Difference between revisions of "Basic Soldier strategy"

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(Typically, you can hear the standard Launcher's firing sound among other things (miniguns, etc.) but battle noise generally drowns out the Original.)
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The [[Soldier]] is a tough, all-purpose assault class that excels at both offense and defense. Although slow on foot, he can [[rocket jump]] to cover distances quickly and reach unpredictable locations. His weapons are capable of taking on multiple foes at once, but run out of ammunition quickly. A good Soldier should avoid spamming and make each shot count, leading targets properly and aiming at the feet of enemies to maximize splash damage. The Soldier makes an excellent [[Medic buddy]], as he can damage himself to help build the Medic's Übercharge for later use.
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{{hatnote|This page contains basic strategy for the Soldier. For more advanced strategies, see [[Community Soldier strategy]]. For how to play against the Soldier, see [[Anti-Soldier strategy]].}}
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{{Quotation|'''The Soldier''' |I am going to strangle you with your own frilly training bra!|sound=Soldier_taunts20.wav}}
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[[File:Soldiertaunt1.PNG|350px|right]]
  
==Primary Weapons==
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The [[Soldier]] is a tough, all-purpose assault class suited for both offense and defense. His Rocket Launcher can take on multiple enemies at once, while his Shotgun is a reliable backup weapon. Despite being a straightforward class to play, there are many advanced techniques a skilled Soldier can use. For instance, although the Soldier is slow on foot, he can [[rocket jump]] to cover large distances quickly and reach high places. There are also plenty of weapon choices that alter his playstyle, such as the rapid-fire Beggar's Bazooka or the team-oriented Buff Banner.
  
===[[Rocket Launcher]] ===
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== Primary weapons ==
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Rocket Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
The Rocket Launcher deals heavy damage in a wide splash radius, allowing you to efficiently deal damage by aiming at the feet of your enemies. Always try to keep it fully loaded for combat and [[rocket jump]]ing. The reloading process is relatively slow, so use the [[Shotgun]] to finish off weakened enemies if you run out of rockets. Using a rocket to [[juggle|bounce]] an enemy into the air makes them an easy target for a follow-up shot.
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===[[Rocket Launcher]] + [[reskins]]===
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{{icon item|Rocket Launcher|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Rocket Launcher|100px|link=Festive weapons}} {{icon item|Silver Botkiller Rocket Launcher|100px|link=Botkiller weapons}} {{icon item|Australium Rocket Launcher|100px|link=Australium weapons}}
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The Rocket Launcher fires slow-moving rockets that deal heavy damage in a wide splash radius, with the most power at the center of the explosion. The Rocket Launcher only holds four rockets at a time, so make each shot count. Lead your targets to account for the rockets' slow movement speed, and aim at their feet to damage them with the explosions. Using a rocket to [[juggle|bounce]] an enemy into the air makes them an easy target for a follow-up shot from either a rocket or your Shotgun. If you run out of rockets, use the [[Shotgun]] to finish off weakened enemies, as reloading is slow. You can use the explosion from a rocket to [[rocket jump]] at the cost of health, a technique which is commonly used to approach enemies from unexpected angles or travel quickly across the map.
  
 
===[[Direct Hit]]===
 
===[[Direct Hit]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Direct Hit|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Direct Hit|100px}}
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The Direct Hit promotes landing direct hits instead of utilizing your splash damage. The Direct Hit's rockets are faster and deal more damage, which is great for dueling single enemies. For example, you can instantly gib weaker classes like the [[Scout]], more easily catch other rocket-jumping Soldiers in the air, or overpower immobile [[Sentry Gun]]s.
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However, rockets from the Direct Hit have an extremely small explosive radius. You can no longer spam rockets down chokepoints and have to put yourself out in the open to line up direct hits. You will have a more difficult time holding areas on your own.
  
As the name implies, the Direct Hit promotes a different sort of Soldier playstyle, allowing players who can land direct hits to deal more damage. Its smaller explosive radius is significantly less effective against clustered enemies and encourages you to single out individual targets. The increased rocket damage makes you stronger against immobile or slow targets, such as [[Sentry Gun]]s or [[Heavy|Heavies]], and allows you to to instantly gib weaker classes, such as [[Scout]]s, at close range. For more experienced players, the increased rocket speed makes landing devastating [[aerial]]s easier.
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Due to the accuracy needed and the lack of splash damage, the Direct Hit's playstyle differs significantly from the stock Rocket Launcher. Though it may be hard to use at first, the skills learned from this weapon may prove useful on other launchers or for more advanced techniques once you become more familiar with the Soldier's arsenal.
  
===[[Black Box]]===
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===[[Black Box]] + [[reskins]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Black Box|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Black Box|100px}} {{icon item|Australium Black Box|100px|link=Australium weapons}} {{icon item|Festive Black Box|100px|link=Festive weapons}}
  
Use the Black Box for prolonged combat, where you will have time to constantly reload. However, the reduced clip size impairs your immediate staying power and makes offensive [[rocket jump]]ing less effective. Overall, the Black Box increases your survivability but reduces your offensive capability.  
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The Black Box heals you for a small amount of health when damaging an enemy with a rocket. However, the reduced clip size impairs your immediate staying power; in particular, offensive [[rocket jump]]ing becomes less effective due to your lack of ammunition and long reload time. Use it in prolonged combat, where you will have time to constantly reload and outlast your enemies. Use the Black Box alongside the Shotgun, for a reliable backup weapon, or the [[Concheror]], which has additional healing properties.
  
