Difference between revisions of "Community Spy strategy"

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{{Quotation|'''The Spy'''|May I make a suggestion? '''Run'''.|sound=Spy_taunts11.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Spy'''|May I make a suggestion? '''Run'''.|sound=Spy_taunts11.wav}}
  
The [[Spy]] is a class dedicated to trickery and deceit. Specializing in espionage and sabotage, he can [[backstab]], [[Cloak]], [[disguise]], and even [[sap]] an Engineer's buildings. Enemies that are [[Spy checking]] should be avoided, and to escape suspicion, a little bit of acting on your part can go a long way. With some skill and luck, Spies can even fool these Spy checkers.
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The [[Spy]] is a class dedicated to trickery and deceit. Specializing in espionage and sabotage, he can [[backstab]], {{botignore|[[cloak]]}}, and [[disguise]]. He can also [[Sapper|sap]] an [[Engineer]]'s buildings, causing them to malfunction. Enemies that are [[Spy checking]] should be avoided, and to escape suspicion, a little bit of acting on your part can go a long way. With some skill and luck, Spies can even fool veteran players, and professional Spies can easily wreak major havoc on the enemy team.
  
 
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== Quick tips ==
 
== Quick tips ==
*Typically, you should Cloak when heading towards an enemy objective. A teammate running in the opposite direction is suspicious and a prime candidate for Spy checking.
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* Avoid being seen or heard as much as possible, even with a disguise.
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** Players can be exceptionally paranoid (especially if they have been backstabbed previously), Spy-checking anyone they see, regardless of your behavior or acting. Wait until your teammates distract them, and strike while they are occupied.
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** Be aware that decloaking and backstabbing can be rather loud, especially if you are using the [[Dead Ringer]]. Competent enemies will likely hear these sounds and react. Use the sounds of gunfire from the battlefield, and decloaking behind corners and walls to mask the sound of your decloak.
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** Try to avoid being spotted while doing your job. Take note of which players see you decloak, stab, or sap. If you do get spotted, your options are to cloak and run away or fight back with your Revolver.
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** Always ask yourself, "Will/did that player see/hear me stab/sap/decloak? Did they react to it?" If so, move to another part of the map until they are done Spy-checking. If not, continue doing your job.
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** Try to check your surroundings before you decloak.
  
*While disguised, enemies are much less likely to Spy check you if you head in their direction with your back turned to them as if running from a battle with your real teammates.
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* Typically, you should {{botignore|cloak}} when heading towards an enemy objective. A teammate running in the opposite direction of the rest of the team is suspicious and a prime candidate for Spy-checking.
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** While disguised, enemies are much less likely to Spy-check you if run backward toward them as if fleeing from your real teammates.
  
*Don't expect to become a great Spy overnight. Learn to play other classes first. Once you know how each class acts, you will be able to more easily trick your enemies.
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* Learn to play other classes first. Once you know how each class behaves, you will be able to act more convincingly.
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** Pay attention to which class you are disguised as. Snipers and Engineers generally stay in one spot while Pyros will often patrol an area.
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** The Pyro disguise is good for general situations, but being a very common disguise, you might get Spy-checked more frequently. The upside is, you might not want to stay close to enemy Pyros, so you probably won't appear in the same vicinity as them.
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** The Scout disguise is nearly useless for tricking vigilant enemies; you will not move as fast as a real Scout does. However, you can use the Scout disguise to hide, as his body is much smaller than other classes. Furthermore, the smaller model of the Scout changes where your head appears to enemies, throwing off Snipers' aim. Also, Scouts will often run in and out of the fray of battle — distracted enemies may not suspect you if you are heading towards the objective.
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*** Scouts with the Baby Face Blaster equipped can make your disguise more convincing since they start off with a slower base speed and a boost penalty when jumping.
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** The Heavy disguise will slow you down considerably, but can be used to trick enemy Medics into healing you. The disguise may trick enemies simply because the Heavy disguise is so rarely used. However, this disguise makes it difficult to approach enemies to backstab.
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** The Soldier disguise should not be used when you are heading from the enemy's base toward their objective. Soldiers will generally [[Jumping#Soldier jumps|rocket jump]], and one that does not will attract suspicion, unless you are in a confined room that prevents rocket jumping, such as the corridors on cp_steel.
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** The Engineer disguise can be useful in specific situations. Kill an Engineer, disguise as him, and stand next to his buildings with your disguise's Wrench out; when the coast is clear, sap the enemy's buildings and make your escape. Enemies may even expose their backs to you as they heal next to "your" Dispenser. Keep your eye on when the Engineer respawns, however - he may return to his nest and expose you as a Spy.
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** The Medic disguise will not trick enemies very often; Medics who are not healing teammates will instantly draw suspicion. However, it does give you a reason to be behind them. Pull out your disguise's Medi Gun, and backstab them when they look away from you.
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*** If you happen to chance upon a Medic who does not heal his teammates but instead fights with his primary instead, disguising as him can be a good choice.
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** The Sniper disguise can be good for surveillance, as you won't attract too much attention behind enemy lines. However, you can't scope in, so make sure to not stand in one spot for too long, or an enemy might notice that you aren't doing anything.
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** The Spy disguise can be effective, as you won't seem out of place taking flank routes. It is also useful when among your teammates, as you can act like an enemy Spy trying to stab your own teammates, instead of an obviously disguised Spy that none of your teammates are attacking. However, merely seeing a Spy might remind paranoid enemies to Spy-check.
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** Make sure you're disguised as an actual player. If the enemy team doesn't have the class you're disguised as means your disguise will have no cosmetics or weapons other than stock. New players are fairly uncommon in most games, so seeing a cosmetic-less enemy with Stock weapons approaching may make enemies suspicious.
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*** Alternatively, you can act confused and pretend to make "beginner mistakes" - enemies may dismiss you as clueless or useless and ignore you.
  
*Pay attention to which class you are disguised as! Snipers and Engineers normally stay in one area while Pyros can often be seen patrolling a base.
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* Cloak before disguising if you are behind enemy lines. Doing so will prevent your enemies from seeing your Disguise Kit's smoke.
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** Press (by default) {{Key|B}} to automatically change the weapon that your disguise is holding, matching the weapon slot you are using. For example, if you are holding a Revolver and press {{Key|B}} your disguise will switch weapon to its primary (or secondary, if you're disguised as a Spy) slot. For example, if you are disguised as a Sniper, make sure to switch to your disguise's Sniper Rifle. Changing weapons can also trick enemies into believing your disguise. If you are not disguised, pressing {{Key|B}} will disguise you as the last person you disguised as.
  
*Avoid disguising as a Scout or Medic as your slow movement speed will give you away, and people will become suspicious if you aren't constantly healing.
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* If you are using the [[Invisibility Watch]], you are able to regain Cloak, both while cloaked and uncloaked, by picking up ammo boxes and remains of destroyed buildings as well as leeching off enemy Dispensers (if you are also disguised).
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** However, be careful while picking up ammo or health if enemies are nearby. Seeing ammo and health disappear with no one near it is a sign of a cloaked Spy.
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*If you are using the [[Cloak and Dagger]], then you can only pick up ammo when uncloaked (although it will refill your cloak meter less than if you were using the [[Invis Watch]]). Use this ability to make sure that you don't run low on cloak at a vital moment.
  
*You can don a disguise and switch weapons while cloaked to save time.
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* Unless you are using the Dead Ringer, cloaking will take about one second. Cloak before you enter enemy territory, as you will always show as your team color when cloaking and uncloaking, thus revealing yourself to the enemy.
  
*While equipped with the [[Stock|default]] [[Invisibility Watch]], or the [[Dead Ringer]], you are able to restore your Cloak meter with ammunition pickups.
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* Always work with your team. Despite your abilities of backstabbing, cloaking, and disguising, you are still susceptible to taking damage, and working in conjunction with your team will improve your performance as a Spy.
 
 
*To disguise quickly, press {{Key|B}} and you will auto-disguise into your previous disguise.
 
  
 
== General ==
 
== General ==
*When disguising or changing disguises, your body will be covered by smoke puffs that are visible to everyone. If you are cloaked, this smoke can only be seen by teammates. If you have the [[Dead Ringer]] equipped, the smoke will linger if you disguise shortly before you are "killed", making it immediately obvious that you are still alive.
 
 
*Try to disguise as a class which is easier to imitate (a general rule of thumb is to NOT disguise as a Medic or Scout because the lack of speed gain will make you look suspicious. An Engineer is a good choice since a disguised Spy can easily stand next to a building (make sure to have the Wrench out). Disguising as a Sniper will let you take a look at the battlefield from afar without taking too much attention for potential assassination targets; however, because you can not scope, don't stay in the same position for long, or else it will look suspicious.
 
 
*Be careful about which class is around and which is not. If you come across a class that is identical to your current disguise, it will quickly give you away. Same-classed players are able to see their own name when they hover their crosshair on you as player identification. Your fake name ID can only be seen by different classes. If you see an enemy grenade, it's not the best idea to disguise as the enemy Demoman as he can spot you. Same thing goes for other classes.
 
 
*Note the three-second cooldown period after decloaking in which you cannot use any equipment. This means you cannot attack or use the [[Electro Sapper]]. Plan accordingly before sapping or attacking.
 
 
*The default [[Invisibility Watch]] takes 1 second to Cloak and 1 second to uncloak, with 9 seconds of Cloak time from start to finish, effectively providing about 7 seconds of full cloaking (unless you recharge your Cloak with ammo). Recharging from empty takes 30 seconds, therefore keep that in mind when you are in an enemy base looking for a hiding spot.
 
 
*Memorize ammo spawns and shortcuts for good cover places. When you're cloaked, use pressure fire from teammates to run into the other team while cloaked to blend in with your disguise. Once out of Cloak, take cover from your own teammates as that would make your disguise more believable. An Engineer standing in front of an enemy Heavy's Minigun fire makes your disguise useless if witnessed by the other team.
 
 
*Any source of ammunition, including [[Metal]] from destroyed buildings, will recharge Cloak time for the default Invisibility Watch and Dead Ringer even if they are active. Dispensers will also restore Cloak time, however, only Level 2 Dispensers and higher can restore Cloak time when cloaking is active; Level 1 Dispensers will only maintain the current level of charge. You must be using an enemy disguise to use enemy Dispensers, but friendly Dispensers will heal and refill your ammo and Cloak charge regardless of your disguise. The [[Payload cart]] on Payload maps will NOT refill your Cloak meter '''while cloaked'''. Using the aforementioned sources of ammo for Cloak refills can greatly aid you in escaping enemy territory after you've done your job.
 
 
* Use blind spots (areas where the player's view is cut off, normally a corner or other 90 degree angle) to recharge your Cloak if you are not using the [[Cloak and Dagger]]. An example of this is on [[2Fort]] in the corner just inside the enemy fort entrance. Most people will run past these areas without even looking in the corners, allowing you to recharge your Cloak time or surprise a group heading out towards the bridge.
 
