set Stickybombs onto a Sentry Gun, try shooting them as close to the Sentry Gun as you can without revealing yourself. The splash damage will take out the Sentry Gun just fine, but it may require a few more stickies, as an alert Engineer will be able to destroy them. The [[Scottish Resistance]] can counteract this problem with its increased rate of fire.
 +
 
 +
* Do not underestimate the power of air-detonated stickies. The ability to detonate stickies in midair allows one to attack with great precision for high damage.
 +
 
 +
* To use stickies in an offensive battle, constantly launch stickies and detonate them as soon as possible. The constant flow of damage can add up very quickly, along with the fact that the [[Demoman]] may have an easier time laying them out in the heat of a battle in which they are not the only target. This method can be very effective, easily killing bigger classes such as a Heavy/Medic [[Medic Buddy#Heavy|combo]].
 +
** Alternatively, it is also possible to lay down a small carpet of stickies and then blast the enemies to pieces.
 +
** However, a smart enemy may be able to get away from your stickies before you are able to detonate, so try to shoot the stickies where the enemy will be, or lay a carpet in an area near the enemy so they have no escape, as described above. If you miss a sticky and you know it will deal no damage, keep it there as it may be useful later on in the fight.
 +
 
 +
* Trapping an enemy's escape route from an engagement can be very effective, particularly against Scouts or Soldiers prone to backpedaling or strafing away from fights rather than looking to see where they are going.
 +
 
 +
* While holding down the detonate button will detonate stickies as soon as they are primed, it also prevents the sticky launcher from beginning to auto-reload, so it may be advisable simply to tap the detonate button repeatedly.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Scottish Resistance]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" | Loaded
 +
! class="header" | Carried
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Splash Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Self Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Scottish Resistance|Unlock}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Scottish Resistance}}
 +
| 8
 +
| 36
 +
| 120
 +
| 60-124
 +
| 45-114
 +
| 261
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Scottish Resistance is intended primarily for defensive play. It allows you to place 6 more bombs at a time (14), and it gives you 50% more reserve ammunition (36). It also only detonates stickybombs that are directly under the crosshair or directly under you. It allows you to see your stickybombs through walls, and all of your stickybombs glow. Other abilities it has includes a 25% faster fire rate and the ability to destroy enemy sticky bombs. The downside to using this weapon is a 0.8-second increase in bomb arm time.
 +
 
 +
* The Scottish Resistance is primarily intended for defensive use. It is far more effective for creating and managing stickybomb traps than the normal Stickybomb Launcher.
 +
** The ability to detonate stickybombs that are directly under the crosshair allows you to detonate only a few stickybombs at a time, and not destroy the other stickybombs. This allows you to set up multiple traps at once, allowing for more efficient use of ammunition. This also allows you to guard multiple areas at once.
 +
** The ability to see stickybombs through walls and the glow of stickybombs, regardless of their position, allows you to more easily organize your traps. It also allows you to detonate traps from safety. This is especially useful if standing behind a glass pane, such as from the windows in [[Gravel Pit]] or the window in [[Powerhouse]]. With the Powerhouse example, you can actually stand in spawn and blow up enemies on the [[Control point (objective)|Control point]] while looking through the window.
 +
** The ability to place 6 more stickybombs at a time allows you to create more traps at once.
 +
** The higher reserve ammunition count and faster fire rate allow you to set up many traps in a short amount of time and over a long period of time.
 +
** The ability to destroy stickybombs can be useful for protecting friendly [[Buildings|Engineer's Buildings]] and Heavies from stickybomb spam.
 +
*** This can also be useful for fighting off spawn-camping enemy Demomen.
 +
*** Placing stickybombs near friendly Players and Buildings can also be useful for killing enemy Spies.
 +
** The ability to blow up bombs directly under your feet is useful for performing Sticky Jumps. You can perform Sticky Jumps without blowing up your traps.
 +
 
 +
* Advanced Defense Strategy
 +
** When defending anywhere, especially places like tunnels, having 2-3 distinct groups of main bombs (2-4 per group) on the corner/doorway and 1-2 secondary groups (1-2 bombs) hidden along a retreat route can help you single-handedly hold a position. Detonate individual main groups to take out incoming enemies, and if an enemy gets past, lure them into the secondary traps.
 +
** The longer arming time prevents the Scottish Resistance from being used to deal damage as quickly as the normal Sticky Launcher. It also is much harder to perform airbursts using the Scottish Resistance. While the stickybombs arm slower, the faster firing can be used to create "offensive" carpets. Instead of creating a trap and waiting for enemies to walk near it, it is possible to place bombs around enemy players quickly and then detonate once several stickies are out. This has the effect of rapidly denying enemies room to maneuver, and enemies in the area being carpeted will usually take at least some damage once the carpet is detonated. This technique works best in chokepoints.
 +
** While the Scottish Resistance does require the user to be looking in the general direction of the bombs they set, they do not have to have a line of sight to the bombs in question. This allows you to detonate them no matter what their location is on the map, provided the crosshair is fixated on the general area of your trap(s). This can prove invaluable if someone begins capturing a Control Point or takes the Intelligence while the rest of the team is preoccupied elsewhere.
 +
** The ability to detonate stickybombs in separate clusters allows you to set up "decoy" stickybomb clusters. By deliberately prematurely detonating one group of stickybombs where the enemy can see them, you may trick the enemy into thinking that they have tricked you into prematurely detonating your stickybombs, causing them to relax their guard and stumble directly into your ''real'' sticky trap.
 +
 
 +
* The Scottish Resistance can be useful for offense, too.
 +
** The Scottish Resistance's faster rate of fire and higher stickybombs out allows you to devastate huge Engineer nests (various buildings placed near each other).
 +
 
 +
* Advanced Offense Strategy
 +
** The Scottish Resistance's fast rate of fire can be used in direct combat, but not in the same way as the normal Stickybomb Launcher. One tactic is to launch stickybombs behind enemies and then attack using the primary weapons. This can cause enemies to retreat, thereby causing them to move backward through the newly-created sticky trap. This technique helps to offset the longer priming time of the Scottish Resistance. When under the effects of an [[ÜberCharge]], the technique can be used just as effectively without using the primary weapons, as enemies will often retreat when confronted by an ÜberCharged player. It's important to consider the speed of enemy players when using this technique, as the stickybombs should be placed close behind slower classes such as the Soldier and the Heavy, but further behind faster classes such as the Scout. This will ensure that the stickybombs have time to prime before the enemy reaches them.
 +
** Another offensive strategy made possible with the quick firing rate is to shoot a few stickybombs right in front of an incoming [[Heavy]] or a Sentry Gun, as you can place three or four without taking too much damage. When using this strategy, watch your health so that you have enough to retreat and detonate the bombs.
 +
**Some enemies may panic as the area around them rapidly becomes covered in stickies, and cause them to either rush forward blindly (into a trap) or run away; if they charge, be prepared to hit them with your primary weapons. This method of attack also works wonders against unaware opponents, since some players are oblivious to stickies being placed around them until it's too late.
  
−
*Think twice before equipping Scotsman's Skullcutter. Ask yourself: "Am I going to melee as Demoman?". The slowdown of this weapon may be a problem when retreating or running for [[Health]]. The range and damage of the Skullcutter, however, is extremely useful when attacking enemies that would otherwise be capable of range heckling you (such as Scouts that insist on getting close).
+
* The Scottish Resistance has a few downsides.
 +
** The main downside to the Scottish Resistance is the slower bomb arm time. This makes offensive combat weaker.
 +
** It is easy to suicide accidentally with the Scottish Resistance since bombs are detonated when they are under you.
 +
** You often don't get a lot of kills with the Scottish Resistance, and therefore, you don't get a lot of points. The reason is not because you are not helping the team, the reason is because enemies usually avoid traps, rather than walk over them. As a Scottish Resistance Demoman, you are still greatly helping the team by deterring enemies from entering an area, even if you have low points.
 +
** Spam with the Scottish Resistance is a little bit trickier since you have to aim at your stickybombs, instead of at your enemies.
  
−
*When combined with the guaranteed Critical hit of the Chargin' Targe, the Skullcutter is capable of killing any class (due to a Critical hit doing 234 damage), save perhaps for an [[Healing#Overheal|Overhealed]] Soldier/Pyro/Demoman, or a Heavy (300 to 450 if overhealed), in a single blow. However, the Skullcutter does not collect 'Heads' as the Eyelander does despite the Decapitation animation it triggers, and as such will not add to your speed, health, or the impact damage of the Targe's shield-bash attack.
+
==== [[Sticky Jumper]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" | Loaded
 +
! class="header" | Carried
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Splash Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Self Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Sticky Jumper|Craft}}
 +
| 8
 +
| 72
 +
| N/A
 +
| N/A
 +
| N/A
 +
| N/A
 +
|}
  
−
*The charge speed when the Skullcutter is equipped is reduced to 638 hammer units, which is still fairly fast but makes it easier for faster or more alert enemies to evade your charge. Because of this, it becomes a larger priority to choose your targets carefully, and maintain the element of surprise as often as possible (guaranteeing a higher success rate if you do).
+
* The Sticky Jumper allows you to create Stickybombs that deal no damage, allowing you to jump without losing health. Though it is very useful for practicing [[Sticky jumping#Basic sticky jump|Sticky jumping]], there are also some situational uses in real matches.
  
−
*With the Skullcutter it becomes possible to charge Heavies and kill them without taking damage fairly easily, due to the fact that a Critical hit and another hit will do over 300 damage. However, if they have a Medic then it is generally discouraged as they will still have around 200 HP after taking a Crit (assuming they have been overhealed fully) and will be able to kill you easily if you do not get a second Critical hit post-charge.
+
* The Sticky Jumper is incapable of dealing damage to enemies, so it cannot be used to launch enemies. Keep this in mind when using it.
  
−
*Players of the school of thought who espouse brute force and don't mind the speed loss should consider the Skullcutter; a Demoman with it is ''still'' faster than a Heavy, roughly as fast as a Soldier, and can still score random critical hits with it, making it a valued weapon at close-range - somewhere the Demoman is normally at a distinct disadvantage. Just bear in mind that it will reduce your ability to flee or get into close-combat.
+
* Using the Sticky Jumper with the [[Pain Train]] can be an effective method for point capturing. However, the Pain Train will make you vulnerable to bullets. It's best to use this combo against unguarded points or right after the previous point was captured.
  
−
*Sticky Jumps can help a Demoman with the Skullcutter into combat range, though this takes practice and is more of an art than a science.  
+
* Due to the 100% reduction in self-damage, [[Demoman|Demomen]] can perform multiple sticky jumps without the need of a Medic. This can be used as a hasty retreat method or as a means to get behind enemy lines.
 +
** While the need of a Medic to do multiple sticky jumps will no longer be necessary, don't forget that you will still take fall damage and might take damage along the way, have a Medic [[Healing#Overheal|overheal]] you reach your location with more health to spare.
  
−
*The Skullcutter's lowered speed generally is less-suitable for teams on offense (for control point missions for example); it likewise is generally better on defensive assignments (such as King of the Hill).
+
* In open Arena maps, the Sticky Jumper allows you to propel yourself and land behind the enemy team at the beginning of a round when all players are packed together. This allows you to surprise them and perhaps even get the First Blood buff to deal even greater damage.
  
−
====[[Ullapool Caber]]====
+
* While the Sticky Jumper allows you to sticky jump without taking self-damage, don't forget that you still receive damage from [[Fall damage|falling]].
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Ullapool Caber|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
−
*Upon a successful hit to an enemy or a wall the grenade will explode dealing high splash damage to enemies and yourself. In general this means that it is a last-ditch weapon, one best-used to take an enemy down with you (since if you have low health it will kill you along with it). One direct hit, however, will kill any class other than a Soldier or Heavy barring [[Overheal]].
 
  
−
*The explosion will launch you particularly high in the air. It's quite possible to use this, either on its own or in conjunction with a [[Sticky Launcher]] variant, to reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
+
* Since the Sticky Jumper replaces your {{botignore|stickybomb launchers}} and [[Demoman Shield|shields]], you should bring with you a {{botignore|grenade launcher}} and a melee weapon that doesn't rely too much on using a shield to be effective.
−
**This functions especially well on [[DeGroot Keep]], allowing you to jump up to the battlements atop the castle. This is useful for killing especially annoying Snipers, for most of them will find attacks at melee range a surprise.
+
** However, the Sticky Jumper replaces the function of a shield to get within melee range, so the [[Eyelander]] and [[Scotsman's Skullcutter]] can be surprisingly effective.
  
−
*If you find yourself falling off a cliff or getting pushed into a death pit, this weapon can be used to blast yourself back into the playing field - with a little more luck, your enemy won't be expecting you back so soon.
+
* The Sticky Jumper can also be used to cut off the enemy's transportation and supply. Simply sticky jump to their spawn and destroy their Teleporters and Dispensers with your primary or melee weapons.
  
−
*After the grenade explodes the weapon will still function as a melee weapon - but does far less damage then other melee weapons, such as the [[Bottle]]. It also retains its inability to cause Critical Hits without a boost.
+
* You cannot carry the [[Intelligence]] in [[Capture the Flag|CTF]] games, or the [[Australium]] in [[Special Delivery (Game Mode)|Special Delivery]] when using this weapon. Keep this in mind.
 +
** However, Medics healing you with a [[Quick-Fix]] will also gain any velocity applied to you from sticky jumping. This allows the Medic to sticky jump alongside you, and they are able to carry the [[Intelligence]] while doing so.
  
−
*You can get a new Stick Bomb from the resupply closet after yours detonates.
+
* When receiving a Crit Boost from an ally who has captured a flag on [[Capture the Flag]], or getting a First Blood on [[Arena]], and you don't have any damage-dealing weapons outside of your Melee, consider using this at your advantage to scare your enemies away with your Crit Stickies, as the visuals for the stickies are nearly identical to damage-dealing Stickybomb Launchers.
 +
** Make sure to shoot your stickies far away from the enemy, so they can't see that you are wielding the Sticky Jumper. Consider charging your stickies first before shooting.
 +
** It is not recommended to ask a Medic to deploy their Kritzkrieg on you just for the sake of scaring enemies away.
  
−
*This is a rather useful [[Spy checking]] weapon, as it is an instant kill if you make contact with a Spy. However it's explosion also affects you greatly, so make sure to use it in a place where you can be healed. Try to do this in the safety of your base or where a Dispenser is nearby. However, bear in mind the [[Dead Ringer]] invalidates it's benefits and severely weakens you, making it easier for the Spy to kill you, and leaves you with a drastically less powerful weapon.
+
==== [[Quickiebomb Launcher]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" | Loaded
 +
! class="header" | Carried
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Base Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Splash Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Self Damage
 +
! class="header" width="12.5%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Quickiebomb Launcher|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Quickiebomb Launcher}}
 +
| 4
 +
| 24
 +
| 102
 +
| 51-105
 +
| 38-97
 +
| 222
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
*This weapon can be very useful for enemies that go away in the melee battle, and don't let you hit them with the grenade; because the grenade explodes if you hit any hard surface with it, you can strike the floor or a wall and the resulting explosion will hit them in a very large range (for a melee weapon). For weaker classes (such as Engineers) the explosion alone is quite capable of killing them outright if they're in range.
+
* The Quickiebomb Launcher allows [[Demoman|Demomen]] to fire bombs that are armed 0.2 seconds faster. It also has a 70% increased charge rate and based on charge, the damage can be increased up to 35% of {{tooltip|default|Regular Stickybomb Launcher and Scottish Resistance}} damage. It is also able to destroy enemy sticky bombs like the [[Scottish Resistance]] can. However, these stats come with the cost of -50% clip size (4 instead of 8) and 15% less damage when uncharged.
  
−
*This weapon is very useful for suicidal [[pick| picking]], as you could sticky jump or charge into an important target (like an enemy Medic) and kill him with it. Be wary of your health if you survive, as the combined sticky jump, explosion and fall damage will leave you with very little health. You will, however, likely die unless you are at full health or overhealed in advance.
+
* Thanks to the 0.2 seconds faster bomb arm time, which makes the bombs arm in about half a second, this weapon is very good at not only quick in-combat detonations, but also [[Aerial|airbursts]].
  
−
*The Ullapool Caber is even more effective with the [[Chargin' Targe]] - with a critical boost the Caber can inflict more damage in one hit than any other melee weapon and kill any class in one shot barring overheals. Unfortunately, the Targe's explosion resistance does not apply to the Caber's self-damage, and ergo this tactic is usually best-suited to suicide runs, for getting in quickly and ganking a priority target such as a [[Heavy]] or Soldier with the [[Tank Buster]] set.  
+
* The 70% faster charging, which makes it so the charge fills in only about a second (compared to "the regular" 4 seconds), and the damage increase based on charge make the Quickiebomb Launcher excellent at "sticky sniping."
 +
** This weapon can be a massive threat to Snipers. If you manage to lob in a couple full-charge bombs, enemies will be blown to smithereens without much of an issue.
 +
*** Note that one needs to have the enemy not knowing that the bombs are there; otherwise, the enemies may retreat and/or destroy the bombs.
  
−
*Due to its high damage, The Ullapool Caber is a perfect ambush weapon - and again, an even a better one if combined with the [[Chargin' Targe]], as you can kill an Heavy in one critical hit.
+
* Due to the fact that the weapon has only half the clip size of other sticky launchers, it ''can'' be difficult to keep pressure against enemies, but if the planned usage of the weapon doesn't include "mass spamming" of the weapon, then it may not be an issue.
  
−
*It goes without saying that the more enemies in range of your explosion, the better. Remember, though, that each enemy that sees you is another enemy that might survive long enough to take you down. If possible, situate yourself so that your ambush will propel you onto a ledge and out of harms way.
+
==== [[Chargin' Targe]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=3 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" colspan=1 | Effect
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Charge Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Charge Speed
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Recharge Time
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Resistances
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Chargin' Targe|Unlock}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Chargin' Targe}}
 +
| Up to 50 + 5 per head (maximum at 5 heads)
 +
| 750 Hammer units/sec
 +
| 12 seconds
 +
| 50% fire resistance and 30% explosive resistance.
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Chargin' Targe allows the Demoman to charge forward at breakneck speed for 1.5 seconds and damage an opponent they come into direct contact with via a distance-scaling shield bash. This charge is indicated on a meter; as you use it, it quickly depletes, changing color from white to green, orange, and red, respectively. When the charge meter is red, the melee weapon that is currently equipped will perform a guaranteed [[Critical hits|Critical hit]]. The charge meter recharges in around 12 seconds. The Chargin' Targe also features the ability to remove {{tooltip|debuffs|Jarate, Madmilk, fire and bleeding}} with its charge, and it gives the Demoman 50% resistance to fire and 30% resistance to explosives. The main drawback of the Chargin' Targe is that it replaces the [[Stickybomb Launcher]]. It also has minor advantages and disadvantages when compared to the other two shields, the [[Splendid Screen]] and [[Tide Turner]].
 +
 
 +
* The Chargin' Targe gives the Demoman great melee combat ability. Combined with any melee weapon, but preferably a sword-type, and the Ali Baba's Wee Booties, you can become a powerful close quarters fighter, at the cost of losing all ranged weaponry. Alternatively, a {{botignore|grenade launcher}} variant can be equipped. These loadouts are often referred to as "Demoknight" and "Demoknight Hybrid", respectively.
  
−
*Do not forget that The Ullapool Caber is a one-shot-only weapon, with the stick-and-metal-fragments weapon you have left after striking something significantly less-effective - so use it with caution.
+
* Keep an eye on your Charge meter, as its color will tell you the effects of the Targe — green is a recently-activated charge (less than 50% used), orange means your next attack will be a [[Critical hits#Mini-crits|Mini-Crit]], and red means that your next melee attack will be a full-strength [[Critical hits|Critical hit]].
 +
** You must be quick to react and time your attacks well, as the "red zone" will only be active during the last 25% of the charge.
 +
** Be aware that your primary weapons will not deal any Critical hit with the shield charge.
  
−
*If you are very low on health, it is best to hit the ground with the Ullapool Caber instead of chasing an enemy since they may kill you before you do any damage to them.
+
* The Chargin' Targe is a shield: just equipping it gives the Demoman resistance to both explosions and fire. A Demoman at full health (even with items that reduce health, such as the [[Eyelander]]) can survive a critical rocket if he has the Targe equipped.
  
−
====[[Claidheamh Mòr]]====
+
* The [[Force-A-Nature]]'s knockback, the [[Flame Thrower]]'s compression blast, Sentry Guns, [[Huntsman|arrows]], [[Natascha]]'s speed reduction, and the explosive force of grenades, rockets, and Stickybombs will all interrupt your charge.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Claidheamh Mòr|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
−
* Always equip the Chargin' Targe when using this weapon, as its bonus only works with it equipped.
 
−
* The biggest advantage to the Claidheamh Mòr is its mobility enhancement capabilities - which are considerable. It's possible to use the Claidheamh Mòr's improved dash distance to cover enormous distances in one go - you can easily cross the bridge on 2Fort, for example, with one use - and can likewise go from one end of a sewer tunnel to the other with one dash. This makes the Claidheamh Mòr a great weapon for both quickly engaging enemies and getting away.
 
