Difference between revisions of "Scout match-ups"

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{{Quotation|'''The Scout''' on his delicate battle plan|I'm gonna headbutt ya, I'm gonna headbutt ya, I'm gonna headbutt ya!|sound=Scout_taunts05.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Scout''' on his delicate battle plan|I'm gonna headbutt ya, I'm gonna headbutt ya, I'm gonna headbutt ya!|sound=Scout_taunts05.wav}}
 +
{{Match-Up|forclass=scout
 +
  | scout-strategy =
 +
'''Mirror match-up:''' You are most likely to run into other Scouts when both of you are away from teammates, such as during the initial rush to a map objective or at the outskirts of a battlefield. Both of you do high damage at close range and have low maximum health, so the fight will likely be over within a few seconds.
  
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
+
'''Tactics:''' Raw skill is the greatest factor in winning a Scout duel; shoot the enemy Scout and avoid being shot yourself. Look carefully at your opponent's movement; it is easiest to hit your shots while he is moving in straight lines or landing from a double jump. You can make yourself harder to hit by changing directions unpredictably and mixing single jumps in with your double jumps. However, an experienced Scout will be able to predict your movement when you jump due to the lack of air control, so try not to jump too often. If you find yourself losing, enter extremely close range to make aiming chaotic for your opponent and maximize your Scattergun's damage. You will take more damage yourself, but this is not an issue if you are at low enough health to die in one hit anyway.
! class="header" colspan="3" width="200"| Class
 
! class="header" | Strategy
 
|-
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>Scout
 
| You’re most likely to meet another Scout when both of you are away from teammates, such as during the initial rush to a Control Point or at the outskirts of a battlefield. This generally means that the only help you’ll get during your duel will be from health kits, and only if you manage to control the area around them. A Scout will typically strafe and jump while constantly changing directions to avoid being hit. No matter your weapon choice, keep your aim steady while moving erratically yourself. Given his speed, it is difficult to retreat; if you must do so, keep fighting back so that he can’t take free shots at you. Jumping is not recommended as it's nearly moving in a straight line against any good Scout, [[strafe]] constantly to avoid being hit. And always, good aim is as important as dodging.
 
|-
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Soldier.png|100x100px|link=Soldier]]<br>[[Soldier match-ups|Soldier]]
 
| Both you and the Soldier are very effective at close range. A Soldier will typically aim his [[Rocket Launcher]] at your feet; if you can stay in the air, he will find it much more difficult to hit you. Your speed and double jump should be enough to avoid being directly hit by a rocket while nearby cover can be used to avoid the splash damage. Use your mobility to never allow the Soldier access to high ground, where he is deadliest and can freely rain rockets from above. It may be optimal to maintain a medium distance from a Soldier so that you have sufficient time to dodge his shots. If you are having trouble, the Soldier’s slow speed makes him unable to chase you down as you retreat.
 
|-
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Pyro.png|100x100px|link=Pyro]]<br>[[Pyro match-ups|Pyro]]
 
| Defeating a Pyro is all about spacing. It is best not to get hit at all, as untreated [[afterburn]] will take off up to half of your maximum health. You want to use your speed to keep out of his Flamethrower’s range while staying close enough to deal heavy damage with your Scattergun. Backpedal while whittling away at his health with any of your ranged weapons. [[Scout strategy#Weapon Heckling|Weapon heckling]] is less effective against a Pyro, especially if he has the [[Degreaser]], as the ranges of his weapons are comparable to those of yours. Avoid facing a Pyro in an enclosed area or narrow corridor; he can use the [[compression blast]] to shove you into a corner for an easy kill.
 
|-
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Demoman.png|100x100px|link=Demoman]]<br>[[Demoman match-ups|Demoman]]
 
| When out in the open, you are easily capable of dodging a Demoman’s indirect projectiles; his high damage output means nothing if he can’t hit you. Your speed lets you quickly get within close range of the Demoman, past his [[Grenade Launcher|Grenade]] and [[Stickybombs]], where he is weakest and can damage himself. If need be, take alternate routes to avoid his Sticky traps or ambush him. A Demoman with the [[Chargin’ Targe]] is even more vulnerable to [[Scout strategy#Weapon Heckling|weapon heckling]]; stay at medium range to avoid his melee attacks, then close in once he switches to the [[Grenade Launcher]].
 
|-
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Heavy.png|100x100px|link=Heavy]]<br>[[Heavy match-ups|Heavy]]
 
| Be cautious when approaching a Heavy from any range; with his [[Minigun]], he can kill you faster than you can kill him. The element of surprise is your strongest weapon; you can kill the beefy Heavy with just a few point blank shots, so it's best to attack while he doesn't have his Minigun spun up. If he is already aware of your presence, try popping in and out from behind cover to reduce the damage you take in-between your shots. If you must directly face a Heavy, stay in his face while [[circle strafing]] to avoid his fire. You can [[double jump]] over or onto his head to confuse him while continually dealing damage. However, if he is paired with a [[Medic]] or is using [[Natascha]], it is generally a good idea to retreat and come back with teammates.
 