 
*Most of the official maps have shortcuts where you can easily get behind the enemy lines. Also, they have unusual places where you can simply jump and reach, making the enemy team think you have already evacuated the area before they can react. Most of the places that look like just junk would interest you more. Memorize and work on them.
 
 
*Your Cloak is your safest option if surveying the enemy. Disguises are not necessarily reliable as [[Spy checking]] is common.
 
  
*Avoid suspicious behavior when disguised, e.g. running against the crowd away from an objective, being a [[Demoman]] and standing nowhere near [[Stickybombs]], being an [[Engineer]] and standing nowhere near [[buildings]], or just standing around doing nothing. If someone does start shooting at you, you can try to take him down with the [[Revolver]] or Cloak to make a quick escape (but don't forget the one second delay before your Cloak is fully active). Otherwise, you may stand still and hope that the Spy checker realizes soon enough that he isn't shooting at a Spy and walks off.
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* Try to make an indirect approach to enemies by predicting their movements; it will attract less attention and will surprise them. Also, try not to bump into your enemies; it will alert them to your presence.
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** Avoid attacking a large group of enemies that are not in combat, such as when they are pushing the cart when your entire team is dead. They will be more alert and may Spy-check any teammates that approach them.
  
*If you're planning on getting close to someone, a direct approach will attract attention; try not to look directly at them. If you're being checked, give up on chasing  your target and getting closer. Instead, strafe right or left, change direction, and check your back like you're being suspicious after your "teammate" shoots in your direction. If fire persists, look for a cover area where you can Cloak and escape the situation with peace of mind.
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* If you are following an enemy and they look back, consider turning around as if you were checking for a Spy behind you — this may trick them into believing your disguise.
  
*When disguised, enemy [[Sentry Gun]]s will not attack you and you can use enemy [[Dispenser]]s and [[Teleporter]]s. Enemy [[Medic]]s can heal you if you fool them into thinking you are friendly (disguise as a power class for a greater chance that this will work). Note that even while disguised, you can still be harmed or killed by an enemy Sentry if you are between it and its target. Sentry Guns will not cease shooting at a locked on target even if the target disguises unless there is a closer target or the current target breaks line-of-sight/leaves the Sentry Gun's range.
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* You are able to see the names of enemies, and their health. Use this knowledge when making a plan or predicting movements. Injured players will often look for a Health kit or a Medic, while enemies at full health tend to head for the objective. You are also able to see the health and upgrade level on an Engineer's buildings.
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** You can also see the Medic's Medi Gun charge status. Relay this information to your team — if the enemy is near full charge, they will probably make a push soon.
  
*Your most dangerous counter-class is the [[Pyro]], the natural Spy checker. Avoid them at all costs or be prepared for a difficult stand-off. Pyros are as fast as you and their flames can ignite you even while you are disguised or cloaked. Avoid running into one to avoid being lit. If this happens, DO decloak, if you aren't already, in order to fight back as you retreat. Spectating Pyro vs. Pyro firefights from too close may result in the flames unintentionally igniting you, therefore be wary.
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* When you are disguised as an enemy, enemy [[Sentry Gun]]s will not attack you directly, and you can use enemy buildings; enemy [[Medic]]s are also able to heal you.
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** If you use a voice command (such as "MEDIC!" or "Spy!") that shows up in the chat, the enemy team will also see it in their chat, which may alert them to your presence if the enemy you are disguised as sees it and calls you out.
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** [[Teleporter]]s do not require a disguise to use.
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** If a Sentry Gun locks onto a teammate and you are between him and the Sentry Gun, you will still be harmed.
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** A Sentry Gun will not stop shooting at you if you have disguised after it sees you unless a teammate comes closer to it than you, you break line of sight, '''or''' you leave the Sentry Gun's range.
  
*If you are on fire, immediately drop your now-useless Cloak and run for healing, e.g. [[Health]] packs or enemy Dispensers. Hopefully, you can escape or get lost in a crowd, although due to the Spy's low health finding a Health pack and cloaking to regroup should be your primary concern.
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* Avoid backstabbing someone in front of an enemy Sentry Gun, unless you have to make a [[pick]] that is worth dying for. If you are using a [[Dead Ringer]] or [[Your Eternal Reward]], however, utilize it to avoid taking damage.
  
* Don't underestimate the power of the Revolver. If you're being chased, run backwards while side-strafing and firing at your opponent. Many players think that the [[Knife]] is the Spy's only weapon. They're wrong! The Revolver does much more damage than many think it does, and is ideal for picking off low health enemies that are leaving the battlefield as well as disposing of any Pyros.
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* Avoid enemy [[Pyro]]s if you can, for they can easily Spy-check you. If you are ignited while cloaked with a watch that isn't the Dead Ringer, uncloak so you are able to fight back, preferably with a [[Revolver]]. Also, be on the lookout for [[Health#Health kit|Health kits]] to douse the flames and increase your chances of survival, or use the [[Spy-cicle]] to extinguish yourself and cover your tracks. You should also retreat towards your team's side while shooting the Pyro so that your team can help you fend off the enemy.
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** Alternatively, if you are set on fire, consider remaining cloaked; debuffs such as fire and Jarate wear off faster when you are cloaked.
  
* Use the Revolver for sniping. A Spy makes a decent Sniper. At long range, damage is low, but he has a good rate of fire and excellent accuracy. The [[Ambassador]] makes an even better use of this. It crits on a headshot and is 100% accurate some time after firing.
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* Be prepared to use the Revolver in several situations. These include: being spotted, attacking a Pyro, and picking off low-health enemies that are out of your melee range.
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** The [[Ambassador]] is especially good for Revolver-sniping, and will do 102 damage on a [[Headshot]] at close range. Its first shot is also perfectly accurate. However, its damage, including headshots, decreases with distance, so try to close the distance before you attack.
  
*If you're being chased by a Pyro, forget about cloaking. Try to lure him out of whatever area he is patrolling and shoot him down with the Revolver. Approximately 3-4 accurate shots will be enough to kill a non-overhealed Pyro. If you carry the [[Dead Ringer]], either take down the Pyro and then exit by cloaking or instead use your Cloak and jump away to the sides. Most of Pyro players won't be fooled by this because your death animation will lose most of its major frames as you feign your own death.
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* Try to [[pick]] high-value targets, such as Medics and Heavies, to kill first. This is due to their high utility to the enemy. Killing a Medic is usually worth your life — you can stop an enemy push that might change the game's outcome.
  
*When you're covered in liquid (Mad Milk or Jarate), your Cloak effects will be rendered useless, thus disregarding which kind of Cloak you have. You should think of a way to wash them away once you get rid of the Sniper or Scout that is on your tail.
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* Use good judgment to pick targets. If you see a Heavy-Medic pair, it may be better to take down the Medic first if there are multiple enemies to prevent the Medic from simply healing another enemy who would kill you. However, if the pair is alone, it may be better to kill the Heavy first and leave the Medic nearly defenseless. If you are called out by the Medic, however, it would be better to go for the Heavy than to die for nothing.
  
*Always go for your opponent's back with your [[Knife]]. Not only are [[backstab]]s instant-kills, your Knife is weak when used otherwise. If you have to go toe-to-toe, use the Revolver; every other weapon in the game is stronger than the Knife. The Revolver is loud and distinctive though, therefore you may want to stick with the Knife if you don't want to attract more attention. Upon moving forth to backstab a player, try to avoid looking or staring at their backs when you do it. Their surrounding teammates may get suspicious and begin to shoot at you. Act like you are moving in the same general direction as your prey, and at the last moment quickly face his back and end their life. When you are chasing someone, try not to hug or bump them before you stab them; that will alert whoever you are chasing and might attract unwanted attention from the other enemies around.
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* Lone Snipers and Heavies are generally easy targets due to their low movement speed when scoped in or spun up, respectively. If the opportunity arises, eliminate them.
  
* When targeting an enemy Engineer nest:
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*Enemies are less likely to Spy-check if they are fighting at the frontlines. Use this opportunity to backstab them, cloak, and run back to your team. Alternatively coordinate with your teammates to launch a fake attack or distraction, giving you the chance to pick enemies off one by one.
** If the Engineer is behind his Sentry Gun, stab the Engineer and sap the Sentry Gun before it turns around. This is called [http://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Backstab#Backstabbing_techniques Stab-n-Sapping].
 
** If the Engineer is away, sap the Sentry Gun and stab the Engineer when he comes back. Another alternative is to immediately start firing the Revolver at a sapped building to destroy it faster. Against Sentry Guns, this worked better before the [[December 20, 2007 Patch]]. With the new Electro Sapper change, this doesn't work as well - even after a sap and six rounds from the Revolver, the Engineer still has time to remove the Electro Sapper while the Sentry Gun kills you since your disguise is gone.
 
** The easiest way to take out an Engineer nest is to coordinate with your teammates. Have a friendly Soldier, Pyro, or Demoman attack the nest immediately after you sap the Sentry Gun.
 
** When [[camping]] a Sentry Gun nest and the Engineer is nowhere to be seen, mouse over a building to find his name and check the [[Scoreboard]] to see whether he is dead. If he is stuck in spawn, you will often be able destroy his toys with impunity.
 
  
*If an enemy Engineer places his Sentry in the middle of a narrow corridor creating a chokepoint and is [[turtling]], diving from the front would be a pathetic action to take. Your teammates may take the attention of the Sentry Gun, and you might die from crossfire since you have very little space to escape. Instead, locate the Engineer's [[Teleporters|Teleport entrance]] and sap it. Once the Engineer removes the Electro Sapper, you will immediately be teleported away, telefragging the Engineer in the process if lucky. Alternatively, you can try to find a way around in order to sap his buildings and take his attention. If all else fails, coordinate a group attack using team chat.
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**You can also set up a large killing spree by positioning yourself behind enemy lines and following a group of enemies into battle. Once they are distracted by a fight, start backstabbing one after the other, starting with the enemy farthest back. Be aware of the time between backstabs and don't run past a backpedaling enemy; they may notice and kill you.
  
*One of the best ways to stop an enemy rush is to backstab any Medics, especially if they are close to a full Übercharge. A quick suicide run against enemy Medics can swiftly shut down an attacking team.
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*While you are invisible using any of the Spy's watches, you have 20% resistance to damage (more if you are using the Dead Ringer), and debuffs will wear off faster ([[Jarate]], [[Mad Milk]], [[afterburn]], [[bleed]]). If you are bleeding or burning to death, cloak and search for a Health kit. However, be aware that while cloaked, you cannot attack, and if (for example) you are bleeding, you will still be visible to enemies as a translucent silhouette.
  