−
* The aforementioned longer dashes means that the Claidheamh Mòr is a phenomenal weapon for getting the Demoman to and from where he needs to go ASAP; on Payload missions it lets him get closer to the cart on either offense or defense. It truly shines, however, on Capture the Flag maps, where the Demoman can easily grab the briefcase and run like hell, the charge enabling him to outpace and escape even enemy Scouts.
 
−
* The Claidheamh Mòr is the offensive counterpart to the Scotsman's Skullcutter; whereas the Skullcutter does a lot of damage and is well-suited to defensive missions, the Claidheamh Mòr is mildly ineffective outside of charging attacks and is far more useful on offensive missions.
 
−
* The extra charge time is also used offensively; the extra half-second of dashing means that you have that much longer mini-crit and critical boost time.
 
−
* Remember, however, that the Claidheamh Mòr does not collect heads like the Eyelander or [[Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker]].
 
  
−
====[[Half-Zatoichi]]====
+
* During a Charge, you move at 750 Hammer Units per second; two and a half times faster than the Engineer, Pyro, Spy, or Sniper, and 87.5% faster than the Scout. The charge also overrides the game's built-in cap for movement speeds, enabling you to move faster than any other character in the game, including a Scout with a fully-charged Boost meter for the [[Baby Face's Blaster]]. If you are in danger, you can use the charge to quickly escape from the battle and save your life. Just be aware that your [[Strafing|lateral movement ability]] is severely reduced during a charge, so you may make yourself an easy target for an enemy with good aim.
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Half-Zatoichi|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
−
* The Demoman is faster than the Soldier, so this generally is a better weapon for him than for the Soldier - all the more so due to the Demoman's access to the [[Chargin' Targe]].
 
−
* The Half-Zatoichi heals you fully if you score a kill with it. This means it can be used to ambush otherwise-weakened enemies when you're low on health for a quick health boost.
 
−
* The Half-Zatoichi has good synergy with the Chargin' Targe. The Targe can be used even with the Half-Zatoichi drawn, enabling you to easily approach or flee, and the Half-Zatoichi's ability to score random critical hits makes it an impressive weapon for Demomen seeking close-combat.
 
−
* The Half-Zatoichi cannot be re-sheathed until you have killed an enemy or been killed yourself, meaning that it will leave you functionally without a ranged weapon should you switch to it at an inopportune moment - especially if you lack the Chargin' Targe.  
 
−
* Should you have your TF2 settings to remember your last equipped weapon upon respawn, you will wind up equipped with it and unable to switch. Be sure to change your settings appropriately, lest you be stuck with only the Half-Zatoichi during a fight! This can be negated by touching the resupply and switching weapons within a second.
 
−
* If you encounter an enemy equipped with the Half-Zatoichi, any hit you cause with this weapon will be instantly fatal - and vice-versa. Because of this, enemies using this weapon are both more vulnerable and more dangerous to you should you have the Half-Zatoichi equipped.
 
−
* Due to the instantkill mechanic, you can also use Half-Zatoichi as a counter to targe Demomen using Half-Zatoichi even if you don't have a targe of your own. The targe crit is meaningless in a Half-Zatoichi vs Half-Zatoichi battle.
 
−
**On a similar note, prioritize other Half-Zatoichi wielders, in battle, either for a quick kill/health boost, or simply to protect yourself from their one-hit kills
 
−
* This weapon is superb for Medieval Mode. Because you can only use melee weapons there anyway (and the Chargin' Targe can still be used), the drawback of the Zatoichi largely becomes utterly moot.
 
  
−
====[[Persian Persuader]]====
+
==== [[Splendid Screen]] ====
−
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Persian Persuader|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=3 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" colspan=1 | Effect
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Charge Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Charge Speed
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Recharge Time
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Resistances
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Splendid Screen|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Splendid Screen}}
 +
| Up to 85 + 8.5 per head (maximum at 5 heads)
 +
| 750 Hammer units/sec
 +
| 6 seconds
 +
| 20% fire resistance and 20% explosive resistance.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 +
* The [[Splendid Screen]], at the cost of less fire and explosive resistance than the Chargin' Targe, is capable of doing more bash damage and recharges 50% faster.
  
−
==Item Sets==
+
* The [[Eyelander]] also pairs well with the Splendid Screen, as the increased charge damage from having more heads offered by the former stacks with the increased charge impact damage from the latter.
−
===[[Item sets#Demoman|The Expert's Ordnance]]===
+
** With more than 5 heads, the Splendid Screen will deal 127.5 damage on impact; enough to kill 4 out of 9 non-overhealed classes. If combined with a critical melee swing, this will kill all but overhealed Heavies.
−
{{Set|The Expert's Ordnance}}
 
  
−
*With fire damage resistance you can take on [[Pyros]] more easily. If combined with the [[Chargin' Targe]], it gives the Demoman a 60% Resistance to Fire, instead of the supposed 50%.
+
* The Splendid Screen has a "hidden advantage" over other shields; its damage is great enough to cause an airblast-like knockback effect. Use this to your advantage when faced against similar Demomen wielding a different shield.
 +
** The shield knockback can cause an enemy charging Demoman to lose his charging Crits.
  
−
==Weapon Combinations==
+
* Keep in mind that because the Screen offers less fire and explosive resistance than the Targe, it will still be somewhat easy for [[Pyros]], [[Soldiers]], and other Demomen to do away with you if you're not careful.
−
{| class="wikitable grid" width="65%"
+
 
 +
====[[Tide Turner]]====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=3 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" colspan=1 | Effect
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Charge Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Charge Speed
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Recharge Time
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Resistances
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Tide Turner|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Tide Turner}}
 +
| Up to 50 + 5 per head (maximum at 5 heads)
 +
| 750 Hammer units/sec
 +
| 12 seconds (refill 75% charge on melee kills)
 +
| 15% fire resistance and 15% explosive resistance.
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The [[Tide Turner]] trades off the resistance and ability to deal full [[Critical hits|Critical hit]] melee damage on maximum charge of the Chargin' Targe for full turning control while charging and the ability to refill 75% of the charge meter if a melee kill is made whilst the shield is recharging.
 +
 
 +
* After charging, be sure to make a melee kill to partially refill your charge.
 +
** If done properly, it is possible to rampage through enemy lines if each charge "ends with" a melee kill.
 +
** However, it requires correct timing as the Tide Turner can only deal [[Critical hits#Mini-crits|Mini-Crit]] melee damage on maximum charge.
 +
 
 +
* Because of the full turning control, it is not suggested to use [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] with the Tide Turner if you only use them for the turning ability.
 +
** However, pairing the Tide Turner with either Ali Baba's Wee Booties ''or'' the [[Claidheamh Mòr]] will give you full charge back if you make a melee kill.
 +
 
 +
* Taking damage while charging will cause your charge meter to deplete faster; The charge is completely wiped with 100 damage. It is preferrable to charge into enemy players from behind to catch them unaware.
 +
 
 +
* The ability to control your charge makes the Tide Turner an effective escape tool just like the Chargin’ Targe. You can quickly zip around corners for cover if you are injured.
 +
 
 +
=== Melee weapons ===
 +
==== [[Bottle]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="20%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="20%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Bottle|Stock}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Bottle}}
 +
| rowspan="13" | 0.8 seconds
 +
| rowspan="13" | 65
 +
| rowspan="13" | 195
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Frying Pan|Promotional}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Frying Pan}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Saxxy|Promotional}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Saxxy}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Conscientious Objector|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Conscientious Objector}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Scottish Handshake|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Scottish Handshake}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Freedom Staff|Promotional/Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Freedom Staff}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Bat Outta Hell|Drop}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Bat Outta Hell}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Memory Maker|Promotional}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Memory Maker}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Ham Shank|Drop}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Ham Shank}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Golden Frying Pan|Reward}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Golden Frying Pan}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Necro Smasher|Achievement}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Necro Smasher}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Crossing Guard|Uncrate}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Crossing Guard}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Prinny Machete|Promotional}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Prinny Machete}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Bottle should be used in the same way as most other melee weapons: when enemies are too close or too fast to hit with a Grenade (or if you don't have time to reload the primary weapons).
 +
 
 +
==== [[Pain Train]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="20%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="20%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Pain Train|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Pain Train}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 65
 +
| 195
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Pain Train enables you to cap points twice as fast, at the cost of 10% increased bullet vulnerability.
 +
 
 +
* The Pain Train is situational. It's best used on [[Control Point (objective)|Capture Point]] and [[Payload]], especially when the enemy defenses are about to fall or when your team needs to close the distance on a Payload Race. It can also prove extremely handy on King of the Hill maps, but it is useless in [[Capture the Flag]] or when defending on an Attack/Defend Control Point map. Equip another melee weapon instead.
 +
 
 +
* You should not equip the Pain Train if you are having trouble with Heavies and Scouts, as the increased bullet damage makes these already annoying enemies nearly impossible to beat in some situations. If you're using the Chargin' Targe as well, Pyros and Soldiers might forgo their primary weapons for the Shotgun to kill you faster.
 +
 
 +
* The Pain Train is also effective for [[back-capping]], as it gives the Demoman a [[Scout]]'s capturing capabilities. This works well with the Chargin' Targe for getting to an enemy point fast, and Stickybomb jumping for wide open/raised points (like Badlands 2nd and 4th capture points, or Gravel Pit C). The weakness to bullets it grants makes Scouts, Heavies, and Snipers all the more dangerous for you, so it's best to keep alert when attempting to do this and use stickies and grenades to lock down the point's entrances.
 +
 
 +
* The Pain Train is useful in [[Medieval Mode]] when attacking, due to the fact that most bullet-based weapons are not allowed.
 +
** That said, the {{item link|Crusader's Crossbow}}, {{item link|Flying Guillotine}}, {{Item link|Huntsman}}, {{item link|Sandman}}'s ball, and {{item link|Wrap Assassin}}'s projectile are all allowed in the mode, so it isn't free of downsides.
 +
** Additionally, you may find that other melee weapons are simply superior. In spite of its name, for example, the Pain Train can't let you become a constant, unstoppable menace the way the Eyelander and [[Half-Zatoichi]] can.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Eyelander]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="27%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" colspan=1 | Healing
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Critical
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | From Kill
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Eyelander|Unlock}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Eyelander}}
 +
| rowspan="3" | 0.8 seconds
 +
| rowspan="3" | 65
 +
| rowspan="3" | 195
 +
| rowspan="3" | 15
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Nessie's Nine Iron|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Nessie's Nine Iron}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Eyelander gives you extended melee range, and also allows you to become stronger with each melee kill you earn. It has the downside of decrease maximum health to 150 and no random [[Critical hits|Critical hit]].
 +
** Get comfortable with its area of effect and take this into account when going for a critical charge.
 +
** Be aware that the Eyelander 'hits' near the beginning of the swing animation, rather than at the middle. Keep this in mind so you don't accidentally 'under-shoot' an attack, especially when using the sword in conjunction with the Chargin' Targe.
 +
** The maximum health penalty can be countered by [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]], balancing back to 175.
 +
 
 +
* If possible, weaken the enemy with the primary weapons first before killing him with the Eyelander or finding an unaware targets such as [[Sniper]]s.
 +
** The [[Barbarian Swing]] taunt kill is useful here if no one is nearby, resulting in a reliable one-hit kill.
 +
 
 +
* It is a good idea to use the Eyelander with one of the shields. However, a Demoman with 4 decapitations and a Sticky Launcher is a massive threat. Head count is not reset until death, so a Demoman can use the Chargin' Targe until he accumulates 4 heads, then return to a resupply cabinet and switch to the Stickybomb Launcher of his choice. With over 200 HP and the second-fastest run speed in the game, an Eyelander Demoman using the Sticky Launcher can be a very powerful enemy and one to avoid at all costs, especially if he has a Medic.
 +
** You will lack a reliable melee weapon however, due to the Eyelander’s slower deploy and holster time.
 +
** Another option would be to switch to the [[Splendid Screen]]. With 5 heads, your charge bash will do 127.5 damage, enough to kill 4 out of the 9 classes, and your follow-up Crit melee swing will do a total of 322.5 damage, enough to kill anything besides an overhealed Heavy.
 +
*** The high charge damage can also deprive you of claiming your enemy's head when the head counter is low.
 +
** Without any heads, sticky jumping becomes a much riskier endeavor. If you intend to utilize sticky jumping, it may be wise to equip a different melee weapon.
 +
*** The Sticky Jumper can also pair well with the Eyelander. Although getting the first two heads are difficult due to your slow speed and lack of a charge, once you have several, your high speed allows you to fly over obstacles and take enemies by surprise.
 +
 
 +
* Decapitating a Demoman wielding the Eyelander equipped allows you to steal any heads he has accumulated.
 +
** This also applies to a [[Soldier]] wielding the [[Air Strike]], a [[Medic]] wielding the [[Vita-Saw]], or a [[Sniper]] wielding the [[Bazaar Bargain]].
 +
 
 +
* The [[Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker]] and [[Nessie's Nine Iron]] both look different than the Eyelander; however, they share the same stats.
 +
** However, consider use the Nessie's Nine Iron over the rest, as it covered less of the screen.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Scotsman's Skullcutter]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="15%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="30%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="20%" colspan=2 | Effect
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="15%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="15%" | Critical
 +
! class="header" width="15%" | Movement Speed
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Scotsman's Skullcutter|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Scotsman's Skullcutter}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 78
 +
| 234
 +
| 280 Hammer units/sec (637.5 Hammer units/sec with shield charges)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Scotsman's Skullcutter gives you extended melee range and damage at the cost of movement speed.
 +
 
 +
* The Scotsman's Skullcutter finds good applications when a Demoman is also using a shield or when holding down an area, such as the Intelligence room of a [[Maps#Capture the Flag|CTF map]].
 +
 
 +
* When combined with the guaranteed Critical hit of the Chargin' Targe or the Splendid Screen, the Scotsman's Skullcutter is capable of killing almost any class in a single blow.
 +
** It can offset the penalty of the [[Tide Turner]], as the Mini-Crit damage of the Scotsman's Skullcutter still deals significant damage to the enemy.
 +
 
 +
* Due to the charge speed being reduced while this weapon is active, try to attack unsuspecting enemies so that they cannot dodge your charge.
 +
 
 +
* Sticky jumps can help get a Demoman with the Scotsman's Skullcutter into combat range, though this is very risky unless you are using the [[Sticky Jumper]].
 +
 
 +
* The Scotsman's Skullcutter solely applies the movement speed penalty while the weapon is active, and the fact that it does more damage than the Bottle, this weapon can almost be seen as a direct upgrade to the Bottle, provided you use it as a sidearm to your explosive weapons. In tight spaces, you should still be able to maneuver into a position where your increased range will allow you to damage your opponent, so if you're not dedicated to melee combat, you could find this weapon very handy.
 +
** The movement speed penalty can be decreased with the combination of the [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] and any shields.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Claidheamh Mòr]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="20%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="20%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Claidheamh Mòr|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Claidheamh Mòr}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 65
 +
| 195
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Claidheamh Mòr increases charge duration of all shields to 2 seconds and refills 25% of your charge meter on melee kills. This is at the cost of a 15% damage vulnerability while active and no random Critical hits.
 +
 
 +
* Equipping the [[Chargin' Targe]], [[Splendid Screen]], or [[Tide Turner]] allows you to get the full benefit of using the weapon.
 +
** Combined the Claidheamh Mòr with the Tide Turner allows you to refill 100% of your charge meter on melee kills, this could be used for killing spree or to quickly retreat after a melee kill.
 +
 
 +
* Equipped the [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] or [[Bootlegger]] alongside with any shields restricts you to the Claidheamh Mòr, meaning you will always have a 15% damage vulnerability. This combination of weapons may be better-suited to a different sword that has a larger reward for kills made.
 +
 
 +
* The extra charge duration is great for getting away. Use it when you need to get a slight bit farther to a health pack or Medic when you are injured.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Half-Zatoichi]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="27%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="13%" colspan=1 | Healing
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="13%" | Critical
 +
! class="header" | From Kill
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Half-Zatoichi|Promotional/Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Half-Zatoichi}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 65
 +
| 195/{{tooltip|Instant|Instant kill upon landing a blow on an enemy Soldier/Demoman actively wielding the Half-Zatoichi}}
 +
| 175 (200 with Ali Baba's Wee Booties)
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Half-Zatoichi restores 50% of the Demoman's max health on kill and is capable of overhealing. The Half-Zatoichi can be holstered with no penalty if a kill has been scored, but will inflict 50 damage if it has not done so. If the player is below 50 health points, the weapon cannot be holstered until the player gets a kill. Random Critical hits are impossible to achieve with this sword.
 +
 
 +
* Ambush and kill weakened enemies with the Half-Zatoichi for an easy health refill.
 +
 
 +
* Be prepared to score a kill with the Half-Zatoichi when you pull it out, losing 50 HP may be detrimental depending on the situation.
 +
** On defense, this is less of an issue, as a friendly Engineer is more likely to have a Dispenser set up to negate the damage taken.
 +
 
 +
* The Half-Zatoichi has good synergy with the [[Chargin' Targe]] and the [[Splendid Screen]]. The shields can be used even with the Half-Zatoichi drawn, enabling you to easily approach or flee.
 +
 
 +
* Be aware of enemies who are also using the Half-Zatoichi. If they hit you once, you die. However, you can do the same to them!
 +
** Due to the instant kill mechanic, you can also use Half-Zatoichi as a counter to charging Demomen using a Half-Zatoichi, even if you don't have a Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen of your own.
 +
** Prioritize other Half-Zatoichi wielders in battle, either for a quick kill and health boost or simply to protect yourself from their one-hit kills.
 +
 
 +
* This weapon is very useful in [[Medieval Mode]]. As you are only allowed to use melee weapons anyway, the Half-Zatoichi's drawback has no effect.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Persian Persuader]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="10%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="20%" colspan=2 | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=5 | Shield Charge
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Critical
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | From Engineer Toolboxes
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | From Small Ammo Boxes
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | From Medium Ammo Boxes
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | From Large Ammo Boxes
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Persian Persuader|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Persian Persuader}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 65
 +
| 195
 +
| 100%
 +
| 20.5%
 +
| 50%
 +
| 100%
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Persian Persuader allows the Demoman to use ammo packs as a source to refill shield charge and gains 20% charge with every hit landed with the weapon. However, he is incapable of regaining ammo if the charge meter is not full, both primary and secondary weapons will have their maximum amount of ammo carried decreased by 80% and unable to deal random Critical hits.
 +
 
 +
* A highly offensive melee weapon, the Persian Persuader allows you to regain shield charge by picking up ammo and hitting enemies. Keep in mind, the bonus is invalid without a shield equipped.
 +
 
 +
* Note that you do not need to be using the Persian Persuader while you pick up ammo to regain charge. Consequently, you will never regain ammo unless if your charge meter is full.
 +
** With this weapon, be aware that you can rampage around for a longer period of time, but you may eventually need to return to your base in order to get resupplied.
 +
 
 +
* Always be aware of how much ammo you have, especially on defense. You don't want to run out of explosives as you begin a fight or the enemy team begins a push.
 +
 
 +
* Consider using either the [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] or the [[Bootlegger]] as well as one of the shields to completely eliminate the need for ammo and thus maximize the effects of this weapon.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ullapool Caber]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack Interval
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=5 | Damage
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Point Blank
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Explosion
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Total
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Self-Damage
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Critical
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Ullapool Caber|Craft}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Ullapool Caber}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 55
 +
| 75
 +
| 110
 +
| 52-55
 +
| 330
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Ullapool Caber explode}}
 +
| 0.8 seconds
 +
| 55
 +
| N/A
 +
| 55
 +
| 0
 +
| 105
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* The Ullapool Caber explodes on contact with an enemy or the world. The downsides are unable to deal random Critical hits, a 15% damage penalty on melee damage, a 20% slower attack speed, a 100% slower deploy speed, a large amount of self-damage from the explosion, and the inability to explode again, unless you visit a [[Resupply locker#Resupply|Resupply locker]].
 +
 
 +
* The Ullapool Caber is generally a last-resort weapon, one best used to take an enemy down with you. One [[Critical hits|Critical hit]] when hit directly will kill any class from base health except an overhealed Heavy.
 +
** However, the damage penalty, deploy speed penalty, and attack speed penalty force you to time the usage correctly.
 +
 
 +
* After the Ullapool Caber explodes, the weapon will still function as a melee weapon, but does less damage than other melee weapons, such as the [[Bottle]].
 +
 
 +
* The explosion will launch you particularly high in the air. It's quite possible to use this, either on its own or in conjunction with a sticky jump, to reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
 +
** This functions especially well on [[DeGroot Keep]], allowing you to jump up to the battlements atop the castle. This is useful for killing especially annoying Snipers, as most of them will find attacks at melee range a surprise.
 +
 
 +
* If you find yourself falling off a cliff or getting pushed into a death pit, this weapon can be used to blast yourself back into the playing field — with a little luck.
 +
 
 +
* This is a powerful [[Spy checking]] weapon, as it will explode instantly if your melee swing makes contact with a Spy. However, its explosion also affects you greatly, so make sure to use it in a place where you can be healed. Try to do this in the safety of your base or where a [[Dispenser]] is nearby. However, bear in mind that the [[Dead Ringer]] invalidates its benefits and severely weakens you, leaving you with a drastically less powerful weapon and making it easier for the Spy to kill you or escape.
 +
 
