Difference between revisions of "Anti-Engineer strategy"

From Team Fortress Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Item sets -> Item set effects. None exist.)
m (Auto: EnforceCapitalization(Crits), WordFilter(Critical Hits → Critical hits) (Review RC#3626568))
 
(161 intermediate revisions by 56 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:Engineerhumiliation.png|right|155px|Aw, hell.]]
+
[[File:Engineerhumiliation.png|right|155px|Aw, hell.]]
 
{{Quotation|'''The Medic'''|Did ze Fräuleins have zeir Mittelschmerz?|sound=Medic_specialcompleted08.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Medic'''|Did ze Fräuleins have zeir Mittelschmerz?|sound=Medic_specialcompleted08.wav}}
  
The [[Engineer]] is a defensive support class who primarily helps his team with various buildings. He has mediocre weapons and low health, relying on his [[Sentry Gun]] for protection. By himself, an Engineer is a low threat who will usually run at the first sight of trouble. His primary purpose is to construct [[Teleporters]] and [[Dispensers]] in order to help his team either advance or hold a strategic location. Generally, Engineers build a "base" consisting of a Teleporter Exit, Dispenser, and Sentry Gun where his teammates are brought into the battle and return to be supplied with health and ammunition. The Gunslinger and Frontier Justice, however, allow an Engineer to assume a more offensive role which can make him much more dangerous than usual.
+
The '''[[Engineer]]''' is a defensive support class who primarily helps his team by constructing various buildings. The bulk of his firepower comes from his [[Sentry Gun]], which is capable of fighting almost any enemy head-on when fully upgraded. For utility, his [[Dispenser]] keeps his team supplied, while a [[Teleporter]] system saves travel time from spawn to the front lines. Generally, an Engineer will build a "base", consisting of a Sentry Gun, Dispenser, and Teleporter Exit, that acts as a rallying point for his team. His buildings are extremely useful for either helping his team advance or holding a strategic position. If the Engineer is caught alone or without his Sentry Gun, he has below-average direct combat and mediocre health, although there are a few loadout options that drastically enhance his solo combat, such as the [[Gunslinger]] and [[Southern Hospitality]].
  
==General==
+
== General ==
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Attributes
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Attributes
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Engineer_badge_RED.png|40px]] [[Classes|Role]]
+
! align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Engineer_badge_RED.png|40px]] [[Classes|Role]]
 
|
 
|
Engineers are high priority targets. A team without buildings is at a disadvantage. A Sentry Gun is quite vulnerable when you stay out of its range and its Engineer is not there to protect it. An Engineer away from his Sentry Gun is far less useful, so if you kill one away from the main front, the enemy is probably trying to keep his buildings alive. Use this opportunity to destroy the buildings.
+
* A competent Engineer will construct his buildings so that your team needs to destroy them to advance. However, it takes some time for him to fully build or move his structures; catch him before he can set up.
 +
* You can kill the Engineer first to prevent him from repairing his buildings, but generally he will be hiding behind them for safety. Try using splash damage to deal with him.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_medic.png|40px]] [[Health]]
+
! align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Leaderboard_class_medic.png|40px]] [[Health]]
 
|
 
|
The Engineer has very little health compared to most other classes. Away from his Sentry Gun, he has little to defend himself. The [[Gunslinger]] will give the Engineer 25 more health, together with a weaker but faster-building Mini-Sentry.
+
* The Engineer has the lowest base health along with the [[Scout]], [[Sniper]] and [[Spy]]. When away from his Sentry Gun, he's easy to defeat.
 +
** The [[Gunslinger]] will give the Engineer an extra 25 health and access to the [[Combat Mini-Sentry Gun]], making him significantly tougher when fighting on his own.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_scout.png|40px]] [[Speed]]
+
! align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Leaderboard_class_scout.png|40px]] [[Speed]]
 
|
 
|
The Engineer runs at the same speed as the Pyro, the Sniper, and the Spy. If he's out in the open, he shouldn't be too hard to kill. His speed falls to lower than a un-spun Heavy while carrying pre-constructed buildings - take the opportunity to simultaneously kill him and the building he's hauling.
+
* The Engineer runs at an average speed equivalent to that of the Pyro and Sniper. Most importantly, this lets him quickly reach ammo pickups for emergency building construction or repairs.
 +
* The Engineer moves relatively slowly while hauling pre-constructed buildings, leaving him very vulnerable if you have the element of surprise.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_soldier.png|40px]] [[Weapons|Power]]
+
! align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Leaderboard_class_soldier.png|40px]] [[Weapons|Power]]
 
|
 
|
The Engineer is a mediocre fighter without his Sentry Gun. Work as a team and he should be dispatched in no time. If alone, react quickly to hidden Mini-Sentrys, and kill the Engineer before he can use any revenge crits he may have.
+
* The Engineer's firepower comes primarily from his Sentry Gun. It has several limitations, such as detection range and turning speed, that can be taken advantage of. Destroying the Sentry Gun frees up significant breathing room.
 +
* The Engineer typically must stand near his Sentry Gun to repair it, which exposes him to danger. If he uses the [[Rescue Ranger]], he can repair buildings from long ranges.
 +
* If the Engineer equips the [[Gunslinger]] and uses the [[Combat Mini-Sentry Gun]], he has enough firepower in a direct fight to decisively defeat the frailer classes.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Weapon Specific==
+
== Weapon-specific ==
 +
{{main|Weapons#Engineer|l1=Engineer weapons}}
  