Particular items that are useful against a Heavy are the [[Sandman]], [[Crit-a-Cola]], and [[Mad Milk]]. The big, slow Heavy is a prime target for the Sandman’s stun, which can allow you to either get in a few free shots or easily retreat. Crit-a-Cola will allow you to match his obscene firepower while Mad Milk can help you tank his massive damage.
 
|-
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Engineer.png|100x100px|link=Engineer]]<br>[[Engineer match-ups|Engineer]]
 
| A lone [[Engineer]] is a simple target; he’s like you, but with less mobility.  If you don’t have to deal with his [[Sentry Gun]], simply dodge his shots while returning fire.
 
The Sentry Gun, however, deals heavy damage and can track your movements, rendering your speed useless. If caught, the Sentry Gun’s [[knock back]] is likely to pin down and kill you. If possible, avoid routes covered by Sentry Guns and check around corners before rushing into new areas. If the Sentry Gun is unattended, you can slowly destroy it from far away with your [[Pistol]] or [[Shortstop]]. You run faster than a Sentry Gun can rotate; although difficult, it is possible to [[circle strafe]] a Sentry Gun that has been placed around a corner and not yet locked on to you. A common tactic against a problematic Sentry Gun would be to use the invulnerability granted by [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] to run past it or distract it while your teammates destroy it. If an Engineer is near his Sentry Gun, the best you’ll be able to do is harass him from range.
 
  
|-
+
Unlike with the other classes, you can't outrun an enemy Scout. As you duel, stay closer to health kit spawns, as even a small health kit can help you survive another shot. If you need to retreat, flee to nearby teammates or a Sentry Gun.
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
 
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Medic.png|100x100px|link=Medic]]<br>[[Medic match-ups|Medic]]
 
| A lone [[Medic]] is an easy target, as you can easily dodge his [[Syringe Gun]] shots and [[Bonesaw]] while freely retaliating. However, it is rare to find a lone Medic. Still, even if he has a [[Medic buddy]] nearby, target the Medic first; it is very hard to take down someone who is constantly being healed. Maneuver past his patient or approach the pair from behind, pick the Medic off with a few point blank shots, then retreat before his former healing target can react. Don't get greedy; unless you are sure his former patient was already injured, don't fight, as the [[overheal]] will give him a significant advantage against you.
 
  
|-
+
'''Useful weapons:'''
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
+
* The [[Scattergun]] has the highest clip size of all your primary weapons, which gives you room for error in case you miss shots.
| class="xsmall" | vs
+
* The [[Pistol]] and its variants fire rapidly, which makes finishing off a low-health Scout easier than with your primary weapons. They are also useful backup weapons if your primary weapon runs out of ammo.
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Sniper.png|100x100px|link=Sniper]]<br>[[Sniper match-ups|Sniper]]
+
* Healing from [[Mad Milk]] can help you survive an extra Scattergun attack in a close duel.
| Although you are the fastest class in the game, running in a straight line still makes you an easy target for any competent Sniper; if you are not overhealed, one headshot or fully charged bodyshot will instantly kill you. Zigzag, jump, and strafe constantly to make yourself a difficult target. Once you close the distance, the fight should be a piece of cake; all of your ranged weapons outdamage his [[Submachine Gun]] and [[Kukri]]. Even if he throws [[Jarate]] at you, you should easily be able to maneuver out of his melee range.
+
* Initiating the fight with the Sandman's slow-inflicting baseball makes it harder for the enemy Scout to dodge your attacks or run away.
 +
* Bleed-inflicting weapons, such as the [[Flying Guillotine]] or [[Wrap Assassin]], can weaken the enemy Scout to the point that a single close-range shot will defeat him.
 +
* If the enemy Scout is using the Scattergun, then any unlockable weapon that fires faster, such as the [[Soda Popper]], will give you an advantage in close range. The increased firing speed will mean that you will be able to deal enough damage to kill him before he can do the same.
  
At close range, you can jump over his head to avoid a deadly close range [[headshot]], and then use your second jump once he scopes in. Above all else, treat a Sniper like he never misses. Don't get too cocky.
+
  | soldier-strategy =
  
|-
+
'''Relative merits:''' Both you and the Soldier are effective close-range combatants, but you have the advantage of movement speed. A Soldier will typically aim his [[Rocket Launcher]] at your feet to deal splash damage, but your ability to [[Jumping#Double Jump|double jump]] makes it easier to avoid being hit directly.
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Scout.png|100x100px|link=Scout]]<br>[[Scout]]
+
 
