Difference between revisions of "Anti-Soldier strategy"

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(Reword, knockback is mentioned in 2nd tip, I don't like the wording in the last tip personally, but I can't think of anything better. The point is that if you're under the Soldier, strafing to get a hit is much harder than if you're running backwards)
 
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[[Image:Soldierhumiliation.png|right|250px|Dammit Boys.]]
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[[File:Soldierhumiliation.png|right|250px|Dammit, boys.]]
 
{{Quotation|'''The Sniper'''|Oi, lend us yer shovel, so I can dig yer grave!|sound=sniper_DominationSoldier04.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Sniper'''|Oi, lend us yer shovel, so I can dig yer grave!|sound=sniper_DominationSoldier04.wav}}
  
The [[Soldier]] is a devastating, bulky predator who has an above average amount of health and is capable of effective attacks from any range. While slow on foot, the Soldier is known for his trademark [[rocket jumping]] ability which allows experienced players to quickly move around a map and reach high areas at a cost of self-inflicted damage. Generally, the best way to engage a Soldier is in an open area where you can avoid his rockets and counterattack. The Soldier is also disadvantaged when he has the lower ground in a battle, if he is forced to fire his rockets at uphill angles, it will limit and or eliminate his ability to deal splash damage depending on his opponents positioning. Keep in mind that the Soldier has a number of different loadout options that allow him to give offensive and defensive buffs to teammates, heal himself, and wield the most dangerous melee weapon in the game if his health is low enough.
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The '''[[Soldier]]''' is a well-rounded, bulky class that is capable of both taking and dealing solid damage. While slow on foot, the Soldier is known for his trademark ability to [[rocket jump]], which allows him to quickly maneuver around a map. He is most effective at medium range or on high ground, where he can use the powerful splash damage from his rockets to reliably dispatch foes. The Soldier has a number of different loadout options that, according to the situation, allow him to increase his offense, defense, or support options, making him extremely versatile. Although he lacks many exploitable weaknesses, the Soldier is not the master of any one trade; for example, the [[Scout]] is faster while the [[Demoman]] and [[Heavy]] can deal more damage.
 
 
==General==
 
  
 +
== General ==
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Attributes
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Attributes
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier Strategy
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Soldier strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Soldier_badge_RED.png|40px]] [[Classes|Role]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Soldier_emblem_RED.png|40px]] '''[[Classes|Role]]'''
 
|
 
|
*The Soldier is an all-around class with a dangerous primary weapon and few exploitable weaknesses. He is particularly strong when he takes the high ground.
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* The Soldier is effective at many different tasks, including frontal assault, defending objectives, flanking maneuvers, and picking off important enemy targets.
 +
* No matter what you are doing, always be prepared to deal with a Soldier - he is one of the most commonly played classes.
 +
* You may find a Soldier anywhere - he can reach normally inaccessible areas by [[Jumping#Soldier jumps|rocket jumping]].
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_medic.png|40px]] [[Health]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{icon class|Medic|40px}} '''[[Health]]'''
 
|
 
|
*The Soldier has the second largest amount of default health of all classes, and when overhealed, can be very difficult to take down.
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* The Soldier has a relatively large amount of health, allowing him to stay in the fight longer.
 +
* A competent Soldier is a formidable opponent while being healed by a [[Medic]].
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_scout.png|40px]] [[Speed]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{icon class|Scout|40px}} '''[[Speed]]'''
 
|
 
|
*The Soldier's base speed is low, but he is capable of quick bursts of speed with [[Jumping#Rocket jumps|Rocket Jumping]] and the [[Equalizer]].
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* The Soldier's base speed is low. However, he can gain quick bursts of speed using [[Jumping#Soldier jumps|rocket jumps]], the [[Escape Plan]] when injured, or the [[Disciplinary Action]] when near teammates. If kept grounded, he loses his mobility and is much easier to hit.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_soldier.png|40px]] [[Weapons|Power]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{icon class|Soldier|40px}} '''[[Weapons|Power]]'''
 
|
 
|
*The rockets that Soldiers fire are highly damaging at close range, but are less powerful and can be dodged more easily at long range.
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* The Soldier’s rockets make up the bulk of his firepower and are highly damaging at close range, but are easily dodged and suffer from damage falloff at longer ranges.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Weapon Specific==
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== Weapon-specific ==
 
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{{main|Weapons#Soldier|l1=Soldier weapons}}
A list of useful tidbits about the Soldier's tools, and how to counter them.
 
 
 
===Primary Weapons===
 
*Rockets, with the exception of those from the Direct Hit and Liberty Launcher, move slowly. Try to dodge them by [[strafing]] and [[jumping]] or use a [[Compression blast]].
 