A list of useful tidbits about the Engineer's tools, and how to counter them.
+
=== Primary weapons ===
 
 
===Primary Weapons===
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
Line 36: Line 41:
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Shotgun}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Shotgun}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* An Engineer typically uses the Shotgun to go on the offensive, or for self-defense when he or his buildings are threatened. As a frail combatant with only moderate speed, he generally focuses on one enemy at a time from a safe distance.
 +
* The Shotgun, while powerful at close range, is not as powerful as the primary weapons of other classes. For comparison, the Shotgun is merely the secondary weapon for the [[Soldier]], [[Pyro]], and [[Heavy]].
 +
* The Shotgun is only effective at close to medium range. Move erratically to reduce its accuracy.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Frontier Justice}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* The Frontier Justice gains guaranteed Critical hits after the Engineer's Sentry Gun is destroyed, depending on accumulated kills and assists. Not dying to his Sentry Gun denies him this bonus.
 +
* After destroying an Engineer's Sentry Gun, he may seek vengeance with the Frontier Justice. He is still a frail combatant and can be defeated before he shoots you.
 +
* Consider killing the Engineer before his Sentry Gun; the Frontier Justice cannot store revenge Crits while he is dead.
 +
* In combat, treat the Frontier Justice like the Shotgun. It has a low clip size of three, harshly punishing the Engineer for missing.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Widowmaker}}
 
|
 
|
Shotguns have a wider spread the further you are from your target, so avoid aggravating an Engineer at close range. Engage the Engineer at a distance, preferably out in the open or away from his buildings, where you'll have the advantage.
+
* The Widowmaker drains the Engineer's metal supply for each shot, but replenishes it when he deals damage. Close range shots net positive metal, so move away and dodge his shots to force him to switch weapons.
 +
* Collect all nearby ammo pickups and destroy the Engineer's Dispenser to deny his metal supply.
 +
* The Widowmaker gains a 10% damage bonus if you are his Sentry Gun's target. Avoid taking on him and his Sentry Gun at once.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Frontier Justice}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Pomson 6000}}
 
|
 
|
When his Sentry Gun is destroyed, an Engineer will likely retaliate with the Revenge Crits stored by this weapon; kill him before he gets the chance to shoot. You could also kill him before destroying his Sentry Gun; that way he will not earn the Revenge Crits collected by that Sentry Gun. If you cannot prevent the Engineer from firing at you, force him to do so at a distance, reducing his accuracy and the number of pellets that may hit you per shot. With only three shots per clip, an Engineer using the Frontier Justice has a limited time to retaliate before leaving himself open.
+
* The Pomson 6000 is a weak weapon if you can catch the Engineer alone. The weapon must be reloaded often and its projectiles are slow and weak.
 +
* The Pomson 6000's projectiles drain abilities that are effective against his buildings, draining the [[Medic]]'s [[ÜberCharge]] and [[Spy]]'s [[Cloak]]. Take care not to have your abilities drained before a crucial push.
 +
** At longer distances, the Pomson 6000's projectiles drain less ÜberCharge or Cloak. The Engineer has to put himself in your firing range to drain a significant amount.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Widowmaker}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Rescue Ranger}}
 
|
 
|
The Widowmaker can only fire six times when an Engineer has maximum metal, and he will be forced to switch weapons once he doesn't have enough. Dodge his shots, and take him down when he's out of metal. If there are any sources of ammo nearby, collect them first to ensure the Engineer can't refill his metal supply.
+
* The Rescue Ranger is meant to support the Engineer's buildings from afar; its bolts deal weak damage but can repair buildings at long range. He will typically use it if he can't approach his Sentry Gun with his Wrench.
 +
* The Engineer can teleport his buildings towards him using his Rescue Ranger if he maintains a line of sight. Carrying a building by any means will mark him for death, giving you an opportunity to kill him and destroy his building.
 +
* Harass the Engineer to force him to take cover, preventing long range repairs or haulings.
 +
* You can potentially outdamage the Rescue Ranger's repair rate, especially once the Engineer needs to reload.
 +
* The Engineer cannot save or repair a Sapped building with the Rescue Ranger, forcing him to either remove the Sapper in your view or let it be destroyed.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Panic Attack|}}
 +
|
 +
* The Panic Attack deploys quickly but suffers from massive bullet spread with consecutive shots. Keeping a distance forces the Engineer to switch to his Pistol.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Secondary Weapons===
+
=== Secondary weapons ===
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
Line 55: Line 86:
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Pistol|icon-size=100x100px}}{{Icon weapon|weapon=Lugermorph|icon-size=100x100px}}<br>[[Pistol]] / [[Lugermorph]]
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Pistol}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
An Engineer will use this weapon at farther range due to its more accurate shots. Close the gap between the Engineer and yourself in order to make his initial shots less accurate; kill him quickly, or he may adjust his aim. Unlike the Scout, the Engineer stores a lot of ammo for the Pistol; do not expect him to empty it anytime soon.
+
* An Engineer will typically use the Pistol for long range harassment. It is a relatively weak weapon, so shrug off the bullets as you make your way towards his buildings.
 +
** Unlike the Scout, the Engineer has nearly unlimited Pistol ammunition; don't expect him to run out.
 +
* After the Engineer uses up his Shotgun's clip, he may switch to his Pistol to finish you off. Stay vigilant even after he fires his final shot.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Wrangler}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Wrangler}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
Note the appearance of any team-colored laser guides. Take an alternate path to ambush the Engineer, as his Sentry Gun cannot automatically detect enemies while wrangled. Kill him or force him to switch weapons to deactivate the Sentry Gun for a few seconds, leaving it susceptable to attack; make sure he or his fellow Engineers don't get the chance to repair the Sentry as it reactivates. Teamwork is important in destroying a wrangled Sentry Gun, and becomes essential when facing multiple wrangled Sentry Guns. Beware of Sentry nests in unexpected places; an Engineer can propel himself skyward using his Level 3 Sentry Gun's rockets.
+
* The Wrangler lets the Engineer take manual control of his Sentry Gun, shielding it and allowing it to attack outside of its normal range. Note the appearance of any team-colored laser guides.  
 +
* If the Engineer is manually controlling his Sentry Gun, it will not target you automatically. You can enter a formerly dangerous area to take out the Engineer, then you can either retreat or attack the Sentry Gun while remaining behind it - it will not rotate fast enough to shoot you.
 +
* Attack the Engineer to force him to switch weapons, deactivating the Sentry Gun for a few seconds and leaving it susceptible to attack.
 +
* Although uncommon, take care for Sentry nests in unexpected places; an Engineer can propel himself skyward using a Level 3 Sentry Gun's rockets.
 +
* Sapping the Sentry Gun renders the Wrangler useless and forces the Engineer to fight with his primary weapon instead.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Short Circuit}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Short Circuit}}
 