 
===[[Rocket Jumper]]===
 
===[[Rocket Jumper]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Rocket Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Rocket Jumper|100px}}
  
The Rocket Jumper completely nullifies your primary weapon and is not meant for serious combat. If you really decide to use it, equip the Shotgun as well so that you have some way to deal ranged damage. Equipping it alongside the [[Mantreads]] and the [[Market Gardener]] is also effective enough to deal with single opponents. Still, the additional damage you'll take from the increased vulnerabilities will make you useless in firefights. If you want to constantly [[rocket jump]], just use the Gunboats alongside the standard Rocket Launcher.
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The Rocket Jumper is almost identical to the Rocket Launcher, but its rockets do absolutely no damage. This allows you to practice [[rocket jump]]ing without taking any self-damage. It has some synergy with the [[Market Gardener]], a melee weapon that deals Critical hits while you are rocket jumping, but is overall ineffective in a serious fight because you are left with only a Shotgun as a reliable ranged weapon.
  
 
===[[Liberty Launcher]]===
 
===[[Liberty Launcher]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Liberty Launcher|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Liberty Launcher|100px}}
  
The increased rocket speed of the Liberty Launcher makes it much easier to hit individual targets, especially in the air. Unlike the [[Direct Hit]], the splash radius of your shots remains the same, allowing you to still take on groups of enemies. However, like the [[Black Box]], the reduced clip size impairs your immediate staying power and makes offensive [[rocket jump]]ing less effective. Overall, the Liberty Launcher increases your effectiveness in duels but reduces your overall offensive capability.
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The Liberty Launcher comes with 25% increased clip size and reduces self-damage from rocket jumps, allowing you to rocket jump more often and still have rockets to spare. Its rockets deal 25% reduced damage, which weakens your offensive ability in a direct fight, especially against tankier targets like the [[Heavy]] or an [[Engineer]]'s [[Sentry Gun]]. Prioritize light, injured, and retreating enemies while using your increased mobility to avoid unfavorable match-ups. Its high clip size and 40% faster rockets benefit immensely from [[Critical Hit|Crit boosts]], such as that from the [[Buff Banner]].
  
 
===[[Cow Mangler 5000]]===
 
===[[Cow Mangler 5000]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Cow Mangler 5000|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Cow Mangler 5000|100px}}
  
The Cow Mangler 5000, with its increased clip size and infinite ammunition, greatly increases your presence in large firefights. The charged shot is best used at long range or on groups of enemies, as the damage it deals can be matched by just a few standard rockets and is not worth using an entire clip at close range. While you might not be able to destroy Engineer buildings yourself, if you come across a troublesome Sentry Gun, use a charged shot to disable it while your teammates finish the job.
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The Cow Mangler 5000 is comparable to the standard Rocket Launcher in damage, but it has the special ability to fire the entire clip at once as a charged shot that deals Mini-Crits and ignites enemies. The charged shot is best used at long range or on groups of enemies, as the damage it deals can be matched by just a few standard rockets and is not worth using an entire clip at close range. In return, the Cow Mangler 5000 deals heavily reduced damage to Engineer buildings and cannot deal Critical hits normally (instead only dealing Mini-Crits though applied conditions such as the [[Kritzkrieg]]). However, if you come across a troublesome Sentry Gun, the charged shot can disable it before you switch to the [[Shotgun]] or let teammates finish the job. This weapon is ideal for defensive scenarios when dealing with Sentry Guns is very uncommon. It also has infinite reserve ammo, meaning you do not need to search for ammo pickups or [[Dispenser]]s.
  
 
===[[Original]] ===
 
===[[Original]] ===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Original|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Original|100px}}
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The Original is statistically identical to the Rocket Launcher. However, its rockets travel directly down the crosshair, rather than slightly to the right as those from the other {{botignore|rocket launcher}}s do. This subtle change means that all shots fired by the Original will be consistently accurate at close range. Whilst left corners will be easier to shoot behind, it will be more difficult to fire around right corners without exposing yourself.
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===[[Beggar's Bazooka]]===
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{{icon item|Beggar's Bazooka|100px}}
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The Beggar's Bazooka has the ability to store up to three rockets, then release them in one barrage after loading it up. Its rockets have some random deviation and a smaller explosive radius, making individual shots, especially aerials, less reliable. Charge the barrage from behind cover or while rocket jumping to catch opponents by surprise. Additionally, the Beggar's Bazooka cannot collect ammunition at a [[Dispenser]] or a [[Cart|Payload Cart]] while it is being actively held, preventing you from freely firing barrages while defending these locations.
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===[[Air Strike]]===
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{{icon item|Air Strike|100px}}
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The Air Strike grants significantly higher attack speed while rocket jumping but comes with 15% reduced damage and a 10% smaller explosive radius. Each kill you obtain will expand the clip size by one, to a maximum of eight, eventually allowing you to rain down rockets from the sky. This bonus is lost upon death, so be cautious after you've obtained a few kills. Its rockets have an even smaller explosive radius while airborne, so you must compensate by landing direct hits with extra rockets, using the attack speed boost from being in midair. The Air Strike is much less effective in cramped indoor areas, where there is less room to rocket jump. The [[B.A.S.E. Jumper]] synergizes well with this weapon, as it keeps you in the air longer and negates fall damage.
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== Secondary weapons ==
  
The Original is statistically identical to the Rocket Launcher. However, its rockets are fired from the center of the screen, rather than from the right side of the screen as the Rocket Launcher does. The advantage of this is that all shots fired by this weapon are consistently accurate and true to the crosshair, even at close ranges where the Rocket Launcher's rockets will veer off slightly to the right. However, this also means that the ability of this weapon to fire around corners without exposing yourself is limited. Also, it fires more quietly than the Rocket Launcher, making it a more ideal ambushing weapon - particularly if used with the Reserve Shooter.
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===[[Shotgun]] + [[reskins]]===
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{{icon item|Shotgun|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Shotgun|100px|link=Festive weapons}}
  
==Secondary Weapons==
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The Shotgun is effective at medium range and as powerful as many other primary weapons. If your Rocket Launcher is out of ammunition, the Shotgun is a decent backup weapon for finishing off injured enemies. Alternatively, you can switch to it at close range when you don't want to suffer from your own splash damage. It is a good option for fighting experienced Pyros and Scouts, who are easily able to avoid damage from your projectiles.
  