*Remember to change disguises often. If an enemy player sees the same Demoman run up to a Sentry Gun guarded by an Engineer three times in a row, they are certainly going to catch on that you are trying to sap the Engineer's buildings. The same thing goes when running with your teammates; if you're seen as a Pyro who travels along with enemy Heavy and Medic pairs, keep in mind there will be some Spy checks from any Pyros when you try to blend in. Try to work alone but, if you can't, try to keep yourself well cloaked and do not act in a suspicious manner when in you are in the enemy's sight.
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* Be aware that if you step on to the enemy [[Capture the Flag#Intelligence|Intelligence]], you will lose your disguise and pick up the Intelligence. Sentry Guns will lock on to you if they are in range and the enemy team will be notified. You can use this to lure enemies into checking on the Intelligence and killing them when they arrive. However, enemies will be able to know your location while you are carrying it, so you may want to drop the Intelligence (default key {{Key|L}}) and then wait for them to check on it.
  
*If you happen to run into a Heavy and Medic pair, use your judgment to pick your target. If many enemies are around, the Medic is a higher priority as he can keep everyone healed. If the pair are on their own, stabbing the Heavy will leave the Medic completely defenseless. If the pair is pinned down by a group of your allies, it is best to kill the Heavy and allow your team to advance and possibly kill the Medic if you are unable to. If the Medic is following the Heavy though, getting the Medic first and then the Heavy in succession should be the default course of action. If you are chasing them, the best time to attack is when the Heavy changes direction and they are under attack as most of the Medics are followers; their distance will be relatively greater as the Medic has to wait until fire ceases or turn the corner with a large angle to keep the healing link focused on the Heavy.
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* Try not to fall too far while cloaked; your enemies will be able to see the blood and hear the sound of you taking [[fall damage]]. If it is unavoidable (or simply faster), try finding railings or other platforms to break your fall.
  
*[[Sniper]]s and lone Heavies are usually easy targets for newer Spies due to their low speed and movement when concentrating/firing. Also, eliminating Snipers makes it easier for your team to move into the enemy base. Repeatedly killing skilled Snipers when they are not protected by their team is a good way to make them change classes!
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* You can trick enemy Medics into using their [[ÜberCharge]] on you, usually by disguising as a [[Medic buddy]], ideally a Heavy or a Soldier, as both disguises are not as expected. If an enemy Medic starts healing you with an ÜberCharge, run towards the objective the enemy Medic is going for. With luck, he may believe you are on his team and use his ÜberCharge, wasting his charge. Then, when his ÜberCharge wears off, if he is still healing you, your teammates can pick him off.
  
*Be very careful when approaching people who aren't distracted by combat; they will be much more likely to notice any suspicious activity.
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* If you want to make a quick escape, try turning a corner and quickly activating your Invisibility Watch. When your Watch is active, turn around (avoiding the enemy) and double back past him. The enemy will believe you've continued running, and run in the wrong direction.
  
*You can perform an offensive strike when the action is intense and packed in a single area. Give yourself a disguise and then Cloak yourself. Dodge around the pack of enemies, being extremely careful not to run into anyone, then de-Cloak and turn around. Pick your targets and start backstabbing, starting with the one farthest back and moving up. You can chain several kills before the enemies turn their attention to you. There is a delay between backstabs, therefore be careful not to overrun the last enemy.
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* Using voice commands like 'Help!' or 'Incoming!' may lead the enemy into believing you're on their team, provided you do it in the right situation. For example, you might use them when you are fleeing from the battle.
  
*Disguising as your own team can be a good way to approach an enemy base. If you approach in an enemy disguise, it is obvious you are a Spy. If you approach cloaked, you are using up valuable Cloak time.  Approaching as a fast and dangerous class such as the Pyro can be used to scare enemy Spies and Scouts into avoiding you. Most of the time, enemies will buy your friendly disguise if they spot you; use this your advantage. Cloak out of sight and get behind them. They will be more open to being backstabbed or shot while they are focused on killing their imagined foe.
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* If you are disguised as a slow class, such as the Heavy, it can be helpful to drop your disguise just before backstabbing an enemy. You'll begin to run at your normal speed, and if you do it just before you go for a backstab, you can reduce your chances of being spotted by the enemy before you get the kill.
  
*If you step onto the enemy [[Intelligence]], you will immediately pick it up and lose your disguise. This can get you instantly mowed down by enemy Sentry Guns, therefore watch where you step when operating near the enemy Intelligence. Note that you cannot pick up the enemy Intelligence while cloaked.
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* Be aware that players that are [[turtling]] are much more likely to Spy check you, as they are likely not focused on anything except defending.
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** Also take note of the Spy-checking habits of the enemy team. If you recognize that a certain enemy always Spy-checks players, try avoiding the area that player is in.
  
*The name displayed to the enemy team while you are disguised is the name of an enemy player of the same class as your disguise. If you disguise as a class not present on the enemy team, you will be assigned the name of a random player from the enemy team (note that this happens every time you change disguise). This can easily give you away, therefore always attempt to disguise yourself as a class that you know someone on the opposing team is playing.
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* Consider changing your loadout every so often. Some players will try to memorize enemy equipment in order to predict their playstyle; switching up yours, especially your Invis Watch may throw them off. As Spy's theme is based around deception, this is a good way to manifest deceit in-game.
  
*If an enemy sees you Cloak, try and head in one direction while you are still partially visible. Trick them into thinking you're heading one way and then veer off and head on a different path, hopefully causing them to chase nothing.
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* Use the terrain to your advantage; there are shortcuts scattered through the maps that can help you conserve your Cloak and catch up to enemies.
  
*The health level of your disguise will mimic the health of the player you disguised as at the moment you equipped the disguise: if, for example, the Demoman you are disguised as is low on health, your disguise will appear to be as such also. The same applies if the Demoman is overhealed. You can increase your fake health level by being healed by a [[Medic]], standing near the [[Payload cart]] (while on defense) or an enemy [[Dispenser]], or picking up a [[medkit]]. You will pick up medkits even if your disguise health is full, therefore try not to use them around enemies unless wounded since it may look suspicious that you picked up the medkit despite being at full health. Keep an eye on your fake health level since it looks less suspicious leaving the battlefield and going into the enemy base at low health. Try not to call for a Medic if your fake health is full; it looks suspicious.
+
* There are many different maneuvers you can use to land a successful backstab; for example, you can fall off of a high area and land behind your enemy as you are falling. This can surprise some players, who may let you flee from battle and prepare for another infiltration.
  
*Remember that your equipment, including the Electro Sapper, makes a loud and identifiable noise that most skilled players will be able to recognize and locate. Your uncloaking and cloaking has its own sound, therefore uncloaking behind an enemy is not one of the brightest ideas, especially if that player is a Pyro. Try and avoid making overt Spy moves until you can cause significant damage to an enemy's offense/defense.
+
* Even if enemies start Spy-checking you unless it is a Pyro with a Flame Thrower or you are low on health, consider ignoring the attack, especially if there are no escape routes available. Sometimes, the enemy will believe your disguise, having Spy-checked you, and even if they don't unless you're using the {{item link|Conniver's Kunai}} or the {{item link|Big Earner}}, you can often survive enough damage to escape.
 +
** Even if you die, a dead Spy is much less of a detriment to a team than other classes, and the presence of a Spy, dead or alive, is enough to keep the enemy distracted and off of their best game. Just make sure that you're actually contributing while alive, or you'll be better off as another class!
  
*Be wary of long drops while cloaked; your enemies can see the blood particle effect and hear the cracking sound of your fall damage. When it's unavoidable (or simply faster), try to drop onto railings or other elevated platforms to avoid the damage. Clanking metal footsteps can also be a giveaway. If you're planning to dive into the battlefield from a higher place, be careful to drop behind something that would serve as a good cover.
+
*If you see an unattended Sentry Gun, check for Engineers who might be around before you sap it.
  
*If nearby players Spy check you with weapons, they will usually base their decision on your reaction. Try to pay them no mind as turning around or panicking is a good way to blow your cover; simply keep walking. They will usually back off if you don't react or die within two or three seconds. If the suspicious player is a Pyro, ignore the above; run and shoot!
+
* If a Medic corners you with the [[Ubersaw]], consider disguising or committing [[suicide]] in order to deny him additional [[ÜberCharge]].
  
*Spies can choose which disguised weapon they display to the opposing team. This will allow for more convincing disguises, especially making choices such as the Medic more viable. An example tactic is having the Kukri out as a Sniper when moving through compact and enclosed spaces, where using a Rifle wouldn't make sense. Avoid carrying a rifle unless you're trying to peek at enemy chokepoints from behind the lines. Also, carrying the Huntsman will make enemy Pyros light you on fire to add fire damage to friendly Sniper's arrows, and even if they're not suspicious they might throw a basic puff at you.
+
* The Knife deals 40 damage. This means that you can just finish off enemies with 40 or fewer health by [[Glossary of player terms#Butterknife|butterknifing]] them if you are out of Revolver ammo.
  
*Weapon switching is done by pressing the 'Last Disguise Used' button (default key{{Key|B}}. This will change your "fake" weapon based on what weapon the Spy has out. Holding out the Revolver will change your "fake" weapon to the primary weapon of that class. Holding out the Electro Sapper will change your "fake" weapon to the secondary weapon of that class. Holding out the Knife will change your "fake" weapon to the melee weapon of that class.
+
* Try and utilize [[trickstab]]s to punish overconfident enemies who know that you are a Spy.
  
*Weapon switching is instantaneous and does not emit any smoke or shimmer; it looks identical to the class switching weapons. Use this to your advantage in further confusing your foes!
+
* The more kills you rack up, the more paranoid the enemy team will be. Don’t be surprised that you are getting fewer kills or dying more often every time you respawn and infiltrate. If too many, if not all the players on the enemy team are often carrying out Spy-checking measures, you are probably better off as another class.
  