 
 
  
 +
=== Primary weapons ===
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier Strategy
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Soldier strategy
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Rocket Launcher}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* A Soldier will typically aim rockets at your feet to hit you with splash damage. Rockets travel slowly; controlling the high ground or keeping a distance makes it more difficult for him to hit you.
 +
* The Rocket Launcher has a small clip size and reloads slowly; if a Soldier misses all of his shots, he will be forced to reload or switch to his [[Shotgun]], leaving him more vulnerable to attack.
 +
* Rockets suffer from falloff damage, which is calculated based on how far the Soldier is from the target when they explode, not where the rocket was originally fired from. Creating even a bit of distance from the Soldier after the rocket is fired can reduce damage taken.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Direct Hit}}
 +
|
 +
* Rockets from the Direct Hit travel faster and deal increased damage which can one-shot low-health classes at close range. Stay at medium range to keep full control over your movement and have room to react.
 +
* Rockets from the Direct Hit have an extremely low splash damage radius. The Soldier must line up his shots from out in the open while you can take cover without worrying about splash damage.
 +
* Stay at mid-range and strafe against Direct Hit-wielding Soldiers, baiting out shots to make them waste time reloading or aiming, then pick them off with short bursts of damage or by chipping away at their health over time while dodging.
 +
* The Direct Hit excels against immobile targets like a revved-up Heavy or the Engineer's Sentry Gun. If your ally cannot take cover, support them by attacking the Soldier whenever he pops out of cover.
 +
* If you are launched into the air by an explosion, maneuver to avoid being [[Aerial|airshot]], as the Direct Hit deals [[Mini-Crits]] to those propelled airborne by an explosion.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Black Box}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* The Black Box heals the Soldier for up to 20 health when its rockets hit an enemy, allowing him to exchange harassment for prolonged periods of time.
 +
* The Black Box only holds three rockets in its clip. Keep up offensive pressure to stop him from recovering health.
 +
* The Black Box heals the Soldier linearly with how much damage he dealt, up to 20 health. Dodge, fall back to increase damage falloff,  and stay at the edge of its blast radius for minimal healing to the Soldier.
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|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Rocket Jumper}}
 +
|
 +
* The Rocket Jumper deals no damage and takes away the Soldier's most practical weapon, in exchange for non-damaging rocket jumps. His offense is severely reduced, although he will be much harder to hit.
 +
* Soldiers wielding the Rocket Jumper tend to also equip the [[Mantreads]] and the [[Market Gardener]]. Keep a distance if you see a Soldier approach with a rocket jump.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Rocket Launcher}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Liberty Launcher}}
 
|
 
|
*The Rocket Launcher is a very versatile and powerful weapon, but it can only hold four loaded rockets at a time. Watching the Soldier's actions and attacking when he has no rockets loaded can grant you an immense advantage.
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* The Liberty Launcher’s rockets maintain the splash radius of those from the Rocket Launcher but travel significantly faster. Attack from a distance and maintain space to dodge any rockets that come your way.
 +
* The Liberty Launcher deals 25% less damage but can fire one more rocket per clip. Overall, it slightly decreases the Soldier's potential damage per clip but makes his attacks harder to dodge.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Direct Hit}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Cow Mangler 5000}}
 
|
 
|
*The Direct Hit can one-hit-kill weaker classes at close range. Keep your distance, and try to fight at mid-to-long range where the Direct Hit's low splash damage radius becomes readily apparent.
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* The Cow Mangler operates similarly to the Rocket Launcher but replaces Critical hits with Mini-Crits and inflicts minimal damage on buildings.  
*The Direct Hit's rockets are much faster than normal ones. Move quickly and take advantage of the minimized splash range.
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* Don't allow a Soldier to disable an allied Sentry Gun with a charged shot. It takes a few seconds to fire, so use this time to prepare to deflect it or kill the Soldier outright.
*The Direct Hit deals more damage than the regular Rocket Launcher so be careful to try not to take a direct hit.
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** If he succeeds in firing the charged shot, his entire clip will be emptied; either pursue him, defend the Sentry Gun, or switch focus to his teammates while he reloads.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Black Box}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Original}}
 
|
 
|
*Mobility is key, as the Black Box will grant the Soldier with 15+ health each time he hits you.
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* The Original is statistically identical to the Rocket Launcher, except the Original's rockets are fired directly down its crosshair, rather than slightly from his right side. Such a subtle difference allows him to be more effective at close range.
*The Soldier only has three shots granting you an immense advantage to attack while he's reloading.
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* Compared to the normal Rocket Launcher, the Soldier will have an easier time shooting rockets toward his desired targets. However, a Soldier using the Original will be slightly more exposed if he tries to fire it from around a corner. As a result, his shots are likely more predictable than if he were to use the normal Rocket Launcher.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Rocket Jumper}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Beggar's Bazooka}}
 