===[[Shotgun]]===
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===[[Buff Banner]] + [[reskins]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Shotgun|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Buff Banner|100px}} {{icon item|Festive Buff Banner|100px|link=Festive weapons}}
  
The Shotgun is as powerful as many other primary weapons and can be used to easily finish enemies off at close to medium range, so don't hesitate to switch to it when you're out of primary ammunition. It effectively counters Pyros who can skillfully [[airblast]] and Demomen who use the [[Chargin' Targe]].
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The Buff Banner is the first of three available banners, which also include the Battalion's Backup and Concheror. A banner replaces your Shotgun and grants a Rage meter that fills up as you deal damage. When the Rage meter is full, primary fire causes you to project an aura that buffs you and nearby allies for a short time. The area of effect is large and passes through obstacles, allowing your teammates to easily follow your lead. Without the Shotgun, you are less effective as a solo combatant and encouraged to fight near allies. Stay near the front lines and use a primary weapon that has a wide blast radius to quickly fill your Rage meter.
  
===[[Buff Banner]]===
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The Buff Banner's unique effect grants guaranteed Mini-Crits to you and nearby allies. Compared to your other banners, the Buff Banner is best when you are working alongside allies with splash damage, like another Soldier or the Demoman. The offensive buff also synergizes with defensive support, such as healing from the Scout's Mad Milk or the Medic's invincibility-granting ÜberCharge.
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Buff Banner|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
  
Take advantage of a primary weapon that has a wide blast radius to quickly fill the Buff Banner's Rage meter. The Buff Banner is effective when used alongside a friendly Medic's [[ÜberCharge]] to lead charges into enemy territory. The area of effect is large and passes through any obstacle, allowing your teammates to easily follow you.
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To maximize your chances of using the Buff Banner, stay with a Medic or Dispenser, and fall back when necessary so you can stay alive and keep building up your Rage meter. This applies to the other banners too, but is especially important for the Buff Banner as it does not grant extra health or regeneration.
  
 
===[[Gunboats]]===
 
===[[Gunboats]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Gunboats|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Gunboats|100px}}
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The Gunboats reduce damage from rocket jumps by 60%, allowing you to perform multiple [[rocket jump]]s in succession without having to rely on a Medic or other healing sources. The reduced self-damage also allows you to safely bail from a crisis via rocket jumping, even if you're low on health.
  
The Gunboats allow you to perform multiple [[rocket jump]]s in succession without having to rely on a Medic for healing. They are most effective when you are constantly roaming around the map and do not need your Shotgun to fend off enemies.
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The Gunboats are most effective when you are constantly roaming around the map and choosing your own fights. They replace your Shotgun, so you have less overall firepower to fend off enemies who target you or your allies.
  
 
===[[Battalion's Backup]]===  
 
===[[Battalion's Backup]]===  
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Battalion's Backup|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Battalion's Backup|100px}}
  
Use the Battalion's Backup when you are fighting at the front lines. Because you must take damage to build your Rage meter, it is almost necessary that you stay near a friendly Medic or another consistent source of healing to stay alive long enough to activate it. Once charged, you can use the Backup's defensive aura to lead an attack, hold an area, or counter the critboosts granted by the [[Kritzkrieg]] or Buff Banner.
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The Battalion's Backup works similarly to the Buff Banner, granting a Rage meter that fills up as you deal damage. It also grants 20 points of bonus health, giving you survivability against bursts of damage as long as you have a way to heal back up.
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The Battalion's Backup's unique effect grants 35% damage reduction and Critical hit negation to you and nearby allies. This defensive effect is best when pushing forward with teammates, as you force the enemy team to concentrate fire on one ally at a time, as well as countering the [[Critical Hit|Crit boosts]] granted by the [[Kritzkrieg]], Buff Banner, and other sources. The aura also further reduces the damage taken from Sentry Guns to a total of 50% resistance, making it useful for destroying an Engineer nest.
  
 
===[[Concheror]]===
 
===[[Concheror]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Concheror|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Concheror|100px}}
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The Concheror works similarly to the Buff Banner, granting a Rage meter that fills up as you deal damage. It also grants up to 4 health regenerated per second, which helps you heal up a bit when rocket jumping and between fights. You can equip the Concheror to be somewhat self-sufficient when roaming, then rejoin your teammates once you are ready to activate its buff.
  
Unlike the damage boost or reduction provided by the other banners, the healing provided by the Concheror isn't so effective when used only on yourself, as you won't be able to constantly fire your Rocket Launcher to recover health. It is best to activate its area buff when near allies, so that they can also stay healthy and take some damage during an offensive push. Pairing the Concheror with the Black Box gives you a high degree of survivability, allowing you to outlast enemies when in a defensive situation.
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The Concheror's unique effect grants movement speed to nearby allies and causes them to heal for 35% of damage dealt. Use the movement speed buff to help allies dodge and reposition in fights, and use the healing buff to support high-damage classes like the Heavy. The Concheror charges around 20% faster than your other banners, so you can use the buff more often to maintain momentum.
  