*You will only be able to hold out the primary, secondary, or melee weapons and the Engineer's PDAs and Toolboxes (right before placing a building). The Spy's Disguise Kit and Electro Sapper tool will not be available for you to use as your "fake" weapons.
+
=== Disguising ===
 +
* All disguises have at least one strategic use. For example, if you were to attempt to stop an enemy push on the bridge of [[2Fort]], you would want to disguise as a Medic to stay behind the push inconspicuously, ready to [[Backstab]] your foes. There are many more beyond that.
 +
**If you wanted to be less noticeable while sneaking around, disguising as a [[Scout]] may help due to his smaller size. However, keep in mind that more aware opponents may notice the lack of speed compared to an actual Scout, so stay alert.
 +
* Disguising as the same class as nearby enemy players can be dangerous because your disguise may show their name and loadout, revealing you to be a Spy.
 +
* When disguising or changing disguises, your body will be covered by smoke that is visible to everyone. When cloaked, this smoke will not be seen by the enemy. If you have the [[Dead Ringer]] equipped, the smoke will linger if you disguise shortly before you are "killed", making it immediately obvious that you are still alive.
 +
* Try to not always use the same disguise. For example, if an enemy player always sees you disguised as a Pyro, they will soon begin to Spy-check any Pyros they come across.
 +
* You can switch your disguised weapon by pressing the 'Last Disguise Used' button (default key {{Key|B}}). This will change the weapon that your enemies see based on what you are currently holding. Use this to your advantage by using weapons that are appropriate to your location — a melee weapon may be more appropriate for a class like the Sniper in a compact, enclosed space.
 +
** Pressing the Last Disguise Used button while holding your Revolver will change your disguise's weapon to its Primary slot. The Sapper will change it to its Secondary, and your Knife to its Melee weapon.
 +
** Note that weapon switching looks identical to the class switching weapons normally. It may help you blend in around the enemy.
 +
** Your disguise is unable to hold the [[Disguise Kit]] or [[Sapper]].
 +
** By disguising as an enemy Medic and switching to their secondary weapon, a Spy can check if the enemy Medic is using the [[Kritzkrieg]], [[Medi Gun]], [[Quick-Fix]], or [[Vaccinator]]. This is especially useful during Setup time.
 +
*** While not as essential as checking an enemy Medic's Medi Gun, one can also do this to other classes in order to predict their play style.
  
*A Spy can give out a fake reloading animation by shooting a few times from the Revolver, then using the last disguise button to change the disguise weapon to secondary or primary. After managing all that, switching to your Revolver and then hitting {{Key|R}} will give give out fake reloading animations and will keep going even if you cancel the actual reload by changing weapons.
+
* Your disguise health will mimic that of the player you are disguised as at the time you applied the disguise. You can increase your disguise health through a variety of methods, including being healed by a Medic, standing near the [[Payload#Carts|Payload cart]] or an enemy [[Dispenser]], or picking up a [[Health|Health kit]]. Be aware that if you are disguised, you will always pick up Health kits, even if you are at full health. Use your disguise to steal Health packs from the enemy!
  
*When you are disguised, your disguise will wear the same equipment as your target. For example, if you are disguised as an Engineer wearing the [[Hotrod]], you will also appear to be wearing the Hotrod. Beware because if you draw your Electro Sapper out, this can expose you to Pyros and other classes as the Hotrod will flip down.
+
* You can fake-reload the weapon you're holding while disguised if you shoot with the Revolver, disguise with a Primary or Secondary weapon, and then reload (default key {{Key|R}}). This may allow you to avoid suspicion in the middle of a firefight.
 +
** However, when holding a weapon that cannot reload, such as the [[Minigun]], attempting to fake-reload will still produce an animation. This may alert suspicious enemies.
  
*By disguising as an enemy Medic and switching to their secondary weapon, a Spy can check if the enemy Medic is using the [[Kritzkrieg]], [[Medi Gun]], or [[Quick-Fix]].
+
* When you are disguised, you will wear the same equipment as your disguise - including [[cosmetic items]].
 +
** This gives more reason to avoid enemies that you disguise as — they may recognize their own equipment, if not their name.
 +
** Some cosmetics, such as the [[Hotrod]], will carry effects that it normally has on you. That is, the Hotrod will flip down over an Engineer's face if he is holding blueprints or carrying a building. Your disguise will flip the Hotrod over your face if you pull out the Sapper, which can be used to detect you.
  
*When disguised, Spies can see enemy names and health. This can be used when planning on whom to kill or to predict where an enemy will go (an injured enemy is more likely to go toward a Health kit). Spies can also see any enemy Engineer building's stats, including the health and upgrade status.
+
* If you know an enemy Spy is in your base, disguise as a friendly [[Pyro]]. The Spy may reconsider his attack and flee, enabling an easy backstab if you are within range or allowing you the first shot if they are at medium range. You can also chase the enemy Spy into a group of your teammates or out of your base.
  
* Try using the Revolver instead of going for a backstab against a target with very low health. The ability to keep at a distance will allow you to score an easy kill without (completely) blowing your cover. If this is against a high threat target (Pyros, Demomen, Scouts, anything that can kill you quickly once they know you're there), all the better for your next backstab run!
+
* It is worthwhile to disguise in most circumstances as one of the faster classes, such as a Pyro, Medic, Sniper, or Engineer. While each class can be used as a disguise in certain situations, be wary in general of slower classes which are less mobile.
  
* The moment you lose your disguise, you won't be able to see the name and health display until you re-disguise.
+
* In certain situations, you can disguise as a dangerous class on your team such as a Pyro or Heavy in an attempt to scare off attackers. This usually never works but it doesn't hurt to try!
  
* You can also see the Medic's ÜberCharge/Kritzkrieg charge status! While it's always been somewhat obvious when a Medic is at 100% charge, it does help prioritize targets when that enemy Medic is at 80+% charge!
+
* If there is an enemy that tends to exhibit odd behavior, such as excessive jumping, try to do the same if you're disguised as them to better sell your act.
  
*Try to single out the better enemy players for assassination. Sometimes you can stop a push in its tracks by killing the good player acting as its mainspring.
+
=== Cloaking ===
 +
* If you know an enemy has seen you {{botignore|cloak}}, head in one direction while you are partially visible, and when you are fully invisible, change your path to trick your pursuer into going the wrong way. Use props and elevation to your advantage to make yourself harder to track.
  
*More deviously, if the teams are uneven and the next player killed is due to be rebalanced to your side, sometimes you will be in a position to "headhunt" a good player to your cause.
+
* Always have a plan before decloaking, as it takes 2 seconds before you can attack or use the [[Sapper]].
  
*If you know of an enemy Spy in your base, disguise as a [[Pyro]] from your own team. Most Spies will turn and flee, allowing for an easy backstab. If they run away facing you, either chase them out of your base or into a group of teammates.
+
* When using the [[Invisibility Watch]], you have about 9 seconds (13 seconds if you are using the [[L'Etranger]]) of full cloaking (unless you find an ammo pickup), and recharging from an empty Cloak takes 30 seconds. Keep this in mind when penetrating and hiding in the enemy base.
 +
** Memorizing ammo spawns and shortcuts will make your Cloak much more effective.
 +
** You can also use Dispensers to recharge your Cloak, including enemy Dispensers if you are disguised as an enemy.
 +
*** Level 1 Dispensers will maintain your level of {{botignore|cloak}} with the Invisibility Watch.
 +
*** Level 2 Dispensers will recharge your Cloak with the Invisibility Watch.
 +
*** Level 3 Dispensers will recharge the Invisibility Watch.
 +
*** The [[Payload#Carts|Payload cart]] will not refill your {{botignore|cloak}} meter '''while cloaked'''.
  
*Try to trick enemy Medics into using their [[ÜberCharge]] on you, thus allowing you to waste their charge. The easiest way of achieving this is to wait for the Medic to gain an ÜberCharge. If his healing target dies, disguise as a target that a Medic would normally ÜberCharge (Pyro, Demoman, Heavy). If the Medic is alone, he may panic and look for any potential healing target. When he starts to heal you, simply walk to whatever your team is defending and tell your Medic to hit his ÜberCharge. When the charge is active, stand still in order to waste the charge.
+
* Use blind spots (areas where the player's view is cut off, normally a corner or other 90-degree angle) to recharge your [[Cloak]] if you are not using the [[Cloak and Dagger]]. An example of this is on [[2Fort]] in the corner just inside the enemy fort entrance. Most people will run past this area without even looking in the corner, allowing you to recharge your Cloak or surprise a group heading out towards the bridge or sewers.
  
*Be wary on servers with ''sv_alltalk'' set to '1' as your voice bubble is visible to enemies even if cloaked. Most servers with "alltalk" on allow players to individually turn it off (usually by saying "/voiceall", but it varies); be sure to do this before changing to Spy. If you can't, use the [[Cloak and Dagger]] and stick to team chat.
+
* If possible, cloak while surveying an area. Disguises are not always reliable, as [[Spy checking]] is a common practice.
  
*When approaching a group of enemies, a good tactic is to run backwards. This is difficult as you are unable to see where you are going, however, facing away from the enemy will make you look less likely to be a threat and has saved many a Spy's life in situations when his watches were depleted.
+
*With the [[Cloak and Dagger]], find small nooks or other obscured places near doorways. You can either sit and wait for your Cloak to fill before continuing on into the enemy base, or you can wait for a target to exit or enter the building.
  
*If you are being pursued by an enemy and want to make a quick escape, a great tactic is to let the enemy see you round a corner. Right as you begin to round the corner though (allowing the enemy see you going in that direction), activate the Invisibility Watch and quickly turn back around and run towards and around the enemy. This illusion makes the enemy believe you are still running in the direction you chose (Example: to the right and down the hall) and will pursue into that area trying to find you. However, in reality, you turned and ran right at/past them and are long gone.
+
* If you know you will die to an [[Ubersaw]], try to disguise to deny the Medic extra Über. Note that you can still feed Über to the enemy Medic if you are cloaked or not fully disguised. Common in competitive play, another way is to [[bind]] a key to kill yourself and deny enemy Medics additional Über.
  
*When disguised as an attacking class, it is recommended that you walk backwards into the enemy base because the enemy will think that you are retreating from battle and won't Spy check you. Using voice commands like 'Help!', 'Incoming!', or giving out fake reloading animations will increase the deceit. Mind it that you do this in open areas and not in narrow corridors as you can bump other attackers while you're backpedaling. It is advised to run diagonally and constantly check your back to avoid any confrontation.
+
*The ability to be completely invisible means you can help to warn your teammates of incoming enemy movement and pushes, such as an ÜberCharge. This lets them prepare for the assault.
 
 
*If you are disguised (or forced into one due to Your Eternal Reward) as a slow class such as the Heavy, it may be helpful to quickly stab with your Knife just before approaching someone from the back. This will give you an immediate speed boost, and by doing it as late as possible you reduce your chances of being spotted by an enemy teammate before you can backstab.
 
 
 
*Be wary of players who are defending an area that doesn't give them much action, such as a Pyro in an area with effective Sentry Guns, as they will be more likely to know the whole structure of their team since they are not doing anything else in battle. If they know that the Demoman is in battle, coming in as that same Demoman will immediately raise a red flag in their mind that you might be a Spy. If they have more things to do, they will most likely not notice any inconsistency that comes up around your disguise.
 
 
 
*If possible, take note of the Spy checking habits of the enemy team. If the Pyro shoots fire on everybody that passes through, you might want to avoid any area the Pyro is in. If you have an Engineer that smacks everybody on the head as welcome, adjust your plans to take that into consideration. You may need to die in order to register the patterns.
 
 
 
*The Spy's entire theme is deception and misinformation. One way to manifest this in actual gameplay is to switch up your loadouts constantly, especially your watch. Smart players will try to memorize enemy equipment, so feed them constantly changing information to throw them off their mental game. Or, to be particularly nasty, wait for them to become used to your equipment, then change them completely.
 