|
 
|
*Although there is practically no use for the Rocket Jumper in serious gameplay, the Soldier might use this to attack or secure higher positions easily, so tread carefully with a height advantage.
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* The Beggar's Bazooka can load up to three rockets at a time, then unleash them all at once in a single barrage. It takes a small amount of time to load a rocket, which can help predict when the Soldier will attack.
*Note that the Soldier is more vulnerable to most projectiles, bullets and fire. Take advantage of the weakness.
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* A barrage of three rockets is devastating at close range, but you can force the Soldier to fire from a longer distance, where its lack of precision and smaller blasts will cause some rockets to miss.
 +
* The Beggar's Bazooka can also be used to perform risky but unpredictable rocket jumping. While rocket jumping, he can also quickly shoot rockets at you partway through. Take caution if you're outdoors, as he likely has the upper hand while out in the open.
 +
* The Soldier cannot restore ammo from Dispensers while the Beggar's Bazooka is his active weapon, forcing him to roam around for ammo packs if he is to maintain his constant assault. Use this behavior to predict where he may arrive, and try to steal nearby ammo packs to weaken his momentum.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Liberty Launcher}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Air Strike}}
 
|
 
|
*The Liberty Launcher is very effective at close-to-mid range due to the rockets being 40% faster. Try to keep away from him and fight in long range combat.
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* The Air Strike's clip size increases if the Soldier gets a kill. As a result, the Soldier becomes stronger but needs to spend more time reloading.
*The Launcher only has three shots granting you the chance to attack while he's reloading.
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* The Air Strike's rockets have reduced explosive radius and damage. This is offset by the increased projectile speed and difficulty of dodging multiple rockets fired from above.
 +
** If you're an Engineer, you can somewhat negate damage by using the Short Circuit, but do be aware that the energy orb can only travel a set distance and it uses 65 metal, so be careful with your choices.
 +
* An airborne Soldier is an easy target for [[hitscan]] weapons like the Scattergun, the Minigun, and the Reserve Shooter.
 +
* An Air Strike with a [[Killstreak Kit]] attached to it can give away the number of bonus rockets a Soldier has, allowing you to choose your methods of engagement more precisely.
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Secondary Weapons===
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=== Secondary weapons ===
 +
 
 +
==== Armaments ====
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier Strategy
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Soldier strategy
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Shotgun}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* A Soldier will typically use the Shotgun if he has no time to reload his Rocket Launcher or does not wish to damage himself by firing rockets at point-blank range. Either way, he deals less damage and is more vulnerable.
 +
* Shotgun pellets have a wide spread, so back away or dodge to the side to reduce the damage you take.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Gunboats}}
 +
|
 +
* A Soldier wearing the Gunboats will often rocket jump to higher ground without suffering too much damage and rain rockets down on you. Either take the high ground yourself or back away to dodge his assault.
 +
* The Soldier trades in his Shotgun to use the Gunboats. At close range, he either risks self-damage from his rocket explosions or needs to take out his easily dodgeable melee weapon.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Reserve Shooter}}
 +
|
 +
* The Reserve Shooter is capable of landing Mini-Crits on targets sent airborne by certain means. If propelled into the air by a rocket, air-strafe to avoid his fire and do your best to quickly reach solid ground.
 +
* The Reserve Shooter's reduced clip size makes it less reliable of a sidearm than the Shotgun. If he misses his 4 shots, he becomes vulnerable far more quickly.
 +
* [[Weapon heckling]] is less effective against a Soldier with the Reserve Shooter due to its decreased weapon switch time.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Shotgun}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Mantreads}}
 
|
 
|
*The Shotgun is typically used when a Soldier does not want to use the Rocket Launcher, either because he is out of loaded rockets (or wishes to conserve them) or he is fighting a close-range target and does not want to take self-damage. Either way, he is more vulnerable to attack with the Shotgun out than when he wields any of his primary weapons (excluding his Rocket Jumper).
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* A Soldier using the Mantreads will receive considerably less [[knockback]] from most enemy weapons, allowing him to more easily maintain a high-ground advantage. However, like with the Gunboats, he is deprived of a secondary weapon.
 +
* Keep an eye out for airborne Soldiers; aside from firing rockets at you, one might try to fall on you and inflict damage with his Mantreads.
 +
** The Mantreads only negate fall damage taken if the Soldier actually manages to land on an enemy; if you see a Soldier dropping towards you, back away so that he takes fall damage.
 +
* The Mantreads grant the Soldier 200% more air control when explosive jumping, allowing him to do extremely sharp turns midair.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Gunboats}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Righteous Bison}}
 
|
 
|
*Soldiers using the Gunboats often take the high ground. Prevent this from happening; on the ground, the Soldier is less effective without his Shotgun. Attack the Soldier vigorously, as he has no secondary weapon to aid him in combat.
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* The Righteous Bison deals considerably less damage than the Shotgun, but pierces through enemies and is effective at medium-range harassment. Avoid clustering near your teammates to reduce the effectiveness of its piercing shots.
 +
* The Righteous Bison's shots can hit the same target multiple times. Avoid backpedaling or you will suffer extreme damage.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Reserve Shooter}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |  
 +
{{Table icon|B.A.S.E. Jumper}}
 