|
 
|
The Short Circuit destroys projectiles (ie: rockets, grenades, arrows); one should use weapons that fire bullets instead. Work with your team to overwhelm the Engineer and his buildings.
+
* The Engineer will typically use the Short Circuit to destroy [[projectiles]] (usually rockets, grenades, and Stickybombs) that threaten his buildings. Consider targeting the Engineer with hitscan or melee weapons (if his Sentry Gun is out of the way).
 +
* The Short Circuit's energy ball costs 65 metal of an Engineer's 200. If he is without the support of a continuous source of metal (such as a [[Dispenser]] or [[Payload#Cart|Payload cart]]) or teammates, you can keep firing to eventually wear out his supply.
 +
** If you can, destroy the Dispenser to force him to run away for a source of metal.
 +
* The Engineer has to have a line of sight to your projectiles to properly aim his energy balls. Attack from the sides and the back, outside of the Engineer's vision.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===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-Engineer strategy
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Engineer strategy
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Wrench}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* An Engineer will use his Wrench to build and repair buildings, destroy [[Sapper]]s, or as a last resort when attacked. The Engineer's poor health pool makes him weak in melee combat.
 +
 
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Wrench|icon-size=100x100px}}{{Icon weapon|weapon=Golden Wrench|icon-size=100x100px}}{{Icon weapon|weapon=Saxxy|icon-size=100x100px}}<br>[[Wrench]] / [[Golden Wrench]] / [[Saxxy]]
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Gunslinger}}
 
|
 
|
This weapon is primarily used if you surprise him in his Sentry nest. Fire at him while keeping your distance, and you should have the advantage.  
+
* Equipping the Gunslinger gives the Engineer an additional 25 base health in exchange for weaker but quicker deploying Combat Mini-Sentry Guns. Expect a Gunslinger Engineer to approach the front lines.
 +
* A Gunslinger Engineer on the offensive is more likely to leave his Dispenser and Teleporter undefended.
 +
* Combat Mini-Sentry Guns are much weaker at area-denial, but the Engineer can deploy them quickly at close range. When combined with the Shotgun, the Engineer becomes a respectable duelist.
 +
* When fighting a Gunslinger Engineer, you are forced to choose between two targets. Take out the Engineer first, if you take out the Mini-Sentry and die, the Engineer will make another. Killing the Engineer ensures your team can easily take out the Mini-Sentry, and not worry about more popping up for a while.
 +
* Using only Combat Mini-Sentry Guns means the Engineer has a much harder time defending an area from multiple enemies at once.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Gunslinger}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Southern Hospitality}}
 
|
 
|
The Gunslinger must connect three times to score a critical hit. If you can't avoid being struck by an Engineer with the Gunslinger, at least prevent him from hitting you two more times in a row. Also be careful assisting a teammate being attacked by this Engineer, as he may have already scored two consecutive hits and may strike you with the third. When a Engineer with this prosthetic equipped is on the prowl, find and destroy his Mini-Sentry as soon as it attacks before he and his teammates arrive to assist it.
+
* The Southern Hospitality inflicts [[bleed]] on hit, making the Engineer slightly stronger in melee combat.
 +
* As a Spy, avoid being struck with this weapon, as the bleed effect will negate your Cloak and disguise.
 +
* The Southern Hospitality increases the Engineer's fire vulnerability by 20%, making him easier prey for the Pyro.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Southern Hospitality}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Jag}}
 