  
 
== Weapon specifics ==
 
== Weapon specifics ==
===Primary weapons===
+
=== Secondary weapons ===
====[[Revolver]]/[[Big Kill]]====
+
==== [[Revolver]] + [[reskins]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
Line 164: Line 184:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! {{Table icon|Revolver|Stock}}
 
! {{Table icon|Revolver|Stock}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Revolver}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Revolver}}
| rowspan="2" |6
+
| rowspan="2" | 6
| rowspan="2" |24
+
| rowspan="2" | 24
| rowspan="2" |55-60
+
| rowspan="2" | 55-60
| rowspan="2" |35-45
+
| rowspan="2" | 35-45
| rowspan="2" |16-25
+
| rowspan="2" | 16-25
| rowspan="2" |120
+
| rowspan="2" | 120
 
|-
 
|-
 
! {{Table icon|Big Kill|Promotional}}
 
! {{Table icon|Big Kill|Promotional}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Big Kill}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Big Kill}}
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The Revolver is the Spy's primary weapon. While not as useful as the Knife, it is still an integral part of the Spy's arsenal. A critical hit with this weapon does 120 damage, enough to kill all damaged classes with low default HP levels like the [[Scout]], [[Sniper]], [[Spy]], and [[Engineer]]. It is also moderately accurate, enabling a skilled Spy to use it for medium-range sniping. It also has a very fast reload time.
+
* The Revolver is the Spy's secondary weapon. While not as powerful as the Knife's backstabbing capabilities, it is still an integral part of the Spy's arsenal. It is moderately accurate and has a fast reload time.
 
 
*Use the Revolver for killing low-health classes when backstabs are not easy or possible (example, if a Sniper has their back against a wall). Additionally, it is a good getaway weapon; if you are being pursued by a Pyro, for instance, the Revolver is powerful enough at short range to take the Pyro down with 4-6 direct shots (fewer, if one of the shots is a critical hit).  
 
  
*The Revolver makes an excellent defense against Scouts. Scouts will often rush uncloaked Spies, trying to get an easy kill. The Revolver can usually take them down before they get within optimal range.
+
* Use the Revolver for killing low-health classes and when backstabs are not easy or possible due to the location of the enemy. It's also viable when you are being chased; 6 medium-range shots will take down most classes.
  
*A good scenario for using the Revolver is to sap a lone building and shoot the Engineer who comes to save his building. (If the Spy can land 3-4 solid hits on the Engineer, the Engineer will die). The Spy can also shoot the sapped building to speed up the demolition process, but patches have made this less effective. This strategy is fairly effective against Teleporters, which can be destroyed in 4 shots if sapped – usually faster than the Engineer can remove the Electro Sapper from the other end.
+
* Due to the Scout's quick movement, it can be better to shoot Scouts rather than try to stab them.
  
*Another good use for the Revolver is as a getaway weapon as the Knife is both short ranged and will do very little damage if you cannot backstab.
+
* Use the Revolver against Snipers who use the [[Razorback]]. While the Ambassador can deal critical damage on a Headshot, the Revolver is also a good option because of its fast rate of fire. It is also better against [[Huntsman]]-wielding Snipers, as they tend to move around more.
  
*The Revolver can also be used to prevent Engineers from setting up buildings without having to get close enough to sap. Buildings can be destroyed with one or two shots if you shoot them right after they are placed, and because buildings are large, unmoving targets and the Revolver is quite accurate, the Spy can destroy them from far away so that the Engineer will be less likely to find him (firing from above the building's position works well).
+
* Use the Revolver in conjunction with the Sapper. Sap an Engineer's Sentry Gun, and when he returns to repair it, shoot him. 3 to 4 hits will kill him, after which you can shoot his buildings if necessary.
 +
** If the Engineer has just begun building his Sentry Gun, Dispenser, or Teleporter, 1 to 2 shots will take it down — use the Revolver instead of the Sapper for long-range destruction. This will help prevent you from being discovered as well.
 +
** Alternatively, the Revolver has the best damage output against buildings of all Spy secondaries; let chaos ensue on a paranoid Engineer or Sentry nest with a mass sap strategy. Use your Revolver to take his buildings out before he knows what hit him.
  
*Remember that the Revolver is always 100% accurate (as accurate as the [[Sniper Rifle]] bullet) when putting a delay of 1.25 seconds between shots (an accurate wait time is to hold down reload while firing the first shot, let the reload play, and when your ammo count goes back up to 6, fire again for another 100% accurate shot, or simply waiting for the auto-reload animation to nearly finish if you have it activated.) Use this to snipe buildings from far away, pick off wounded enemies, or to weaken far away enemies from a distance. Every long-ranged shot from the Revolver deals about 20 damage to players, though it (as well as all other weapons) will deal full damage to buildings.
+
* Remember that the Revolver is 100% accurate if you allow 1.25 seconds between shots (approximately how long it takes to reload your Revolver). Use this to pick off wounded enemies or to snipe buildings from a distance. Long-range shots, despite only doing about 20 damage to players, will deal full damage to buildings.
  
*Although the Ambassador is especially effective against the Razorback (see below section regarding the Ambassador), the Revolver will do just as well because of its faster fire rate. The Spy can fire 3 shots into the Sniper dealing 50+ each at close range before they can even unscope and hit you. Also, this is more effective than the Ambassador with Huntsman Snipers due to the fact that they usually don't stand still.
+
* When navigating narrow corridors, keep your Revolver out. If they are fooled by your disguise, run by them and backstab them. If they begin to attack you, begin to backpedal while side-strafing and shooting them.
  
*When moving down long narrow corridors (the sewers on 2Fort), it is best to keep the Revolver out. If you see an incoming enemy from the other end of the corridor, you have the option of getting up close and personal with them (if they are fooled by your disguise or you are cloaked) or having your Revolver at the ready to pump a few shots into them while backpedaling. The narrow corridors are ideal for your aim as there is not much space for your enemy to strafe.
+
* This is an invaluable weapon against Pyros, as it allows you to keep your distance from their flames as you back away and weaken them with each shot. Be aware that walking backward incurs a 10% speed penalty (and you and the Pyro are normally matched in speed) and flame particles have a slightly deceptively larger range than what the game's visual effects might indicate.
  
==== [[Ambassador]] ====
+
==== [[Ambassador]] + reskins ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
Line 209: Line 230:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Ambassador|Unlock}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Ambassador|Unlock}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Ambassador}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Ambassador}}
| 6
+
| rowspan="2" | 6
| 24
+
| rowspan="2" | 24
| 46-56
+
| rowspan="2" | 46-56
| 31-37
+
| rowspan="2" | 31-37
| 15-19
+
| rowspan="2" | 18-19
| 102
+
| rowspan="2" | 54-102
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sniperriflehs}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sniperriflehs}}
 
| 6
 
| 24
 
| 102
 
| 102
 
| 102
 
| 102
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The Ambassador is one of the Spy's unlocks for the [[Revolver]]. Its headshots can be very useful, especially against distracted foes. If caught unaware, two headshots will prove lethal for any class aside from the [[Heavy]] (discounting [[overheal]]ing or increased maximum health bonuses).
+
* The Ambassador deals [[Critical hits]] damage upon a headshot. However, it deals 15% less damage, does not apply random Critical hits, the Critical hits and Mini-Crit damage are affected by distance falloff, and fires at a slower rate than the stock Revolver.
 
+
** The Ambassador will only headshot if the crosshair is at its smallest size. Allow just under one second in between shots to ensure your ability to headshot.
*The Ambassador can also be used to "snipe" Engineer buildings from a distance, similar to the Revolver, as an alternative to sapping. Remember, if an Engineer is working on the building, shooting the Engineer first is preferable.
+
** The Critical hits and Mini-Crit will deal normal damage after a range of 1200 HU, greatly reducing the effectiveness of long-range sniping. Close the distance between you and the enemy first.
  
*With good aim, the Ambassador can be deadly against a [[Scout]]. If you manage to headshot him at close quarters, he will only have 23 health left (8 with the [[Sandman]], 48 with [[The Special Delivery]] set's health bonus), therefore you can finish him off with a single slash of the [[Knife]] or another shot (as he may flee in search of [[health]]).
+
* Aim carefully. A well placed headshot against a pursuing enemy with low health could mean the difference between life and death.
  
*The Ambassador makes the Razorback almost entirely useless; assuming that the [[Sniper]] is not overhealed, a single headshot followed by a regular shot – which can be fired faster than the Sniper is able to react – is enough to kill him.
+
* The Ambassador can also be used to destroy Engineer buildings from a distance, similar to the Revolver, as an alternative to sapping. Remember, if an Engineer is repairing the building, killing the Engineer first is preferable.
 +
** Landing a headshot on the Engineer may lead him to run away to find a source of [[Health]]. Use the time that he is away to destroy his buildings.
 +
*** Check if he has a Dispenser nearby, then pick him off while he regenerates health and sap the other buildings.
 +
** If you are good with your aim, you can often pick off all the Engineers in a nest. Usually, if they hide behind their Sentry Guns, you can shoot the Sentry Gun, forcing them to repair it until they run out of metal, which usually prompts them to run to get more, exposing their head. However, they may simply produce more from their [[Dispenser]]. You can run out of ammo and will be vulnerable to enemies.
  
*If you see an enemy Sniper wearing [[The Croc-o-Style Kit]], and he could be finished off with a headshot, try to kill him with consecutive bodyshots or the Knife. His immunity to headshot-based death will save him (albeit with 1 HP).
+
* With good aim, the Ambassador can be deadly against a [[Scout]]. If you manage to headshot him at close quarters, he will only have 23 health left (or 8 with the [[Sandman]] equipped); therefore, you can finish him off with a single attack of the [[Knife]] or another shot, depending on your range.
 +
** This strategy can be used on Snipers, Engineers, and other Spies because they start off with as much health as a Scout, 125; be careful, though, as these values can vary. An Engineer with a Gunslinger or a Spy with a Dead Ringer will be as difficult to kill as most other classes such as the Soldier or Heavy.
  
*The ability to see enemy health is invaluable when equipped with the Ambassador. When it drops below half of its base value, the health meter is shown in red. Against all classes, except the Heavy, this means a guaranteed kill upon a headshot.
+
* Razorback Snipers have resistance against backstabs, but not against bullets. Take the time to headshot enemy Razorback Snipers. A single headshot followed by a simple body shot — which can be fired faster than the Sniper is able to react — is enough to kill him.
  
*When using the Ambassador, be sure to allow the reticule to shrink back to its smallest size in order to guarantee a critical headshot.
+
* The ability to see enemy health is invaluable when equipped with the Ambassador. When it drops below half of its base value, the health meter is shown in red. Against all classes except the Heavy, this means a guaranteed kill upon a close-range headshot.
  