|
 
|
*The Reserve Shooter draws 15% faster than the standard Shotgun and mini-crits airborne targets for 3 seconds after switch. Try to stay on the ground, as even jumping could give him the bonus damage.
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* The B.A.S.E. Jumper allows a Soldier to slow his descent and fire more rockets at you from mid-air. Watch out for the potential barrage if a rocket jumping Soldier suddenly deploys it.
 +
* The B.A.S.E. Jumper slows the Soldier's airspeed. Shoot him out of the sky with an accurate weapon.
 +
* The B.A.S.E. Jumper cannot be deployed again once retracted until he touches the ground. Fire at him to force a retraction so he takes fall damage.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Mantreads}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Panic Attack|}}
 
|
 
|
*The Mantreads deals 3x his fall damage when he falls onto a enemy, so stay in closed areas such as rooms and flat areas.
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* The Panic Attack deploys quickly but suffers from massive bullet spread with consecutive shots. Survive the first shot, and the following ones are easier to dodge.
*The Mantreads reduces knockback. Try to avoid doing knockback kills such as: shooting him off a cliff, shooting him into a train, and launching him skyward.
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|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Banners====
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==== Banners ====
*Killing the Soldier using a banner buff will end the effect immediately.
 
*A buffed Soldier needs to stay within range of his team while buffed to benefit them the most, making splash damage and other attacks affecting multiple enemies, such as Jarate or the Flamethrower, incredibly effective.
 
*Soldiers will often make a quick retreat in search of their team when they have a full charge. If you see this happen, give chase.
 
*Soldiers using a banner lack a mid-range weapon. Stay close enough to ensure that they will take self-damage from rockets but far away enough to avoid the rockets.
 
  
 +
A Soldier's banners provide a 10-second area-of-effect buff to himself and nearby allies once he has dealt enough damage. The Soldier's teammates must remain close to him, so weapons with splash damage are effective for fighting a wave of buffed enemies. Killing the Soldier will end the effect immediately; if possible, aim for him first. Additionally, a Soldier using a banner lacks a secondary weapon; any class that can negate his rockets, such as a Pyro, can prevent him from charging his banner.
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier Strategy
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Buff Banner}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Buff Banner}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
*The Mini-Crit buff has a short range, encouraging the enemy team to cluster. Use (critically-boosted) rockets, grenades, and stickies to quickly kill or break them up.
+
* The Buff Banner allows a Soldier and his allies to deal Mini-Crits; it's best to fight from behind cover while his team is buffed. You may also choose to retreat, wasting the limited time your enemies have to inflict more damage.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Battalion's Backup}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Battalion's Backup}}
 
|
 
|
*This weapon will make Critical hits useless. Quickly eliminate the Soldier to ensure your Critical hits register.
+
* Use teamwork to overpower enemies buffed defensively by the Battalion's Backup, one by one.
*Since this builds up whenever a Soldier is hurt, focus your attention on any nearby health kits or resupply rooms. The Soldier could have attacked you in order to draw your fire and build up his buff.
+
* Do not activate Crit boosts, such as that from the [[Kritzkrieg]], while the enemy has the Backup's buff; they will be immune to Critical hits. Wait until the Backup's effect has ended or if there's a Spy on your team or if you are a Spy and the opportunity shows itself to backstab the Soldier.  
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Concheror}}  
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Concheror}}  
 
|
 
|
*Mobility is the key here, as any enemy buffed with the Concheror will regain health when they damage you.
+
* When an enemy Soldier activates his Concheror, he and any buffed enemies will heal from inflicting damage - consider taking cover until the effect wears off.
*A well-organised team should concentrate their fire on one target at a time, as any buffed enemy left to their own devices will quickly regain any health they have lost. The ideal target is, of course, the Soldier who created the buff.
+
* Your team should concentrate fire on single targets to prevent them from healing, or on the Soldier himself to end the effect.
 +
* A Soldier with both the Concheror and its active buff lets him gain access to two different healing sources, its passive health regeneration, and its health-per-damage. Constant damage will overwhelm him.
 +
* The Concheror takes less damage to charge than the other banners. Don't let an enemy Soldier deal enough damage to activate his buff; keep attacking him while avoiding his attacks.
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Melee Weapons===
+
=== Melee weapons ===
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier Strategy
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Soldier strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Shovel|icon-size=100x100px}}{{Icon weapon|weapon=Frying Pan|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Shovel}} + '''reskins'''
<br>[[Shovel]] / [[Frying Pan]]
 
 
|
 
|
*Due to the Soldier's slow movement speed, one can usually defeat a Soldier with the Shovel or Frying Pan simply by moving backwards and attacking him. If you cannot avoid the Soldier, fight him head-on, as you should have an advantage.
+
* You should be able to outmaneuver a Soldier charging you with the standard Shovel, as his low movement speed puts him at a heavy disadvantage in melee combat.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Equalizer}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Escape Plan}}
 