| class="xsmall" | vs
+
'''Tactics:''' Try to stay in open areas to make the best use of your mobility. Prevent the Soldier from rocket jumping to high ground by presenting yourself as a constant threat, which forces him to fire at you, or shooting him mid-rocket jump to disrupt his movement. Stay at medium range, where you are far enough away to dodge rockets but still deal respectable Scattergun damage. You can double jump to avoid rocket splash damage, but avoid double jumping so predictably that the Soldier shoots a rocket where you land in advance. If you are knocked into the air by the Soldier, make sure to [[airstrafe]] in order to dodge any incoming rockets while throwing off the Soldier's aim. The rule of being unpredictable still applies here, so ensure that you mix up your strafing to prevent him from [[airshot|airshotting]] you. If you need to retreat, stay alert in case he decides to [[Jumping#Soldier jumps|rocket jump]] after you.
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[Image:Spy_RED.png|100x100px|link=Spy]]<br>[[Spy match-ups|Spy]]
+
 
| Your speed makes you hard to backstab and allows you to always chase fleeing foes, making you one of the Spy’s deadlier opponents. He has some of the game’s weakest weapons, making a normal fight with him very simple; as usual, [[circle strafe]] while dodging his [[Revolver]] and [[Knife]]. If he [[Cloak]]s, use your Scattergun’s spread, [[Mad Milk]], or the [[Boston Basher]]’s [[bleed]] effect to reveal him and give chase. You can easily [[Spy-check]] by simply running into your teammates; if you can’t move past them, they’re a Spy. You shouldn't backpedal if you know there's a Spy around, it's never impossible to backstab a Scout.
+
'''Useful weapons:'''
|}
+
* The knockback from the [[Force-a-Nature]] can disrupt a Soldier's rocket jumping.
 +
* The [[Soda Popper]]'s Hype mode lets you remain airborne for five jumps, making it almost impossible for the Soldier to hit you with splash damage.
 +
* The [[Winger]]'s extra jump height can make it easier to avoid incoming splash damage.
 +
* The [[Atomizer]]'s triple jump can be used to reposition during the fight, more easily avoid splash damage, or escape via a normally-inaccessible route.
 +
 
 +
  | pyro-strategy =  
 +
'''Relative merits:''' You have the speed to outmaneuver the Pyro, provided you have room to maneuver, and a longer effective range. However, your low maximum health makes you vulnerable to [[afterburn]], and the wide spread of the [[Flame Thrower]]'s fire means that a Pyro has an easier time hitting you than most other classes.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:''' Defeating a Pyro is all about spacing. Use your speed to stay just outside Flame Thrower range while taking shots with your Scattergun (or Pistol) as opportunity presents. Avoid enclosed areas, where the Pyro can use the [[compression blast]] to shove you into a corner for an easy kill. Try not to get hit at all; afterburn can take off up to half of your health and may empower certain Pyro weapons, like the [[Flare Gun]] or [[Axtinguisher]].
 +
 
 +
If you are trapped in Flame Thrower range, get as close to the Pyro as possible - at point blank, your primary weapons outdamage the Flame Thrower. Kill the Pyro as quickly as possible, then retreat to a health kit/Dispenser/Medic to extinguish yourself.
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* The Force-a-Nature's knockback can force the Pyro away from you and keep you outside Flame Thrower range.
 +
* The [[Shortstop]]'s reduced bullet spread allows you to stand further away from the Pyro without losing too much damage. The alt-fire shove can also be used to create space, albeit much less effectively than the Force-a-Nature.
 +
* The Pistol and its variants can be used to chip away at a Pyro's health from a safe distance.
 +
* The healing from [[Mad Milk]] can offset the damage from [[afterburn]] in an extended fight. It can also be thrown at your feet to extinguish yourself instantly.
 +
* The [[Sun-on-a-Stick]] provides resistance to fire damage when held, giving you more time to find a source of healing if you are dying of afterburn.
 +
* The [[Candy Cane]] spawns a small health pack on kill, allowing you to immediately extinguish yourself after an encounter with a Pyro.
 +
 
 +
  | demoman-strategy =
 +
'''Relative merits:''' Both you and the Demoman have extremely high damage output. While your weapons use bullets, the Demoman's weapons all use explosive projectiles. Combined with your mobility, you have a much easier time hitting him than he has hitting you, which gives you a significant advantage.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:'''  The Demoman is weakest at close range, where he cannot attack you with explosives without damaging himself. Stay outside melee range but close enough to do significant damage with your Scattergun. Alternatively, you can remain at a distance to more easily dodge the Demoman's explosives entirely. As you dodge, watch for [[Grenade Launcher|grenades]] that bounce nearby and are about to explode, as even an indirect hit can take away half your health.
 +
 
 +
[[Stickybomb Launcher|Stickybombs]] are usually ineffective against you in a direct fight, as you have the speed to react to the Demoman firing them and avoid them before they can be detonated. However, a pre-laid Stickybomb trap can kill you instantly. Keep an eye out for doorways, walls, or other surfaces that may contain a trap, and avoid pursuing the Demoman into such areas. If need be, take alternate routes to avoid his traps and ambush him.
 +
 