|
 
|
The Southern Hospitality is often used for Spy checking; as a Spy, kill the Engineer before he strikes you with the weapon or else you will be exposed. Attack the Engineer with fire to kill him more quickly.
+
* The Jag allows an Engineer to construct his buildings faster. If he sticks around his buildings as they are deployed, consider that he can build and upgrade them quickly.
 +
** If the Engineer manages to escape, he can quickly reconstruct his buildings to continue providing support for his team.
 +
* The Engineer must keep hitting his buildings to speed up their construction. This leaves him vulnerable, especially if his Sentry Gun is not yet constructed.
 +
* The Jag has a significantly reduced repair rate and requires 3 hits to remove a Sapper. Constant pressure will eventually destroy his base.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Jag}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Eureka Effect}}
 
|
 
|
The Jag deals 25% less damage, making it less reliable in melee combat. However, it allows an Engineer to constuct his buildings at a faster rate with each hit; kill him before he gets the chance to set up.
+
* An Engineer with the Eureka Effect can freely teleport to his spawn and Teleporter Exit, allowing him to quickly restock his metal supply. Taking out his Teleporter Exit denies him the ability to teleport back to the front lines, delaying the time it takes for him to get back to his buildings.
 +
* The Eureka Effect is less effective at speeding up building construction. It will be much easier to take out buildings before they are finished deploying.
 +
* The Eureka Effect gives the Engineer 20% less metal from Dispensers and ammo pickups. Steal nearby pickups to force the Engineer to teleport away to restock his metal supply, then destroy his buildings.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Buildings==
+
== Buildings ==
Be aware that buildings are unaffected by critical hits; Medics should not use the Kritzkrieg in an area filled with more buildings than players.
+
* [[Buildings]] are unaffected by Critical hits, including those from sources like the Soldier's [[Buff Banner]] and Medic's [[Kritzkrieg]].
 +
* The Spy’s Sapper causes buildings to cease functioning, but can be removed by the Engineer's Wrench. Coordinate with a friendly Spy to take out troublesome buildings.
 +
* A fully charged shot from the [[Cow Mangler 5000]] can temporarily disable a building for 4 seconds. Use this as an alternate strategy if rushing with a Soldier.
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Building
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Building
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Engineer strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Lvl1sentry.png|100px|Sentry Guns]]<br>[[Sentry Gun]]
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Lvl1sentry.png|100px|Sentry Guns]]<br />'''[[Sentry Gun]]'''
 
|
 
|
*Of all Buildings, destroying a Sentry Gun takes highest priority.  
+
* The Sentry Gun is likely the first building you must attack thanks to its high firepower.
*An Engineer behind his Sentry Gun is protected from splash damage at the front, but can easily be damaged by splash damage to the side, or from behind.
+
* An Engineer can hide behind his Sentry Gun while repairing it with his Wrench. Target him first by either using splash damage or repositioning yourself. For example, Soldiers can fire rockets to the side of the Sentry Gun, while Snipers can pick a different vantage point.
*Sentry Guns can be damaged from around corners without giving them a chance to fully lock onto and fire at the attacker.
+
* Sentry Guns turn slowly and takes time to lock on to an enemy. You can peek from around a corner to take free shots at it.
*Engineers that switch to their Shotgun or Pistol to dispose of Stickybombs placed at the base of their Buildings are vulnerable to damage from other sources.
+
** Due to their slow turn rate, it is possible to jump on top of a Sentry Gun and completely avoid fire by crouch walking in a circular motion.
*Sentry Guns are slow to turn, especially at Level 1. If approaching one from a blind spot, you can run around it and damage it without it being able to lock on and fire at you.
+
* Don't assume you know where a Sentry Gun is, even if you've already fought it. The Engineer can [[Buildings#Hauling|haul]] buildings between key points.
*A full-health, level 3 Sentry Gun cannot be destroyed in one hit by anything other than a cluster of Stickybombs. Coordinate your attacks with your teammates to destroy it faster than it can be repaired.
+
* Listen for the Sentry Gun's signature 'beep' sound. The number of 'beeps' played corresponds to the Sentry Gun's level, which helps you decide whether you can defeat it.
*Don't assume you know where a Sentry Gun is, even if you've encountered one previously. With their ability to [[Buildings#Hauling|haul]] buildings, Engineers can repeatedly move a single Sentry Gun between numerous key points.
+
* A level 3 Sentry Gun at full health that is actively being repaired can be overcome using the Medic's invincibility [[ÜberCharge]], Spy's [[Sapper]], or a cluster of the Demoman's [[Stickybomb]]s. Coordinate with your teammates to damage the Sentry Gun faster than it can be repaired.
*Sentry Guns can damage their Engineers. If fired upon by a Sentry Gun, try to use its Engineer as cover.
+
* Dealing with a nest that has multiple Sentry Guns usually requires a team effort.
 +
** The Medic can use his invincibility-granting [[ÜberCharge]] on a Heavy or Demoman to break a stalemate.
 +
** If an allied Spy saps the Sentry Gun to disable it, the rest of your team can push in.
 +
*** If there are too many Engineers, the Red-Tape Recorder can quickly downgrade the Sentry Guns, giving you an easier job at destroying them.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Lvl1dispenser.png|100px|Dispensers]]<br>[[Dispenser]]
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Lvl1dispenser.png|100px|Dispensers]]<br />'''[[Dispenser]]'''
 