|
 
|
*If an enemy Soldier is running quickly with the Equalizer out, it may be more useful to try and pick him off with a [[ mechanics|hitscan]] weapon such as the Shotgun or Pistol.
+
* A Soldier will typically use the Escape Plan's speed boost as a last resort to escape. When the Escape Plan is his active weapon, he takes guaranteed Mini-Crits.
*On the other hand, if he's slowly moving towards you, be careful to deal enough damage to kill him before he can catch up, as his speed and attack will greatly increase as he takes more damage.
+
* Note his movement speed to gauge his health; if a Soldier is running quickly while holding this weapon, he's heavily injured. A few long-range shots, even from the [[Scattergun]] or [[Shotgun]], may be enough to kill him.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Pain Train}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Equalizer}}
 
|
 
|
*If you see a Soldier with the Pain Train, take advantage of his vulnerability to bullets, and watch your control points more carefully, as the extra capture speed is significant.
+
* The more injured a Soldier is, the more damage the Equalizer does. If a Soldier attacks you with this, he might be already injured. Treat him as if he were using the default Shovel and end the fight quickly.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Half-Zatoichi}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Pain Train}}
 
|
 
|
* A Soldier who draws out his Half-Zatoichi cannot switch to another weapon until he kills someone with it. Use this to your advantage as he will be helpless if you harass him outside of his melee distance. Keep in mind that a Half-Zatoichi that has killed someone will be covered in blood.
+
* The Pain Train increases the Soldier's capture rate. Be wary of any Soldier that may sneak by to capture your team's control points quickly, or quickly fly overhead to capture a objective that is nearly finished, particularly with the [[Rocket Jumper]].
* A Soldier who just killed someone with his Half-Zatoichi will regain all his health, so be careful if you just saw him kill one of your teammates with it.
+
* The Pain Train causes the Soldier to take 10% more bullet damage, which allows a Scout or Heavy to have an easier time killing him.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Market Gardener}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Half-Zatoichi}}
 
|
 
|
*Try to attack a Soldier who has the Market Gardener on the ground, since he can deal crits during a rocket jump.
+
* The Half-Zatoichi heals its wielder by 50% of his base health upon obtaining a kill. If you see a Soldier slay a teammate with this weapon, know that he will have more than 100 health.
 +
* If the Half-Zatoichi's wielder does not obtain a kill before switching weapons, he loses 50 health. The Soldier moves slowly, so stay outside his melee range to force a weapon switch.
 +
* Reducing the Soldier to below 50 health prevents him from sheathing the weapon - you can then stay away and fire with impunity.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Disciplinary Action}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Market Gardener}}
 
|
 
|
*The Disciplinary Action does 25% less damage to enemies, use this as an advantage and try to pick him off.
+
* Be wary of a rocket-jumping Soldier trying to enter melee range - if he holds the [[Market Gardener]], his attack will be a guaranteed Critical hit, which will instantly kill most classes.
*When he hits someone with a Disciplinary Action, the Soldier is able to boost his speed for one second, so try to avoid him in close combat and slay him in mid-to-long range combat. If possible, attack him at close range when there are no nearby enemies for him to hit.
+
* Keep your distance until he lands, throw off his aim by shooting him and dealing knockback, or snipe him out of the sky.
|}
+
* Weapons like the [[Direct Hit]] and the [[Reserve Shooter]] deal extra damage to classes launched by explosions, such as a Soldier trying to use the Market Gardener. Putting obstacles between you and the Soldier can remove the threat of a Critical hit, such as a roof. Be wary of an experienced Soldier doing a very small rocket jump, or even surfing your explosives, to get a Critical hit off in tighter spaces.
 
+
* If a rocket-jumping Soldier is aiming for you, walking backwards makes it much easier for the Soldier to hit you. Instead, walk under the Soldier to make it harder for him to hit you, as turning around mid-air is much more difficult than on the ground.
==Class Set==
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Set
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Soldier Strategy
 
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Backpack Soldier Bundle.png|100px|The Tank Buster Set]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Disciplinary Action}}
<br>[[Item sets#Soldier|The Tank Buster]]
 
 
|
 
|
*A Soldier using the Tank Buster item set will be less vulnerable to Sentry Guns, but he can only fire three rockets before a reload, and lacks a Shotgun. If you can catch the Soldier before he reloads, you will have a major advantage over him.
+
* An enemy Soldier equipped with the Disciplinary Action will use it to hustle his team to the battlefield rather than fight. Take care that you aren't outnumbered by any additional enemies he brought along.
*Because of this Class Set giving off a more defensive asset for the Soldier, try to not attack this type of Soldier on the enemy's territory since he would have the distinct terrain advantage.
+
* The Disciplinary Action has a very large melee range. Stay farther away from him than you would if he was wielding the Shovel - he might still be able to hit you.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
== See also==
+
== See also ==
*[[Rocket jumping]]
+
* [[Rocket jumping]]
*[[Team strategy]]
+
* [[Team strategy]]
  
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Class strategy}}
 +
{{Soldier Nav}}
  
[[Category:Strategy]]
 
[[Category:Soldier]]
 
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]

Latest revision as of 17:56, 29 July 2024

Dammit, boys.
Oi, lend us yer shovel, so I can dig yer grave!
The Sniper

The Soldier is a well-rounded, bulky class that is capable of both taking and dealing solid damage. While slow on foot, the Soldier is known for his trademark ability to rocket jump, which allows him to quickly maneuver around a map. He is most effective at medium range or on high ground, where he can use the powerful splash damage from his rockets to reliably dispatch foes. The Soldier has a number of different loadout options that, according to the situation, allow him to increase his offense, defense, or support options, making him extremely versatile. Although he lacks many exploitable weaknesses, the Soldier is not the master of any one trade; for example, the Scout is faster while the Demoman and Heavy can deal more damage.