 +
* This weapon can be very useful for enemies that run away in a melee battle and don't let you hit them with the Caber: because the Caber explodes if you hit any hard surface with it, you can strike the floor or a wall and the resulting explosion will hit them in a very large range. For weaker classes (such as Engineers), the explosion alone will greatly damage if not outright kill them if they're in range.
 +
 
 +
* This weapon is very useful for suicidal [[pick]]ing, as you could sticky jump or charge into an important target (like an enemy Medic) and kill him with it. Be wary of your health if you survive, as the combined sticky jump, explosion, and fall damage will leave you with very little health, if any.
 +
 
 +
* The Ullapool Caber is even more effective with the [[Chargin' Targe]] or [[Splendid Screen]]. With a Critical hit, the Ullapool Caber can inflict more damage in one hit than any other melee weapon and kill any class in one shot, unless you're facing an overhealed Heavy.
 +
 
 +
* The Ullapool Caber is also good when used with the [[Sticky Jumper]]. You can sticky jump behind enemy lines without any damage taken other than fall damage, then sneak up behind the enemy to inflict a large amount of damage.
 +
** Combining the [[B.A.S.E. Jumper]] alongside the Sticky Jumper and Ullapool Caber allows you to sticky jump and then use the parachute to slow your descent and land a hit on your target without too much difficulty.
 +
*** You could then use the self-knockback from the explosion to activate another parachute and fly to a health kit or even back to spawn if you are close enough.
 +
 
 +
== [[Taunts#Taunt Attacks|Taunt Attacks]] ==
 +
===[[Barbarian Swing]]===
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" |
 +
! class="header" width="16%" | Kill Icon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Duration
 +
! class="header" width="37%" | Details
 +
|- style="height: 110px;"
 +
| {{Table icon|Barbarian Swing}}
 +
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|Barbarian Swing}}
 +
| rowspan=2 | [[Eyelander]]<br />[[Half-Zatoichi]]<br />[[Claidheamh Mòr]]<br />[[Persian Persuader]]<br />[[Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker]]<br />[[Nessie's Nine Iron]]
 +
| 500
 +
| 5 seconds
 +
| With a twirl behind his back, leading to a horizontal slash to the neck, the Demoman beheads anyone unfortunate to be in his path. The Demoman concludes his short swipe by bringing his blade back and wiping down its length with his fingers. Adds one head to the counter if using the Eyelander, Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker, or Nessie's Nine Iron, and allows the Half-Zatoichi to be sheathed without taking damage.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
* This taunt kill can be used to kill enemies with one hit. It can be used for very distracted enemies, such as Snipers looking down scopes or Engineers working on their buildings, but like most taunt kills, leaves you vulnerable during the animation.
 +
 
 +
* If you catch up to a Heavy about to eat a [[Sandvich]], it's a better idea to use the Barbarian Swing taunt rather than start wailing on them with the Eyelander, as they will out-heal the damage and proceed to kill you.
 +
 
 +
* While this is a long taunt, it is nearly silent until it finishes, and you can attempt it several times on the same target - provided they don't hear the sword swooshes when you do it.
 +
 
 +
==Weapon combinations==
 +
{| class="wikitable grid collapsible collapsed" width="65%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan=4 class="header" | Example Combinations
 
! colspan=4 class="header" | Example Combinations
Line 326: Line 1,140:
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Grenade Launcher|icon-size=50x50px}} or {{Icon weapon|weapon=Loch-n-Load|icon-size=50x50px}}
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Grenade Launcher|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Loch-n-Load|40px}}<br />
 
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]''' or '''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
 
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]''' or '''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Stickybomb Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Stickybomb Launcher|40px}}
−
'''[[Stickybomb Launcher]]'''
+
{{icon item|Quickiebomb Launcher|40px}}<br />
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Pain Train|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
'''[[Stickybomb Launcher]]''' or '''[[Quickiebomb Launcher]]'''
−
'''[[Pain Train]]'''
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Pain Train|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Bottle|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Pain Train]]''' or '''[[Bottle]]'''
 
|
 
|
  
−
A good setup for offensive Demomen. The Stickybomb Launcher's decreased bomb arm time, compared to that of the Scottish Resistance, allows the Demoman to quickly bombard choke points or turtling enemies with stickies. The Stickybomb Launcher can also be used to surround ground-level threats with a sticky carpet. Fast bomb arm times also allow the Demoman to quickly sticky-jump to the objective and quickly capture it with the Pain Train's increased capture rate. If your team already has players focused on the points/cart, or if you are playing CTF, feel free to switch to the Bottle to rid yourself of increased bullet vulnerability. Choosing Loch-n-Load you may be able to quickly dispatch the sentry nest without having your sticky bombs destroyed or airblasted in a long range.
+
A good setup for offensive Demomen. The Stickybomb Launcher and Quickiebomb Launcher allow the Demoman to quickly bombard choke points or turtling enemies with stickies. The Quickiebomb Launcher is even better than the Stickybomb Launcher at this, with its faster charge rate and lower arm time. The stock Stickybomb Launcher, however can also be used to surround ground-level threats with a sticky carpet, an ability not as prominent when using the Quickiebomb Launcher thanks to its smaller clip size. Fast bomb arm times and a damage penalty also allow the Demoman to quickly sticky-jump to the objective and quickly capture it with the Pain Train's increased capture rate. If your team already has players focused on the points/cart, you're on defense, or you're playing CTF, feel free to switch to the Bottle to rid yourself of the increased bullet vulnerability. Switching from the stock Grenade Launcher to the Loch-n-Load will help you to quickly dispatch a sentry nest without having your grenades or stickybombs destroyed or airblasted at long range.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Grenade Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Grenade Launcher|40px}}
−
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]'''
+
{{icon item|Loch-N-Load|40px}} <br />
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Chargin' Targe|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]''' or '''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Chargin' Targe|100px}}  
 
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]'''
 
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]'''
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Pain Train|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Claidheamh Mòr|40px}}
−
'''[[Pain Train]]'''
+
{{icon item|Pain Train|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Scotsman's Skullcutter|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Claidheamh Mòr]]''' or '''[[Pain Train]]''' or '''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 
|
 
|
−
A second loadout for an offensive Demoman, by using the Chargin' Targe, you will be able to rush to positions faster and allow for easier getaways, as well as boosted melee effectiveness, at the cost of your sticky launcher, but that may be a good idea if you don't use the Sticky Launcher offensively. You also get the added benefit of being more resistant to explosions and fire as well, so it may be worthwhile if the enemy team has Soldiers, other Demomen and Pyros. Keep in mind that while the Targe charge will make your Pain Train do more damage, it cannot collect heads and doesn't have the same melee range that the Eyelander or Scotsman's Skullcutter do, although the Pain Train does the same damage as Eyelander so a Critical hit will still have the killing power that the Eyelander does.
+
A "hybrid knight" alternate loadout for an offensive Demoman. The Chargin' Targe grants you the ability to rush to positions faster, easier getaways, and boosted melee effectiveness, at the cost of a sticky launcher. You get the added benefit of being more resistant to explosions and fire as well, so it may be worthwhile if the enemy team has Soldiers, other Demomen, and/or Pyros.  
  
 +
Keep in mind that while the Targe charge will make your Pain Train do more damage, it doesn't have the same melee range that the swords do. The Pain Train does the same base damage as the Claidheamh Mòr, though, so a Critical hit will still have the same killing power. With the Claidheamh Mòr, however, you gain the benefit of increased melee range and charge duration, with its damage vulnerability downside being irrelevant when you aren't using it. If you would prefer not to have damage vulnerability at all, the Scotsman's Skullcutter has a 20% damage bonus and the same range as the Claidheamh Mòr, with its only downside being a 15% speed penalty while active.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Loch-n-Load|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Grenade Launcher|40px}}
−
'''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
+
{{icon item|Iron Bomber|40px}}
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Scottish Resistance|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
{{icon item|Loose Cannon|40px}}<br />
−
'''[[Scottish Resistance]]'''
+
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]''' or '''[[Iron Bomber]]''' or '''[[Loose Cannon]]'''
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Scotsman's Skullcutter|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Stickybomb Launcher|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Scottish Resistance|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Stickybomb Launcher]]''' or '''[[Scottish Resistance]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Scotsman's Skullcutter|100px}}
 
'''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 
'''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 
|
 
|
  
−
For Demomen that desire to do a high amount of damage as well as defense. The Scottish Resistance's higher sticky bomb amount, and the ability to detonate groups of sticky bombs, will come in handy when defending multiple chokepoints or destroying a bunch of Sentry Guns. The lessened speed from the Scotsman's Skullcutter will only reduce the Demoman to a Soldier's speed, but the extra damage and range can be useful when dealing with further threats. Loch-n-Load provides a good support for your team in long distance while defending. It might shatter on surface but it's lethal against a group of enemies.
+
A more defensive Demoman loadout. Your sticky launcher is an invaluable tool for setting traps and defending choke points. The Scottish Resistance's higher stickybomb limit and the ability to detonate select groups of stickies allows you to set multiple independent traps, at the cost of being worse at quickly breaking enemy lines. The stock Grenade Launcher is an excellent weapon for self-defense (unless your attacker is very close to you) and mid-ranged spam. While the Loose Cannon does less damage than stock if poorly timed, its ability to push players back on a direct hit can be used to push enemies out of position. If the target is next to a [[Environmental death|hazard]], the knockback can also push them right into it. The Iron Bomber's more stationary projectiles give you the ability to set temporary traps, should you run low on stickybombs to set or wish to add on to the explosive power of stickybombs you already set. The lessened speed from the Scotsman's Skullcutter will reduce the Demoman to a Soldier's speed, but the extra damage can be useful when dealing with further threats, and you can always switch to another weapon to run at normal speed again.
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Ali Baba's Wee Booties|100px}}
 +
'''[[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Stickybomb Launcher|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Quickiebomb Launcher|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Stickybomb Launcher]]''' or '''[[Quickiebomb Launcher]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Bottle|100px}}
 +
'''[[Bottle]]'''
 +
|
 +
This combination can be quite deadly for a stickybomb expert. The stock Stickybomb Launcher not only allows the Demoman to block off choke points, and at medium and long range, the launcher can easily destroy sentry farms or break enemy lines. The Quickiebomb Launcher, although not as useful for setting traps, is better at close range thanks to its very short arm time. The extra health from the booties allows the Demo to survive longer and sticky jump more. Do note that this combination, due to lack of grenades or maneuverability, is poorly-suited to short range combat.
 +
 
 +
If one switches the Booties and the Bottle for the (functionally-identical) {{item link|Bootlegger}} and {{item link|Scottish Handshake}}, respectively, and equips the {{item link|Buccaneer's Bicorne}} and {{item link|A Whiff of the Old Brimstone}}, one will have the [[Swashbuckler's Swag]] item set.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Grenade Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Grenade Launcher|40px}}
−
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]'''
+
{{icon item|Loose Cannon|40px}}<br />
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Chargin' Targe|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]''' or '''[[Loose Cannon]]'''
−
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]'''
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Sticky Jumper|100px}}
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Eyelander|icon-size=50x50px}} or {{Icon weapon|weapon=Claidheamh Mòr|icon-size=50x50px}}  
+
'''[[Sticky Jumper]]'''
−
'''[[Eyelander]]''' or [[Claidheamh Mòr]]
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Pain Train|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Eyelander|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Ullapool caber|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Pain Train]]''' or '''[[Eyelander]]''' or '''[[Ullapool Caber]]'''
 +
|
 +
This is "the" Sticky Jumper weapon set. The Grenade Launcher is often preferred over other launchers as the rolling grenades allow you to "bomb" foes more easily during a sticky jump, and it's better than most for self-defense. Although the Loose Cannon is weaker for self-defense than the Grenade Launcher, the precise explosions make it superior for attacking enemies from high up, timing the bombs to explode just before they hit the ground. The extreme mobility granted by the Sticky Jumper allows you to land near unsuspecting or busy enemies (such as [[Sniper]]s) and kill them freely with the Eyelander, easily earning one or two heads in the process. You can also use the Pain Train with the Jumper to quickly reach and capture control points (this is particularly effective on open and/or vertical maps). When combined with the Ullapool Caber's raw power, the Sticky Jumper allows you to reach a tactical target (such as a [[Medic]]) and attack them with the Caber before jumping back to heal and resupply the Caber.
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|B.A.S.E. Jumper|100px}}
 +
'''[[B.A.S.E. Jumper]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Stickybomb Launcher|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Quickiebomb Launcher|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Scottish Resistance|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Stickybomb Launcher]]''' or '''[[Quickiebomb Launcher]]''' or '''[[Scottish Resistance]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Scotsman's Skullcutter|100px}}
 +
'''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 
|
 
|
 +
For an air-raider Demoman, relying primarily on surprise and easy escape. The B.A.S.E. Jumper slows your descent by pressing the Jump key in midair. The slower falling speed can be used during a sticky jump, allowing you to negate fall damage, plant traps in locations opponents may not suspect, and rain down stickybombs from an unexpected, hard-to-reach vantage point. That said, using the B.A.S.E. Jumper can raise your vulnerability to good Soldiers and Snipers, so be quick, careful, and stealthy if the enemy team has any of those. Lastly, the Scotsman's Skullcutter can provide great high-damage surprise attacks in a similar vein to the Soldier's Market Gardener after a blast jump. Since the movement speed penalty of the Skullcutter only applies if the weapon is active, jumping distance becomes less of a problem, since one could pull it out just before landing and deal good damage to unaware enemies.
 +
 +
|-
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Loch-n-Load|50px}}
 +
{{icon item|Ali Baba's Wee Booties|30px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Loch-n-Load]]''' (or '''[[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]]''')
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Chargin' Targe|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Splendid Screen|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]''' or '''[[Splendid Screen]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Ullapool Caber|100px}}
 +
'''[[Ullapool Caber]]'''
 +
|'''The Expert's Ordnance - w/ shield'''
 +
 +
As its name indicates, this setup is optimal for Demomen with good positioning and good aim, as it's not good for direct confrontation due to the Loch-n-Load's high self damage. In [[Medieval Mode]], this Demoknight variant (with the Booties as your primary) is the only class that can deliver splash damage, making it useful when clearing a point filled with enemies. Use the shield to deal impact damage to the enemy with the shield bash before creating a critical explosion that may kill several enemies, making this combination excellent for a kamikaze play-style. The Splendid Screen offers more frequent charges and better shield damage, while the Chargin' Targe grants better resistances, including to your own grenade and Caber damage. In or outside of Medieval Mode, you can one-hit kill most classes, which can come in handy for a last-resort defense when your last point is being captured. This is also probably the best way to use the Ullapool Caber.
  
−
One of the most balanced setups in Medieval mode. Charging towards enemies and decapitating them with the Eyelander is especially effective when dealing with slower enemies that are alone, and the Grenade Launcher (when allowed) can be used to pick off people at the other team while retreating from an attack. In Medieval Mode, the longer melee range and high mobility gives it a legs up to most class except Snipers and Medics. Replacing the Eyelander with the Scotsman's Skullcutter allow higher damage, which could be crucial when playing defense, while the Claidheamh Mòr allow the Demoman to stay longer in the speed charge, which aside from granting longer Critical hits duration, also allow the Demoman to reach a destination faster.
+
|-
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Loose Cannon|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Loch-n-Load|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Loose Cannon]]''' or '''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Tide Turner|100px}}
 +
'''[[Tide Turner]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Claidheamh Mòr|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Persian Persuader|40px}} <br />
 +
'''[[Claidheamh Mòr]]''' or '''[[Persian Persuader]]'''
 +
|
  
 +
This setup is based around using the Claidheamh Mòr's or Persian Persuader's charge bonuses to the absolute fullest and being maximally maneuverable. The Claidheamh Mòr grants 25% of your charge meter back on kill, which, combined with the Tide Turner's 75% charge on kill, means you can immediately charge again upon getting a kill. The Persian Persuader, on the other hand, grants you 20% charge back on hit and lets you refill your charge meter with ammo boxes. Either way, you're going to be charging around ''a lot''. The Loose Cannon is a great asset for getting foes into a good position to be mowed down by your sword, while also allowing you to perform precisely timed grenade jumps or cannon jumps. The Loch-n-Load also comes in handy when dealing with Sentry Guns, which are normally a Demoknight's worst nightmare. The choice of Claidheamh Mòr or Persuader depends largely on whether you prefer to use melee or grenades. The Claidheamh Mòr's only downside is active, meaning it's nonexistent while you're using your {{botignore|grenade launcher}}; meanwhile, the Persian Persuader makes it very difficult to reload your primary weapon, encouraging you to focus on melee.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Loch-n-Load|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Loch-n-Load|100px}}
 
'''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
 
'''[[Loch-n-Load]]'''
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Chargin' Targe|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Splendid Screen|100px}}
−
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]'''
+
'''[[Splendid Screen]]'''
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ullapool Caber|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Eyelander|40px}}
−
'''[[Ullapool Caber]]'''
+
{{icon item|Scotsman's Skullcutter|40px}}
−
|'''The Expert's Ordnance - w/ Charging Targe'''
+
'''[[Eyelander]]''' or '''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 +
|
 +
For the Demoman who focuses on pure, relentless offense, dealing extraordinary damage from close-to-medium range. The Loch-n-Load can easily leave foes dead or with low health if both grenades hit. The extra damage from the Splendid Screen's charge bash combined with the Eyelander's ability to collect heads can lead into grabbing a few extra kills. Using the Eyelander, your main weakness is your low initial health, but after taking a few heads, you become nigh-unstoppable. Alternatively, the Scotsman's Skullcutter has higher base damage and no health penalty, but it makes you slower. Since the Skullcutter's speed downside only comes into play while it's active, one could use the Loch-n-Load most of the time, but the Loch-n-Load's smaller clip size makes it an unreliable main weapon.
 +
 
  
−
As its name indicated, this setup is optimal for Demomen with good positioning and good aim, as it is not good for direct confrontation due to Loch-n-Load high self damage. Instead, use careful aim to destroy your opponent, and use the set bonus to run away from close range combat that Pyros are skilled at. In medieval mode, this Demoknight variant provide protection from flaming arrows, and is the only class that can deliver splash damages, making it useful when clearing a point filled with enemies. Use the targe to create a critical explosion that may kill several enemies, but be prepared to sacrifice yourself in doing so. Due to this, the use of Ullapool Caber is considered as a last resort in arena mode.
+
|-
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Ali Baba's Wee Booties|100px}}
 +
'''[[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]]'''
 +
! align="center" |{{icon item|Chargin' Targe|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Splendid Screen|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Tide Turner|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]''' or '''[[Splendid Screen]]''' or '''[[Tide Turner]]'''
 +
! align="center" |  {{icon item|Eyelander|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Half-Zatoichi|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Persian Persuader|40px}}<br />
 +
{{icon item|Scotsman's Skullcutter|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Eyelander]]''' or '''[[Half-Zatoichi]]''' or '''[[Persian Persuader]]''' or '''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 +
|
 +
'''For extra/more detailed info about the weapons, see their own sections in this article.'''
  
 +
This is "the" full Demoknight loadout, with plenty of choices for going up close and personal to kill your enemies, quite literally. Ali Baba's Wee Booties are the general recommendation for your primary weapon. The different shields allow you to select between resistances (Chargin' Targe), damage (Splendid Screen), and maneuverability (Tide Turner); however, none of the shields give bullet resistance, so [[Scout]]s, [[Heavy|Heavies]], and [[Sentry Gun]]s are still a danger for you. Then there's the plethora of swords to choose from. The Eyelander allows you to collect "heads" on kill for extra health and speed, making you nigh-unstoppable on max. heads, at the cost of making you more vulnerable to start. The Half-Zatoichi gives you health every time you make a kill and can overheal, acting like a mini-Eyelander without the vulnerability. Its main downside of needing 50 health or a kill to be sheathed is irrelevant when it's the only weapon you'll ever have out. The Persian Persuader gives you the ability to collect ammo as charge and gives charge on hit, but reduces your primary and secondary weapons' max ammo; however, since you're not using any ammo with this set, it isn't an issue. The Scotsman's Skullcutter simply gives brute power (extra damage) at the cost of mobility (decreased movement speed); a Crit can kill any non-Heavy, non-overhealed class. The Claidheamh Mòr is a subpar option, as you can charge about as much with the Persian Persuader while taking less damage.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Grenade Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Ali Baba's Wee Booties|100px}}
−
'''[[Grenade Launcher]]'''
+
'''[[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]]'''
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Stickybomb Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Chargin' Targe|40px}}
−
'''[[Stickybomb Launcher]]'''
+
{{icon item|Splendid Screen|40px}}<br />
−
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ullapool Caber|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
'''[[Chargin' Targe]]''' or '''[[Splendid Screen]]'''
−
'''[[Ullapool Caber]]'''
+
! align="center" | {{icon item|Eyelander|40px}}
 +
{{icon item|Scotsman's Skullcutter|40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Eyelander]]''' or '''[[Scotsman's Skullcutter]]'''
 
|
 
|
−
This is the basic Demoman set with the Ullapool Caber. The Grenade Launcher is good for medium-range self-defense, while the Stickybomb Launcher can be used to block of choke points while doing other buisness. You do not have to be near stickybombs to detonate them unlike the [[Scottish Resistance]]. The Ullapool Caber is good for last resort close combat. It has a certain chance to instantly kill or severely injure the enemy at full health. Your height advantage after using the Caber can allow you to land on a safe platform or a body of water after the attack.
 