 +
A '''Demoknight''' using a [[shield]] secondary such as the [[Chargin' Targe]] does not have a Stickybomb Launcher, but will likely use a melee weapon with increased melee range, such as the [[Eyelander]]. A shield-charging Demoknight is one of the few things faster than you, but his charge is generally hard to steer. Stay out of melee range, and if he charges, run sideways or double jump up nearby objects instead of trying to outrun him directly. If you have sufficient health, you are in an open-space area, and the Demoknight is charging at you, you may be able to time a jump before the charge hits to tank the damage and use the knockback as a boost to escape. However, this is a risky maneuver, and depending on what shield he is using, how far you fly upward, and how many heads he has, this tactic could backfire and get you killed. If he is already low on health, you can also just try to shoot him mid-charge, as none of his shields grant bullet resistance. Pay attention to whether the Demoknight is using a Grenade Launcher or [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]] to know [[Anti-Demoman_strategy#Primary|what else to expect]].
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] can be used to phase past a Demoman's Stickybomb traps.
 +
* Hitting a Demoknight with the Sandman's slow-inflicting baseball significantly reduces his movement speed and prevents him from charging, which makes it easier to stay out of his melee range.
 +
* The [[Force-A-Nature]]'s [[knockback]] can be used to repel Demoknights.  
 +
 
 +
  | heavy-strategy =
 +
 
 +
'''Relative merits:''' The Heavy is, in many ways, your exact opposite - he lacks mobility, but has the highest maximum health and the rapid-fire Minigun. The Heavy overpowers you in a direct fight; don't engage him without some sort of advantage.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:''' The element of surprise is your strongest weapon. If you catch the enemy Heavy unprepared, you can kill him with just a few point-blank shots before he can spin up his Minigun. If the Heavy has already spun up his Minigun, ambush him from the back or sides. Once he has his sights on you, weave in and out of cover between shots, [[circle strafing|circle strafe]], or double jump over his head to make it harder for him to track you. Note the sound his weapon makes before deciding to fight - the distinct whir of the [[Natascha]], which can slow you to a crawl, is a sign to stay back.
 +
 
 +
Don't hesitate to retreat if the Heavy's position is too entrenched - he can't pursue you. Try waiting for him to unwind his Minigun and change positions, or target his teammates to deny him backup before engaging.
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* The [[Back Scatter]] can improve the effectiveness of an ambush, being able to take out almost half of a Heavy's health in a single point-blank shot.
 +
* Mad Milk can help you survive Minigun damage in a sustained fight.
 +
* The Heavy is an easy target for the [[Sandman]] and [[Wrap Assassin]]'s projectiles, even at longer ranges.
 +
 
 +
  | engineer-strategy =
 +
 
 +
'''Relative merits:''' The Engineer has similar weapons to yours but far less mobility, which makes him an easy target if alone. However, he will commonly be patrolling around his [[Sentry Gun]], which has perfect aim and extremely high damage. You are ill-equipped to deal with Sentry Guns on your own; avoid them entirely if possible.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:''' Avoid routes covered by Sentry Guns and check around corners before blindly rushing into new areas. If you locate a Sentry Gun, steer clear of that area and inform your team of its location so other classes can destroy it. If the Sentry Gun is unattended, you might be able to slowly chip away at it from far away with a Pistol or the Shortstop. Otherwise, when an Engineer is near the Sentry Gun, the best you’ll be able to do is harass him from long range.
 +
 
 +
An Engineer wielding the [[Gunslinger]] deploys [[Sentry Gun#Combat Mini-Sentry Gun|Combat Mini-Sentry Guns]] instead of regular Sentry Guns, and will usually stay closer to the front lines. The Mini-Sentry takes only a few seconds to deploy; if an Engineer places one while fighting you, quickly decide whether to target the Engineer, take two shots to kill the Mini-Sentry, or retreat. If you run into an already-deployed Mini-Sentry, it is feasible for you to run up to it and kill it before it kills you, provided you can reach point-blank range before it sees you (such as by finding cover near the Mini-Sentry or having a teammate draw its fire).
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* Bonk! Atomic Punch can be used to negate the damage of a Sentry Gun, allowing you to pass through its line of sight unharmed or draw its fire away from your teammates.
 +
* The extra mobility granted by weapons like the Force-a-Nature, [[Winger]], and Atomizer can be used to take alternative routes to avoid Sentry Guns.
 +
 +
  | medic-strategy =
 +
'''Relative merits:''' A Medic is able to heal and ÜberCharge his teammates using his [[Medi Gun]]. Because of this, he is one of your highest-priority targets. The Medic himself is extremely weak in a fight but is usually surrounded by his teammates, making him difficult to reach.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:'''  The Medic will likely stay near his teammates to heal them - these enemies will have plenty of health and are therefore more difficult for you to pick off. Additionally, the Medic is free to turn around and assess the battlefield while healing, so you need to approach carefully. Wait for when the Medic and his teammates are unaware or distracted, and fire a few carefully-aimed shots at the Medic to drop him. Don't get greedy; if you get noticed after (or before) you kill the Medic, feel free to fall back to avoid the wrath of his patients.
 +
 