*If you get busted (say a lone Sniper) and miss the backstab, but you hit him with the Knife, simply switch to the Ambassador and shoot him in the head to get a kill.
+
* If you miss a backstab on a low-health class (but still get a hit), switch to the Ambassador. A headshot will likely finish off the enemy.
  
 
==== [[L'Etranger]] ====
 
==== [[L'Etranger]] ====
Line 264: Line 284:
 
| 15-18
 
| 15-18
 
| 96
 
| 96
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
*L'Etranger converts firepower into potential fleeing power. It allows the crafty Spy to turn scenarios where scoring a kill with the Revolver or Ambassador is too difficult into more Cloak and the ability to run away for more backstab opportunities.
+
* L'Etranger deals 20% less damage compared with the stock Revolver. However, it fills the "Cloak" meter by 15% on each successful hit, and the Cloak duration is increased by 40%.
 
 
:* L'Etranger has a very distinctive "crack" sound when fired, which will alert nearby enemies to your presence and the class you're playing.
 
  
*The +15% Cloak per hit is applied regardless of the amount of damage you do to the opponent or your distance from him. A clever Spy can use the fact that hitscan bullet weapons are 100% accurate after 1.25 seconds of holding fire (like the Revolver and Ambassador) to recharge his Cloak safely from a distance.
+
* L'Etranger converts firepower into potential fleeing power. It allows you to turn scenarios where scoring a kill with the Revolver or Ambassador is too difficult into the ability to run away — and save your life.
 +
** Be aware that L'Etranger has a very distinctive "crack" sound when fired, which will alert nearby enemies to your presence.
  
:* A great way to prevent players on the frontlines knowing that they are being hit or hearing the L'Etranger's unique crack sound is to hit players that are already being shot at. They will most likely not notice the second source of shots hitting them. Just remember to be in a good hidden position, have good distance from the fight, and keeping the amount of assists scored minimal or players will get suspicious. Don't get too greedy either; three shots is more than enough as it gives almost half your Cloak back.
+
* The increased Cloak duration gives more breathing room when you want to get behind enemy lines.
 +
** When equipped in conjunction with the Invis Watch, the duration of time spent fully invisible is increased from 9 seconds to 13.
 +
** In addition, the Cloak duration of both the Dead Ringer and the Cloak and Dagger (while running) is increased to 9 seconds, making them equivalent to using the Invis Watch without L'Etranger.
  
*Keep in mind that both the Invisibility Watch and Dead Ringer's Cloak timers can be replenished by picking up Ammo packs/fallen weapons or standing next to a friendly or enemy Dispenser. Don't use L'Etranger if you know you can recharge your Cloak quickly.
+
* The +15% Cloak per hit is applied regardless of the amount of damage you do to the opponent or your distance from him. Remember that L'Etranger is 100% accurate 1.25 seconds after shooting. Use it to recharge your Cloak safely from a distance.
 +
** Keep in mind that the Invis Watch's timer can still be replenished by picking up Ammo boxes and building debris or standing next to a Dispenser.
 +
** As the Cloak and Dagger and the Dead Ringer are either not recharged by sources of ammo whilst invisible or not recharged by ammo sources at all, L'Etranger can be very effective when used with these watches.
 +
** Nonetheless, always be aware of your surroundings when using L'Etranger. It is not recommended for you to try and regain Cloak via L'Etranger if there are many enemies around with no allies. In a case like this, it is better to hide instead.
  
*As the Cloak and Dagger is not recharged by sources of ammo, L'Etranger can be very useful in providing another source of Cloak.
+
* Remember that L'Etranger does less damage than any other secondary weapons. If you need more firepower, consider switching to other secondary weapons.
 +
** L'Etranger also does less damage to buildings, making a Sap-n-Shoot technique harder.
  
:* However, there are times when waiting to recharge your Cloak is better than using the L'Etranger. Standing in an open field with hardly any enemies around would be better left to the Cloak recharge, while being near a frontline firefight gives an opportunity to get one or two L'Etranger shots in.
+
* While the bonus cloak duration is negated by the Dead Ringer's -50% cloak meter when Feign Death is activated, L'Etranger can be used effectively with it. Be aware that once players realize that both items are being used, they will likely Spy check around your fake corpse and try to make sure that you are actually dead.
  
*L'Etranger does considerably less damage than the Revolver and slightly less damage per shot compared to the Ambassador. L'Etranger does not suffer from the slower firing time of the Ambassador though. If you are consistently hampered by Scouts or looking to take out Razorback-protected Snipers, you may want to consider using the Revolver or Ambassador over L'Etranger. The damage reduction of L'Etranger also applies to buildings, making any sap, stab and/or shoot techniques a little more tricky to do.
+
* Positioning is key as Spy, and when using L'Etranger is no exception; when shooting from a relatively hidden position, you are less likely to be found while regaining your Cloak.
  
*L'Etranger can be used along with the Dead Ringer as another source to refill the Cloak quickly, however, be forewarned that when players realize both items are being used, they will Spy check around your corpse to make sure you are truly dead. Be careful not to use the gun too much in direct confrontation or players will double-check no matter how convincing the death was and waste the Cloak that you earned.
+
==== [[Enforcer]] ====
 
 
*Remember that some players check their back to watch for backstabs, especially those in large groups or near gameplay objectives. Having an elevated position or being at their side are better positions than being behind them for not getting caught using L'Etranger.
 
 
 
==== [[Enforcer]]====
 
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
Line 301: Line 323:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! {{Table icon|Enforcer|Craft}}
 
! {{Table icon|Enforcer|Craft}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Enforcer}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Enforcer}}
 
| 6
 
| 6
 
| 24
 
| 24
| 70-72
+
| {{tooltip|55-60|While undisguised}} / {{tooltip|70-72|While disguised}}
| 41-55
+
| {{tooltip|35-45|While undisguised}} / {{tooltip|41-55|While disguised}}
| 24-26
+
| {{tooltip|16-25|While undisguised}} / {{tooltip|24-26|While disguised}}
| 144
+
| {{tooltip|120|While undisguised}} / {{tooltip|144|While disguised}}
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
* The Enforcer is a [[Revolver]] replacement that trades stealth for extra firepower, effectively serving as the polar opposite to [[L'Etranger]]. In exchange for a bonus 20% base damage inflicted, the Spy takes 0.5 seconds longer to drop in or out of Cloak.
+
* The Enforcer deals 20% damage bonus while disguised (i.e. the initial shot that breaks your disguise will deal 20% extra damage) and full damage resistance piercing (from the [[Vaccinator]], but obviously not from any sort of full invulnerability, for example). In exchange, the Enforcer fires 20% slower, and cannot deal random Critical hits.
* While 0.5 seconds may sound insignificant, it is in fact approximately a 42% increase in Cloak time for the [[Invisibility Watch]]/[[Enthusiast's Timepiece]] and [[Cloak and Dagger]].
 
* The Enforcer is a wise choice when using the [[Dead Ringer]] as the Cloak time penalty does not affect the watch's instant Cloak when feigning death.
 
* The Cloak penalty can also be easily countered by using cover when cloaking. As long as you're not already in open conflict when cloaking, the penalty can be almost completely ignored.
 
* The Enforcer allows you to take out a [[Razorback]]-wielding [[Sniper]] or kill low health classes in 2 shots at point-blank range. This way you can kill Razorback Snipers easily without the use of the [[Ambassador]] or kill an Engineer rushing back to the [[Sentry Gun]] which you just sapped.
 
* The Enforcer will destroy any [[Engineer]] buildings faster than the [[Revolver]], taking 5 shots for a Level 3 [[Sentry Gun]]. You can use this to take down enemy buildings faster, by sapping them and then shooting at them while they're disarmed. However, this will blow your disguise.
 
* A critical hit with the Enforcer can kill most of the lower health classes with one shot.
 
  
====[[Diamondback]]====
+
* The Enforcer allows you to kill low health classes in 2-3 shots at point-blank range. Therefore, you can kill Razorback Snipers or Engineers trying to remove a Sapper easily.
 +
 
 +
* A critical shot from this weapon can kill a light health class in 1 shot if the user is disguised when the shot was fired and drop many other classes on critically low health, allowing them to be killed in possibly another shot.
 +
 
 +
* The reduced firing speed allows for more time to aim shots, potentially making the difference between a hit or a miss.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Diamondback]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
Line 340: Line 363:
 
| 14-21
 
| 14-21
 
| 102
 
| 102
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
* The Diamondback has the ability to store [[Critical hits]] when your Sappers are involved in the destruction of enemy buildings, as well as when you backstab an enemy. Each destruction or assist involving your Sapper or successfully backstabbing an enemy will give the Diamondback one guaranteed Critical hit. However, the Diamondback deals 15% less damage and cannot roll for random Critical hits.
 +
 +
* Consider using the Diamondback if the enemy team has several Engineers. When you have several Crits, you can drop any non-[[overheal]]ed class in 3 shots while ignoring [[Damage#Distance modifier|damage falloff]] and being able to sneak around, thus becoming a major threat.
 +
 +
* You can use the Diamondback's rather loud firing to lure enemies into a backstab trap.
 +
 +
* Even if you lack Crits, the Diamondback is still a relatively viable weapon. It does the same amount of damage as the Ambassador, but with no firing speed penalty.
 +
 +
* The Diamondback is 100% accurate if you allow 1.25 seconds between shots. When combined with the Crit boost, the 100% accurate bullets can effectively snipe enemies at long range. Most enemies will die in 2 to 3 shots.
 +
 +
* Enemy Engineers with the Gunslinger are great for racking up Crits to use, as they will rarely attempt to remove a Sapper from a Mini-Sentry.
 +
 +
* Like the [[Ambassador]], the Diamondback also allows you to pick off Engineers from long range, and then sap their Sentry Guns after getting up close. This can be extremely useful for lone or exposed Engineers who are too vigilant for a stab-and-sap.
 +
 +
* The Diamondback is useful for taking out a Medic who is pocketing a player. Run up and backstab the patient, then quickly turn around and use the Crit just gained to quickly kill the Medic with a few shots. An unprepared Medic will be surprised and will not take out his Syringe Gun until it's too late.
 +
 +
=== Building slot ===
 +
==== {{anchor|Sapper}} [[Sapper]] + reskins ====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan="2" | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan="2" | Kill icon
 +
! class="header" width="17%" colspan="2" | Ammo
 +
! class="header" width="7%" rowspan="2" | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan="5" | Building destroy time
 +
|-
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Loaded
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Carried
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Downgrade
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Level 1
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Level 2
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Level 3
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Combat Mini-Sentry Gun
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Sapper|Stock}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sapper}}
 +
| rowspan="3" | 1
 +
| rowspan="3" | ∞
 +
| rowspan="3" | 25 / seconds
 +
| rowspan="3" | N/A
 +
| rowspan="3" | 6.00 seconds
 +
| rowspan="3" | 7.20 seconds
 +
| rowspan="3" | 8.64 seconds
 +
| rowspan="3" | 4.00 seconds
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Ap-Sap|Promotional}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Ap-Sap}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Snack Attack|Uncrate}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Snack Attack}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The Diamondback is a promotional weapon for the Spy. It does less damage per-shot than the Revolver, but has the ability to store up critical hits (rather like the [[Frontier Justice]]) when your Sappers are involved in the destruction of enemy buildings. Each kill or assist involving one of your Sappers will give the Diamondback one single automatic critical hit. It is incapable of causing critical hits randomly.
+
* The Sapper is a tool used to take down an Engineer's [[building]]s. You have an unlimited supply of Sappers, and there is no "reload" delay between placing them. A Spy can continuously sap a building until it has been destroyed even if an Engineer is repairing it, since as soon as the Engineer knocks off a Sapper, a new one immediately replaces it. Sappers still do damage during the two Wrench hits it takes to remove them.
  