  
 +
One of the most balanced setups in Medieval Mode. Charging towards enemies and decapitating them with the Eyelander is especially effective when dealing with slower enemies that are alone, and the longer melee range and high mobility gives it a leg up against most classes except for [[Sniper]]s and [[Medics]]. The Chargin' Targe provides a much better defense against fire attacks (from [[Sharpened Volcano Fragment]]s and fire arrows) and explosive damage (from the Ullapool Caber), while the Splendid Screen grants better offensive capability. Replacing the Eyelander with the Scotsman's Skullcutter allows higher damage at the cost of speed - Critical hits with it will one-shot any class other than a Heavy.
 +
 +
|-
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Ali Baba's Wee Booties|100px}}
 +
'''[[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Splendid Screen|100px}}
 +
'''[[Splendid Screen]]'''
 +
! align="center" | {{icon item|Persian Persuader|100px}}
 +
'''[[Persian Persuader]]'''
 +
|'''A Thousand and One Demoknights'''
  
 +
This is the '''A Thousand and One Demoknights''' set if combined with the [[Sultan's Ceremonial]] hat. Ali Baba's Wee Booties will help you survive longer and be able to unexpectedly turn to catch your enemies off guard. The Splendid Screen works well with the boots: while there is less damage resistance than with the Chargin' Targe, Ali Baba's Wee Booties' health benefit will allow you to slaughter your enemies without being killed quickly. The increased charging damage also works well with the ability to turn while charging. The Persian Persuader is good for destroying enemies in close combat. Since you don't use ammo with this set, all ammo dropped would normally be useless, but the Persuader allows you to use them to gain charge back. The charge on hit helps you to escape quickly or to charge towards your next target.
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== See also==
+
==Class Cooperation Strategies==
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Scout}}===
 +
In general, a Demoman and a Scout cover each others' weaknesses. Scouts excel at close range where Demomen suffer, while Demomen excel at mid-range combat and taking out Sentry Guns. At the same time, each is mobile enough that neither is hampered by sticking around the other.
 +
* Scout's speed advantage can allow him to chase down and finish off enemies that may have survived a sticky trap.
 +
* A [[Force-A-Nature]] or [[Shortstop]] Scout can launch/shove enemies into a Demoman's sticky traps.
 +
* Using the [[Mad Milk]], 60% of the damage you deal will be returned to you as health. This can increase your survivability significantly. It is also useful in extinguishing afterburn, which afflicts both Demomen and Scouts fairly often.
 +
* With the [[Pain Train]], a Demoman or Demoknight can pair up with a Scout to capture successive points at blinding speed.
 +
** If the Demoman is using a damaging {{botignore|sticky launcher}}, he can set up a sticky trap as soon as he reaches the point to prevent enemies from challenging their capture; however, a Demoman using a damaging {{botignore|sticky launcher}} will take significant self-damage from sticky jumping. This can be somewhat alleviated if the Demoman wears either the [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] or the [[Bootlegger]], or if the Scout equips the [[Mad Milk]].
 +
** To get perhaps the best of all worlds, a hybrid knight may be able to use the [[Iron Bomber]]'s "heavy" grenades to perform grenade jumps and set up short-lived traps while using a shield to charge and take less explosive damage.
 +
* Normally, a sentry would be a nightmare for both of them to deal with alone, but a Scout with [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] can drink Bonk! and distract a [[Sentry Gun]] to allow a Demoknight to take the Sentry Gun out.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Soldier}}===
 +
Soldiers and Demoman fulfil the same role of creating wanton destruction from their projectile weapons. Because of this, the two's combined firepower and large range of mobility options can make for an ideal pair-up.
 +
* A Soldier has much more "on-demand" firepower than a Demoman does and can cover him while he sets up sticky traps. This is especially true if the Demoman is using the [[Scottish Resistance]].
 +
* Both Demomen and Soldiers can perform explosive jumps, allowing them to launch coordinated attacks from unconventional places.
 +
* A Demoman or Demoknight and a Soldier, both using the Pain Train, can rush to points, and capture them very quickly.
 +
* Soldiers can cover your weaknesses to hitscan weaponry by way of the Shotgun. Soldier can use a variant of the Shotgun to protect you from up close where you are at your weakest.
 +
* A Demoman and a Soldier firing rockets and grenades out of sync will make it difficult, if not impossible for an [[Compression Blast|airblasting]] Pyro to properly reflect their projectiles.
 +
* Soldier's banners all will directly help you in some form or another:
 +
** The Buff Banner converts all damage dealt into Mini-Crits while it's effects are active. With this, a Demoman becomes even more of a threat, can kill light classes with one grenade, and deal significant damage to a Medic.
 +
** The Battalion's Backup reduces Sentry damage by 50% and all other damage by 35%. Using this, you can peek around corners to launch stickybombs more liberally, and likely survive more punishment. It can also allow you to survive long enough to retreat from a class who is actively chasing you, like Scouts, Pyros or Demoknights.
 +
** The Concheror allows damage dealt to be returned to you as health. This can give you more resiliency compared to other classes and partially nullifies the self-damage normally incurred when firing directly in front of you.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Pyro}}===
 +
A Pyro on the enemy team can be a large hassle for you, but a Pyro on your team can make for the one of the more versatile pair-ups.
 +
* Much like a Demoman/Scout pairing, a Demoman/Pyro pair-up can cover each other's weaknesses. The Demoman is effective at longer ranges than the Pyro and can take out Sentry Guns more effectively, while the Pyro is able to take care of close-range threats that might otherwise shred the Demoman.
 +
* As usual, a Pyro is the perfect bodyguard for a distracted or vulnerable ally, such as a Demoman laying sticky traps.
 +
* Using the [[Homewrecker]], Pyros can aid you in destroying buildings more effectively.
 +
* Pyros using any {{botignore|{{tooltip|flare gun|Flare Gun, Detonator, Scorch Shot or Manmelter}}}} can effectively pester Snipers, throwing off their aim and giving you time to retreat.
 +
* Actively [[Compression blast|airblasting]] Pyros can reflect rockets, arrows, or other projectiles that often are aimed towards Demomen, and give you the precious time needed to carpet a point in stickybombs.
 +
** Additionally, your allied Pyro can simply reflect back any projectiles that were previously airblasted by an enemy Pyro.
 +
* Regardless of your tactics, you and the Pyro suffer from extremely long ranges, and as such, Snipers still pose a large threat to both of you. This makes any synergy with a friendly Pyro a close-to-mid ranged affair only.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Demoman}}===
 +
As one of the best burst damage classes in the game, a pair, or group of Demomen working together will be able to take out almost any enemy formation or Sentry set-up with little effort.
 +
* Demomen can combine their stickybombs into one giant pool that will assuredly decimate anything that enters their range (Excluding an ÜberCharge).
 +
* The weaknesses of a Demoman using the Scottish Resistance can generally be covered by having a second Demoman using a different sticky launcher nearby.
 +
* Like with a Demoman/Soldier pair, two Demomen firing projectiles out of sync will be difficult for a Pyro to reflect.
 +
* A Demoman/Demoknight pair can function much like a Demoman/Scout pair; the Demoman can take care of mid-ranged threats and Sentry Guns, while the Demoknight can take care of close-ranged threats.
 +
** If the Demoman is preoccupied with setting or watching sticky traps, or is using the B.A.S.E. Jumper, the Demoknight can take out enemy Snipers to protect the Demoman.
 +
* Two or more Demoknights can allow for some very effective hit-and-run tactics that an uncoordinated team will likely be unable to deal with in their entirety:
 +
** An Eyelander-wielding Demoknight can act as the spearhead of the assault, and a Demoknight using any other sword can follow behind and pick off any opponents who are attempting to flee.
 +
** In Medieval Mode, a full lineup of Demoknights can split into groups and capture/protect multiple points at the same time while also holding back the enemy team. Doing this can make any attempted counter-strategy less effective overall, due to the sheer number of Demoknights rushing/blocking the point.
 +
* Of all classes, Pyros pose the biggest threat to you and your fellow Demos. If multiple Demomen/Demoknights are having their assault picked apart by Pyros due to compression blast, it may be in your best interest to retreat to a class who can more effectively deal with them.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Heavy}}===
 +
Heavy and Demoman are both objective-oriented classes who have large amounts of health, damage output and synergy when put together. Their combined firepower and skill in close-quarters melee combat can make a Heavy-Demo team-up very devastating.
 +
* Heavies are excellent at mowing down Pyros, Scouts, and other close-range characters who normally give Demomen a hard time. This can make him a very good bodyguard for you. Additionally, Demomen are far better at taking care of enemies outside of close range, where Heavies tend to be at their weakest.
 +
* The spread of Heavy's miniguns allows him to very easily clean up any foes who may have survived a burst of your stickybombs. Additionally, it can also be used as tracing rounds to notify where your attention should be in a fight.
 +
* The [[Natascha]] slows enemies, allowing you to more accurately aim and obliterate them. It also aids in keeping enemies from escaping a sticky trap.
 +
* Like the Soldier, the Heavy can come equipped with a Shotgun, allowing him to protect you from threats much easier.
 +
* When firing at a crowd, try to hang right behind a Heavy and let him soak up most of the damage directed at you. This can give you the time and health needed to push in and defend an area.
 +
* A Heavy with a {{tooltip|lunchbox item|Sandvich, Buffalo Steak Sandvich, Dalokohs Bar/Fishcake, or Second Banana.}} can help a Demoman heal off self-damage from explosive jumping.
 +
* An Eyelander-wielding Demoknight and a [[Buffalo Steak Sandvich]] Heavy can make for a great pair when in Medieval Mode. The two together can soak up plenty of melee damage, while moving far faster than normal and can take control of a point in little-to-no time with a coordinated attack.
 +
* With their ability to airblast, Pyros can be a problem for Demoknights, but Heavies can mow them down with ease and also extinguish you with their [[Sandvich]] or similar.
 +
** Heavies are also no slouch when taking out Sentry Guns, which Demoknights will very much appreciate.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Engineer}}===
 +
Demomen and Engineers are two of the best defensive classes in the game. Together, they can create a nigh-impenetrable defense.
 +
* Similarly to the Heavy, a Sentry Gun will provide plenty of protection for you and outright deters the classes who directly cause you trouble, like Scouts and Pyros.
 +
* A Demoman can lay down sticky traps to block off routes enemies might take to evade a Sentry Gun.
 +
* Placing stickybombs around a Sentry Gun allows you to quickly react and kill a Spy before they can wreak havoc on a Sentry nest. This strategy works best with the Scottish Resistance.
 +
* A [[Teleporter]] will allow a Demoman to quickly reach the front lines without taking self-damage, while a [[Dispenser]] will provide a reliable means for the Demoman to heal self-damage off.
 +
* A Demoknight can pick off enemy Snipers to help make the Engineer's life easier.
 +
* Demoknights make excellent Spy-checkers, as one full Crit will kill {{tooltip|''almost''| Exceptions being the feigned death of the Dead Ringer, and a Spy under the effects of the Conniver's Kunai.}} any Spy, even those under cloak.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Medic}}===
 +
Medics can make for one of the most powerful team-up candidates, thanks to their fantastical [[ÜberCharge]]. A competent Medic has the ability to turn you into resilient, powerful walking nightmare that will destroy anything that stands in your way.
 +
* Your weakness to self damage can allow you to constantly aid a Medic in building a constant stream of ÜberCharge and allow for quick charging for multiple uses in a short amount of time.
 +
* The Demoman is usually a prime candidate to receive ÜberCharges, especially from the [[Medi Gun]] or [[Kritzkrieg]]; the high DPS and/or invincibility is one of the main ways of dealing with hard-to-attack setups, such as Sentry nests.
 +
** A Demoman under the effects of a Kritzkrieg ÜberCharge in particular can devastate the enemy team.
 +
* When on Defense, a Medic using the Kritzkrieg can allow you to preemptively place very powerful traps on a control point or around the Payload and make certain death almost guaranteed.
 +
* [[Vaccinator]] Medics can make the effects of self damage minimal if they can properly switch to their explosive resistance. An ÜberCharge from the Vaccinator can also possibly stay active long enough to be able to jump again before it wears off.
 +
* Demoknights make excellent bodyguards for Medics, as you can very easily kill a Spy, Sniper or Scout with your superior melee prowess.
 +
* One thing to keep in mind is that while you can be very great at protecting a friendly Medic, your weakness to close-range combat (If not using a sword and boots,) is still applicable, and can make it more difficult to keep your Medic buddy safe if there are multiple Scouts or Pyros on the enemy team.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Sniper}}===
 +
Due to their differences in the way they cause damage, Demomen and Snipers don't have that much synergy, but they can do some work together.
 +
* Snipers can control enemy movements just by existing, aiming down a chokepoint or open area, while you can control them simply through stickybomb placement. Using sticky traps to block off other passageways, you can force the enemy to push through the one area held down by a Sniper and put them at risk of being headshot.
 +
* The Sniper can take out an Engineer to make a Demoman's nest-destroying efforts more effective.
 +
* The [[Sydney Sleeper]] and [[Jarate]] covers enemies in a liquid that causes all damage to be Mini-Crits. Using this, you can further increase the damage dealt by your explosives, or melee weapon.
 +
* If a Demoman is using the B.A.S.E. Jumper, the allied Sniper can protect him by taking out enemy Snipers. The Demoman can also descend down and kill enemy Snipers focusing on their own Sniper.
 +
* A Sniper can take out Engineers and Heavies to make a Demoknight's life much easier. In turn, Demoknights can take out enemy Snipers to make the Sniper's life easier.
 +
* Both Demoman and Sniper excel at long-to-mid range, while suffering at closer ranges. The two of you can supplement each other's ranged power, but may fall short against Pyros, Heavies or Scouts. Because of this, a Demo-Sniper pair can be rather limited in their chemistry against these classes.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Spy}}===
 +
Spies and Demomen have a surprising amount of synergy, despite their differing playstyles. Using important info that only a Spy can give or waiting for specific cues, a Demoman can make calculated plays against the enemy team that would otherwise not be possible, and their combined utility can make for an excellent team-up.
 +
* Spies can be used as a pseudo-tripwire for an allied Demoman. Using the [[Cloak and Dagger]], a Spy can stay invisible indefinitely and can let the Demoman know when set off a trap of stickybombs laid out for unsuspecting players.
 +
* Both you and the Spy excel at destroying Sentry nests with your combined tools. If a Spy can [[backstab]] an Engineer or sap a Sentry Gun, that can give you an opportunity to destroy them with stickybombs or the Loch-n-Load.
 +
* Demoman makes an excellent distraction for Spies. Firing stickybombs or grenades to divert your foes' attention can let a Spy stab a high priority target and make it easier for you to finish off any remaining enemies.
 +
** Spies can also stall for a Demoman and buy him time to finish setting up a sticky trap.
 +
* Demoknights and Spies can work well together, as they both are built for up close high-priority elimination. If a Spy can backstab a Medic's patient, this can allow a Demoknight to charge in, kill the Medic before he can retreat, and the pair can then disappear without a trace (With Demoknight's shield charge, and the Spy's [[Invis Watch]], respectively.) before the enemy team can retaliate.
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 
*[[Team strategy]]
 
*[[Team strategy]]
−
 
  
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Demoman Nav}}
 
{{Demoman Nav}}
  
−
 
−
[[Category:Strategy]]
 
−
[[Category:Demoman]]
 
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]

Latest revision as of 19:00, 20 November 2024

Ka-BOOM!
“
Not one of ya's going to survive this!
Click to listen
— The Demoman just before detonating his stickybombs
 ”

The Demoman is a medium-ranged, projectile-heavy class with an outstanding damage output, capable at both offensive and defensive support. While inaccurate at range and often threatened by self-damage at point-blank, the Demoman is one of the few classes able to attack without a line of sight to their target, allowing him to utilize his Grenade or Sticky Launchers for crowd control on the offensive, or area denial via Stickybomb traps on the defensive. His playstyle can change completely with access to a sword and shield, making the Demoman a fearsome melee class courtesy of his long melee range and the ability to perform charged dashes. Like the Soldier, the Demoman is also capable of performing explosive jumps, and can reach objectives well in advance of other classes once the jumps have been mastered. The Demoman is a rewarding class to learn but challenging and difficult to master, and is an ideal class for players oriented towards protecting objectives or eliminating multiple enemies.

Quick tips

  • Like other defensive classes, Demoman benefits greatly from being able to predict his opponents, as this allows him to ambush other classes as they move around the map and to lead his projectiles in direct engagements.
  • A Demoman is most effective at medium range, where his explosives are easier to aim, harder to avoid, and won't deal self-damage to himself. Since Grenades and Stickybombs have travel time and obey the laws of gravity, you will have to aim where a target is going in order to hit them.
    • Aim higher for distant targets or lead towards the direction of a traveling opponent.
  • One distinct advantage the Demoman has compared to other classes is the ability to deliver damage where others cannot easily reach; try bouncing/arcing Grenades/Stickybombs around corners, through windows, and onto battlements.
    • When aiming at a distant target, skipping Grenades across the ground may be more effective than lobbing them through the sky.
  • Search for areas of the map that would make ideal Stickybomb traps for unsuspecting enemy players; if they are in plain sight, enemies may destroy the bombs before you can detonate them. Maintaining a safe distance from the trap, while keeping a clear view of it, would be an ideal scenario.
    • When defending a key target, try placing Stickybombs onto obscure areas of the objective and retreating to cover. One can then simply wait for an alert that the area is being captured, then detonate the Stickybombs.
  • Stickybombs are small and a cluster can stick in a single spot, allowing for surprisingly strong ambush traps such as on the ceiling of Junction's control points.
  • When fleeing, leave Stickybombs in your wake; you can often kill pursuers by detonating said Stickybombs as soon as you can. Pursuers may also pause to destroy the Stickybombs or choose an alternate route, giving you more time to escape to safety.
  • Use the potent knockback of your explosives to disrupt enemy tactics, such as Heavy/Medic pairs, by using explosions to push the Medic away from the Heavy so each can be killed more easily. One can also use a large number of Stickybombs and detonate all of them at once to kill one or both targets.
  • Mastering Demoman Jumps, also called sticky jumps, can allow players to easily propel themselves behind enemy lines and take out unsuspecting players from either the rear or above.
  • The Demoman is one of the most effective melee classes, with advantages including longer ranged melee weapons and charged dashing capabilities (with a shield equipped). However, in order to utilize these advantages effectively, one must try to employ ambush tactics in order to launch surprise attacks on enemy players.
    • Like your projectiles, your charge works best at a distance, and requires you to lead targets who are not running away from you. Get used to the distance needed to gain a charging Critical hit.
  • The Demoman is the only class without hitscan weapons, meaning that most classes (especially Snipers or Scouts) have a high advantage over you at long distances. Additionally, fighting at close range will always result in self-damage and potentially a suicide unless you switch to your melee weapon.
  • You cannot detonate Stickybombs while taunting.

General

  • When it comes to base stats, the Demoman is comparable to a less durable, yet slightly faster Soldier. With 175 base health and 93% speed, he matches the Pyro's base health, but moves slower to compensate for his high damage output.
    • As such, the Demoman is one of several classes able to endure uncharged headshots at full base health, but also makes it slightly more difficult to chase opponents down or retreat on foot.
  • As a Demoman, you completely lack any source of hitscan weaponry. To make up for this, all your ranged weapons deal heavy explosive damage; two direct hits with your Grenade Launcher is enough to kill or severely damage any enemy, while a bunch of detonated stickybombs from any of your Stickybomb Launchers (except the Sticky Jumper) are the single strongest burst damage options in the game. Use this to your advantage by eliminating bulky targets like Heavies, or protect key areas with Stickybomb traps.
  • Like the Soldier, your explosives deal excellent splash damage, allowing you to deal heavy damage to groups. This shines when defending objectives, as enemies often crowd onto a single spot, leaving them open.
    • However, this splash damage also applies to you. Keep a safe distance from the fight to avoid blowing yourself up by mistake.
  • The projectile nature of your weapons allows you to act as covering fire; even if you miss, you can cover the area with ticking grenade hazards that will often deter opponents from retreating, making them open for another grenade or your teammates.
    • This inherently allows you to attack enemies out of sight. Lob grenades and Stickybombs to damage opponents in enemy territory that would otherwise be risky to enter.
  • Always keep your weapons loaded. While your Grenade and Stickybomb Launcher variants have reasonably large clip sizes, they have a comparatively long reload time, especially if they are completely empty. This is especially true for the Loch-n-Load and Quickiebomb Launcher.
    • It is beneficial to keep a loaded Grenade Launcher as a backup weapon instead of the other way around, as Stickybombs have an arm time that can be the difference between life and death.
  • You have access to Demoman-specific explosive Jumps, allowing you to traverse long distances and offset your below-average movement speed. However, unlike the Soldier, you only resist 25% of the damage from explosive jumps (compared to the Soldier's 40% resistance) and you do not have access to Gunboats, making this a far riskier maneuver.
    • Optimize your jumps via a friendly overheal, or simply take note of the position of the map's health packs.
  • As the class' name implies, the Demoman is a go-to demolition expert when it comes to Buildings. Your high overall damage, large clip size, and ability to lob projectiles from a safe angle allows you to take down Sentry Guns in two or three Stickybombs before an Engineer can destroy them himself; at best, you can destroy an entire nest and the Engineer in the process.
    • However, this does not mean you do not require team support. A large Engineer nest or one with enemy backup (such as Pyros) may require a teammate's help, either through a friendly Spy's Sapper or a Medic's ÜberCharge.
  • Do not underestimate the utility of the Bottle! It deals reliable damage with no danger of harming yourself, allowing you to punish enemies who get into dangerous point-blank range, where you would usually risk blowing yourself up with your own bombs.
    • Pesky enemies who weave in-and-out of melee range can be baited into a hastily-set Stickybomb cluster; after all, you can still detonate your traps while holding out your melee weapon.
  • Your dependence on projectiles means that you will be inaccurate without properly leading your target and accounting for distance. Even so, you still have a natural disadvantage against hitscan in general, especially if your enemy strafes constantly or keeps their distance. This can make fighting Scouts or Snipers difficult.
    • If you have no other options, leave a trail of grenades or Stickybombs in the direction your opponent is moving; you might kill them even once you're dead. At worst, you can approach and kamikaze with a point-blank shot for an equal net loss.