 +
If the enemy Medic deploys his ÜberCharge, it is usually best to retreat and wait for it to wear off. However, you can also use your speed to get close, draw his patient's fire away from your team, and threaten to kill the pair once the ÜberCharge wears off.
 +
 
 +
If you encounter a lone Medic, he is likely navigating toward the rest of his team. Be wary of chasing him into the middle of a crowd of enemies, or through narrow hallways where his [[Syringe Gun]]'s needles are harder to avoid.
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* Bonk! Atomic Punch can be used to body-block an ÜberCharged Medic or his patient to waste ÜberCharge time.
 +
* Getting into close range to use the Force-A-Nature's knockback is a risky way to disrupt an ÜberCharge.
 +
* The Sandman's baseball can slow a Medic down, which can separate him from his team or make him easier to chase.
 +
* The Crit-a-Cola and Fan O'War give you mini crits on activation, giving you a risky but powerful way to either force him to use his ÜberCharge or to outright kill him.
 +
 
 +
| sniper-strategy =
 +
'''Relative merits:''' Your mobility makes it difficult for a Sniper to hit. However, one headshot or fully charged bodyshot from his [[Sniper Rifle]] will kill you instantly. Move unpredictably to throw off the Sniper's aim, and attempt to engage him at close range, where he is much weaker.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:''' Ideally, take a route where the Sniper will not see you coming. If you ''do'' need to enter his sightline, zigzag, jump, and strafe to become a difficult target to hit. If possible, harass the Sniper with your [[Pistol]] at long range to throw off his aim. Once you close the distance, you have the advantage. Even at close range, take care, as the Sniper may try to quickly scope in and headshot you anyway. The [[Huntsman]] and its reskins complicate this by giving the Sniper a deadly weapon if used properly at close range. If you see a Sniper with the Huntsman, be careful. The Huntsman can deal up to 120 damage on a bodyshot, and can instantly kill you if it is a headshot regardless of the charge. Try to deceive the Sniper by moving erratically and using your jumps when needed. However, jumping too much can make your movement easily predictable due to the predictable arc of a jump.
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* The extra mobility granted by weapons like the Winger and Atomizer can be used to dodge more easily, ambush the Sniper from unexpected angles, or avoid sightlines he is watching.
 +
* Bonk! Atomic Punch grants some insurance when directly crossing a Sniper's line of sight.
 +
* The Crit-a-Cola and Fan O'War give you mini crits on activation, making it possible to instantly kill the Sniper in close range and can be safely used if you end up close to the Sniper without him being aware of your existence.
 +
 
 +
  | spy-strategy =
 +
 
 +
'''Relative merits:''' Your speed makes it hard to backstab you and allows you to chase fleeing foes, making you one of the Spy’s deadlier opponents. His weapons are relatively weak, so a direct fight is heavily in your favor.
 +
 
 +
'''Tactics:''' You can easily [[Spy-check]] by simply running into your teammates; if you can’t move past them, they’re a Spy. If he [[cloak]]s and flees, predict where he will move and shoot him while he's invisible. If the Spy stays for a direct fight, strafe back and forth, land solid Scattergun shots, and take care not to expose your back to his [[Knife]]. Do not get too arrogant, however, as although you have an extreme advantage over the Spy in direct combat, his weapons are nothing to scoff at. Spies wielding the [[Ambassador]] have the potential to quickly kill you in close range with a headshot followed by a bodyshot, and could kill you before you can finish them off. The [[Diamondback]] increases the danger of a Spy, due to the critical hits not being affected by distance or whether or not it was a headshot. If you see a Spy backstab a teammate or fully sap a building while using this weapon, be careful. Take care to move unpredictably against gun-wielding Spies so as to not risk being killed.
 +
 
 +
'''Useful weapons:'''
 +
* Mad Milk, as well as bleed-inflicting weapons such as the [[Flying Guillotine]] or [[Boston Basher]], can make it easier to chase a cloaked Spy.
 +
* The [[Holy Mackerel]] and the [[Unarmed Combat]] will display the number of hits on a [[Dead Ringer]] Spy.
 +
* Upon killing a Spy while using the [[Candy Cane]], the Spy will not drop a health kit if they use the Dead Ringer.  
 +
}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
*[[Team strategy]]
 
*[[Team strategy]]
 +
* [[Scout (competitive)]]
  
 
[[Category:Strategy|Scout match-ups]]
 
[[Category:Strategy|Scout match-ups]]

Latest revision as of 21:17, 9 May 2023

I'm gonna headbutt ya, I'm gonna headbutt ya, I'm gonna headbutt ya!
The Scout on his delicate battle plan
Class Strategy
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Scout.png
Scout
Mirror match-up: You are most likely to run into other Scouts when both of you are away from teammates, such as during the initial rush to a map objective or at the outskirts of a battlefield. Both of you do high damage at close range and have low maximum health, so the fight will likely be over within a few seconds.