*Once it has a few crits in it, the Diamondback is exceptionally powerful, dropping any class that isn't overhealed in three shots and making the Spy a surprisingly large threat in a given combat situation. Because you actually need to obtain crits to get the most out of it, it is best used on maps where the enemy is making heavy use of Sentry Guns - and a very bad choice of weapon if they are not since the Diamondback has no real upsides without those crits.
+
* Holding {{Key|MOUSE1}} when approaching a building will place the Sapper as soon as you are in range. This also allows you to replace a Sapper immediately after an Engineer removes it.
  
*The Diamondback is extremely loud. Anyone remotely nearby will be able to hear the weapon's report and know what weapon is being firing immediately. This can work for you, however, its report is so loud that it can be used to try to bait enemies to go after you, allowing you to easier locate a straggler to eliminate with a backstab. You would be amazed how many players will hesitate if they know a Spy is around the area.
+
* In many instances, you can sap a building from well below or above it, allowing you to confuse its Engineer. This can also allow you to more safely retreat from the Engineer's nest if your sabotage efforts are interrupted.
  
*The Diamondback excels at dealing with Engineer nests. If you can secure even one critical hit with an Electro Sapper, a single shot will take over 80% of the Engineer's health in a single shot, functionally guaranteeing a kill with a follow-up shot. Because of this, it generally does well on Payload and Capture the Flag maps where Sentry presence is virtually guaranteed.
+
* The [[Homewrecker]] and [[Neon Annihilator]] allows [[Pyro]]s to remove Sappers from Engineer buildings. This, combined with their [[Flame Thrower]]'s [[Spy checking]] ability, will make your job much harder. Therefore, it is strongly advised to either eliminate these Pyros before attempting to sap any buildings or to avoid them completely if possible.
  
*If you lack crits, the Diamondback can still function as a holdout weapon; it does more damage than L'Etranger, meaning it is a little better than it is in terms of damage even without any crits stored it.
+
* When sneaking up on an Engineer who is using the [[Wrangler]], stab first and then sap. Killing the Engineer will cause his Sentry Gun to become disabled for three seconds, which will be enough time to place a Sapper.
  
*A clever Spy can "milk" crits from an unaware Engineer by allowing him to get some buildings up and then sapping the lot of them when the Engineer is away. This method will allow you to obtain additional crits for your Diamondback, but can be difficult to perform more than once without the [[Dead Ringer]] due to the likelihood of the Engineer's teammates coming to assist.
+
* It is possible to stab an Engineer and then quickly sap the Sentry Gun. When attempting this, it is recommended that you circle strafe away from the Sentry Gun's turrets to have more time to sap.
  
*The Diamondback, like all revolvers, is 100% accurate provided you delay 1.25 seconds between shots. This works extremely well with the crit boost, allowing you to reliably put down enemies and buildings at long range due to the raw power of its guaranteed crits; anything shy of a [[Heavy]] or Level 3 Sentry will go down in 2 shots (and barring overheals/an Engineer, the latter will go down in three).
+
* If an Engineer has his Wrench out and you sap his building, he most likely will attempt to repair the Sentry first instead of trying to kill you. Since it takes two hits to knock the Sapper off, this gives you a window of opportunity to stab him. This can be easier than the stab and sap method because you don't have to account for which way the Sentry is facing and circle-strafing the opposite way.
  
===Secondary weapons===
+
* When dealing with Teleporters, it may be ideal to forgo the Sapper and use your Revolver. If the Engineer is not near either end, it will attract less attention if you destroy one end, as the Engineer will not automatically know a Spy was the culprit. Additionally, you can combine both to ensure one end is destroyed, while the Sapper encourages the Engineer to leave his other buildings unprotected.
==== [[Electro Sapper]] ====
+
** Sapping a teleporter entrance can force Engineers to remove the Sapper on the exit. If they are partially standing on the teleporter exit while doing so, they can be [[telefrag]]ged by standing on the entrance and waiting for the Sapper to be destroyed. This only works if nobody sees the Sapper being placed and if the Engineer is not cautious. If the exit leads to a small or crowded room, it is more likely to work. Telefrags do not produce distinctive killfeeds, noises, or visuals.
 +
 
 +
* The [[Ap-Sap]]'s "eye" opens more the closer you are to a building, thus allowing you to find nearby enemy buildings.
 +
 
 +
*Although the Sapper can disable and destroy Engineer buildings, keep in mind that both the Sapper and damage done can be undone with just a couple of Wrench hits. Coordinate your Sap with your team; Sap the buildings, then get your team to move in and help finish your work. If possible, use voice chat for better communication.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Red-Tape Recorder]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
+
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan="2" | Weapon
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
+
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan="2" | Kill icon
! class="header" width="17%" colspan=2 | Ammo
+
! class="header" width="17%" colspan="2" | Ammo
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
+
! class="header" width="7%" rowspan="2" | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="40%" colspan="5" | Building destroy time
 
|-
 
|-
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Loaded
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Carried
! class="header" width="13%"| Point blank
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Downgrade
! class="header" width="13%"| Medium range
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Level 1
! class="header" width="13%"| Long range
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Level 2
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Level 3
 +
! class="header" width="8%" | Combat Mini-Sentry Gun
 
|-
 
|-
! {{Table icon|Electro Sapper|Stock}}
+
! {{Table icon|Red-Tape Recorder|Unique}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Electro Sapper}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Red-Tape Recorder}}
 
| 1
 
| 1
 
| ∞
 
| ∞
 
| N/A
 
| N/A
| N/A
+
| 3.4 seconds
| N/A
+
| 10.7 seconds
| N/A
+
| 21.4 seconds
 +
| 21.4 seconds
 +
| 10.5 seconds
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The Electro Sapper is a tool used to take down an [[Building|Engineer's buildings]]. There is an unlimited supply of these Sappers, and there is no "reload" delay between placing them. A Spy can continuously sap a building until it has been destroyed even if an Engineer is repairing it since as soon as the Engineer knocks off an Electro Sapper, a new one immediately replaces it – and Sappers still do damage during the two Wrench hits it takes to remove them.
+
* Rather than damage buildings, the Red-Tape Recorder causes them to go through the building process in reverse. Upgrade levels are removed and the building eventually unbuilds, leaving a collectible toolbox in its place.
  
*Holding {{Key|MOUSE1}} when approaching a building will place the Electro Sapper as soon as you are in range. This tactic also allows you to replace an Electro Sapper immediately after an Engineer removes it.
+
* The rate of damage is based on the time taken to construct the building. As such, Sentry Guns go down faster than Dispensers and Teleporters.
  
*The Electro Sapper has a significant vertical range in addition to its horizontal range. In many instances, you may be able to sap a building from well below or above it, allowing you to confuse its Engineer. This method may also permit you to more safely retreat from the scene of the crime if your sabotage efforts are interrupted.
+
* The toolbox dropped acts as a large ammo pickup, which is very useful for boosting the regular Cloak.
 +
** Even if your Cloak is full and you have plenty of ammo, take the toolbox anyway. If you leave them where they are, an Engineer can use them to rebuild his buildings. If you have max ammo, simply fire your Revolver, reload, and take the toolbox.
  
*The [[Homewrecker]] allows [[Pyro]]s to remove Electro Sappers from Engineer buildings. This, combined with their [[Flamethrower]]'s [[Spy checking]] ability, will make your job much harder. Therefore, it is strongly advised to either eliminate these Pyros before attempting to sap any buildings or to avoid them completely when the opportunity arises.
+
* It takes 3 seconds to degrade one level of a building. This makes the Red-Tape Recorder more useful than the Sapper for entrenched positions where a sapped Sentry Gun can easily be repaired, as upgrading takes longer than repairing.
 +
** Working alone, this is generally less effective than the regular Sapper, as you will most likely only manage to downgrade the buildings rather than destroying them. However, it is possible to convert a highly defended sentry nest into all level one Sentry Guns, allowing your teammates to destroy it far more easily.
  
*When sneaking up on an Engineer who using the [[Wrangler]], stab first and then sap. Killing the Engineer will cause his Sentry Gun to become disabled for three seconds, which will be more than enough time to place an Electro Sapper.
+
* Conversely, the Red-Tape Recorder is worse at destroying buildings outright, as unbuilding takes longer than the Sapper's destruction time. The Red-Tape Recorder can very rapidly remove the first few levels of a building, but takes a very long period of time to completely pack up a building. As of such, it's better to kill the Engineer first before applying the Red-Tape Recorder.
 +
** However, it makes sap-and-stab tactics a little easier. Even if an Engineer manages to remove your Red-Tape Recorder just as he gets backstabbed, the building still will have to complete its upgrade animation before becoming operational again, thus giving a little extra time to re-sap it.
  
*It is possible to stab an Engineer and then quickly sap the Sentry Gun. When attempting this, it is recommended that you circle strafe away from the Sentry to gain more time to sap.
+
* Due to the fact that they only have one level, the Red-Tape Recorder can be surprisingly effective against Mini-Sentry Guns. However, it should be noted that it takes just as long to destroy as with a normal level 1 Sentry Gun.
 +
** It should also be noted that any Engineer removing the Red-Tape Recorder will cause the mini-sentry to return to full health, undoing both Sapper and other damage.
  
*If an Engineer has his Wrench out and you sap his building, he most likely will attempt to repair the Sentry first instead of trying to kill you. Since it take two hits to knock the Electro Sapper off, this gives you a great window of opportunity to stab him. This is easier then the stab and sap method because you don't have to account for which way the Sentry is facing and circle-strafing the opposite way.
+
* If your team has to push, the Red-Tape Recorder can easily downgrade the Engineer’s buildings to inferior levels, and in addition they have to complete their building animation if the Sapper is destroyed mid construction. This allows your team to make an easier push and destroy the Engineer and his buildings more easily.
  