Knockback and Aerials

  • Your explosives deal massive knockback to enemies if they connect with their lower body, with exceptions being the Heavy (due to his natural resistance to knockback), Soldiers wearing the Mantreads, and a Medic and/or his patient under the influence of an ÜberCharge from a Quick-Fix. This makes you even more imposing near environmental hazards, allowing you to force an untimely death.
    • A Scout under the effects of Bonk! Atomic Punch or an ÜberCharged target can be easily thrown into the air with a well-timed explosion, thus wasting their invincibility and leaving them wide open for the rest of the team. However, competent players can abuse this knockback and propel themselves on a Control Point, or even straight into your team. Watch out and use this brutal power with care.
  • Your ability to knock enemies into the air (and, by extension, your ability to deal heavy damage with direct hits at any range) allow you to perform aerial kills, or "Airshots", one of the Demoman's specialties. When an enemy is launched into the air, a Demoman with good prediction skills can score a direct hit with his Grenade Launcher to kill the helpless enemy. While aerials are possible with the Stickybomb Launcher, it is not recommended due to damage falloff and the arming time.

Roles

Defense

Defense is the traditional role a Demoman will play, and is well suited to the class.

  • One of the more basic defensive strategies a Demoman will employ is placing well hidden Stickybombs on or near key strategic points on a map. When enemy players approach the target, a properly timed detonation can severely injure or kill passing enemies, and even if the stickies are spotted, they can delay and slow enemy pushes toward an objective.
    • Setting up Stickybomb traps in unexpected places are critical to their success. Hiding Stickybombs behind escape routes and spamming grenades can make the enemy recklessly retreat, driving them to their death.
  • Maintaining pressure on choke points is another core Demoman defensive strategy due to his pure burst damage. Once the enemy team begins to push through a chokepoint, a Demoman can single-handedly obstruct any enemy progress by covering the area with Stickybombs and spamming Grenades at incoming opponents. This is especially useful if the enemies are taken by surprise, or in confined or narrow spaces.
  • A Demoman can use the knockback of his explosives to split apart or disrupt pushes and isolate enemies to allow for easy pickings.
  • The Demoman is effective at helping Engineers to fight off enemy Spies. Your attacks won't harm friendly buildings, so place one or two Stickybombs near a building, then wait nearby or while providing offensive support with your Grenade Launcher. When an Engineer says "Spy sapping my [building]," or if an Engineer just destroyed a Sapper, detonate the bombs to kill the Spy in case he is still there, then return to place more. You can also use the Scottish Resistance to protect friendly buildings from enemy Demoman Stickybombs.
  • Because the Stickybombs on the Scottish Resistance take a longer time to arm, it is better suited for defensive play that requires guarding multiple areas simultaneously while still leaving unneeded traps undetonated. Additionally, this allows for a "safety net" in case your first cluster misses or isn't enough to kill a group of enemies; simply have another group of Stickybombs prepared close by so you can have another go. You can also deliberately prematurely detonate one group of Stickybombs where the enemy can see them; this may trick the enemy into thinking that they have tricked you into prematurely detonating your Stickybombs, causing them to relax their guard and stumble directly into your real Sticky trap.
Offense

For a Defense-based class, the Demoman has one of the highest damage outputs in the game, allowing him to fill in the offensive role and punch through enemy defenses, letting his entire team move forward.

  • Stickybombs are a very useful weapon, as their short detonation time, combined with their damage and splash range, can destroy enemy pushes and break stalemates. Multiple stickies can be used to take down slower and larger targets such as the Heavy.
    • The Grenade Launcher is also powerful on its own, with the added benefit of exploding on hit and contributing to spam, which limits enemy movements.
    • Stickybombs can be charged to throw them further.
  • When your team's progress is denied by a strong Engineer nest, a Demoman is an optimal choice for offensive pushing. Along with the Spy and the Soldier, the Demoman is a team's best hope at clearing enemy Sentry Guns and Heavies.
  • If given an ÜberCharge, the Demoman becomes a formidable front-line attacker that can fill in several roles. With a standard ÜberCharge, the Demoman can clear out an entire Engineer nest as well as enemies and other obstructions, while a Kritzkrieg ÜberCharge allows him to shut down enemy groups and pushes completely. This proves particularly effective with backup from other Demomen and Soldiers.
  • Being a support Demoman is slightly harder than concentrating on offense or defense alone, as it revolves around covering as much friendly ground or chokepoints as possible. A Demoman can lay down spam to hold enemies back, while also utilizing Stickybombs to hold ground for other teammates to advance forward.

Demoknight

A Demoknight set completely changes the playstyle of the class.

Using a Demoknight set (generally seen as one of the shield weapons paired with a sword-based melee weapon) grants the Demoman a unique combat style that requires separate tactics and techniques.

  • Unlike a standard Demoman, who is a medium-ranged expert focused on traps and strong crowd control, a Demoknight is instead a sub-class focused on single-target melee picking, with advantages including higher resistance to explosives and fire, better mobility and the removal of debuffs via charging, longer melee range combined with on-hit/kill weapon perks, and the ability to chase down and eliminate a single target with a well-positioned critical swing.
    • Downsides of the class include contributing less to large firefights and battles, since Demoknights do not fare well as their longer range damage output is reduced. Melee combat in itself is risky due to a Demoknight being unable to escape if their charge misses. Finally, with Boots equipped, a Demoknight is completely forced to depend on melee combat, making him extremely vulnerable to long-range damage and Sentry Guns, the latter of which is (ironically) usually simple to deal with if playing as the stock class.
  • Playing a Demoknight requires a different mindset from a standard Demoman, as you sacrifice the Stickybomb Launcher's strengths for the utilities gained by your array of shields and swords.
    • Your shields make you harder to kill with flames and explosives, giving you an advantage against Soldiers, Pyros, and other Demomen. This is most apparent with the Chargin' Targe, which allows you to tank a Flame Thrower's flames when a Pyro would usually have the upper hand.
    • Meanwhile, your sword-based weapons have increased melee reach, and also give you health or charge on hit/kill. Combined with the resistance and charge ability granted by your shields, you can dash in quickly and slice at opponents, then escape with the health or charge gained by your melee attacks.
    • Boots give you more health and charge maneuverability, and also grants you additional speed when equipped alongside a shield, making it easier for you to swordfight; with the Eyelander and four heads, the extra speed even allows you to chase down any class on foot, including Scouts. However, all these tempting upsides are offset by this setup's pure-melee requirement, making you easy to kill unless you are already in melee range. In essence, a full Demoknight setup tests your prowess as a Demoknight, and rewards players who understand when to run in and which opponents to engage with.
  • Even if you are not actively using your melee weapon, a shield is still an effective utility tool. It lets you get to places without self-harm (unlike your explosive jumps), endure more blast and fire damage while still being aggressive with your Grenade Launcher, and can even lead you and a friendly Medic to safety if he is healing you with the Quick-Fix while you charge.
    • Charging also immediately removes the effects of Jarate, Mad Milk, Bleeding, and Afterburn, which is very useful due to a Demoknight's tendency to work alone and run into danger.
  • Grenade or Loose Cannon explosive jumps can be extended using your charge, even letting you switch direction in midair. This is especially efficient when using the Tide Turner.
    • The mechanics of charging also allows you to charge into the air using slopes, a technique named "trimping", which is explained further below in the "Demoman Jumps" section.
  • Remember to prioritize the original role of the Demoman class! If there is a building or Engineer nest that desperately needs taking down, be a team player and drop the shield for your Stickybomb Launcher. A Demoknight simply lacks the firepower needed to take down nests by himself, and you can always re-equip your shield after clearing a nest.
  • If you are not willing to drop the shield, equip one of the Grenade Launchers. You can provide some extra firepower at the cost of 25 health.
  • It is possible to increase the range of your melee weapon by 128 units. You can do this by swinging your weapon just before charging.
    • On top of that you will still be charging after doing this, granting you two swings in one charge. (note that the first swing will not be a Critical hit) If you are in front of a low-health enemy and there is another one behind him, use this tactic to kill the enemy in front of you and use the Crits of your second attack to kill the one behind him.

Demoman Jumps

Main article: Demoman Jumps

The Demoman, along with the Soldier, is one of the two classes who can perform explosive jumps. His various weapons, including the Grenade Launcher, Stickybomb Launcher, and Scottish Resistance, can be used to perform such jumps, each with different methods to execute.

Stickybomb Jumping

Stickybomb jumping, or sticky jumping, is often the most common type of Demoman jump, which involves the detonation of one or more stickybombs for a large, though highly damaging, explosive jump.

  • Sticky jumping is very similar to rocket jumping. Simply lay a Stickybomb on the ground, run over it, jump, and then detonate the bomb. As when rocket jumping, crouch-jumping in mid-air before setting off the sticky will propel the player with even more force.
  • Compared to rocket jumping, sticky jumping sends the user much further, but at the cost of much more health (45-114 excluding fall damage). Multiple stickies can be used for an even greater effect, at the cost of a higher amount of self-damage.
    • Due to the high amount of health lost from sticky jumping, it is wise to memorize health pack locations on the map, or have a Medic in tow.
  • Demomen only take 25% reduced damage from their explosive jumps, unlike Soldiers (who take 40% reduced damage). It is usually suicidal to stickybomb jump as a retreat option unless you have overheal or are at full health.
  • Your angle to the Stickybomb when it is detonated determines your flight path — standing directly on top of your stickybomb sends you straight up, and the more you stray from the explosion's center, the more horizontal distance you cover. You can adjust when to detonate your Stickybombs to adjust your trajectory to be either more vertical or horizontal.
    • For an optimal horizontal sticky jump, fire a Stickybomb where a wall meets with the floor to maximize distance gained.
  • With practice, Stickybomb jumps can be extended with "pogo-jumping" — detonating a second Stickybomb in the air to increase your air time. However, this is quite complicated to master, as it requires your first jump to send you directly over your second, airborne Stickybomb, and it often deals too much damage to survive unless you are overhealed.
  • The Stickybomb Launcher can be replaced by the Sticky Jumper, which will remove all self-damage when sticky jumping, allowing much farther and higher jumps. However, fall damage must still be taken into account.

Scottish Resistance

  • When sticky jumping with the Scottish Resistance, any stickies directly under the Demoman will be detonated when secondary fire is used, so long as there are no other stickies in the player's crosshair. However, jumps with a lot of forward momentum are difficult to achieve with the Scottish Resistance unless the Stickybomb being used for the jump is being directly looked at — essentially, the player will be facing away from the direction they wish to go when the bomb is detonated. This can take some practice to get used to.

Grenade Jumping

Grenade jumping uses the timed explosion of a Grenade Launcher's grenades for a smaller, less damaging explosive jump.

  • Like a Stickybomb jump, simply jump atop a grenade as it is about to explode to send yourself flying; the further you are from the explosion's center, the more horizontal distance you gain and more vertical distance you lose. Remember that grenades have a fuse time of around 2.3 seconds.
  • As grenades tend to roll around after being shot, it is usually best to fire a grenade towards a wall to make its final sitting position more predictable.
  • Grenades deal 38-73 self-damage depending on the distance you are from the center of its explosion. This makes it more efficient for smaller jumps, or when conserving health is a priority.
    • Grenade jumping is also beneficial if you already have a group of stickies deployed elsewhere, as placed stickies will be left undetonated.
  • Another method of grenade jumping can be used when you are especially close to an enemy, just crouch jump and then shoot a grenade at the enemy, this will inflict damage on both you and the target, allowing you to blast jump away.
    • This method of grenade jumping is mostly just useful has a retreat tactic.
  • Note that grenade jumps are less practical than Stickybomb jumps in situations where enemies may be nearby, due to the fact that one must wait for the grenade to explode with the stock Grenade Launcher.
    • However, Grenade Jumping is a very viable tactic with the Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen equipped, and it can easily catch enemies off-guard when they find a shield-equipped Demoman in an unexpected place.
  • A tutorial on Grenade Jumps can be found here.

Iron Bomber and Loose Cannon

  • The Iron Bomber can make grenade jumping more efficient, simply because the projectiles stay almost completely stationary until detonation, and its shorter fuse time means a shorter wait for each grenade jump. Overall, this gives you more control over your jumps.
  • Loose Cannon cannonballs can also be used for grenade jumps due to its short fuse time. However, take note that their shape may make it difficult to position them for an optimal jump, and that cannonballs have a fuse that only lasts one second. Additionally, the Loose Cannon can perform a more efficient Cannon Jump, as shown below.

Cannon Jumping

Similarly to the Beggar's Bazooka, the Loose Cannon can be overloaded. By charging a cannonball for a full second, the detonation allows for a strong, easily-timed explosive jump.

  • The Loose Cannon deals 64-73 self-damage when overloaded, as overcharging causes an explosion directly in front of the player. This is more stable when compared to the Grenade Launcher (38-73 damage) and Stickybomb Launcher (45-114).
    • Since both the Loose Cannon's fuse time and the position of the overload's explosion is fixed, it allows for controllable jumps and doesn't necessitate a surface to maximize distance gained. Additionally, since Cannon Jumping offers good distance comparable with a Stickybomb jump, it allows you to clear large distances much faster with a lower health penalty.
  • As Cannon Jumping grants an easily accessible method of explosive jumping without the use of your Stickybomb Launcher, equipping an alternative secondary weapon is a viable option. By equipping the Chargin Targe, Splendid Screen, or the Tide Turner, it's possible to choose a Demoknight loadout whilst keeping a useful jumping ability. Your shield's charge can even let you lengthen your jump or even switch directions in midair.

Charge jumping (Trimping)

Charge jumps, while technically not an "explosive jump", is a unique Demoman jump which uses slanted objects to alter the trajectory of a shield charge.

  • The most basic Trimping technique is a simple leap off a sloped surface while equipping the Chargin Targe, Splendid Screen, or Tide Turner. This is often executed by moving towards a slope, jumping while looking at it, and charging right before hitting the ground. This burst of speed will propel the player to great distances since the slope will typically point upwards. One such easily-accessible jump exists on Degroot Keep.
  • Water can also be used for a niche charge jump. When fully submerged, the player can leap out of the water in an arc, provided that they have gained enough speed and are aiming upwards at a strong angle.

Tide Turner

The Tide Turner's full turning mobility allows for a charge jump known as Trimping, and is especially useful for Boots-wearing Demoknights with no access to explosive jumps.

  • Turning during an airborne charge will increase the speed of the charge, allowing jumps to gain more distance. This allows slopes that would previously fail to work to be jump-able, if the player jumps and turns towards the slope in order to gain sufficient speed to slide on it.
    • On slopes that can be walked up and are too long, it is important to jump and gain enough speed to fling off the surface. Simply charging straight up these sorts of slopes will cause the player to brake immediately once the charge is finished, as the game considers the player to be "stuck" against the ground.
    • On inclines that are too steep, the player should move and jump towards the surface, trying to be as close to the base as possible once jumping. If timed too late, the game will consider the incline to be a "wall", and the player will crash into it without traveling anywhere.
    • Use the Claidheamh Mòr to increase airtime by 0.5 seconds. This will be useful when trimping up long surfaces.
  • Depending on the map and slope, charge jumps with the Tide Turner may cover more ground than other jumps would, whilst retaining all health besides fall damage. This is even more apparent when multiple slopes are used for the jump.
    • The turning ability also allows the player to strafe around obstructions mid-jump without requiring to end the charge first, allowing for less restrictive and easier jumps.
  • Slanted walls too steep to walk up are nevertheless still useful for Trimping, such as the rocks outside BLU spawn on Badwater Basin. By jumping and charging towards such a surface and then immediately doing a quick 180° turn, the player will gain enough speed to be sent flying into the air, where they can continue to extend the distance gained by continuously strafing in midair.
  • Much like the Loose Cannon, the Tide Turner allows players to choose a Demoknight loadout while having a very useful mobility option.
  • More info about Trimping can be found in this tutorial.

Weapon-specific

Primary weapons

Grenade Launcher + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage (Landed) Self Damage Critical (Direct Hit) Critical (Missed) Projectile Speed
Grenade Launcher
Stock
Grenade Launcher 		Killicon grenade launcher.png 4 16 100 30-57 38-73 300 90-170 1216.6 Hammer units/sec
  • The Grenade Launcher is a projectile weapon that launches arcing/bouncing grenades which explode on direct contact with an enemy (if they do not hit a surface first), or 2.28 seconds after being launched. Each grenade causes a wide area-of-effect explosion; direct hits deal excellent damage against single targerts and crowds, while missed shots deal less damage but are useful for covering areas with ticking hazards.
    • Grenades deal 100 damage (at any range) if they hit a target directly; if not, grenades will instead fall to the ground and explode after a set timer, dealing ~60 damage or less to any nearby enemies. Note that the closer an opponent is to the center of an explosion, the more damage they will take.
    • The Grenade Launcher's first reload takes twice as long as the rest of the clip (1.24s and 0.6s respectively).
  • The Grenade Launcher's large splash damage radius is useful against large groups of enemies and in small, confined spaces. A single clip can be enough to take out a team crowded on a control point, while its timer makes it difficult for opponents to escape if they are busy fighting against other teammates.
    • If an enemy is about to run away, try to block his predicted escape route with some grenades. If the enemy's health is low enough to have them hesitate at running into the grenades, attempt to go for the kill.
  • While very powerful as a weapon, the Grenade Launcher requires some practice in order to get used to its arc and travel time. In one-on-one battles, it is important to make most shots count, as it usually takes only two/three shots to kill a full-healed enemy.
    • Keep in mind that it is very easy to avoid grenades at long and even medium range. Because of the grenade's low speed, enemies have a lot of time to react, especially Scouts. As a rule of thumb, lead moving targets and aim higher for more distant opponents.
  • The Grenade Launcher has a four-grenade clip and a quick fire rate. This, along with its moderately slow reload speed, makes spamming the weapon unwise; you will easily find yourself out of grenades and caught off-guard against close-range opponents, reloading and helpless.
    • As you only hold 16 grenades in reserve, it will also make you run out of ammo quickly without an ammunition source.
  • Take note of grenade physics:
    • Grenades spin when fired, which causes them to bounce unpredictably. This allows grenades to bounce around corners and randomly move after they have made surface contact. Shoot them around corners by bouncing them off walls, props, and carts at an angle. You can even roll grenades down slopes, albeit with little control.
    • Grenades launch slightly to the right of the cross-hair, so lead to the left to compensate. This is especially important for dealing with faster classes such as Pyros and Scouts, especially at close range.
    • Grenade are shot forward in a gravity-obeying arc. High angle fire at long distances can help to hit enemies behind cover and flush Engineer nests out without getting you in harm's way.
  • Try to aim near an enemy's feet; your grenades deal excellent knockback and will send opponents flying in a predictable arc for you to pick off.
    • The opposite is true; landing direct hits from above will forcibly plant your target on the ground for a moment, making them open to another grenade.
  • Like rockets from the Rocket Launcher, critical-boosted grenades are potent: a single grenade can kill multiple opponents instantly, and will send any survivors flying with high knockback. Even if missed, they are still beneficial as deadly time-bombs for anyone unfortunate enough to walk by them.
  • On certain maps (and with correct timing), it is possible to keep firing an endless stream of grenades out of spawn by standing right next to a Resupply Cabinet. Such examples are the first BLU spawns on Badwater Basin and Dustbowl Stage 1, respectively. This is helpful if BLU is trapped at their spawn point by RED, as it will weaken enemy defenses and give your team a chance to push out.
  • The Grenade Launcher is an excellent sidearm if your Stickybomb Launcher has no stickies loaded, and will be your main ranged weapon when any of your Shields are equipped. The fuse on your grenades can deter enemies from advancing forward, and grenades deal almost as much damage as Stickybombs, allowing you to keep up the pressure even while reloading your Stickybomb Launcher or waiting for your "Charge" meter to refill.
  • The wide arc, high speed, and low weight of the grenades makes them easy to lob over obstacles or bounce around corners, where they can alert you to approaching enemies by listening for a scream of pain.