Tactics: Raw skill is the greatest factor in winning a Scout duel; shoot the enemy Scout and avoid being shot yourself. Look carefully at your opponent's movement; it is easiest to hit your shots while he is moving in straight lines or landing from a double jump. You can make yourself harder to hit by changing directions unpredictably and mixing single jumps in with your double jumps. However, an experienced Scout will be able to predict your movement when you jump due to the lack of air control, so try not to jump too often. If you find yourself losing, enter extremely close range to make aiming chaotic for your opponent and maximize your Scattergun's damage. You will take more damage yourself, but this is not an issue if you are at low enough health to die in one hit anyway.

Unlike with the other classes, you can't outrun an enemy Scout. As you duel, stay closer to health kit spawns, as even a small health kit can help you survive another shot. If you need to retreat, flee to nearby teammates or a Sentry Gun.

Useful weapons:

  • The Scattergun has the highest clip size of all your primary weapons, which gives you room for error in case you miss shots.
  • The Pistol and its variants fire rapidly, which makes finishing off a low-health Scout easier than with your primary weapons. They are also useful backup weapons if your primary weapon runs out of ammo.
  • Healing from Mad Milk can help you survive an extra Scattergun attack in a close duel.
  • Initiating the fight with the Sandman's slow-inflicting baseball makes it harder for the enemy Scout to dodge your attacks or run away.
  • Bleed-inflicting weapons, such as the Flying Guillotine or Wrap Assassin, can weaken the enemy Scout to the point that a single close-range shot will defeat him.
  • If the enemy Scout is using the Scattergun, then any unlockable weapon that fires faster, such as the Soda Popper, will give you an advantage in close range. The increased firing speed will mean that you will be able to deal enough damage to kill him before he can do the same.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Soldier.png
Soldier
Relative merits: Both you and the Soldier are effective close-range combatants, but you have the advantage of movement speed. A Soldier will typically aim his Rocket Launcher at your feet to deal splash damage, but your ability to double jump makes it easier to avoid being hit directly.

Tactics: Try to stay in open areas to make the best use of your mobility. Prevent the Soldier from rocket jumping to high ground by presenting yourself as a constant threat, which forces him to fire at you, or shooting him mid-rocket jump to disrupt his movement. Stay at medium range, where you are far enough away to dodge rockets but still deal respectable Scattergun damage. You can double jump to avoid rocket splash damage, but avoid double jumping so predictably that the Soldier shoots a rocket where you land in advance. If you are knocked into the air by the Soldier, make sure to airstrafe in order to dodge any incoming rockets while throwing off the Soldier's aim. The rule of being unpredictable still applies here, so ensure that you mix up your strafing to prevent him from airshotting you. If you need to retreat, stay alert in case he decides to rocket jump after you.

Useful weapons:

  • The knockback from the Force-a-Nature can disrupt a Soldier's rocket jumping.
  • The Soda Popper's Hype mode lets you remain airborne for five jumps, making it almost impossible for the Soldier to hit you with splash damage.
  • The Winger's extra jump height can make it easier to avoid incoming splash damage.
  • The Atomizer's triple jump can be used to reposition during the fight, more easily avoid splash damage, or escape via a normally-inaccessible route.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Pyro.png
Pyro
Relative merits: You have the speed to outmaneuver the Pyro, provided you have room to maneuver, and a longer effective range. However, your low maximum health makes you vulnerable to afterburn, and the wide spread of the Flame Thrower's fire means that a Pyro has an easier time hitting you than most other classes.

Tactics: Defeating a Pyro is all about spacing. Use your speed to stay just outside Flame Thrower range while taking shots with your Scattergun (or Pistol) as opportunity presents. Avoid enclosed areas, where the Pyro can use the compression blast to shove you into a corner for an easy kill. Try not to get hit at all; afterburn can take off up to half of your health and may empower certain Pyro weapons, like the Flare Gun or Axtinguisher.

If you are trapped in Flame Thrower range, get as close to the Pyro as possible - at point blank, your primary weapons outdamage the Flame Thrower. Kill the Pyro as quickly as possible, then retreat to a health kit/Dispenser/Medic to extinguish yourself.