General

Attributes Anti-Soldier strategy
Soldier emblem RED.png Role
  • The Soldier is effective at many different tasks, including frontal assault, defending objectives, flanking maneuvers, and picking off important enemy targets.
  • No matter what you are doing, always be prepared to deal with a Soldier - he is one of the most commonly played classes.
  • You may find a Soldier anywhere - he can reach normally inaccessible areas by rocket jumping.
Leaderboard class medic.png Health
  • The Soldier has a relatively large amount of health, allowing him to stay in the fight longer.
  • A competent Soldier is a formidable opponent while being healed by a Medic.
Leaderboard class scout.png Speed
  • The Soldier's base speed is low. However, he can gain quick bursts of speed using rocket jumps, the Escape Plan when injured, or the Disciplinary Action when near teammates. If kept grounded, he loses his mobility and is much easier to hit.
Leaderboard class soldier.png Power
  • The Soldier’s rockets make up the bulk of his firepower and are highly damaging at close range, but are easily dodged and suffer from damage falloff at longer ranges.

Weapon-specific

Main article: Soldier weapons

Primary weapons

Weapon Anti-Soldier strategy
Rocket Launcher
Rocket Launcher + reskins
  • A Soldier will typically aim rockets at your feet to hit you with splash damage. Rockets travel slowly; controlling the high ground or keeping a distance makes it more difficult for him to hit you.
  • The Rocket Launcher has a small clip size and reloads slowly; if a Soldier misses all of his shots, he will be forced to reload or switch to his Shotgun, leaving him more vulnerable to attack.
  • Rockets suffer from falloff damage, which is calculated based on how far the Soldier is from the target when they explode, not where the rocket was originally fired from. Creating even a bit of distance from the Soldier after the rocket is fired can reduce damage taken.
Direct Hit
Direct Hit
  • Rockets from the Direct Hit travel faster and deal increased damage which can one-shot low-health classes at close range. Stay at medium range to keep full control over your movement and have room to react.
  • Rockets from the Direct Hit have an extremely low splash damage radius. The Soldier must line up his shots from out in the open while you can take cover without worrying about splash damage.
  • Stay at mid-range and strafe against Direct Hit-wielding Soldiers, baiting out shots to make them waste time reloading or aiming, then pick them off with short bursts of damage or by chipping away at their health over time while dodging.
  • The Direct Hit excels against immobile targets like a revved-up Heavy or the Engineer's Sentry Gun. If your ally cannot take cover, support them by attacking the Soldier whenever he pops out of cover.
  • If you are launched into the air by an explosion, maneuver to avoid being airshot, as the Direct Hit deals Mini-Crits to those propelled airborne by an explosion.
Black Box
Black Box + reskins
  • The Black Box heals the Soldier for up to 20 health when its rockets hit an enemy, allowing him to exchange harassment for prolonged periods of time.
  • The Black Box only holds three rockets in its clip. Keep up offensive pressure to stop him from recovering health.
  • The Black Box heals the Soldier linearly with how much damage he dealt, up to 20 health. Dodge, fall back to increase damage falloff, and stay at the edge of its blast radius for minimal healing to the Soldier.
Rocket Jumper
Rocket Jumper
  • The Rocket Jumper deals no damage and takes away the Soldier's most practical weapon, in exchange for non-damaging rocket jumps. His offense is severely reduced, although he will be much harder to hit.
  • Soldiers wielding the Rocket Jumper tend to also equip the Mantreads and the Market Gardener. Keep a distance if you see a Soldier approach with a rocket jump.
Liberty Launcher
Liberty Launcher
  • The Liberty Launcher’s rockets maintain the splash radius of those from the Rocket Launcher but travel significantly faster. Attack from a distance and maintain space to dodge any rockets that come your way.
  • The Liberty Launcher deals 25% less damage but can fire one more rocket per clip. Overall, it slightly decreases the Soldier's potential damage per clip but makes his attacks harder to dodge.
Cow Mangler 5000
Cow Mangler 5000
  • The Cow Mangler operates similarly to the Rocket Launcher but replaces Critical hits with Mini-Crits and inflicts minimal damage on buildings.
  • Don't allow a Soldier to disable an allied Sentry Gun with a charged shot. It takes a few seconds to fire, so use this time to prepare to deflect it or kill the Soldier outright.
    • If he succeeds in firing the charged shot, his entire clip will be emptied; either pursue him, defend the Sentry Gun, or switch focus to his teammates while he reloads.
Original
Original
  • The Original is statistically identical to the Rocket Launcher, except the Original's rockets are fired directly down its crosshair, rather than slightly from his right side. Such a subtle difference allows him to be more effective at close range.
  • Compared to the normal Rocket Launcher, the Soldier will have an easier time shooting rockets toward his desired targets. However, a Soldier using the Original will be slightly more exposed if he tries to fire it from around a corner. As a result, his shots are likely more predictable than if he were to use the normal Rocket Launcher.
Beggar's Bazooka
Beggar's Bazooka
  • The Beggar's Bazooka can load up to three rockets at a time, then unleash them all at once in a single barrage. It takes a small amount of time to load a rocket, which can help predict when the Soldier will attack.
  • A barrage of three rockets is devastating at close range, but you can force the Soldier to fire from a longer distance, where its lack of precision and smaller blasts will cause some rockets to miss.
  • The Beggar's Bazooka can also be used to perform risky but unpredictable rocket jumping. While rocket jumping, he can also quickly shoot rockets at you partway through. Take caution if you're outdoors, as he likely has the upper hand while out in the open.
  • The Soldier cannot restore ammo from Dispensers while the Beggar's Bazooka is his active weapon, forcing him to roam around for ammo packs if he is to maintain his constant assault. Use this behavior to predict where he may arrive, and try to steal nearby ammo packs to weaken his momentum.
Air Strike
Air Strike
  • The Air Strike's clip size increases if the Soldier gets a kill. As a result, the Soldier becomes stronger but needs to spend more time reloading.
  • The Air Strike's rockets have reduced explosive radius and damage. This is offset by the increased projectile speed and difficulty of dodging multiple rockets fired from above.
    • If you're an Engineer, you can somewhat negate damage by using the Short Circuit, but do be aware that the energy orb can only travel a set distance and it uses 65 metal, so be careful with your choices.
  • An airborne Soldier is an easy target for hitscan weapons like the Scattergun, the Minigun, and the Reserve Shooter.
  • An Air Strike with a Killstreak Kit attached to it can give away the number of bonus rockets a Soldier has, allowing you to choose your methods of engagement more precisely.