Loch-n-Load

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical (Direct hit) Projectile Speed
Loch-n-Load
Craft
Loch-n-Load 		Killicon loch-n-load.png 3 16 100 50-92 38-70 300 1513.3 Hammer units/sec
  • The Loch-n-Load fires grenades that are 25% faster than grenades from the stock Grenade Launcher, and deal 20% more damage to Buildings. As a downside, the Loch-n-Load carries one less grenade in its clip (3 instead of 4), while its grenades have a 25% smaller splash radius and shatter harmlessly on contact with the world.
  • The Loch-n-Load is designed more for sharpshooting single targets and taking down pesky Sentry Guns due to its faster projectiles and stronger damage against buildings. Its lower splash radius and fragile grenades make it less effective at contributing to spam and handling groups when compared to the stock Grenade Launcher.
    • Because of this, treat the Loch-n-Load somewhat like the Soldier’s Direct Hit, both feature little to no splash damage and have a faster projectile speed.
  • The 20% extra damage to buildings allows you to destroy Level 2 and 3 Buildings in 2 hits instead of 3. Combined with the Stickybomb Launcher and good aim, a single well-used ÜberCharge can be game-changing if an Engineer nest is all there is from keeping you and your team from an objective.
  • While its smaller blast radius can be problematic against groups, the Loch-n-Load's extra projectile speed is very redeeming in the hands of a player who focuses on direct hits. Its faster grenades make it easier to land direct hits on enemies who are at close to medium range, as it give them less time to react and move out of the way.
  • The Loch-n-Load has a longer effective range compared to other grenade launchers, as its grenades travel in a straighter trajectory. This allows you to hit distant targets more easily without having to compensate by aiming and predicting, especially against stationary targets like Sentry Guns or Snipers.
    • Its increased shot velocity means that the Loch-n-Load is also excellent for tunnel fighting, such as in the tunnels of Turbine and Hoodoo. This is especially noticeable against bigger and slower targets like the Heavy, who otherwise have a natural advantage in long, narrow tunnels.
  • The Loch-n-Load's shattering grenades grant significant downsides, including the inability to contribute with spam and area denial. You are unable to block off areas with undetonated grenades at all, and you will also be unable to deal chip damage to Buildings if you miss them completely.
    • You are also unable to grenade jump because of your shattering grenades. This means you will need to use sticky jumps to get to hard-to-reach areas.
    • The Loch-n-Load's lower clip size means there is little room for error, as it increases the number of times you need to reload in the face of enemy aggression. It can be a good idea to switch to your Stickybomb Launcher of choice for extended battles, and switch to a suitable melee weapon rather than engage them at point blank.
  • Ironically, the downside of shattering grenades can be an advantage if you are fighting an enemy Pyro who is good at compression blasting. The reflected grenade will simply shatter harmlessly if the Pyro reflects your grenade but misses you or your teammates.
    • The faster grenades are a further benefit, as it makes them quite difficult to airblast in the first place.
  • If using the Loch-n-Load for a Demoknight setup, do note that the lower clip size and smaller splash radius will hinder your already low effectiveness against groups and during extended battles. However, the faster projectiles can make you more dangerous at a longer range, and the extra damage against buildings can be helpful if you are still determined to help your team destroy Sentry Guns while swordfighting.

Loose Cannon + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage
Splash Damage
(mid-air)
Splash Damage
(after bounce) 		Self Damage Critical
Loose Cannon
Craft
Loose Cannon 		Killicon loose cannon.png 4 16 57-77 22-64 11-32 56-104 202
Killicon loose cannon pushed.png
  • The Loose Cannon is a grenade launcher whose damage is dealt as 25-50 damage when hit directly and a 60 damage explosion that occurs soon afterward (instead of dealing 100 damage when hit directly). The cannonballs launched by the Loose Cannon explode in a maximum of 1 second (instead of 2.3) and can be charged to explode even earlier. The cannonballs also feature a 20% faster projectile speed, immense knockback, and the ability to Double Donk foes; if the cannonball hit directly and the explosion occurs within half-a-second of each other, the explosion will be a Mini-Crit.
  • For novice players, the 50% reduced direct damage can make the Loose Cannon feel much weaker than the other grenade launchers. However, don't be fooled; the Loose Cannon can actually deal 31 more damage per cannonball (~131) if successful Double Donks are achieved. As these Double Donks usually require good timing and aim to pull off, practice is necessary to get them consistently.
  • As well as being able to perform Double Donks, the Loose Cannon's charge meter has a variety of tricks that it can pull off.
    • The first trick is the ability to cause mid-air explosions (~40 damage each), similar to the Pyro's Detonator. This can be useful for hitting fast-moving targets such as Scouts, or Pyros using compression blast.
    • Another trick is the ability to perform very effective Grenade-jumps. There are two methods for doing this. The first is jumping and looking at the ground/wall as the cannonball explodes while it is still in the chamber (similar to an overload jump). Another method is to release the cannonball with less than half-a-second fuse time and to jump off that, like a regular Grenade-jump.
    • The third trick is the ability to hold down the fuse meter and let it explode while it is still in the chamber (Kamikaze), in order to damage nearby enemies. You will take around 60 damage from the explosion, but so will your foe. This can be a useful last resort, especially for fighting Scouts.
    • A trick of this charge meter is the ability to self-damage yourself by exploding the cannonball while it is in the chamber, in order to assist Medics wielding the Default Medi Gun or Kritzkrieg in building up ÜberCharges at the maximum rate. These weapons build up their ÜberCharges faster if the target has minimal Overheal or has low health. The Quick-Fix and Vaccinator can benefit from this also; however, their Overheal is actually stunted, so most of the time they are building up ÜberCharges at the maximum rate anyway.
  • The Loose Cannon's high Knockback is useful in a variety of situations.
    • The Knockback is powerful for a defensive Demoman wielding a Stickybomb Launcher variant. The Knockback can be used to push enemies into Sticky-traps (Stickybombs attached to surfaces).
    • Yet again, the Knockback is useful for a defensive Demoman, regardless of what secondary he is using. If being chased by a horde of enemies, the Knockback can be greatly useful for pushing them back, giving you time to escape.
    • The Knockback can also be used very aggressively, pushing enemies away from areas that you deem off-limits.
    • The Knockback can be used to push enemies into hazards or off cliffs (Environmental death).
    • Since its knockback effect is still useful against ÜberCharge, it is an alternative to the Pyro's airblast for Über-jamming. Since Medics are more likely to ÜberCharge Heavies, who are dangerous at short range, this mid-range cannonball might prove useful against enemy Medics. In addition, you can still push them into environmental hazards in maps such as Hightower or Upward.
  • The Loose Cannon's fast projectile speed may not be as impressive as the Loch-n-Load's (+20% instead of +25%); however, it is still higher than the stock Grenade Launcher and the Iron Bomber. It can be useful in any situation.
    • On Offense, the faster projectile speed allows you to kill enemies faster and gives them less time to react.
    • On Defense, the faster projectile speed is helpful yet again; it can be used to keep up the pressure on advancing enemies.
    • The faster projectile speed also increases the range of the cannonballs (they are still short-ranged due to having an extremely short fuse) and lessens the arc of the cannonballs.
  • The shorter fuse time of the Loose Cannon is great for making temporary traps for pursuing enemies to walk over.
    • The shorter fuse also allows more Direct and Explosive damage to occur, allowing you to achieve Double-Donks if the enemy is in close range.
  • Despite having many upsides and special abilities, the Loose Cannon does have some noticeable downsides.
    • The Loose Cannon requires a lot of practice for it to be effective at combat.
    • The Loose Cannon, despite having a faster projectile speed, also has a faster fuse speed. Although the faster fuse can be a good attribute, it is also bad because it decreases the range of the Loose Cannon's cannonballs (although the faster projectile speed increases the range slightly).
    • The Loose Cannon may be the most powerful at PVP (Player vs Player), but it is possibly the worst grenade launcher at PVB (Player vs Buildings). Double Donks don't work against buildings, but the damage of each cannonball overall still matches that of the stock Grenade Launcher. However, when fighting buildings that are under guard by an Engineer, stronger burst damage is more important than weaker, sustained damage, so using the Stickybomb Launcher to compensate for the Loose Cannon is optimal.
    • The knockback of the cannonballs can also be a problem for achieving Double-Donks. Aiming at the feet of the opponent will launch them farther than aiming at their torso or head; aiming for the head will reduce the knockback severely, allowing Double-Donks to be achieved more.
  • Synergy
    • Paired with the Scottish Resistance, this weapon is one of the pinnacle weapons in defense. Paired with several Sentry Guns, and Heavies positioned near Dispensers, with adequate Spy checking, this position is nearly impossible to break through and you will easily stop anything short of an ÜberCharge. The Loose Cannon's role here is long-range support, knockback, and well-timed air detonations.
      • The knockback is especially useful here since you can fire Scottish Resistance stickybombs behind enemies and knock them into the traps despite the stickybombs' long arm time.
      • Even without directly hitting an enemy, you may still do so by scaring your enemies into retreating with a cannonball explosion in mid-air.
    • Paired with the Quickiebomb Launcher or the Default Stickybomb Launcher, the Loose Cannon can be used very effectively on offense. The knockback can be useful for pushing enemies back, which allows room for devastating damage from the Stickybomb Launcher.
    • Paired with any of Demoman's shields, the Loose Cannon can still do a lot of work. Being the highest damage-dealer, most effective at Grenade-jumping, and best for self-defense and creating temporary traps, the Loose Cannon is the obvious choice for any Hybrid Demoknight (also referred to as Hybrid Knight).
    • Paired with the Sticky Jumper, the Loose Cannon offers similar utility to when it is paired with the shields. It can be combined with the Sticky Jumper to get around the map easier.

Iron Bomber + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Iron Bomber
Craft
Iron Bomber 		Killicon iron bomber.png 4 16 84-123 20-58 38-67 243-297
  • The Iron Bomber is an odd grenade launcher, with upsides that aren't as straightforward as a damage booster or projectile speed booster. Instead, it features the unique ability of grenade rollers that don't move around much (they are still affected by gravity). It also secondarily features a 30% faster fuse for its grenades (1.4 seconds), at the cost of a 15% smaller splash range (except for the Demoman who fired it).
  • The faster fuse and slow-moving rollers don't affect gameplay at all if direct hits are going to be used primarily. In this case, the Iron Bomber is almost exactly the same except with a tiny splash range penalty.
  • To unlock the benefits of the Iron Bomber, it is recommended that rollers be used frequently.
    • If fleeing enemies, the rollers can be useful for stopping their pursuit. By placing the bombs like breadcrumbs, the enemy will think twice about chasing after you, especially if they are a Scout. The faster fuse on rollers becomes useful in this situation because the pseudo-Sticky-trap will actually detonate in time for the enemy to be damaged by it.
    • The Iron Bomber is moderately effective at area denial, due to its stickybomb-like rollers. This also assists it with Building destruction.
    • The Iron Bomber is an easy-to-access method of blast jumping. You just throw a grenade onto the floor in front of you and jump while running toward it.
    • The shorter fuse allows less time for enemies to get out of the explosion range when at mid to long range, hit Sentry Guns that would have taken less damage from the other choices, and its rollers allow you to hit potential enemies with splash damage if you miss.
  • The Iron Bomber doesn't really have any huge downsides, the problems with it usually boil down to its underwhelming upsides.
    • The Iron Bomber has no advantage with direct hits.
    • The Iron Bomber's jumps are of less value if you have a Stickybomb Launcher variant equipped. However, they are good for any shield-wielding Demomen, as the shield charge, combined with the blast jumps, can allow you to fly across the map.
    • The Iron Bomber's rollers are not as effective as stickybombs.
    • The Loose Cannon is almost 100% better than the Iron Bomber, serving similar defensive/utility purposes, but also serving other offensive purposes.
      • Both are great for doing blast jumps and both are great for self-defense. The differences lie in the Loose Cannon's terrific offensive capabilities and its incredible complicatedness and difficulty to use. For more serious players looking to use Iron Bomber-like strategies, the Loose Cannon is a better alternative. However, the Iron Bomber's simplicity and its 100-damage direct hits can be appealing for any players who aren't concentrating on their offensive capabilities.
      • The Iron Bomber mostly serves as a simpler and more player-friendly version of the Loose Cannon.
    • The Iron Bomber's smaller explosion radius is a minor hindrance, and its shorter fuse and slow-moving rollers restrict its range.

Ali Baba's Wee Booties + reskins

Weapon Effect
Passive Effect
Ali Baba's Wee Booties
Craft
Ali Baba's Wee Booties

+25 maximum health on wearer.
+10% faster move speed on wearer. (Only if a shield is equipped simultaneously)
200% increase in turning control while charging.
Refills 25% charge on melee kills.

Bootlegger
Craft
Bootlegger
  • The Ali Baba's Wee Booties and the Bootlegger give the Demoman 25 extra health at the cost of losing the grenade launcher. Used in conjunction with either the Chargin' Targe, the Splendid Screen, or the Tide Turner and a Melee weapon, you can become a melee-based offensive powerhouse; you gain 200% more charge turning control (triple), 25% charge meter restored on a melee kill, and 10% increased movement speed. This comes at the cost of all of your ranged weapons.
  • The main problem with this strategy is the loss of all explosive/ranged weapons. An enemy who the Demoman normally dominates, the Engineer and his Buildings, suddenly becomes his worst nightmare. Because of this, it is necessary to plan your engagements and to avoid conflict when appropriate.
    • In Medieval Mode, the loss of ranged weaponry is no longer an issue.
  • The 10% speed boost the boots provide (assuming you also have a Shield equipped) allow you (at 103% speed) to pursue all classes except the Medic, Spy, and Scout with any of your melee weapons except the Scotsman's Skullcutter. Your superior speed coupled with the resistances of your shield and the increased range of many of your melee weapons will give you a surprising edge against even many ranged opponents.
  • The extra health from the Ali Baba's Wee Booties can be useful for both Demomen and Demoknights.
  • The extra shield turning control and charge restoration don't match that of the Tide Turner, but they do allow the other two shields to become pseudo-Tide Turners.
  • Synergy
    • The Ali Baba's Wee Booties are great for boosting the abilities of any Demoknight, and some Demomen.
    • Together with the Eyelander and Splendid Screen, and with 4 heads (5 for max shield damage) or more, the Ali Baba's Booties will make you almost unstoppable. You will have 235 maximum health (2nd highest in-game), which is a whole 35 health more than a maximum health Soldier; you also get 350 max Overheal. You will also have 136% base movement speed (2nd highest in-game, behind Baby Face's Blaster Scouts), 3% more than the Default Scout; your shield charge is actually much faster than this, at 250% speed. Your Splendid Screen will also be dealing up to 128 damage shield bashes, killing Scouts, Snipers, Engineers, Spies, or injured enemies in just one hit. You also have a melee weapon that deals 195 damage if used correctly in conjunction with a shield charge. You also turn 200% more effectively while charging, regain 25% charge and 15 health on melee kill (can get Overheal), have 20% resistance to both Fire and Explosives, have a default shield recharge time that is double that of other shields, and can remove debuffs (Bleed, Jarate, Mad Milk, and Fire) by charging. Clearly, this is the most powerful possible Demoknight setup. The only problem is gaining the required 5 heads in the first place, and staying alive. Once you die, all your health, speed, and shield damage is lost.

B.A.S.E. Jumper

Weapon Effect
Activation Active effect
B.A.S.E. Jumper
Craft
B.A.S.E. Jumper 		Press "Jump" in mid-air to deploy chute Decrease descend speed and acceleration

50% decrease in air control.

  • The B.A.S.E. Jumper gives the ability to activate a parachute by pressing the jump key (default key: Spacebar). The parachute will slow and cap his vertical descent and allowing the Demoman to better control his ability to strafe. Pressing the jump key again will deactivate the parachute, allowing the Demoman to fall normally. When you have the parachute deployed, you have 50% less air control.
  • The B.A.S.E. Jumper is very situational, as you're giving up the damage and utility of a grenade launcher, many official maps have a lower ceiling when compared to custom maps, and it's nigh-useless when indoors.
  • The effectiveness of the B.A.S.E. Jumper is largely based on how open a map is. Maps with high ceilings or open spaces (such as Mountain Lab) will benefit the most from this weapon, while smaller, cramped maps (such as 2Fort) will limit your air time; on maps that take place mostly indoors (such as Junction), this weapon becomes even less effective.
  • The B.A.S.E. Jumper does prevent fall damage, and its decreased descent speed allows the Demoman to cross wider chasms.
  • Paired with a sticky launcher (other than the Sticky Jumper), the B.A.S.E. Jumper may be used to rain down stickies on your enemies from above, where they are unlikely to expect a Demoman to be and where it will be difficult for them to get rid of you. That said, this strategy does make you very vulnerable to Snipers and to Soldiers who are competent at hitting airshots, so it is not recommended if the enemy team has them.

Secondary weapons

Stickybomb Launcher + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Stickybomb Launcher
Stock
Stickybomb Launcher 		Killicon stickybomb launcher.png 8 32 120 60-124 45-114 261
  • The Stickybomb is one of the defining features of Demoman play. Stickybombs are detonated by using your alternative fire (default key: Mouse2), no matter which weapon is currently out.
  • When guarding the objective, such as capture points or the Intelligence, you can create a larger blast radius by spreading out your Stickybomb carpet.
    • After planting Stickybombs around the intelligence or a control point, the Demoman is free to leave the area. Look at the Capture the Flag or Capture Point HUD elements, or listen for the announcements of "The enemy has taken our Intelligence" or "Our Control point is being captured" and detonate the Stickybombs. Make sure to keep an eye on the total number of fired stickies, as the enemy could be destroying them before stepping onto the point. When doing this on a Control point, make sure to wait a bit as the enemy may have stepped on it briefly to bait out the explosion.
  • When guarding other strategic locations, place Stickybombs that are either out of sight until it's too late or in well-hidden/odd places (such as on ceilings, under stairs, above automatic doors, etc.). You can also place stickies directly on the objectives, some of which will hide them (such as the Payload Cart or the Intelligence briefcase on some maps).
    • Players engaged in a large teamfight or other intense situations may not check for Sticky traps when repositioning, making comparatively visible Sticky traps effective in cases where you do not have the time to set up a concealed trap.
  • High jumping classes (such as the blast jumps from a Soldier or Demoman, or the Thermal Thruster on a Pyro) will similarly have trouble reacting to bombs placed in key locations, making ledges and other frequent landing zones very effective targets for countering them. This is particularly true if they are already weakened by an explosive jump and fall damage, in which case only a few hastily-placed bombs may be needed to finish them off.
  • Plainly visible traps can also have powerful indirect effects against opponents unable to deal with them, such as forcing an attacker to take a corner at a far wider angle than would be reasonable otherwise.
  • Holding down the fire key (default key: MOUSE1) will charge your shots, enabling you to shoot stickies much farther than normal. This can be used to great effect when engaged by faraway enemies such as Snipers, when first engaging the enemy (such as at the start of the round), or if you already know where the enemy is (such as on an objective, or while carrying Intelligence briefcase).
    • Never forget that Stickybombs can be launched across the visible distance of most open maps. Aim for windows, Sniper ledges, and other populated areas. When the trajectory is right, lob in a few bombs and detonate them to clear the room.
  • If Stickybombs are clustered too closely, explosive classes or an airblast can clear them away with a single shot. Demomen using the Scottish Resistance or Quickiebomb Launcher and Pyros using the Scorch Shot or Detonator can destroy Stickybombs outright. To counter this, spread your stickies out across the area.
  • Don't stand still when placing a lot of stickies near objectives like the Payload cart or a control point. Doing so will make you susceptible to headshots, backstabs, and any other form of damage.
  • Place Stickybombs around Health packs if you feel like killing your enemies ironically.
    • However, this may not work well with small Health packs, due to being almost as small as the stickies themselves.
      • You can place stickies inside a medium Ammo pack as the Ammo pack will be able to almost completely hide a cluster of stickies.
    • Don't do this with Crit stickies as the Crit particles emitting off the stickies will give away your trap.
  • If it is too dangerous to pop out of cover to set Stickybombs onto a Sentry Gun, try shooting them as close to the Sentry Gun as you can without revealing yourself. The splash damage will take out the Sentry Gun just fine, but it may require a few more stickies, as an alert Engineer will be able to destroy them. The Scottish Resistance can counteract this problem with its increased rate of fire.
  • Do not underestimate the power of air-detonated stickies. The ability to detonate stickies in midair allows one to attack with great precision for high damage.
  • To use stickies in an offensive battle, constantly launch stickies and detonate them as soon as possible. The constant flow of damage can add up very quickly, along with the fact that the Demoman may have an easier time laying them out in the heat of a battle in which they are not the only target. This method can be very effective, easily killing bigger classes such as a Heavy/Medic combo.
    • Alternatively, it is also possible to lay down a small carpet of stickies and then blast the enemies to pieces.
    • However, a smart enemy may be able to get away from your stickies before you are able to detonate, so try to shoot the stickies where the enemy will be, or lay a carpet in an area near the enemy so they have no escape, as described above. If you miss a sticky and you know it will deal no damage, keep it there as it may be useful later on in the fight.
  • Trapping an enemy's escape route from an engagement can be very effective, particularly against Scouts or Soldiers prone to backpedaling or strafing away from fights rather than looking to see where they are going.
  • While holding down the detonate button will detonate stickies as soon as they are primed, it also prevents the sticky launcher from beginning to auto-reload, so it may be advisable simply to tap the detonate button repeatedly.