 
===[[Mantreads]]===
 
===[[Mantreads]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Mantreads|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Mantreads|100px}}
  
The decrease in [[knock back]] offered by the Mantreads allow you to more easily hold an area and maintain a high ground advantage, especially against common threats such as [[Demomen]] and [[Sentry Gun]]s. While the Mantreads do allow you to deal moderate damage by landing on a foe after [[rocket jump]]ing, it's more efficient to simply kill him with rockets before you land.
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The Mantreads are a situational weapon that heavily reduces [[knockback]] taken and grants increased mobility when rocket jumping. You can equip them as your team attacks into an enemy base to avoid being pushed away, especially by an enemy [[Pyro]] or [[Sentry Gun]], or when actively [[rocket jump]]ing in combat so enemies don't disrupt your movement by shooting you. Additionally, the Mantreads allow you to deal moderate damage by stealthily landing on a foe after rocket jumping, although it's more efficient to simply kill the enemy with rockets before you land.
  
 
===[[Reserve Shooter]]===
 
===[[Reserve Shooter]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Reserve Shooter|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Reserve Shooter|100px}}
  
When you bounce an enemy into the air with a rocket, you typically want to finish him off before he can land and retaliate. The Reserve Shooter is great for doing so, especially since landing an [[aerial]] with your Rocket Launcher can sometimes be difficult. However, the reduced magazine size makes it an unreliable sidearm when you run out of primary ammunition. Make use of its faster weapon switch time to finish airborne enemies off with precision before you become vulnerable.
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When you [[knock back|bounce]] an enemy into the air with a rocket, you can try to finish him off before he can land and retaliate. The Reserve Shooter is great for doing so, especially since landing an [[aerial]] with your Rocket Launcher can sometimes be difficult. However, the reduced clip size makes it an unreliable sidearm in comparison to the stock [[Shotgun]], due to frequent reloading. Make use of its faster weapon switch time to finish airborne enemies off with precision before you become vulnerable.
  
 
===[[Righteous Bison]]===
 
===[[Righteous Bison]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Righteous Bison|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Righteous Bison|100px}}
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When compared to the Shotgun, the Righteous Bison fires slow, accurate projectiles that pierce through enemies. The Righteous Bison does not require ammo and reloads quickly, so it can be used to constantly harass enemies. It is less powerful in a direct fight and deals reduced damage to buildings, although its piercing shots will damage an Engineer taking cover behind them.
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===[[B.A.S.E. Jumper]]===
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{{icon item|B.A.S.E. Jumper|100px}}
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The B.A.S.E. Jumper is a parachute you can deploy while in midair, slowing your descent. For general purposes, you can combine this with [[rocket jumping]] to stay above opponents or travel further horizontally. In combat, this backpack works well with the [[Air Strike]] and [[Beggar's Bazooka]], weapons that can fire multiple rockets in one quick burst. You still take standard rocket jump damage and will often attract enemy attention, so keep in mind where you can find healing upon landing. Once you finish your airborne assault, try not to linger in the sights of enemies who appreciate slow targets, like the [[Heavy]] or [[Sniper]]. As with other bundled secondary weapons, taking the B.A.S.E. Jumper means having no Shotgun, leaving you less effective on the ground.
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===[[Panic Attack]]===
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{{icon item|Panic Attack|100px}}
  
When compared to the Shotgun, the Righteous Bison deals reduced damage at close range and has a smaller magazine size, making it less reliable as a sidearm. However, it is accurate, can pierce through multiple targets, and reloads quickly, so you can use it to harass clustered enemies that might easily dodge rockets fired from a distance. Although it deals reduced damage to buildings, its piercing shots allow you to damage an Engineer taking cover behind them.
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The Panic Attack deploys 50% faster than the Shotgun, making it useful for a few panicked shots when you run out of rockets. However, the Panic Attack's pellet spread widely increases as you fire consecutively, making it less effective for prolonged combat than the Shotgun.
  
==Melee Weapons==
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== Melee weapons ==
  
===[[Shovel]] / [[Frying Pan]] / [[Saxxy]]===
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===[[Shovel]] + [[reskins]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Shovel|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Frying Pan|icon-size=100x100px}} {{Icon weapon|weapon=Saxxy|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Shovel|100px}} {{icon item|Frying Pan|100px}} {{icon item|Saxxy|100px}} {{icon item|Conscientious Objector|100px}} {{icon item|Freedom Staff|100px}} {{icon item|Bat Outta Hell|100px}} {{icon item|Memory Maker|100px}} {{icon item|Ham Shank|100px}} {{icon item|Golden Frying Pan|100px}} {{icon item|Necro Smasher|100px}} {{icon item|Crossing Guard|100px}} {{icon item|Prinny Machete|100px}}  
  
The Shovel is comparable to the default melee weapons of most other classes. However, your slow speed puts you at a disadvantage in melee duels. Unless you excessively engage in melee combat when near a friendly Medic, you're better off equipping a different melee weapon.
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The Shovel is comparable to the default melee weapons of most other classes. However, your slow speed puts you at a disadvantage in melee duels. Unless you excessively engage in melee combat when near a friendly Medic, you're better off equipping a different melee weapon. The Shovel can be used to kill low-health enemies when your primary, secondary, or both are out of ammo.
  