Secondary weapons

Armaments

Weapon Anti-Soldier strategy
Shotgun
Shotgun + reskins
  • A Soldier will typically use the Shotgun if he has no time to reload his Rocket Launcher or does not wish to damage himself by firing rockets at point-blank range. Either way, he deals less damage and is more vulnerable.
  • Shotgun pellets have a wide spread, so back away or dodge to the side to reduce the damage you take.
Gunboats
Gunboats
  • A Soldier wearing the Gunboats will often rocket jump to higher ground without suffering too much damage and rain rockets down on you. Either take the high ground yourself or back away to dodge his assault.
  • The Soldier trades in his Shotgun to use the Gunboats. At close range, he either risks self-damage from his rocket explosions or needs to take out his easily dodgeable melee weapon.
Reserve Shooter
Reserve Shooter
  • The Reserve Shooter is capable of landing Mini-Crits on targets sent airborne by certain means. If propelled into the air by a rocket, air-strafe to avoid his fire and do your best to quickly reach solid ground.
  • The Reserve Shooter's reduced clip size makes it less reliable of a sidearm than the Shotgun. If he misses his 4 shots, he becomes vulnerable far more quickly.
  • Weapon heckling is less effective against a Soldier with the Reserve Shooter due to its decreased weapon switch time.
Mantreads
Mantreads
  • A Soldier using the Mantreads will receive considerably less knockback from most enemy weapons, allowing him to more easily maintain a high-ground advantage. However, like with the Gunboats, he is deprived of a secondary weapon.
  • Keep an eye out for airborne Soldiers; aside from firing rockets at you, one might try to fall on you and inflict damage with his Mantreads.
    • The Mantreads only negate fall damage taken if the Soldier actually manages to land on an enemy; if you see a Soldier dropping towards you, back away so that he takes fall damage.
  • The Mantreads grant the Soldier 200% more air control when explosive jumping, allowing him to do extremely sharp turns midair.
Righteous Bison
Righteous Bison
  • The Righteous Bison deals considerably less damage than the Shotgun, but pierces through enemies and is effective at medium-range harassment. Avoid clustering near your teammates to reduce the effectiveness of its piercing shots.
  • The Righteous Bison's shots can hit the same target multiple times. Avoid backpedaling or you will suffer extreme damage.

B.A.S.E. Jumper
B.A.S.E. Jumper

  • The B.A.S.E. Jumper allows a Soldier to slow his descent and fire more rockets at you from mid-air. Watch out for the potential barrage if a rocket jumping Soldier suddenly deploys it.
  • The B.A.S.E. Jumper slows the Soldier's airspeed. Shoot him out of the sky with an accurate weapon.
  • The B.A.S.E. Jumper cannot be deployed again once retracted until he touches the ground. Fire at him to force a retraction so he takes fall damage.
Panic Attack
Panic Attack
  • The Panic Attack deploys quickly but suffers from massive bullet spread with consecutive shots. Survive the first shot, and the following ones are easier to dodge.