|
 
|
*Dispensers are easier to destroy than other buildings, as Engineers are often more preoccupied with repairing their Sentry Gun.
+
* The Dispenser can be an easier building to destroy, as an Engineer will usually prioritize repairing his Sentry Gun.
*If destroying a Sentry Gun isn't possible, destroying a Dispenser can make it more difficult for an Engineer to maintain his Sentry Gun.
+
* If destroying a Sentry Gun isn't possible, target the Dispenser to cut off the Engineer's supply of metal.
*Dispensers have the second highest priority when destroying an Engineer nest that's nearby the enemy base. Teleporters aren't as useful due to the proximity of the spawn, especially when the other team is on defense.
+
* Destroying a Dispenser will reduce the entire enemy team’s health regeneration, especially if there is no enemy Medic.
*You can use an enemy Dispenser as cover from an enemy Sentry Gun; Sentry Guns cannot see through Dispensers.
+
* You can use an enemy Dispenser as cover from an enemy Sentry Gun; Sentry Guns cannot attack you through Dispensers.
 +
* A Spy disguised as a member of the opposing team can freely use that team's Dispensers, though the Dispenser's beam may reveal cloaked Spies.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:RED Teleporter.png|100px|Teleporter]]<br>[[Teleporter]]
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:RED Teleporter.png|100px|Teleporter]]<br />'''[[Teleporter]]'''
 
|
 
|
*Teleporters have the second highest priority when destroying an Engineer nest far from their spawn (e.g. offensive forward bases on maps such as [[Gold Rush]] or [[Badwater Basin]]), as this will severely limit the opposing team's reinforcements; any Dispensers can then be destroyed with little resistance.
+
* Destroying enemy Teleporters slows the rate enemy reinforcements can reach combat. This is especially prevalent when a team spawns far from the action, making Teleporter destruction high priority on maps such as [[Gold Rush]] or [[Badwater Basin]].
*Teleporters that won't go down are most likely being repaired from the other side. Out-damage the repair rate to successfully destroy them.
+
* Teleporters that regain health are being repaired from the other side. It's easy to outdamage the repair rate by using strong weapons or the Spy's [[Sapper]].
**A Spy that continuously places Sappers on an unguarded Teleporter that's being repaired from the other side will eventually destroy both ends.
+
* The Teleporter Entrance tends to be less defended than the Exit, if you can get far behind enemy lines.
*Try not to stand on a functioning Teleporter Exit as you damage it; you risk dying by [[telefrag]].
+
** As the Spy, you can take an enemy Teleporter to tell your team where enemies are coming from.
*On some maps, Engineers like to use "dummy" Teleporters as an early warning system. If you see a teleporter in an unusual place (especially if it is inactive), you may want to leave it alone to avoid losing the element of surprise.
+
* Waiting behind a Teleporter Exit and killing enemies that come through can halt their momentum. High burst damage, such as that from [[Stickybomb]]s or the Knife's backstab, work best.
 +
** Destroy the Exit eventually, as enemies will likely warn their teammates and tell them to not take the Teleporter.
 +
* Don't stand on a functioning Teleporter Exit, as you risk dying by [[telefrag]].
 +
** As the Spy, you can sap a Teleporter Entrance and stand on it, telefragging any enemy who remains on the Exit.
 +
* If enemies are appearing far too close to your team's spawn point, sweep the area for a hidden Teleporter Exit.
 +
** Players that have recently exited a Teleporter will emit particles under their feet - a sign that there is a Teleporter nearby.
 
|-
 
|-
class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Red Mini Sentry.png|100px|Combat Mini-Sentry Guns]]<br>[[Combat Mini-Sentry Gun]]
+
|  align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Red Mini Sentry.png|100px|Combat Mini-Sentry Guns]]<br />'''[[Combat Mini-Sentry Gun]]'''
 
|
 
|
*Do not underestimate Mini-Sentries; they have less health and power than the standard Sentry Gun, but have a faster build time and a higher rate of fire than it. Deployed strategically, they can be used to either finish you off or distract you from incoming attacks. When you see one, destroy it as soon as possible.
+
* Do not underestimate Combat Mini-Sentry Guns; while they have less health and power than the standard Sentry Gun, they build almost instantly and still automatically target you.
*Combat Mini-Sentry Guns are deployed with full health; this can make destroying them as they are being built problematic. It may be better to finish off the Engineer building them before eliminating the Sentry Gun; after all, he can quickly deploy another if the previous one is lost.
+
* You will often need to decide whether to target the Mini-Sentry Gun or its Engineer. Use good positioning to fight one at a time.
*If an Engineer is dropping a Combat Mini-Sentry in a place where his teammates frequent and/or is near an ammo source, destroying it may be pointless; he can easily replace it, and may even be doing this deliberately to distract you. Focus on the Engineer and/or his teammates until your own arrive and drive them back.
+
* If the Engineer places down a Mini-Sentry midcombat, decide whether you have the firepower to fight, then whether to first target the Engineer or Mini-Sentry before it finishes building.
|}
+
* The fast build time of Mini-Sentry Guns helps them be placed in unexpected places. After you destroy one, watch out for its builder.
 