Useful weapons:

  • The Force-a-Nature's knockback can force the Pyro away from you and keep you outside Flame Thrower range.
  • The Shortstop's reduced bullet spread allows you to stand further away from the Pyro without losing too much damage. The alt-fire shove can also be used to create space, albeit much less effectively than the Force-a-Nature.
  • The Pistol and its variants can be used to chip away at a Pyro's health from a safe distance.
  • The healing from Mad Milk can offset the damage from afterburn in an extended fight. It can also be thrown at your feet to extinguish yourself instantly.
  • The Sun-on-a-Stick provides resistance to fire damage when held, giving you more time to find a source of healing if you are dying of afterburn.
  • The Candy Cane spawns a small health pack on kill, allowing you to immediately extinguish yourself after an encounter with a Pyro.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Demoman.png
Demoman
Relative merits: Both you and the Demoman have extremely high damage output. While your weapons use bullets, the Demoman's weapons all use explosive projectiles. Combined with your mobility, you have a much easier time hitting him than he has hitting you, which gives you a significant advantage.

Tactics: The Demoman is weakest at close range, where he cannot attack you with explosives without damaging himself. Stay outside melee range but close enough to do significant damage with your Scattergun. Alternatively, you can remain at a distance to more easily dodge the Demoman's explosives entirely. As you dodge, watch for grenades that bounce nearby and are about to explode, as even an indirect hit can take away half your health.

Stickybombs are usually ineffective against you in a direct fight, as you have the speed to react to the Demoman firing them and avoid them before they can be detonated. However, a pre-laid Stickybomb trap can kill you instantly. Keep an eye out for doorways, walls, or other surfaces that may contain a trap, and avoid pursuing the Demoman into such areas. If need be, take alternate routes to avoid his traps and ambush him.

A Demoknight using a shield secondary such as the Chargin' Targe does not have a Stickybomb Launcher, but will likely use a melee weapon with increased melee range, such as the Eyelander. A shield-charging Demoknight is one of the few things faster than you, but his charge is generally hard to steer. Stay out of melee range, and if he charges, run sideways or double jump up nearby objects instead of trying to outrun him directly. If you have sufficient health, you are in an open-space area, and the Demoknight is charging at you, you may be able to time a jump before the charge hits to tank the damage and use the knockback as a boost to escape. However, this is a risky maneuver, and depending on what shield he is using, how far you fly upward, and how many heads he has, this tactic could backfire and get you killed. If he is already low on health, you can also just try to shoot him mid-charge, as none of his shields grant bullet resistance. Pay attention to whether the Demoknight is using a Grenade Launcher or Ali Baba's Wee Booties to know what else to expect.

Useful weapons:

  • Bonk! Atomic Punch can be used to phase past a Demoman's Stickybomb traps.
  • Hitting a Demoknight with the Sandman's slow-inflicting baseball significantly reduces his movement speed and prevents him from charging, which makes it easier to stay out of his melee range.
  • The Force-A-Nature's knockback can be used to repel Demoknights.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Heavy.png
Heavy
Relative merits: The Heavy is, in many ways, your exact opposite - he lacks mobility, but has the highest maximum health and the rapid-fire Minigun. The Heavy overpowers you in a direct fight; don't engage him without some sort of advantage.

Tactics: The element of surprise is your strongest weapon. If you catch the enemy Heavy unprepared, you can kill him with just a few point-blank shots before he can spin up his Minigun. If the Heavy has already spun up his Minigun, ambush him from the back or sides. Once he has his sights on you, weave in and out of cover between shots, circle strafe, or double jump over his head to make it harder for him to track you. Note the sound his weapon makes before deciding to fight - the distinct whir of the Natascha, which can slow you to a crawl, is a sign to stay back.

Don't hesitate to retreat if the Heavy's position is too entrenched - he can't pursue you. Try waiting for him to unwind his Minigun and change positions, or target his teammates to deny him backup before engaging.

Useful weapons:

  • The Back Scatter can improve the effectiveness of an ambush, being able to take out almost half of a Heavy's health in a single point-blank shot.
  • Mad Milk can help you survive Minigun damage in a sustained fight.
  • The Heavy is an easy target for the Sandman and Wrap Assassin's projectiles, even at longer ranges.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Engineer.png
Engineer
Relative merits: The Engineer has similar weapons to yours but far less mobility, which makes him an easy target if alone. However, he will commonly be patrolling around his Sentry Gun, which has perfect aim and extremely high damage. You are ill-equipped to deal with Sentry Guns on your own; avoid them entirely if possible.

Tactics: Avoid routes covered by Sentry Guns and check around corners before blindly rushing into new areas. If you locate a Sentry Gun, steer clear of that area and inform your team of its location so other classes can destroy it. If the Sentry Gun is unattended, you might be able to slowly chip away at it from far away with a Pistol or the Shortstop. Otherwise, when an Engineer is near the Sentry Gun, the best you’ll be able to do is harass him from long range.