Banners

A Soldier's banners provide a 10-second area-of-effect buff to himself and nearby allies once he has dealt enough damage. The Soldier's teammates must remain close to him, so weapons with splash damage are effective for fighting a wave of buffed enemies. Killing the Soldier will end the effect immediately; if possible, aim for him first. Additionally, a Soldier using a banner lacks a secondary weapon; any class that can negate his rockets, such as a Pyro, can prevent him from charging his banner.

Weapon Anti-Soldier strategy
Buff Banner
Buff Banner + reskins
  • The Buff Banner allows a Soldier and his allies to deal Mini-Crits; it's best to fight from behind cover while his team is buffed. You may also choose to retreat, wasting the limited time your enemies have to inflict more damage.
Battalion's Backup
Battalion's Backup
  • Use teamwork to overpower enemies buffed defensively by the Battalion's Backup, one by one.
  • Do not activate Crit boosts, such as that from the Kritzkrieg, while the enemy has the Backup's buff; they will be immune to Critical hits. Wait until the Backup's effect has ended or if there's a Spy on your team or if you are a Spy and the opportunity shows itself to backstab the Soldier.
Concheror
Concheror
  • When an enemy Soldier activates his Concheror, he and any buffed enemies will heal from inflicting damage - consider taking cover until the effect wears off.
  • Your team should concentrate fire on single targets to prevent them from healing, or on the Soldier himself to end the effect.
  • A Soldier with both the Concheror and its active buff lets him gain access to two different healing sources, its passive health regeneration, and its health-per-damage. Constant damage will overwhelm him.
  • The Concheror takes less damage to charge than the other banners. Don't let an enemy Soldier deal enough damage to activate his buff; keep attacking him while avoiding his attacks.

Melee weapons

Weapon Anti-Soldier strategy
Shovel
Shovel + reskins
  • You should be able to outmaneuver a Soldier charging you with the standard Shovel, as his low movement speed puts him at a heavy disadvantage in melee combat.
Escape Plan
Escape Plan
  • A Soldier will typically use the Escape Plan's speed boost as a last resort to escape. When the Escape Plan is his active weapon, he takes guaranteed Mini-Crits.
  • Note his movement speed to gauge his health; if a Soldier is running quickly while holding this weapon, he's heavily injured. A few long-range shots, even from the Scattergun or Shotgun, may be enough to kill him.
Equalizer
Equalizer
  • The more injured a Soldier is, the more damage the Equalizer does. If a Soldier attacks you with this, he might be already injured. Treat him as if he were using the default Shovel and end the fight quickly.
Pain Train
Pain Train
  • The Pain Train increases the Soldier's capture rate. Be wary of any Soldier that may sneak by to capture your team's control points quickly, or quickly fly overhead to capture a objective that is nearly finished, particularly with the Rocket Jumper.
  • The Pain Train causes the Soldier to take 10% more bullet damage, which allows a Scout or Heavy to have an easier time killing him.
Half-Zatoichi
Half-Zatoichi
  • The Half-Zatoichi heals its wielder by 50% of his base health upon obtaining a kill. If you see a Soldier slay a teammate with this weapon, know that he will have more than 100 health.
  • If the Half-Zatoichi's wielder does not obtain a kill before switching weapons, he loses 50 health. The Soldier moves slowly, so stay outside his melee range to force a weapon switch.
  • Reducing the Soldier to below 50 health prevents him from sheathing the weapon - you can then stay away and fire with impunity.
Market Gardener
Market Gardener
  • Be wary of a rocket-jumping Soldier trying to enter melee range - if he holds the Market Gardener, his attack will be a guaranteed Critical hit, which will instantly kill most classes.
  • Keep your distance until he lands, throw off his aim by shooting him and dealing knockback, or snipe him out of the sky.
  • Weapons like the Direct Hit and the Reserve Shooter deal extra damage to classes launched by explosions, such as a Soldier trying to use the Market Gardener. Putting obstacles between you and the Soldier can remove the threat of a Critical hit, such as a roof. Be wary of an experienced Soldier doing a very small rocket jump, or even surfing your explosives, to get a Critical hit off in tighter spaces.
  • If a rocket-jumping Soldier is aiming for you, walking backwards makes it much easier for the Soldier to hit you. Instead, walk under the Soldier to make it harder for him to hit you, as turning around mid-air is much more difficult than on the ground.
Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary Action
  • An enemy Soldier equipped with the Disciplinary Action will use it to hustle his team to the battlefield rather than fight. Take care that you aren't outnumbered by any additional enemies he brought along.
  • The Disciplinary Action has a very large melee range. Stay farther away from him than you would if he was wielding the Shovel - he might still be able to hit you.

See also