 
===[[Equalizer]]===
 
===[[Equalizer]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Equalizer|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Equalizer|100px}}
  
As a Soldier, you generally won't need to use your melee weapon when you are at full health. The Equalizer will grant a dramatic increase in damage and movement speed as your health decreases, allowing it to be used as a last resort to engage or escape pursuing enemies.
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While at full health, the Equalizer deals half of the [[Shovel]]'s base damage. However, you generally won't need to use your melee weapon when you are at full health. The Equalizer will grant a dramatic increase in damage as your health decreases, allowing it to be used as a last resort to ambush pursuing enemies. Put the Equalizer away if you want a friendly Medic to heal you normally, as it reduces received healing by 90% while active.
  
 
===[[Pain Train]]===
 
===[[Pain Train]]===
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Pain Train|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Pain Train|100px}}
  
Only use the Pain Train when actively capturing control points or pushing Payload carts; the increased capture rate is useless when playing Capture the Flag or in any defensive scenario. If you have a reliable source of health, you can equip it when actively [[rocket jump]]ing around the map to give yourself the mobility and capture rate of the Scout.
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The Pain Train gives you an increased capture rate of two players, equal to the Scout. It comes with a 10% increased vulnerability to bullets, making you a bit more fragile against the Scout and Heavy, classes which tend to be found attacking or holding control points. Only use the Pain Train when actively capturing control points or pushing Payload carts; the increased capture rate is useless when playing Capture the Flag or when on defense.
  
 
===[[Half-Zatoichi]]===
 
===[[Half-Zatoichi]]===
{{Icon weapon|Half-Zatoichi|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Half-Zatoichi|100px}}
  
The healing the Half-Zatoichi provides on a kill just might be worth fighting at melee range. Be sure you have a clear opportunity to kill an enemy before you unsheathe it; because you cannot switch weapons once Honorbound, your slow speed will make chasing a target very difficult.  
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The Half-Zatoichi heals you for 50% of your maximum health on kill and has the increased melee range and draw time of all swords. The healing the Half-Zatoichi provides on a kill just might be worth fighting at melee range. Try to have a clear opportunity to kill an enemy before you unsheathe it, as switching weapons without obtaining a kill causes you to take 50 damage. Wielders of the Half-Zatoichi are capable of killing each other in a single hit; however, your slow speed puts you at a disadvantage in a melee duel.
  
 
===[[Disciplinary Action]]===
 
===[[Disciplinary Action]]===
{{Icon weapon|Disciplinary Action|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Disciplinary Action|100px}}
  
The Disciplinary Action allows you to increase your mobility without sacrificing health by [[rocket jumping]]. It is best used on classes that need to reach the front lines fastest, such as the Demoman, Heavy, Medic, or another Soldier. Because you must hit a teammate to produce the speed boosting effect, it is less effective in melee combat or when retreating but can still be used to chase after faster opponents.
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The Disciplinary Action's main perk is that striking a teammate temporarily boosts both of your running speeds. You can increase your mobility without losing health by rocket jumping, as well as boost other classes who rely on being in position first, like the Heavy or Sniper. You have to hit an ally to gain the speed boost, so stay closer to your team when using this weapon.  
  
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The Disciplinary Action also has an increased melee range of 75%, giving it a unique niche in melee combat, but deals slightly reduced damage.
  
 
===[[Market Gardener]]===
 
===[[Market Gardener]]===
{{Icon weapon|Market Gardener|icon-size=100x100px}}
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{{icon item|Market Gardener|100px}}
 
 
The Market Gardener can be useful if you actively [[rocket jump]] while in combat. While the guaranteed critical hits while rocket jumping will kill most enemies, it is typically simpler and more practical to continue firing rockets while airborne.
 
 
 
==Item sets==
 
 
 
=== [[Item sets#Soldier|The Tank Buster]] ===
 
{{item icon|Black Box|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Battalion's Backup|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Grenadier's Softcap|100px}}
 
 
 
Although the set bonus is meant to help you against [[Sentry Gun]]s, the reduced clip size of the Black Box means that you probably won't be able to destroy an attended one yourself, even if Übercharged. You can, however, use the set effect and the Battalion's Backup to tank Sentry Gun fire while your teammates destroy it.
 
 
 
=== [[Item sets#Soldier|General's Formals]] ===
 
{{item icon|Mantreads|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Disciplinary Action|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Armored Authority|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Fancy Dress Uniform|100px}}
 
 
 
The General's Formals can be useful for quickly traveling to and securing an area, particularly patches of high ground where you can easily be [[knockback|displaced]] by an explosive. You'll only have the Rocket Launcher as a reliable source of damage, so use the Disciplinary Action to bring along slower teammates that can provide additional firepower.
 
 
 
 
 
=== [[Item sets#Soldier|The Airborne Armaments]] ===
 
{{item icon|Liberty Launcher|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Reserve Shooter|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Market Gardener|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Jumper's Jeepcap|100px}}
 
  
This item set focuses on taking out single targets quickly and precisely, as the reduced magazine size of the set weapons means you are very vulnerable after only a few shots. Once you bounce an enemy into the air with the Liberty Launcher, follow it up with either another rocket or the Reserve Shooter before he can land and retaliate.
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The Market Gardener deals guaranteed critical melee attacks while rocket jumping. While it is simpler to continue firing rockets while airborne, quietly approaching to land one melee attack can allow you to pick off important targets and display your incredible skill. Rocket jumping over obstacles or up from low ground can greatly aid in surprising opponents, while equipping the [[Mantreads]] or [[B.A.S.E. Jumper]] increases your aerial mobility.
  