An Engineer wielding the Gunslinger deploys Combat Mini-Sentry Guns instead of regular Sentry Guns, and will usually stay closer to the front lines. The Mini-Sentry takes only a few seconds to deploy; if an Engineer places one while fighting you, quickly decide whether to target the Engineer, take two shots to kill the Mini-Sentry, or retreat. If you run into an already-deployed Mini-Sentry, it is feasible for you to run up to it and kill it before it kills you, provided you can reach point-blank range before it sees you (such as by finding cover near the Mini-Sentry or having a teammate draw its fire).

Useful weapons:

  • Bonk! Atomic Punch can be used to negate the damage of a Sentry Gun, allowing you to pass through its line of sight unharmed or draw its fire away from your teammates.
  • The extra mobility granted by weapons like the Force-a-Nature, Winger, and Atomizer can be used to take alternative routes to avoid Sentry Guns.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Medic.png
Medic
Relative merits: A Medic is able to heal and ÜberCharge his teammates using his Medi Gun. Because of this, he is one of your highest-priority targets. The Medic himself is extremely weak in a fight but is usually surrounded by his teammates, making him difficult to reach.

Tactics: The Medic will likely stay near his teammates to heal them - these enemies will have plenty of health and are therefore more difficult for you to pick off. Additionally, the Medic is free to turn around and assess the battlefield while healing, so you need to approach carefully. Wait for when the Medic and his teammates are unaware or distracted, and fire a few carefully-aimed shots at the Medic to drop him. Don't get greedy; if you get noticed after (or before) you kill the Medic, feel free to fall back to avoid the wrath of his patients.

If the enemy Medic deploys his ÜberCharge, it is usually best to retreat and wait for it to wear off. However, you can also use your speed to get close, draw his patient's fire away from your team, and threaten to kill the pair once the ÜberCharge wears off.

If you encounter a lone Medic, he is likely navigating toward the rest of his team. Be wary of chasing him into the middle of a crowd of enemies, or through narrow hallways where his Syringe Gun's needles are harder to avoid.

Useful weapons:

  • Bonk! Atomic Punch can be used to body-block an ÜberCharged Medic or his patient to waste ÜberCharge time.
  • Getting into close range to use the Force-A-Nature's knockback is a risky way to disrupt an ÜberCharge.
  • The Sandman's baseball can slow a Medic down, which can separate him from his team or make him easier to chase.
  • The Crit-a-Cola and Fan O'War give you mini crits on activation, giving you a risky but powerful way to either force him to use his ÜberCharge or to outright kill him.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Sniper.png
Sniper
Relative merits: Your mobility makes it difficult for a Sniper to hit. However, one headshot or fully charged bodyshot from his Sniper Rifle will kill you instantly. Move unpredictably to throw off the Sniper's aim, and attempt to engage him at close range, where he is much weaker.

Tactics: Ideally, take a route where the Sniper will not see you coming. If you do need to enter his sightline, zigzag, jump, and strafe to become a difficult target to hit. If possible, harass the Sniper with your Pistol at long range to throw off his aim. Once you close the distance, you have the advantage. Even at close range, take care, as the Sniper may try to quickly scope in and headshot you anyway. The Huntsman and its reskins complicate this by giving the Sniper a deadly weapon if used properly at close range. If you see a Sniper with the Huntsman, be careful. The Huntsman can deal up to 120 damage on a bodyshot, and can instantly kill you if it is a headshot regardless of the charge. Try to deceive the Sniper by moving erratically and using your jumps when needed. However, jumping too much can make your movement easily predictable due to the predictable arc of a jump.

Useful weapons:

  • The extra mobility granted by weapons like the Winger and Atomizer can be used to dodge more easily, ambush the Sniper from unexpected angles, or avoid sightlines he is watching.
  • Bonk! Atomic Punch grants some insurance when directly crossing a Sniper's line of sight.
  • The Crit-a-Cola and Fan O'War give you mini crits on activation, making it possible to instantly kill the Sniper in close range and can be safely used if you end up close to the Sniper without him being aware of your existence.
Scout.png
Scout
vs. Spy.png
Spy
Relative merits: Your speed makes it hard to backstab you and allows you to chase fleeing foes, making you one of the Spy’s deadlier opponents. His weapons are relatively weak, so a direct fight is heavily in your favor.

Tactics: You can easily Spy-check by simply running into your teammates; if you can’t move past them, they’re a Spy. If he cloaks and flees, predict where he will move and shoot him while he's invisible. If the Spy stays for a direct fight, strafe back and forth, land solid Scattergun shots, and take care not to expose your back to his Knife. Do not get too arrogant, however, as although you have an extreme advantage over the Spy in direct combat, his weapons are nothing to scoff at. Spies wielding the Ambassador have the potential to quickly kill you in close range with a headshot followed by a bodyshot, and could kill you before you can finish them off. The Diamondback increases the danger of a Spy, due to the critical hits not being affected by distance or whether or not it was a headshot. If you see a Spy backstab a teammate or fully sap a building while using this weapon, be careful. Take care to move unpredictably against gun-wielding Spies so as to not risk being killed.

Useful weapons:


See also