Scottish Resistance + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Scottish Resistance
Unlock
Scottish Resistance 		Killicon scottish resistance.png 8 36 120 60-124 45-114 261
  • The Scottish Resistance is intended primarily for defensive play. It allows you to place 6 more bombs at a time (14), and it gives you 50% more reserve ammunition (36). It also only detonates stickybombs that are directly under the crosshair or directly under you. It allows you to see your stickybombs through walls, and all of your stickybombs glow. Other abilities it has includes a 25% faster fire rate and the ability to destroy enemy sticky bombs. The downside to using this weapon is a 0.8-second increase in bomb arm time.
  • The Scottish Resistance is primarily intended for defensive use. It is far more effective for creating and managing stickybomb traps than the normal Stickybomb Launcher.
    • The ability to detonate stickybombs that are directly under the crosshair allows you to detonate only a few stickybombs at a time, and not destroy the other stickybombs. This allows you to set up multiple traps at once, allowing for more efficient use of ammunition. This also allows you to guard multiple areas at once.
    • The ability to see stickybombs through walls and the glow of stickybombs, regardless of their position, allows you to more easily organize your traps. It also allows you to detonate traps from safety. This is especially useful if standing behind a glass pane, such as from the windows in Gravel Pit or the window in Powerhouse. With the Powerhouse example, you can actually stand in spawn and blow up enemies on the Control point while looking through the window.
    • The ability to place 6 more stickybombs at a time allows you to create more traps at once.
    • The higher reserve ammunition count and faster fire rate allow you to set up many traps in a short amount of time and over a long period of time.
    • The ability to destroy stickybombs can be useful for protecting friendly Engineer's Buildings and Heavies from stickybomb spam.
      • This can also be useful for fighting off spawn-camping enemy Demomen.
      • Placing stickybombs near friendly Players and Buildings can also be useful for killing enemy Spies.
    • The ability to blow up bombs directly under your feet is useful for performing Sticky Jumps. You can perform Sticky Jumps without blowing up your traps.
  • Advanced Defense Strategy
    • When defending anywhere, especially places like tunnels, having 2-3 distinct groups of main bombs (2-4 per group) on the corner/doorway and 1-2 secondary groups (1-2 bombs) hidden along a retreat route can help you single-handedly hold a position. Detonate individual main groups to take out incoming enemies, and if an enemy gets past, lure them into the secondary traps.
    • The longer arming time prevents the Scottish Resistance from being used to deal damage as quickly as the normal Sticky Launcher. It also is much harder to perform airbursts using the Scottish Resistance. While the stickybombs arm slower, the faster firing can be used to create "offensive" carpets. Instead of creating a trap and waiting for enemies to walk near it, it is possible to place bombs around enemy players quickly and then detonate once several stickies are out. This has the effect of rapidly denying enemies room to maneuver, and enemies in the area being carpeted will usually take at least some damage once the carpet is detonated. This technique works best in chokepoints.
    • While the Scottish Resistance does require the user to be looking in the general direction of the bombs they set, they do not have to have a line of sight to the bombs in question. This allows you to detonate them no matter what their location is on the map, provided the crosshair is fixated on the general area of your trap(s). This can prove invaluable if someone begins capturing a Control Point or takes the Intelligence while the rest of the team is preoccupied elsewhere.
    • The ability to detonate stickybombs in separate clusters allows you to set up "decoy" stickybomb clusters. By deliberately prematurely detonating one group of stickybombs where the enemy can see them, you may trick the enemy into thinking that they have tricked you into prematurely detonating your stickybombs, causing them to relax their guard and stumble directly into your real sticky trap.
  • The Scottish Resistance can be useful for offense, too.
    • The Scottish Resistance's faster rate of fire and higher stickybombs out allows you to devastate huge Engineer nests (various buildings placed near each other).
  • Advanced Offense Strategy
    • The Scottish Resistance's fast rate of fire can be used in direct combat, but not in the same way as the normal Stickybomb Launcher. One tactic is to launch stickybombs behind enemies and then attack using the primary weapons. This can cause enemies to retreat, thereby causing them to move backward through the newly-created sticky trap. This technique helps to offset the longer priming time of the Scottish Resistance. When under the effects of an ÜberCharge, the technique can be used just as effectively without using the primary weapons, as enemies will often retreat when confronted by an ÜberCharged player. It's important to consider the speed of enemy players when using this technique, as the stickybombs should be placed close behind slower classes such as the Soldier and the Heavy, but further behind faster classes such as the Scout. This will ensure that the stickybombs have time to prime before the enemy reaches them.
    • Another offensive strategy made possible with the quick firing rate is to shoot a few stickybombs right in front of an incoming Heavy or a Sentry Gun, as you can place three or four without taking too much damage. When using this strategy, watch your health so that you have enough to retreat and detonate the bombs.
    • Some enemies may panic as the area around them rapidly becomes covered in stickies, and cause them to either rush forward blindly (into a trap) or run away; if they charge, be prepared to hit them with your primary weapons. This method of attack also works wonders against unaware opponents, since some players are oblivious to stickies being placed around them until it's too late.
  • The Scottish Resistance has a few downsides.
    • The main downside to the Scottish Resistance is the slower bomb arm time. This makes offensive combat weaker.
    • It is easy to suicide accidentally with the Scottish Resistance since bombs are detonated when they are under you.
    • You often don't get a lot of kills with the Scottish Resistance, and therefore, you don't get a lot of points. The reason is not because you are not helping the team, the reason is because enemies usually avoid traps, rather than walk over them. As a Scottish Resistance Demoman, you are still greatly helping the team by deterring enemies from entering an area, even if you have low points.
    • Spam with the Scottish Resistance is a little bit trickier since you have to aim at your stickybombs, instead of at your enemies.

Sticky Jumper

Weapon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Sticky Jumper
Craft
Sticky Jumper 		8 72 N/A N/A N/A N/A
  • The Sticky Jumper allows you to create Stickybombs that deal no damage, allowing you to jump without losing health. Though it is very useful for practicing Sticky jumping, there are also some situational uses in real matches.
  • The Sticky Jumper is incapable of dealing damage to enemies, so it cannot be used to launch enemies. Keep this in mind when using it.
  • Using the Sticky Jumper with the Pain Train can be an effective method for point capturing. However, the Pain Train will make you vulnerable to bullets. It's best to use this combo against unguarded points or right after the previous point was captured.
  • Due to the 100% reduction in self-damage, Demomen can perform multiple sticky jumps without the need of a Medic. This can be used as a hasty retreat method or as a means to get behind enemy lines.
    • While the need of a Medic to do multiple sticky jumps will no longer be necessary, don't forget that you will still take fall damage and might take damage along the way, have a Medic overheal you reach your location with more health to spare.
  • In open Arena maps, the Sticky Jumper allows you to propel yourself and land behind the enemy team at the beginning of a round when all players are packed together. This allows you to surprise them and perhaps even get the First Blood buff to deal even greater damage.
  • While the Sticky Jumper allows you to sticky jump without taking self-damage, don't forget that you still receive damage from falling.
  • Since the Sticky Jumper replaces your stickybomb launchers and shields, you should bring with you a grenade launcher and a melee weapon that doesn't rely too much on using a shield to be effective.
    • However, the Sticky Jumper replaces the function of a shield to get within melee range, so the Eyelander and Scotsman's Skullcutter can be surprisingly effective.
  • The Sticky Jumper can also be used to cut off the enemy's transportation and supply. Simply sticky jump to their spawn and destroy their Teleporters and Dispensers with your primary or melee weapons.
  • You cannot carry the Intelligence in CTF games, or the Australium in Special Delivery when using this weapon. Keep this in mind.
    • However, Medics healing you with a Quick-Fix will also gain any velocity applied to you from sticky jumping. This allows the Medic to sticky jump alongside you, and they are able to carry the Intelligence while doing so.
  • When receiving a Crit Boost from an ally who has captured a flag on Capture the Flag, or getting a First Blood on Arena, and you don't have any damage-dealing weapons outside of your Melee, consider using this at your advantage to scare your enemies away with your Crit Stickies, as the visuals for the stickies are nearly identical to damage-dealing Stickybomb Launchers.
    • Make sure to shoot your stickies far away from the enemy, so they can't see that you are wielding the Sticky Jumper. Consider charging your stickies first before shooting.
    • It is not recommended to ask a Medic to deploy their Kritzkrieg on you just for the sake of scaring enemies away.

Quickiebomb Launcher

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Quickiebomb Launcher
Craft
Quickiebomb Launcher 		Killicon quickiebomb launcher.png 4 24 102 51-105 38-97 222
  • The Quickiebomb Launcher allows Demomen to fire bombs that are armed 0.2 seconds faster. It also has a 70% increased charge rate and based on charge, the damage can be increased up to 35% of default damage. It is also able to destroy enemy sticky bombs like the Scottish Resistance can. However, these stats come with the cost of -50% clip size (4 instead of 8) and 15% less damage when uncharged.
  • Thanks to the 0.2 seconds faster bomb arm time, which makes the bombs arm in about half a second, this weapon is very good at not only quick in-combat detonations, but also airbursts.
  • The 70% faster charging, which makes it so the charge fills in only about a second (compared to "the regular" 4 seconds), and the damage increase based on charge make the Quickiebomb Launcher excellent at "sticky sniping."
    • This weapon can be a massive threat to Snipers. If you manage to lob in a couple full-charge bombs, enemies will be blown to smithereens without much of an issue.
      • Note that one needs to have the enemy not knowing that the bombs are there; otherwise, the enemies may retreat and/or destroy the bombs.
  • Due to the fact that the weapon has only half the clip size of other sticky launchers, it can be difficult to keep pressure against enemies, but if the planned usage of the weapon doesn't include "mass spamming" of the weapon, then it may not be an issue.

Chargin' Targe + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Damage Effect
Charge Damage Charge Speed Recharge Time Resistances
Chargin' Targe
Unlock
Chargin' Targe 		Killicon chargin' targe.png Up to 50 + 5 per head (maximum at 5 heads) 750 Hammer units/sec 12 seconds 50% fire resistance and 30% explosive resistance.
  • The Chargin' Targe allows the Demoman to charge forward at breakneck speed for 1.5 seconds and damage an opponent they come into direct contact with via a distance-scaling shield bash. This charge is indicated on a meter; as you use it, it quickly depletes, changing color from white to green, orange, and red, respectively. When the charge meter is red, the melee weapon that is currently equipped will perform a guaranteed Critical hit. The charge meter recharges in around 12 seconds. The Chargin' Targe also features the ability to remove debuffs with its charge, and it gives the Demoman 50% resistance to fire and 30% resistance to explosives. The main drawback of the Chargin' Targe is that it replaces the Stickybomb Launcher. It also has minor advantages and disadvantages when compared to the other two shields, the Splendid Screen and Tide Turner.
  • The Chargin' Targe gives the Demoman great melee combat ability. Combined with any melee weapon, but preferably a sword-type, and the Ali Baba's Wee Booties, you can become a powerful close quarters fighter, at the cost of losing all ranged weaponry. Alternatively, a grenade launcher variant can be equipped. These loadouts are often referred to as "Demoknight" and "Demoknight Hybrid", respectively.
  • Keep an eye on your Charge meter, as its color will tell you the effects of the Targe — green is a recently-activated charge (less than 50% used), orange means your next attack will be a Mini-Crit, and red means that your next melee attack will be a full-strength Critical hit.
    • You must be quick to react and time your attacks well, as the "red zone" will only be active during the last 25% of the charge.
    • Be aware that your primary weapons will not deal any Critical hit with the shield charge.
  • The Chargin' Targe is a shield: just equipping it gives the Demoman resistance to both explosions and fire. A Demoman at full health (even with items that reduce health, such as the Eyelander) can survive a critical rocket if he has the Targe equipped.
  • The Force-A-Nature's knockback, the Flame Thrower's compression blast, Sentry Guns, arrows, Natascha's speed reduction, and the explosive force of grenades, rockets, and Stickybombs will all interrupt your charge.
  • During a Charge, you move at 750 Hammer Units per second; two and a half times faster than the Engineer, Pyro, Spy, or Sniper, and 87.5% faster than the Scout. The charge also overrides the game's built-in cap for movement speeds, enabling you to move faster than any other character in the game, including a Scout with a fully-charged Boost meter for the Baby Face's Blaster. If you are in danger, you can use the charge to quickly escape from the battle and save your life. Just be aware that your lateral movement ability is severely reduced during a charge, so you may make yourself an easy target for an enemy with good aim.

Splendid Screen

Weapon Kill Icon Damage Effect
Charge Damage Charge Speed Recharge Time Resistances
Splendid Screen
Craft
Splendid Screen 		Killicon splendid screen.png Up to 85 + 8.5 per head (maximum at 5 heads) 750 Hammer units/sec 6 seconds 20% fire resistance and 20% explosive resistance.
  • The Splendid Screen, at the cost of less fire and explosive resistance than the Chargin' Targe, is capable of doing more bash damage and recharges 50% faster.
  • The Eyelander also pairs well with the Splendid Screen, as the increased charge damage from having more heads offered by the former stacks with the increased charge impact damage from the latter.
    • With more than 5 heads, the Splendid Screen will deal 127.5 damage on impact; enough to kill 4 out of 9 non-overhealed classes. If combined with a critical melee swing, this will kill all but overhealed Heavies.
  • The Splendid Screen has a "hidden advantage" over other shields; its damage is great enough to cause an airblast-like knockback effect. Use this to your advantage when faced against similar Demomen wielding a different shield.
    • The shield knockback can cause an enemy charging Demoman to lose his charging Crits.
  • Keep in mind that because the Screen offers less fire and explosive resistance than the Targe, it will still be somewhat easy for Pyros, Soldiers, and other Demomen to do away with you if you're not careful.

Tide Turner

Weapon Kill Icon Damage Effect
Charge Damage Charge Speed Recharge Time Resistances
Tide Turner
Craft
Tide Turner 		Killicon tide turner.png Up to 50 + 5 per head (maximum at 5 heads) 750 Hammer units/sec 12 seconds (refill 75% charge on melee kills) 15% fire resistance and 15% explosive resistance.
  • The Tide Turner trades off the resistance and ability to deal full Critical hit melee damage on maximum charge of the Chargin' Targe for full turning control while charging and the ability to refill 75% of the charge meter if a melee kill is made whilst the shield is recharging.
  • After charging, be sure to make a melee kill to partially refill your charge.
    • If done properly, it is possible to rampage through enemy lines if each charge "ends with" a melee kill.
    • However, it requires correct timing as the Tide Turner can only deal Mini-Crit melee damage on maximum charge.
  • Because of the full turning control, it is not suggested to use Ali Baba's Wee Booties with the Tide Turner if you only use them for the turning ability.
    • However, pairing the Tide Turner with either Ali Baba's Wee Booties or the Claidheamh Mòr will give you full charge back if you make a melee kill.
  • Taking damage while charging will cause your charge meter to deplete faster; The charge is completely wiped with 100 damage. It is preferrable to charge into enemy players from behind to catch them unaware.
  • The ability to control your charge makes the Tide Turner an effective escape tool just like the Chargin’ Targe. You can quickly zip around corners for cover if you are injured.

Melee weapons

Bottle + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Bottle
Stock
Bottle 		Killicon bottle.png 0.8 seconds 65 195
Frying Pan
Promotional
Frying Pan 		Killicon frying pan.png
Saxxy
Promotional
Saxxy 		Killicon saxxy.png
Conscientious Objector
Craft
Conscientious Objector 		Killicon conscientious objector.png
Scottish Handshake
Craft
Scottish Handshake 		Killicon scottish handshake.png
Freedom Staff
Promotional/Craft
Freedom Staff 		Killicon freedom staff.png
Bat Outta Hell
Drop
Bat Outta Hell 		Killicon bat outta hell.png
Memory Maker
Promotional
Memory Maker 		Killicon memory maker.png
Ham Shank
Drop
Ham Shank 		Killicon ham shank.png
Golden Frying Pan
Reward
Golden Frying Pan 		Killicon golden frying pan.png
Necro Smasher
Achievement
Necro Smasher 		Killicon necro smasher.png
Crossing Guard
Uncrate
Crossing Guard 		Killicon crossing guard.png
Prinny Machete
Promotional
Prinny Machete 		Killicon prinny machete.png
  • The Bottle should be used in the same way as most other melee weapons: when enemies are too close or too fast to hit with a Grenade (or if you don't have time to reload the primary weapons).

Pain Train

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Pain Train
Craft
Pain Train 		Killicon pain train.png 0.8 seconds 65 195
  • The Pain Train enables you to cap points twice as fast, at the cost of 10% increased bullet vulnerability.
  • The Pain Train is situational. It's best used on Capture Point and Payload, especially when the enemy defenses are about to fall or when your team needs to close the distance on a Payload Race. It can also prove extremely handy on King of the Hill maps, but it is useless in Capture the Flag or when defending on an Attack/Defend Control Point map. Equip another melee weapon instead.
  • You should not equip the Pain Train if you are having trouble with Heavies and Scouts, as the increased bullet damage makes these already annoying enemies nearly impossible to beat in some situations. If you're using the Chargin' Targe as well, Pyros and Soldiers might forgo their primary weapons for the Shotgun to kill you faster.
  • The Pain Train is also effective for back-capping, as it gives the Demoman a Scout's capturing capabilities. This works well with the Chargin' Targe for getting to an enemy point fast, and Stickybomb jumping for wide open/raised points (like Badlands 2nd and 4th capture points, or Gravel Pit C). The weakness to bullets it grants makes Scouts, Heavies, and Snipers all the more dangerous for you, so it's best to keep alert when attempting to do this and use stickies and grenades to lock down the point's entrances.
  • The Pain Train is useful in Medieval Mode when attacking, due to the fact that most bullet-based weapons are not allowed.
    • That said, the Crusader's Crossbow, Flying Guillotine, Huntsman, Sandman's ball, and Wrap Assassin's projectile are all allowed in the mode, so it isn't free of downsides.
    • Additionally, you may find that other melee weapons are simply superior. In spite of its name, for example, the Pain Train can't let you become a constant, unstoppable menace the way the Eyelander and Half-Zatoichi can.

Eyelander + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Healing
Point Blank Critical From Kill
Eyelander
Unlock
Eyelander 		Killicon eyelander.png 0.8 seconds 65 195 15
Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker
Craft
Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker 		Killicon horseless headless horsemann's headtaker.png
Nessie's Nine Iron
Craft
Nessie's Nine Iron 		Killicon nessie's nine iron.png
  • The Eyelander gives you extended melee range, and also allows you to become stronger with each melee kill you earn. It has the downside of decrease maximum health to 150 and no random Critical hit.
    • Get comfortable with its area of effect and take this into account when going for a critical charge.
    • Be aware that the Eyelander 'hits' near the beginning of the swing animation, rather than at the middle. Keep this in mind so you don't accidentally 'under-shoot' an attack, especially when using the sword in conjunction with the Chargin' Targe.
    • The maximum health penalty can be countered by Ali Baba's Wee Booties, balancing back to 175.
  • If possible, weaken the enemy with the primary weapons first before killing him with the Eyelander or finding an unaware targets such as Snipers.
    • The Barbarian Swing taunt kill is useful here if no one is nearby, resulting in a reliable one-hit kill.
  • It is a good idea to use the Eyelander with one of the shields. However, a Demoman with 4 decapitations and a Sticky Launcher is a massive threat. Head count is not reset until death, so a Demoman can use the Chargin' Targe until he accumulates 4 heads, then return to a resupply cabinet and switch to the Stickybomb Launcher of his choice. With over 200 HP and the second-fastest run speed in the game, an Eyelander Demoman using the Sticky Launcher can be a very powerful enemy and one to avoid at all costs, especially if he has a Medic.
    • You will lack a reliable melee weapon however, due to the Eyelander’s slower deploy and holster time.
    • Another option would be to switch to the Splendid Screen. With 5 heads, your charge bash will do 127.5 damage, enough to kill 4 out of the 9 classes, and your follow-up Crit melee swing will do a total of 322.5 damage, enough to kill anything besides an overhealed Heavy.
      • The high charge damage can also deprive you of claiming your enemy's head when the head counter is low.
    • Without any heads, sticky jumping becomes a much riskier endeavor. If you intend to utilize sticky jumping, it may be wise to equip a different melee weapon.
      • The Sticky Jumper can also pair well with the Eyelander. Although getting the first two heads are difficult due to your slow speed and lack of a charge, once you have several, your high speed allows you to fly over obstacles and take enemies by surprise.

Scotsman's Skullcutter + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Effect
Point Blank Critical Movement Speed
Scotsman's Skullcutter
Craft
Scotsman's Skullcutter 		Killicon scotsman's skullcutter.png 0.8 seconds 78 234 280 Hammer units/sec (637.5 Hammer units/sec with shield charges)
  • The Scotsman's Skullcutter gives you extended melee range and damage at the cost of movement speed.
  • The Scotsman's Skullcutter finds good applications when a Demoman is also using a shield or when holding down an area, such as the Intelligence room of a CTF map.
  • When combined with the guaranteed Critical hit of the Chargin' Targe or the Splendid Screen, the Scotsman's Skullcutter is capable of killing almost any class in a single blow.
    • It can offset the penalty of the Tide Turner, as the Mini-Crit damage of the Scotsman's Skullcutter still deals significant damage to the enemy.
  • Due to the charge speed being reduced while this weapon is active, try to attack unsuspecting enemies so that they cannot dodge your charge.
  • Sticky jumps can help get a Demoman with the Scotsman's Skullcutter into combat range, though this is very risky unless you are using the Sticky Jumper.
  • The Scotsman's Skullcutter solely applies the movement speed penalty while the weapon is active, and the fact that it does more damage than the Bottle, this weapon can almost be seen as a direct upgrade to the Bottle, provided you use it as a sidearm to your explosive weapons. In tight spaces, you should still be able to maneuver into a position where your increased range will allow you to damage your opponent, so if you're not dedicated to melee combat, you could find this weapon very handy.
    • The movement speed penalty can be decreased with the combination of the Ali Baba's Wee Booties and any shields.