=== [[Item sets#Soldier|Dr. Grordbort's Victory Pack]] ===
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The Market Gardener's value greatly increases as you become familiar with advanced rocket jumping techniques. For example, if you can perform a high-velocity diagonal rocket jump, you can soar over obstacles, smack a distracted enemy, and still have loaded rockets to defend yourself with upon landing.
{{item icon|Cow Mangler 5000|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Righteous Bison|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Lord Cockswain's Pith Helmet|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Lord Cockswain's Novelty Mutton Chops and Pipe|100px}}
 
  
The weapons in this item set excel at dealing with groups of enemies but deal heavily reduced damage to buildings. While you won't reliably be able to deal with a Sentry Gun alone, a charged shot from the Cow Mangler 5000 can disable it while your teammates finish the job.
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===[[Escape Plan]]===
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{{icon item|Escape Plan|100px}}
  
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As your health decreases, wielding the Escape Plan will grant you increasingly faster speed, allowing you to escape attackers with ease. Because it [[Marked for death#Mini-crit boost | marks you for death]], you're discouraged from using it to fight, much less charge at enemies. However, you can use the Rocket Launcher to damage yourself so that you can quickly reach the front lines; if doing so, make sure you don't get picked off by a stray enemy before you can find a source of healing. Sheathe the Escape Plan once you find a friendly Medic, as it reduces healing by 90% while active.
  
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Class strategy}}

Latest revision as of 16:30, 10 August 2024

This page contains basic strategy for the Soldier. For more advanced strategies, see Community Soldier strategy. For how to play against the Soldier, see Anti-Soldier strategy.
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The Soldier is a tough, all-purpose assault class suited for both offense and defense. His Rocket Launcher can take on multiple enemies at once, while his Shotgun is a reliable backup weapon. Despite being a straightforward class to play, there are many advanced techniques a skilled Soldier can use. For instance, although the Soldier is slow on foot, he can rocket jump to cover large distances quickly and reach high places. There are also plenty of weapon choices that alter his playstyle, such as the rapid-fire Beggar's Bazooka or the team-oriented Buff Banner.

Primary weapons

Rocket Launcher + reskins

Rocket Launcher Festive Rocket Launcher Silver Botkiller Rocket Launcher Australium Rocket Launcher

The Rocket Launcher fires slow-moving rockets that deal heavy damage in a wide splash radius, with the most power at the center of the explosion. The Rocket Launcher only holds four rockets at a time, so make each shot count. Lead your targets to account for the rockets' slow movement speed, and aim at their feet to damage them with the explosions. Using a rocket to bounce an enemy into the air makes them an easy target for a follow-up shot from either a rocket or your Shotgun. If you run out of rockets, use the Shotgun to finish off weakened enemies, as reloading is slow. You can use the explosion from a rocket to rocket jump at the cost of health, a technique which is commonly used to approach enemies from unexpected angles or travel quickly across the map.

Direct Hit

Direct Hit

The Direct Hit promotes landing direct hits instead of utilizing your splash damage. The Direct Hit's rockets are faster and deal more damage, which is great for dueling single enemies. For example, you can instantly gib weaker classes like the Scout, more easily catch other rocket-jumping Soldiers in the air, or overpower immobile Sentry Guns.

However, rockets from the Direct Hit have an extremely small explosive radius. You can no longer spam rockets down chokepoints and have to put yourself out in the open to line up direct hits. You will have a more difficult time holding areas on your own.

Due to the accuracy needed and the lack of splash damage, the Direct Hit's playstyle differs significantly from the stock Rocket Launcher. Though it may be hard to use at first, the skills learned from this weapon may prove useful on other launchers or for more advanced techniques once you become more familiar with the Soldier's arsenal.

Black Box + reskins

Black Box Australium Black Box Festive Black Box

The Black Box heals you for a small amount of health when damaging an enemy with a rocket. However, the reduced clip size impairs your immediate staying power; in particular, offensive rocket jumping becomes less effective due to your lack of ammunition and long reload time. Use it in prolonged combat, where you will have time to constantly reload and outlast your enemies. Use the Black Box alongside the Shotgun, for a reliable backup weapon, or the Concheror, which has additional healing properties.

Rocket Jumper

Rocket Jumper

The Rocket Jumper is almost identical to the Rocket Launcher, but its rockets do absolutely no damage. This allows you to practice rocket jumping without taking any self-damage. It has some synergy with the Market Gardener, a melee weapon that deals Critical hits while you are rocket jumping, but is overall ineffective in a serious fight because you are left with only a Shotgun as a reliable ranged weapon.

Liberty Launcher

Liberty Launcher

The Liberty Launcher comes with 25% increased clip size and reduces self-damage from rocket jumps, allowing you to rocket jump more often and still have rockets to spare. Its rockets deal 25% reduced damage, which weakens your offensive ability in a direct fight, especially against tankier targets like the Heavy or an Engineer's Sentry Gun. Prioritize light, injured, and retreating enemies while using your increased mobility to avoid unfavorable match-ups. Its high clip size and 40% faster rockets benefit immensely from Crit boosts, such as that from the Buff Banner.