+
* If an Engineer is deploying Mini-Sentry Guns near ammo supplies, destroying them may be pointless considering how easily they're replaced. Don't let him distract you from the main fight or high priority targets.
 +
* Like a normal Sentry Gun, the Mini-Sentry can be sapped by a Spy. The [[Red-Tape Recorder]], with its slower destruction rate, wastes more time before the Engineer can set up a new Mini-Sentry.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
*[[Sentry Gun]]
+
* [[Sentry Gun]]
*[[Team strategy]]
+
* [[Team strategy]]
  
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Class strategy}}
 +
{{Engineer Nav}}
  
[[Category:Strategy]]
 
[[Category:Engineer]]
 
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]

Latest revision as of 18:00, 9 September 2024

Aw, hell.
Did ze Fräuleins have zeir Mittelschmerz?
The Medic

The Engineer is a defensive support class who primarily helps his team by constructing various buildings. The bulk of his firepower comes from his Sentry Gun, which is capable of fighting almost any enemy head-on when fully upgraded. For utility, his Dispenser keeps his team supplied, while a Teleporter system saves travel time from spawn to the front lines. Generally, an Engineer will build a "base", consisting of a Sentry Gun, Dispenser, and Teleporter Exit, that acts as a rallying point for his team. His buildings are extremely useful for either helping his team advance or holding a strategic position. If the Engineer is caught alone or without his Sentry Gun, he has below-average direct combat and mediocre health, although there are a few loadout options that drastically enhance his solo combat, such as the Gunslinger and Southern Hospitality.

General

Attributes Anti-Engineer strategy
Engineer emblem RED.png Role
  • A competent Engineer will construct his buildings so that your team needs to destroy them to advance. However, it takes some time for him to fully build or move his structures; catch him before he can set up.
  • You can kill the Engineer first to prevent him from repairing his buildings, but generally he will be hiding behind them for safety. Try using splash damage to deal with him.
Leaderboard class medic.png Health
  • The Engineer has the lowest base health along with the Scout, Sniper and Spy. When away from his Sentry Gun, he's easy to defeat.
Leaderboard class scout.png Speed
  • The Engineer runs at an average speed equivalent to that of the Pyro and Sniper. Most importantly, this lets him quickly reach ammo pickups for emergency building construction or repairs.
  • The Engineer moves relatively slowly while hauling pre-constructed buildings, leaving him very vulnerable if you have the element of surprise.
Leaderboard class soldier.png Power
  • The Engineer's firepower comes primarily from his Sentry Gun. It has several limitations, such as detection range and turning speed, that can be taken advantage of. Destroying the Sentry Gun frees up significant breathing room.
  • The Engineer typically must stand near his Sentry Gun to repair it, which exposes him to danger. If he uses the Rescue Ranger, he can repair buildings from long ranges.
  • If the Engineer equips the Gunslinger and uses the Combat Mini-Sentry Gun, he has enough firepower in a direct fight to decisively defeat the frailer classes.

Weapon-specific

Main article: Engineer weapons

Primary weapons

Weapon Anti-Engineer strategy
Shotgun
Shotgun + reskins
  • An Engineer typically uses the Shotgun to go on the offensive, or for self-defense when he or his buildings are threatened. As a frail combatant with only moderate speed, he generally focuses on one enemy at a time from a safe distance.
  • The Shotgun, while powerful at close range, is not as powerful as the primary weapons of other classes. For comparison, the Shotgun is merely the secondary weapon for the Soldier, Pyro, and Heavy.
  • The Shotgun is only effective at close to medium range. Move erratically to reduce its accuracy.
Frontier Justice
Frontier Justice + reskins
  • The Frontier Justice gains guaranteed Critical hits after the Engineer's Sentry Gun is destroyed, depending on accumulated kills and assists. Not dying to his Sentry Gun denies him this bonus.
  • After destroying an Engineer's Sentry Gun, he may seek vengeance with the Frontier Justice. He is still a frail combatant and can be defeated before he shoots you.
  • Consider killing the Engineer before his Sentry Gun; the Frontier Justice cannot store revenge Crits while he is dead.
  • In combat, treat the Frontier Justice like the Shotgun. It has a low clip size of three, harshly punishing the Engineer for missing.
Widowmaker
Widowmaker
  • The Widowmaker drains the Engineer's metal supply for each shot, but replenishes it when he deals damage. Close range shots net positive metal, so move away and dodge his shots to force him to switch weapons.
  • Collect all nearby ammo pickups and destroy the Engineer's Dispenser to deny his metal supply.
  • The Widowmaker gains a 10% damage bonus if you are his Sentry Gun's target. Avoid taking on him and his Sentry Gun at once.
Pomson 6000
Pomson 6000
  • The Pomson 6000 is a weak weapon if you can catch the Engineer alone. The weapon must be reloaded often and its projectiles are slow and weak.
  • The Pomson 6000's projectiles drain abilities that are effective against his buildings, draining the Medic's ÜberCharge and Spy's Cloak. Take care not to have your abilities drained before a crucial push.
    • At longer distances, the Pomson 6000's projectiles drain less ÜberCharge or Cloak. The Engineer has to put himself in your firing range to drain a significant amount.
Rescue Ranger
Rescue Ranger
  • The Rescue Ranger is meant to support the Engineer's buildings from afar; its bolts deal weak damage but can repair buildings at long range. He will typically use it if he can't approach his Sentry Gun with his Wrench.
  • The Engineer can teleport his buildings towards him using his Rescue Ranger if he maintains a line of sight. Carrying a building by any means will mark him for death, giving you an opportunity to kill him and destroy his building.
  • Harass the Engineer to force him to take cover, preventing long range repairs or haulings.
  • You can potentially outdamage the Rescue Ranger's repair rate, especially once the Engineer needs to reload.
  • The Engineer cannot save or repair a Sapped building with the Rescue Ranger, forcing him to either remove the Sapper in your view or let it be destroyed.
Panic Attack
Panic Attack
  • The Panic Attack deploys quickly but suffers from massive bullet spread with consecutive shots. Keeping a distance forces the Engineer to switch to his Pistol.