Claidheamh Mòr + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Claidheamh Mòr
Craft
Claidheamh Mòr 		Killicon claidheamh mòr.png 0.8 seconds 65 195
  • The Claidheamh Mòr increases charge duration of all shields to 2 seconds and refills 25% of your charge meter on melee kills. This is at the cost of a 15% damage vulnerability while active and no random Critical hits.
  • Equipping the Chargin' Targe, Splendid Screen, or Tide Turner allows you to get the full benefit of using the weapon.
    • Combined the Claidheamh Mòr with the Tide Turner allows you to refill 100% of your charge meter on melee kills, this could be used for killing spree or to quickly retreat after a melee kill.
  • Equipped the Ali Baba's Wee Booties or Bootlegger alongside with any shields restricts you to the Claidheamh Mòr, meaning you will always have a 15% damage vulnerability. This combination of weapons may be better-suited to a different sword that has a larger reward for kills made.
  • The extra charge duration is great for getting away. Use it when you need to get a slight bit farther to a health pack or Medic when you are injured.

Half-Zatoichi

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Healing
Point Blank Critical From Kill
Half-Zatoichi
Promotional/Craft
Half-Zatoichi 		Killicon half-zatoichi.png 0.8 seconds 65 195/Instant 175 (200 with Ali Baba's Wee Booties)
  • The Half-Zatoichi restores 50% of the Demoman's max health on kill and is capable of overhealing. The Half-Zatoichi can be holstered with no penalty if a kill has been scored, but will inflict 50 damage if it has not done so. If the player is below 50 health points, the weapon cannot be holstered until the player gets a kill. Random Critical hits are impossible to achieve with this sword.
  • Ambush and kill weakened enemies with the Half-Zatoichi for an easy health refill.
  • Be prepared to score a kill with the Half-Zatoichi when you pull it out, losing 50 HP may be detrimental depending on the situation.
    • On defense, this is less of an issue, as a friendly Engineer is more likely to have a Dispenser set up to negate the damage taken.
  • The Half-Zatoichi has good synergy with the Chargin' Targe and the Splendid Screen. The shields can be used even with the Half-Zatoichi drawn, enabling you to easily approach or flee.
  • Be aware of enemies who are also using the Half-Zatoichi. If they hit you once, you die. However, you can do the same to them!
    • Due to the instant kill mechanic, you can also use Half-Zatoichi as a counter to charging Demomen using a Half-Zatoichi, even if you don't have a Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen of your own.
    • Prioritize other Half-Zatoichi wielders in battle, either for a quick kill and health boost or simply to protect yourself from their one-hit kills.
  • This weapon is very useful in Medieval Mode. As you are only allowed to use melee weapons anyway, the Half-Zatoichi's drawback has no effect.

Persian Persuader + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Shield Charge
Point Blank Critical From Engineer Toolboxes From Small Ammo Boxes From Medium Ammo Boxes From Large Ammo Boxes
Persian Persuader
Craft
Persian Persuader 		Killicon persian persuader.png 0.8 seconds 65 195 100% 20.5% 50% 100%
  • The Persian Persuader allows the Demoman to use ammo packs as a source to refill shield charge and gains 20% charge with every hit landed with the weapon. However, he is incapable of regaining ammo if the charge meter is not full, both primary and secondary weapons will have their maximum amount of ammo carried decreased by 80% and unable to deal random Critical hits.
  • A highly offensive melee weapon, the Persian Persuader allows you to regain shield charge by picking up ammo and hitting enemies. Keep in mind, the bonus is invalid without a shield equipped.
  • Note that you do not need to be using the Persian Persuader while you pick up ammo to regain charge. Consequently, you will never regain ammo unless if your charge meter is full.
    • With this weapon, be aware that you can rampage around for a longer period of time, but you may eventually need to return to your base in order to get resupplied.
  • Always be aware of how much ammo you have, especially on defense. You don't want to run out of explosives as you begin a fight or the enemy team begins a push.
  • Consider using either the Ali Baba's Wee Booties or the Bootlegger as well as one of the shields to completely eliminate the need for ammo and thus maximize the effects of this weapon.

Ullapool Caber

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Explosion Total Self-Damage Critical
Ullapool Caber
Craft
Ullapool Caber 		Killicon ullapool caber.png 0.8 seconds 55 75 110 52-55 330
Killicon ullapool caber explode.png 0.8 seconds 55 N/A 55 0 105
  • The Ullapool Caber explodes on contact with an enemy or the world. The downsides are unable to deal random Critical hits, a 15% damage penalty on melee damage, a 20% slower attack speed, a 100% slower deploy speed, a large amount of self-damage from the explosion, and the inability to explode again, unless you visit a Resupply locker.
  • The Ullapool Caber is generally a last-resort weapon, one best used to take an enemy down with you. One Critical hit when hit directly will kill any class from base health except an overhealed Heavy.
    • However, the damage penalty, deploy speed penalty, and attack speed penalty force you to time the usage correctly.
  • After the Ullapool Caber explodes, the weapon will still function as a melee weapon, but does less damage than other melee weapons, such as the Bottle.
  • The explosion will launch you particularly high in the air. It's quite possible to use this, either on its own or in conjunction with a sticky jump, to reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
    • This functions especially well on DeGroot Keep, allowing you to jump up to the battlements atop the castle. This is useful for killing especially annoying Snipers, as most of them will find attacks at melee range a surprise.
  • If you find yourself falling off a cliff or getting pushed into a death pit, this weapon can be used to blast yourself back into the playing field — with a little luck.
  • This is a powerful Spy checking weapon, as it will explode instantly if your melee swing makes contact with a Spy. However, its explosion also affects you greatly, so make sure to use it in a place where you can be healed. Try to do this in the safety of your base or where a Dispenser is nearby. However, bear in mind that the Dead Ringer invalidates its benefits and severely weakens you, leaving you with a drastically less powerful weapon and making it easier for the Spy to kill you or escape.
  • This weapon can be very useful for enemies that run away in a melee battle and don't let you hit them with the Caber: because the Caber explodes if you hit any hard surface with it, you can strike the floor or a wall and the resulting explosion will hit them in a very large range. For weaker classes (such as Engineers), the explosion alone will greatly damage if not outright kill them if they're in range.
  • This weapon is very useful for suicidal picking, as you could sticky jump or charge into an important target (like an enemy Medic) and kill him with it. Be wary of your health if you survive, as the combined sticky jump, explosion, and fall damage will leave you with very little health, if any.
  • The Ullapool Caber is even more effective with the Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen. With a Critical hit, the Ullapool Caber can inflict more damage in one hit than any other melee weapon and kill any class in one shot, unless you're facing an overhealed Heavy.
  • The Ullapool Caber is also good when used with the Sticky Jumper. You can sticky jump behind enemy lines without any damage taken other than fall damage, then sneak up behind the enemy to inflict a large amount of damage.
    • Combining the B.A.S.E. Jumper alongside the Sticky Jumper and Ullapool Caber allows you to sticky jump and then use the parachute to slow your descent and land a hit on your target without too much difficulty.
      • You could then use the self-knockback from the explosion to activate another parachute and fly to a health kit or even back to spawn if you are close enough.

Taunt Attacks

Barbarian Swing

Kill Icon Weapon Damage Duration Details
Barbarian Swing
Barbarian Swing 		Killicon barbarian swing.png Eyelander
Half-Zatoichi
Claidheamh Mòr
Persian Persuader
Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker
Nessie's Nine Iron 		500 5 seconds With a twirl behind his back, leading to a horizontal slash to the neck, the Demoman beheads anyone unfortunate to be in his path. The Demoman concludes his short swipe by bringing his blade back and wiping down its length with his fingers. Adds one head to the counter if using the Eyelander, Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker, or Nessie's Nine Iron, and allows the Half-Zatoichi to be sheathed without taking damage.
  • This taunt kill can be used to kill enemies with one hit. It can be used for very distracted enemies, such as Snipers looking down scopes or Engineers working on their buildings, but like most taunt kills, leaves you vulnerable during the animation.
  • If you catch up to a Heavy about to eat a Sandvich, it's a better idea to use the Barbarian Swing taunt rather than start wailing on them with the Eyelander, as they will out-heal the damage and proceed to kill you.
  • While this is a long taunt, it is nearly silent until it finishes, and you can attempt it several times on the same target - provided they don't hear the sword swooshes when you do it.

Weapon combinations

Class Cooperation Strategies

Leaderboard class scout.png Scout

In general, a Demoman and a Scout cover each others' weaknesses. Scouts excel at close range where Demomen suffer, while Demomen excel at mid-range combat and taking out Sentry Guns. At the same time, each is mobile enough that neither is hampered by sticking around the other.

  • Scout's speed advantage can allow him to chase down and finish off enemies that may have survived a sticky trap.
  • A Force-A-Nature or Shortstop Scout can launch/shove enemies into a Demoman's sticky traps.
  • Using the Mad Milk, 60% of the damage you deal will be returned to you as health. This can increase your survivability significantly. It is also useful in extinguishing afterburn, which afflicts both Demomen and Scouts fairly often.
  • With the Pain Train, a Demoman or Demoknight can pair up with a Scout to capture successive points at blinding speed.
    • If the Demoman is using a damaging sticky launcher, he can set up a sticky trap as soon as he reaches the point to prevent enemies from challenging their capture; however, a Demoman using a damaging sticky launcher will take significant self-damage from sticky jumping. This can be somewhat alleviated if the Demoman wears either the Ali Baba's Wee Booties or the Bootlegger, or if the Scout equips the Mad Milk.
    • To get perhaps the best of all worlds, a hybrid knight may be able to use the Iron Bomber's "heavy" grenades to perform grenade jumps and set up short-lived traps while using a shield to charge and take less explosive damage.
  • Normally, a sentry would be a nightmare for both of them to deal with alone, but a Scout with Bonk! Atomic Punch can drink Bonk! and distract a Sentry Gun to allow a Demoknight to take the Sentry Gun out.

Leaderboard class soldier.png Soldier

Soldiers and Demoman fulfil the same role of creating wanton destruction from their projectile weapons. Because of this, the two's combined firepower and large range of mobility options can make for an ideal pair-up.

  • A Soldier has much more "on-demand" firepower than a Demoman does and can cover him while he sets up sticky traps. This is especially true if the Demoman is using the Scottish Resistance.
  • Both Demomen and Soldiers can perform explosive jumps, allowing them to launch coordinated attacks from unconventional places.
  • A Demoman or Demoknight and a Soldier, both using the Pain Train, can rush to points, and capture them very quickly.
  • Soldiers can cover your weaknesses to hitscan weaponry by way of the Shotgun. Soldier can use a variant of the Shotgun to protect you from up close where you are at your weakest.
  • A Demoman and a Soldier firing rockets and grenades out of sync will make it difficult, if not impossible for an airblasting Pyro to properly reflect their projectiles.
  • Soldier's banners all will directly help you in some form or another:
    • The Buff Banner converts all damage dealt into Mini-Crits while it's effects are active. With this, a Demoman becomes even more of a threat, can kill light classes with one grenade, and deal significant damage to a Medic.
    • The Battalion's Backup reduces Sentry damage by 50% and all other damage by 35%. Using this, you can peek around corners to launch stickybombs more liberally, and likely survive more punishment. It can also allow you to survive long enough to retreat from a class who is actively chasing you, like Scouts, Pyros or Demoknights.
    • The Concheror allows damage dealt to be returned to you as health. This can give you more resiliency compared to other classes and partially nullifies the self-damage normally incurred when firing directly in front of you.

Leaderboard class pyro.png Pyro

A Pyro on the enemy team can be a large hassle for you, but a Pyro on your team can make for the one of the more versatile pair-ups.

  • Much like a Demoman/Scout pairing, a Demoman/Pyro pair-up can cover each other's weaknesses. The Demoman is effective at longer ranges than the Pyro and can take out Sentry Guns more effectively, while the Pyro is able to take care of close-range threats that might otherwise shred the Demoman.
  • As usual, a Pyro is the perfect bodyguard for a distracted or vulnerable ally, such as a Demoman laying sticky traps.
  • Using the Homewrecker, Pyros can aid you in destroying buildings more effectively.
  • Pyros using any flare gun can effectively pester Snipers, throwing off their aim and giving you time to retreat.
  • Actively airblasting Pyros can reflect rockets, arrows, or other projectiles that often are aimed towards Demomen, and give you the precious time needed to carpet a point in stickybombs.
    • Additionally, your allied Pyro can simply reflect back any projectiles that were previously airblasted by an enemy Pyro.
  • Regardless of your tactics, you and the Pyro suffer from extremely long ranges, and as such, Snipers still pose a large threat to both of you. This makes any synergy with a friendly Pyro a close-to-mid ranged affair only.

Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman

As one of the best burst damage classes in the game, a pair, or group of Demomen working together will be able to take out almost any enemy formation or Sentry set-up with little effort.

  • Demomen can combine their stickybombs into one giant pool that will assuredly decimate anything that enters their range (Excluding an ÜberCharge).
  • The weaknesses of a Demoman using the Scottish Resistance can generally be covered by having a second Demoman using a different sticky launcher nearby.
  • Like with a Demoman/Soldier pair, two Demomen firing projectiles out of sync will be difficult for a Pyro to reflect.
  • A Demoman/Demoknight pair can function much like a Demoman/Scout pair; the Demoman can take care of mid-ranged threats and Sentry Guns, while the Demoknight can take care of close-ranged threats.
    • If the Demoman is preoccupied with setting or watching sticky traps, or is using the B.A.S.E. Jumper, the Demoknight can take out enemy Snipers to protect the Demoman.
  • Two or more Demoknights can allow for some very effective hit-and-run tactics that an uncoordinated team will likely be unable to deal with in their entirety:
    • An Eyelander-wielding Demoknight can act as the spearhead of the assault, and a Demoknight using any other sword can follow behind and pick off any opponents who are attempting to flee.
    • In Medieval Mode, a full lineup of Demoknights can split into groups and capture/protect multiple points at the same time while also holding back the enemy team. Doing this can make any attempted counter-strategy less effective overall, due to the sheer number of Demoknights rushing/blocking the point.
  • Of all classes, Pyros pose the biggest threat to you and your fellow Demos. If multiple Demomen/Demoknights are having their assault picked apart by Pyros due to compression blast, it may be in your best interest to retreat to a class who can more effectively deal with them.

Leaderboard class heavy.png Heavy

Heavy and Demoman are both objective-oriented classes who have large amounts of health, damage output and synergy when put together. Their combined firepower and skill in close-quarters melee combat can make a Heavy-Demo team-up very devastating.

  • Heavies are excellent at mowing down Pyros, Scouts, and other close-range characters who normally give Demomen a hard time. This can make him a very good bodyguard for you. Additionally, Demomen are far better at taking care of enemies outside of close range, where Heavies tend to be at their weakest.
  • The spread of Heavy's miniguns allows him to very easily clean up any foes who may have survived a burst of your stickybombs. Additionally, it can also be used as tracing rounds to notify where your attention should be in a fight.
  • The Natascha slows enemies, allowing you to more accurately aim and obliterate them. It also aids in keeping enemies from escaping a sticky trap.
  • Like the Soldier, the Heavy can come equipped with a Shotgun, allowing him to protect you from threats much easier.
  • When firing at a crowd, try to hang right behind a Heavy and let him soak up most of the damage directed at you. This can give you the time and health needed to push in and defend an area.
  • A Heavy with a lunchbox item can help a Demoman heal off self-damage from explosive jumping.
  • An Eyelander-wielding Demoknight and a Buffalo Steak Sandvich Heavy can make for a great pair when in Medieval Mode. The two together can soak up plenty of melee damage, while moving far faster than normal and can take control of a point in little-to-no time with a coordinated attack.
  • With their ability to airblast, Pyros can be a problem for Demoknights, but Heavies can mow them down with ease and also extinguish you with their Sandvich or similar.
    • Heavies are also no slouch when taking out Sentry Guns, which Demoknights will very much appreciate.

Leaderboard class engineer.png Engineer

Demomen and Engineers are two of the best defensive classes in the game. Together, they can create a nigh-impenetrable defense.

  • Similarly to the Heavy, a Sentry Gun will provide plenty of protection for you and outright deters the classes who directly cause you trouble, like Scouts and Pyros.
  • A Demoman can lay down sticky traps to block off routes enemies might take to evade a Sentry Gun.
  • Placing stickybombs around a Sentry Gun allows you to quickly react and kill a Spy before they can wreak havoc on a Sentry nest. This strategy works best with the Scottish Resistance.
  • A Teleporter will allow a Demoman to quickly reach the front lines without taking self-damage, while a Dispenser will provide a reliable means for the Demoman to heal self-damage off.
  • A Demoknight can pick off enemy Snipers to help make the Engineer's life easier.
  • Demoknights make excellent Spy-checkers, as one full Crit will kill almost any Spy, even those under cloak.

Leaderboard class medic.png Medic

Medics can make for one of the most powerful team-up candidates, thanks to their fantastical ÜberCharge. A competent Medic has the ability to turn you into resilient, powerful walking nightmare that will destroy anything that stands in your way.

  • Your weakness to self damage can allow you to constantly aid a Medic in building a constant stream of ÜberCharge and allow for quick charging for multiple uses in a short amount of time.
  • The Demoman is usually a prime candidate to receive ÜberCharges, especially from the Medi Gun or Kritzkrieg; the high DPS and/or invincibility is one of the main ways of dealing with hard-to-attack setups, such as Sentry nests.
    • A Demoman under the effects of a Kritzkrieg ÜberCharge in particular can devastate the enemy team.
  • When on Defense, a Medic using the Kritzkrieg can allow you to preemptively place very powerful traps on a control point or around the Payload and make certain death almost guaranteed.
  • Vaccinator Medics can make the effects of self damage minimal if they can properly switch to their explosive resistance. An ÜberCharge from the Vaccinator can also possibly stay active long enough to be able to jump again before it wears off.
  • Demoknights make excellent bodyguards for Medics, as you can very easily kill a Spy, Sniper or Scout with your superior melee prowess.
  • One thing to keep in mind is that while you can be very great at protecting a friendly Medic, your weakness to close-range combat (If not using a sword and boots,) is still applicable, and can make it more difficult to keep your Medic buddy safe if there are multiple Scouts or Pyros on the enemy team.

Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper

Due to their differences in the way they cause damage, Demomen and Snipers don't have that much synergy, but they can do some work together.

  • Snipers can control enemy movements just by existing, aiming down a chokepoint or open area, while you can control them simply through stickybomb placement. Using sticky traps to block off other passageways, you can force the enemy to push through the one area held down by a Sniper and put them at risk of being headshot.
  • The Sniper can take out an Engineer to make a Demoman's nest-destroying efforts more effective.
  • The Sydney Sleeper and Jarate covers enemies in a liquid that causes all damage to be Mini-Crits. Using this, you can further increase the damage dealt by your explosives, or melee weapon.
  • If a Demoman is using the B.A.S.E. Jumper, the allied Sniper can protect him by taking out enemy Snipers. The Demoman can also descend down and kill enemy Snipers focusing on their own Sniper.
  • A Sniper can take out Engineers and Heavies to make a Demoknight's life much easier. In turn, Demoknights can take out enemy Snipers to make the Sniper's life easier.
  • Both Demoman and Sniper excel at long-to-mid range, while suffering at closer ranges. The two of you can supplement each other's ranged power, but may fall short against Pyros, Heavies or Scouts. Because of this, a Demo-Sniper pair can be rather limited in their chemistry against these classes.

Leaderboard class spy.png Spy

Spies and Demomen have a surprising amount of synergy, despite their differing playstyles. Using important info that only a Spy can give or waiting for specific cues, a Demoman can make calculated plays against the enemy team that would otherwise not be possible, and their combined utility can make for an excellent team-up.

  • Spies can be used as a pseudo-tripwire for an allied Demoman. Using the Cloak and Dagger, a Spy can stay invisible indefinitely and can let the Demoman know when set off a trap of stickybombs laid out for unsuspecting players.
  • Both you and the Spy excel at destroying Sentry nests with your combined tools. If a Spy can backstab an Engineer or sap a Sentry Gun, that can give you an opportunity to destroy them with stickybombs or the Loch-n-Load.
  • Demoman makes an excellent distraction for Spies. Firing stickybombs or grenades to divert your foes' attention can let a Spy stab a high priority target and make it easier for you to finish off any remaining enemies.
    • Spies can also stall for a Demoman and buy him time to finish setting up a sticky trap.
  • Demoknights and Spies can work well together, as they both are built for up close high-priority elimination. If a Spy can backstab a Medic's patient, this can allow a Demoknight to charge in, kill the Medic before he can retreat, and the pair can then disappear without a trace (With Demoknight's shield charge, and the Spy's Invis Watch, respectively.) before the enemy team can retaliate.

See also

Basic strategy
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
v • d • e
Community strategy
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
Class match-ups
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
Anti-class strategy
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
Official tips
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
v • d • e
Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman
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