Cow Mangler 5000

Cow Mangler 5000

The Cow Mangler 5000 is comparable to the standard Rocket Launcher in damage, but it has the special ability to fire the entire clip at once as a charged shot that deals Mini-Crits and ignites enemies. The charged shot is best used at long range or on groups of enemies, as the damage it deals can be matched by just a few standard rockets and is not worth using an entire clip at close range. In return, the Cow Mangler 5000 deals heavily reduced damage to Engineer buildings and cannot deal Critical hits normally (instead only dealing Mini-Crits though applied conditions such as the Kritzkrieg). However, if you come across a troublesome Sentry Gun, the charged shot can disable it before you switch to the Shotgun or let teammates finish the job. This weapon is ideal for defensive scenarios when dealing with Sentry Guns is very uncommon. It also has infinite reserve ammo, meaning you do not need to search for ammo pickups or Dispensers.

Original

Original

The Original is statistically identical to the Rocket Launcher. However, its rockets travel directly down the crosshair, rather than slightly to the right as those from the other rocket launchers do. This subtle change means that all shots fired by the Original will be consistently accurate at close range. Whilst left corners will be easier to shoot behind, it will be more difficult to fire around right corners without exposing yourself.

Beggar's Bazooka

Beggar's Bazooka

The Beggar's Bazooka has the ability to store up to three rockets, then release them in one barrage after loading it up. Its rockets have some random deviation and a smaller explosive radius, making individual shots, especially aerials, less reliable. Charge the barrage from behind cover or while rocket jumping to catch opponents by surprise. Additionally, the Beggar's Bazooka cannot collect ammunition at a Dispenser or a Payload Cart while it is being actively held, preventing you from freely firing barrages while defending these locations.

Air Strike

Air Strike

The Air Strike grants significantly higher attack speed while rocket jumping but comes with 15% reduced damage and a 10% smaller explosive radius. Each kill you obtain will expand the clip size by one, to a maximum of eight, eventually allowing you to rain down rockets from the sky. This bonus is lost upon death, so be cautious after you've obtained a few kills. Its rockets have an even smaller explosive radius while airborne, so you must compensate by landing direct hits with extra rockets, using the attack speed boost from being in midair. The Air Strike is much less effective in cramped indoor areas, where there is less room to rocket jump. The B.A.S.E. Jumper synergizes well with this weapon, as it keeps you in the air longer and negates fall damage.

Secondary weapons

Shotgun + reskins

Shotgun Festive Shotgun

The Shotgun is effective at medium range and as powerful as many other primary weapons. If your Rocket Launcher is out of ammunition, the Shotgun is a decent backup weapon for finishing off injured enemies. Alternatively, you can switch to it at close range when you don't want to suffer from your own splash damage. It is a good option for fighting experienced Pyros and Scouts, who are easily able to avoid damage from your projectiles.

Buff Banner + reskins

Buff Banner Festive Buff Banner

The Buff Banner is the first of three available banners, which also include the Battalion's Backup and Concheror. A banner replaces your Shotgun and grants a Rage meter that fills up as you deal damage. When the Rage meter is full, primary fire causes you to project an aura that buffs you and nearby allies for a short time. The area of effect is large and passes through obstacles, allowing your teammates to easily follow your lead. Without the Shotgun, you are less effective as a solo combatant and encouraged to fight near allies. Stay near the front lines and use a primary weapon that has a wide blast radius to quickly fill your Rage meter.

The Buff Banner's unique effect grants guaranteed Mini-Crits to you and nearby allies. Compared to your other banners, the Buff Banner is best when you are working alongside allies with splash damage, like another Soldier or the Demoman. The offensive buff also synergizes with defensive support, such as healing from the Scout's Mad Milk or the Medic's invincibility-granting ÜberCharge.

To maximize your chances of using the Buff Banner, stay with a Medic or Dispenser, and fall back when necessary so you can stay alive and keep building up your Rage meter. This applies to the other banners too, but is especially important for the Buff Banner as it does not grant extra health or regeneration.

Gunboats

Gunboats

The Gunboats reduce damage from rocket jumps by 60%, allowing you to perform multiple rocket jumps in succession without having to rely on a Medic or other healing sources. The reduced self-damage also allows you to safely bail from a crisis via rocket jumping, even if you're low on health.

The Gunboats are most effective when you are constantly roaming around the map and choosing your own fights. They replace your Shotgun, so you have less overall firepower to fend off enemies who target you or your allies.

Battalion's Backup

Battalion's Backup

The Battalion's Backup works similarly to the Buff Banner, granting a Rage meter that fills up as you deal damage. It also grants 20 points of bonus health, giving you survivability against bursts of damage as long as you have a way to heal back up.

The Battalion's Backup's unique effect grants 35% damage reduction and Critical hit negation to you and nearby allies. This defensive effect is best when pushing forward with teammates, as you force the enemy team to concentrate fire on one ally at a time, as well as countering the Crit boosts granted by the Kritzkrieg, Buff Banner, and other sources. The aura also further reduces the damage taken from Sentry Guns to a total of 50% resistance, making it useful for destroying an Engineer nest.

Concheror

Concheror

The Concheror works similarly to the Buff Banner, granting a Rage meter that fills up as you deal damage. It also grants up to 4 health regenerated per second, which helps you heal up a bit when rocket jumping and between fights. You can equip the Concheror to be somewhat self-sufficient when roaming, then rejoin your teammates once you are ready to activate its buff.

The Concheror's unique effect grants movement speed to nearby allies and causes them to heal for 35% of damage dealt. Use the movement speed buff to help allies dodge and reposition in fights, and use the healing buff to support high-damage classes like the Heavy. The Concheror charges around 20% faster than your other banners, so you can use the buff more often to maintain momentum.