Secondary weapons

Weapon Anti-Engineer strategy
Pistol
Pistol + reskins
  • An Engineer will typically use the Pistol for long range harassment. It is a relatively weak weapon, so shrug off the bullets as you make your way towards his buildings.
    • Unlike the Scout, the Engineer has nearly unlimited Pistol ammunition; don't expect him to run out.
  • After the Engineer uses up his Shotgun's clip, he may switch to his Pistol to finish you off. Stay vigilant even after he fires his final shot.
Wrangler
Wrangler + reskins
  • The Wrangler lets the Engineer take manual control of his Sentry Gun, shielding it and allowing it to attack outside of its normal range. Note the appearance of any team-colored laser guides.
  • If the Engineer is manually controlling his Sentry Gun, it will not target you automatically. You can enter a formerly dangerous area to take out the Engineer, then you can either retreat or attack the Sentry Gun while remaining behind it - it will not rotate fast enough to shoot you.
  • Attack the Engineer to force him to switch weapons, deactivating the Sentry Gun for a few seconds and leaving it susceptible to attack.
  • Although uncommon, take care for Sentry nests in unexpected places; an Engineer can propel himself skyward using a Level 3 Sentry Gun's rockets.
  • Sapping the Sentry Gun renders the Wrangler useless and forces the Engineer to fight with his primary weapon instead.
Short Circuit
Short Circuit
  • The Engineer will typically use the Short Circuit to destroy projectiles (usually rockets, grenades, and Stickybombs) that threaten his buildings. Consider targeting the Engineer with hitscan or melee weapons (if his Sentry Gun is out of the way).
  • The Short Circuit's energy ball costs 65 metal of an Engineer's 200. If he is without the support of a continuous source of metal (such as a Dispenser or Payload cart) or teammates, you can keep firing to eventually wear out his supply.
    • If you can, destroy the Dispenser to force him to run away for a source of metal.
  • The Engineer has to have a line of sight to your projectiles to properly aim his energy balls. Attack from the sides and the back, outside of the Engineer's vision.

Melee weapons

Weapon Anti-Engineer strategy
Wrench
Wrench + reskins
  • An Engineer will use his Wrench to build and repair buildings, destroy Sappers, or as a last resort when attacked. The Engineer's poor health pool makes him weak in melee combat.
Gunslinger
Gunslinger
  • Equipping the Gunslinger gives the Engineer an additional 25 base health in exchange for weaker but quicker deploying Combat Mini-Sentry Guns. Expect a Gunslinger Engineer to approach the front lines.
  • A Gunslinger Engineer on the offensive is more likely to leave his Dispenser and Teleporter undefended.
  • Combat Mini-Sentry Guns are much weaker at area-denial, but the Engineer can deploy them quickly at close range. When combined with the Shotgun, the Engineer becomes a respectable duelist.
  • When fighting a Gunslinger Engineer, you are forced to choose between two targets. Take out the Engineer first, if you take out the Mini-Sentry and die, the Engineer will make another. Killing the Engineer ensures your team can easily take out the Mini-Sentry, and not worry about more popping up for a while.
  • Using only Combat Mini-Sentry Guns means the Engineer has a much harder time defending an area from multiple enemies at once.
Southern Hospitality
Southern Hospitality
  • The Southern Hospitality inflicts bleed on hit, making the Engineer slightly stronger in melee combat.
  • As a Spy, avoid being struck with this weapon, as the bleed effect will negate your Cloak and disguise.
  • The Southern Hospitality increases the Engineer's fire vulnerability by 20%, making him easier prey for the Pyro.
Jag
Jag
  • The Jag allows an Engineer to construct his buildings faster. If he sticks around his buildings as they are deployed, consider that he can build and upgrade them quickly.
    • If the Engineer manages to escape, he can quickly reconstruct his buildings to continue providing support for his team.
  • The Engineer must keep hitting his buildings to speed up their construction. This leaves him vulnerable, especially if his Sentry Gun is not yet constructed.
  • The Jag has a significantly reduced repair rate and requires 3 hits to remove a Sapper. Constant pressure will eventually destroy his base.
Eureka Effect
Eureka Effect
  • An Engineer with the Eureka Effect can freely teleport to his spawn and Teleporter Exit, allowing him to quickly restock his metal supply. Taking out his Teleporter Exit denies him the ability to teleport back to the front lines, delaying the time it takes for him to get back to his buildings.
  • The Eureka Effect is less effective at speeding up building construction. It will be much easier to take out buildings before they are finished deploying.
  • The Eureka Effect gives the Engineer 20% less metal from Dispensers and ammo pickups. Steal nearby pickups to force the Engineer to teleport away to restock his metal supply, then destroy his buildings.