Mantreads

Mantreads

The Mantreads are a situational weapon that heavily reduces knockback taken and grants increased mobility when rocket jumping. You can equip them as your team attacks into an enemy base to avoid being pushed away, especially by an enemy Pyro or Sentry Gun, or when actively rocket jumping in combat so enemies don't disrupt your movement by shooting you. Additionally, the Mantreads allow you to deal moderate damage by stealthily landing on a foe after rocket jumping, although it's more efficient to simply kill the enemy with rockets before you land.

Reserve Shooter

Reserve Shooter

When you bounce an enemy into the air with a rocket, you can try to finish him off before he can land and retaliate. The Reserve Shooter is great for doing so, especially since landing an aerial with your Rocket Launcher can sometimes be difficult. However, the reduced clip size makes it an unreliable sidearm in comparison to the stock Shotgun, due to frequent reloading. Make use of its faster weapon switch time to finish airborne enemies off with precision before you become vulnerable.

Righteous Bison

Righteous Bison

When compared to the Shotgun, the Righteous Bison fires slow, accurate projectiles that pierce through enemies. The Righteous Bison does not require ammo and reloads quickly, so it can be used to constantly harass enemies. It is less powerful in a direct fight and deals reduced damage to buildings, although its piercing shots will damage an Engineer taking cover behind them.

B.A.S.E. Jumper

B.A.S.E. Jumper

The B.A.S.E. Jumper is a parachute you can deploy while in midair, slowing your descent. For general purposes, you can combine this with rocket jumping to stay above opponents or travel further horizontally. In combat, this backpack works well with the Air Strike and Beggar's Bazooka, weapons that can fire multiple rockets in one quick burst. You still take standard rocket jump damage and will often attract enemy attention, so keep in mind where you can find healing upon landing. Once you finish your airborne assault, try not to linger in the sights of enemies who appreciate slow targets, like the Heavy or Sniper. As with other bundled secondary weapons, taking the B.A.S.E. Jumper means having no Shotgun, leaving you less effective on the ground.

Panic Attack

Panic Attack

The Panic Attack deploys 50% faster than the Shotgun, making it useful for a few panicked shots when you run out of rockets. However, the Panic Attack's pellet spread widely increases as you fire consecutively, making it less effective for prolonged combat than the Shotgun.

Melee weapons

Shovel + reskins

Shovel Frying Pan Saxxy Conscientious Objector Freedom Staff Bat Outta Hell Memory Maker Ham Shank Golden Frying Pan Necro Smasher Crossing Guard Prinny Machete

The Shovel is comparable to the default melee weapons of most other classes. However, your slow speed puts you at a disadvantage in melee duels. Unless you excessively engage in melee combat when near a friendly Medic, you're better off equipping a different melee weapon. The Shovel can be used to kill low-health enemies when your primary, secondary, or both are out of ammo.

Equalizer

Equalizer

While at full health, the Equalizer deals half of the Shovel's base damage. However, you generally won't need to use your melee weapon when you are at full health. The Equalizer will grant a dramatic increase in damage as your health decreases, allowing it to be used as a last resort to ambush pursuing enemies. Put the Equalizer away if you want a friendly Medic to heal you normally, as it reduces received healing by 90% while active.

Pain Train

Pain Train

The Pain Train gives you an increased capture rate of two players, equal to the Scout. It comes with a 10% increased vulnerability to bullets, making you a bit more fragile against the Scout and Heavy, classes which tend to be found attacking or holding control points. Only use the Pain Train when actively capturing control points or pushing Payload carts; the increased capture rate is useless when playing Capture the Flag or when on defense.

Half-Zatoichi

Half-Zatoichi

The Half-Zatoichi heals you for 50% of your maximum health on kill and has the increased melee range and draw time of all swords. The healing the Half-Zatoichi provides on a kill just might be worth fighting at melee range. Try to have a clear opportunity to kill an enemy before you unsheathe it, as switching weapons without obtaining a kill causes you to take 50 damage. Wielders of the Half-Zatoichi are capable of killing each other in a single hit; however, your slow speed puts you at a disadvantage in a melee duel.

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary Action

The Disciplinary Action's main perk is that striking a teammate temporarily boosts both of your running speeds. You can increase your mobility without losing health by rocket jumping, as well as boost other classes who rely on being in position first, like the Heavy or Sniper. You have to hit an ally to gain the speed boost, so stay closer to your team when using this weapon.

The Disciplinary Action also has an increased melee range of 75%, giving it a unique niche in melee combat, but deals slightly reduced damage.

Market Gardener

Market Gardener

The Market Gardener deals guaranteed critical melee attacks while rocket jumping. While it is simpler to continue firing rockets while airborne, quietly approaching to land one melee attack can allow you to pick off important targets and display your incredible skill. Rocket jumping over obstacles or up from low ground can greatly aid in surprising opponents, while equipping the Mantreads or B.A.S.E. Jumper increases your aerial mobility.

The Market Gardener's value greatly increases as you become familiar with advanced rocket jumping techniques. For example, if you can perform a high-velocity diagonal rocket jump, you can soar over obstacles, smack a distracted enemy, and still have loaded rockets to defend yourself with upon landing.

Escape Plan

Escape Plan

As your health decreases, wielding the Escape Plan will grant you increasingly faster speed, allowing you to escape attackers with ease. Because it marks you for death, you're discouraged from using it to fight, much less charge at enemies. However, you can use the Rocket Launcher to damage yourself so that you can quickly reach the front lines; if doing so, make sure you don't get picked off by a stray enemy before you can find a source of healing. Sheathe the Escape Plan once you find a friendly Medic, as it reduces healing by 90% while active.