Buildings

  • Buildings are unaffected by Critical hits, including those from sources like the Soldier's Buff Banner and Medic's Kritzkrieg.
  • The Spy’s Sapper causes buildings to cease functioning, but can be removed by the Engineer's Wrench. Coordinate with a friendly Spy to take out troublesome buildings.
  • A fully charged shot from the Cow Mangler 5000 can temporarily disable a building for 4 seconds. Use this as an alternate strategy if rushing with a Soldier.
Building Anti-Engineer strategy
Sentry Guns
Sentry Gun
  • The Sentry Gun is likely the first building you must attack thanks to its high firepower.
  • An Engineer can hide behind his Sentry Gun while repairing it with his Wrench. Target him first by either using splash damage or repositioning yourself. For example, Soldiers can fire rockets to the side of the Sentry Gun, while Snipers can pick a different vantage point.
  • Sentry Guns turn slowly and takes time to lock on to an enemy. You can peek from around a corner to take free shots at it.
    • Due to their slow turn rate, it is possible to jump on top of a Sentry Gun and completely avoid fire by crouch walking in a circular motion.
  • Don't assume you know where a Sentry Gun is, even if you've already fought it. The Engineer can haul buildings between key points.
  • Listen for the Sentry Gun's signature 'beep' sound. The number of 'beeps' played corresponds to the Sentry Gun's level, which helps you decide whether you can defeat it.
  • A level 3 Sentry Gun at full health that is actively being repaired can be overcome using the Medic's invincibility ÜberCharge, Spy's Sapper, or a cluster of the Demoman's Stickybombs. Coordinate with your teammates to damage the Sentry Gun faster than it can be repaired.
  • Dealing with a nest that has multiple Sentry Guns usually requires a team effort.
    • The Medic can use his invincibility-granting ÜberCharge on a Heavy or Demoman to break a stalemate.
    • If an allied Spy saps the Sentry Gun to disable it, the rest of your team can push in.
      • If there are too many Engineers, the Red-Tape Recorder can quickly downgrade the Sentry Guns, giving you an easier job at destroying them.
Dispensers
Dispenser
  • The Dispenser can be an easier building to destroy, as an Engineer will usually prioritize repairing his Sentry Gun.
  • If destroying a Sentry Gun isn't possible, target the Dispenser to cut off the Engineer's supply of metal.
  • Destroying a Dispenser will reduce the entire enemy team’s health regeneration, especially if there is no enemy Medic.
  • You can use an enemy Dispenser as cover from an enemy Sentry Gun; Sentry Guns cannot attack you through Dispensers.
  • A Spy disguised as a member of the opposing team can freely use that team's Dispensers, though the Dispenser's beam may reveal cloaked Spies.
Teleporter
Teleporter
  • Destroying enemy Teleporters slows the rate enemy reinforcements can reach combat. This is especially prevalent when a team spawns far from the action, making Teleporter destruction high priority on maps such as Gold Rush or Badwater Basin.
  • Teleporters that regain health are being repaired from the other side. It's easy to outdamage the repair rate by using strong weapons or the Spy's Sapper.
  • The Teleporter Entrance tends to be less defended than the Exit, if you can get far behind enemy lines.
    • As the Spy, you can take an enemy Teleporter to tell your team where enemies are coming from.
  • Waiting behind a Teleporter Exit and killing enemies that come through can halt their momentum. High burst damage, such as that from Stickybombs or the Knife's backstab, work best.
    • Destroy the Exit eventually, as enemies will likely warn their teammates and tell them to not take the Teleporter.
  • Don't stand on a functioning Teleporter Exit, as you risk dying by telefrag.
    • As the Spy, you can sap a Teleporter Entrance and stand on it, telefragging any enemy who remains on the Exit.
  • If enemies are appearing far too close to your team's spawn point, sweep the area for a hidden Teleporter Exit.
    • Players that have recently exited a Teleporter will emit particles under their feet - a sign that there is a Teleporter nearby.
Combat Mini-Sentry Guns
Combat Mini-Sentry Gun
  • Do not underestimate Combat Mini-Sentry Guns; while they have less health and power than the standard Sentry Gun, they build almost instantly and still automatically target you.
  • You will often need to decide whether to target the Mini-Sentry Gun or its Engineer. Use good positioning to fight one at a time.
  • If the Engineer places down a Mini-Sentry midcombat, decide whether you have the firepower to fight, then whether to first target the Engineer or Mini-Sentry before it finishes building.
  • The fast build time of Mini-Sentry Guns helps them be placed in unexpected places. After you destroy one, watch out for its builder.
  • If an Engineer is deploying Mini-Sentry Guns near ammo supplies, destroying them may be pointless considering how easily they're replaced. Don't let him distract you from the main fight or high priority targets.
  • Like a normal Sentry Gun, the Mini-Sentry can be sapped by a Spy. The Red-Tape Recorder, with its slower destruction rate, wastes more time before the Engineer can set up a new Mini-Sentry.

See also