*It also can be rapidly deployed to slowly destroy buildings while the Engineer removes them.
+
* Make sure to sap more than one building, preferably 3; this will cost the Engineer time and metal rebuilding, leaving him vulnerable for assault.
 +
** On the HUD for the Engineer, the Sentry Gun has the biggest icon compared to the others. Sap the sentry first before you sap other buildings. Chances are the Engineer will save the Sentry Gun, due to the fact it costs the most metal to make (unless the Engineer is using the Gunslinger), leaving the other buildings in greater disrepair.
 +
** Engineers with the [[Widowmaker]] or [[Short Circuit]] will likely pay more attention to their Dispenser than their Sentry Gun. As long as multiple buildings are sapped, these Engineers will be more vulnerable than others, due to their weapons consuming metal.
  
*When dealing with Teleporters, it may be ideal to forego the Electro Sapper and use your Revolver. If the Engineer is not near either end, it will attract less attention if you destroy one end as the Engineer will not automatically know a Spy was the culprit. Additionally, you can combine both to ensure one end is destroyed, while the Electro Sapper encourages the Engineer to leave his other buildings unprotected.
+
* Because Gunslinger Engineers rarely attempt to remove Sappers from their Mini-Sentry Guns, the Red-Tape Recorder can be effective against Engineers who frequently place down Mini-Sentry Guns, as a Sapper that takes longer to complete will therefore increase the amount of time the Engineer has to wait before he can place another Mini-Sentry unless he removes your Sapper.
  
===Melee weapons===
+
* Compared to the stock Sapper, the Red-Tape Recorder is generally more suited in causing havoc in entrenched Engineer positions where the stock Sapper’s damage can be quickly repaired and when dealing with Mini-Sentry Guns. Against lone Engineers, the stock Sapper is generally a better choice.
==== [[Knife]]/[[Saxxy]]/[[Sharp Dresser]] ====
+
 
 +
=== Melee weapons ===
 +
==== [[Knife]] + reskins ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
+
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
! class="header" width="16%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
+
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
! class="header" width="50% colspan=4 | Damage
+
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 
|-
 
|-
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
Line 411: Line 505:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Knife|Stock}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Knife|Stock}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Knife}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Knife}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
| rowspan="12" | 0.8 seconds
| 40
+
| rowspan="12" | 40 / {{tooltip|2× victim's current health|Backstab}}
| 120
+
| rowspan="12" | 120 / {{tooltip|6× victim's current health|Backstab}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Saxxy|Promotional}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Saxxy|Promotional}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Saxxy}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Saxxy}}
| 0.8 seconds
 
| 40
 
| 120
 
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Sharp Dresser|Promotional}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Sharp Dresser|Promotional}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sharp Dresser}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sharp Dresser}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
|-
| 40
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sharp Dresser Backstab}}
| 120
+
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Black Rose|Promotional}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Black Rose}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Golden Frying Pan|Reward}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Golden Frying Pan}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Prinny Machete|Promotional}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Prinny Machete}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Sharp Dresser Backstab}}
 
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
* When you are in range for a successful backstab, the Spy will ready his Knife for a stab with a reverse-grip stance. If the Spy doesn't have his Knife in a reverse-grip, you may perform a low-damage slash instead. Look for the change in grip before attempting a backstab if you're unsure if the backstab will actually register.
 +
** Although a backstab grip guarantees a backstab, many other pokes will register a backstab as well. As long as your stab connects with the enemy's rear-facing half, any swipe or poke should kill him.
 +
** The Knife does rather low damage when it's not a backstab. Only attack with it if you are certain it will backstab, or else you will deal minimal damage and give away your position.
 +
** The Saxxy does not have a backstab stance.
  
*When you are in range for a successful backstab, the Spy will ready his Knife for a stab with a reverse-grip stance. If the Spy doesn't have his Knife in a reverse-grip, you may perform a low-damage slash instead. Look for the change in grip before attempting a backstab if you're unsure if the backstab will actually register.  
+
* Compared to your other Melees, the stock Knife is the most reliable of them all. You are able to disguise at will, have no health downsides and does not need to be recharged.
  
:*Although a backstab grip guarantees a backstab, many other pokes will register a backstab as well. As long as your stab connects with the enemy's rear-facing half, any swipe or poke should kill him. This allows many advanced techniques including quick-passing stabs, stair-stabs, and more.
+
* In most scenarios, you should switch to the Revolver to fight enemies once you've been discovered. Even in close range, the Revolver is significantly more powerful than non-backstab Knife swipes.
  
* A successful backstab deals six times the enemies' current health on crit-enabled servers, and two times their current health on no-crit servers.
+
* Because a backstab is always a melee kill, enemies killed by a Knife backstab will always emit a blood-curdling scream upon death. It is important when killing an enemy that you have a plan to either run from or kill nearby foes as soon as you perform your first stab.
*Always remember that a Knife does pitiful damage and cannot crit outside of backstabs. In most scenarios, you should switch to the Revolver to fight enemies once you've been discovered. Even in close range, the Revolver is significantly more powerful than non-backstab Knife swipes.
 
  
*Because a backstab is always a critical hit, enemies killed by a Knife backstab will always emit a blood-curdling scream upon death. It is important when killing an enemy that you have a plan to either run from or kill nearby foes as soon as you perform your first stab.  
+
* A quick stab with the Knife into the air is generally the fastest way to silently drop your disguise (the most silent way to do it is to disguise as a [[Spy]] of your own team, but it can be somewhat slower). This can be used to perform covert Capture Point captures.
  
*While you can use disguises or binds to remove an enemy disguise, a quick swipe of the Knife into thin air is usually the fastest way to silently drop your disguise. This can be useful when performing covert capture point maneuvers.  
+
* If you encounter a Sniper with the Razorback, it is generally a good idea to shoot him with a Revolver, rather than trying to stab him.
 +
** If a Sniper equipping the Razorback is standing near a corner, it is much quieter to stab his Razorback, turn the corner, and {{botignore|cloak}}. When the Sniper either finishes Spy checking or doesn't react, backstab him. If he returns to a Resupply Cabinet, shoot him; even though it's louder, he will quickly catch on and possibly find you. Be wary that the Razorback replenishes itself after a period of time, so be quick.
  
*Before backstabbing a Sniper, make sure the Sniper doesn't have the Razorback. If he does have the Razorback, shoot him with the Revolver or Ambassador. When the Sniper is under attack, it will take him awhile to react and fight back which gives you plenty of time to finish him off. It is also very easy to headshot a still Sniper from behind.
+
* Be aware that the Saxxy and the [[Spy-cicle]] leave very noticeable corpses, the former being made of shimmering [[Australium]], the latter being an ice sculpture. They are very likely to reveal your presence.
 +
** In addition try to refrain from using the Sharp Dresser. It has its own unique backstab animation in the kill feed which will practically announce to the enemy team that you are using a stock Knife reskin. This could very well give away your playstyle and allow enemies to more easily predict how you will strike.
  
*If a Razorback-equipped Sniper is standing beside a corner, it can sometimes be more rewarding to backstab the Razorback and then round the corner to Cloak. When a Sniper finishes Spy checking (which they often don't do because they don't recognize the sound of a Razorback breaking or they don't have the sound on), come back and backstab him. However, if they are near their spawn the Sniper may go back to retrieve another Razorback. Either use this opportunity to kill him or wait for him to reappear and use your primary weapon.
+
* When discovered, an advanced technique to help fend off the pursuer is to run up a slope, jump over the head of the pursuer, do a 180-degree turn, crouch, and backstab him. This is commonly called the stair-stab. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5To9pU8xEY&feature=related]
 +
** Due to the flashiness of the move and the general popularity and publicity of "trick stabs" and those who perform them, even inexperienced players will know better than to blindly pursue a Spy that's standing on the top of a set of stairs with his Knife out. Unless your prey is clearly fooled or desperate, mask your intent as much as possible via blind spots, and have an {{botignore|escape plan}} for if your enemy does not behave as you want them to. To make your attempt less obvious, do not face the enemy as if waiting for them when attempting a stairstab.
 +
** Keep in mind that you do not need to be directly on top of a staircase to attempt this. Anything that is Teleporter-height or taller will do the trick, so if there are no nearby staircases, look for any nearby props. Since many people only look out for staircases, this method may allow for an easier setup.
  
*When discovered, an advanced technique to help fend off the pursuer is to run up a slope, jump over the head of the pursuer, do a 180 degree turn, crouch, and backstab him.  This is commonly called the stair-stab. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5To9pU8xEY&feature=related]
+
==== [[Your Eternal Reward]] + reskins ====
*Don't go Knife crazy! The Knife does nearly no damage when it's not a backstab. Only attack with it if you are certain it will backstab or else you will deal minimal damage and give away your position.
 
 
 
*If you are lucky enough to own a Saxxy, you may not wish to use it with the Spy; the Saxxy turns enemies into solid shimmering Australium upon a kill, and the sudden transformation of your victim into a precious metallic statue can frequently blow your cover under enemy lines.
 
 
 
==== [[Your Eternal Reward]] / [[Wanga Prick]] ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
! class="header" width="40% colspan=2 | Damage
+
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 
|-
 
|-
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
Line 478: Line 573:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Your Eternal Reward|Craft}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Your Eternal Reward|Craft}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
| rowspan="4" | 0.8 seconds
| 40
+
| rowspan="4" | 40 / {{tooltip|2× victim's current health|Backstab}}
| 120
+
| rowspan="4" | 120 / {{tooltip|6× victim's current health|Backstab}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Wanga Prick|Craft}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Wanga Prick|Craft}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=wanga prick}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=wanga prick}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
|-
| 40
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
| 120
 
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
*Since a Spy cannot disguise at will if using this weapon, he will have to rely more heavily on efficient uses of Cloak and teammate distractions to acquire kills.
+
* Your Eternal Reward gives the ability to disguise as the target upon a successful backstab, the victim does not scream upon death, nor does a death notice appear in the enemy team's kill feed. Also, the corpse of the victim fades away almost instantly as if cloaking. However, the Cloak drain rate is increased by 33%, and manual disguise with the Disguise Kit consume 100% of your Cloak.
 
+
** However, the non-backstab kill still appear in the the enemy team's kill feed.
:*This restriction also means that in most scenarios at least one person (your last victim) will know what your disguise is at all times. Because of this, it is important to continue to rely on your Cloak as a primary stealth tool. Your Eternal Reward may also be more difficult to use on "alltalk" servers for this reason.
+
** As manual disguises cost an entire Cloak meter, utilize manual disguises only when either no enemies and/or a source of ammo are nearby (be aware that ammo cannot refill the cloak meter of the [[Dead Ringer]]).
 
 
*Kills with Your Eternal Reward are truly silent; the victim will not scream & their bodies disappear upon death whether they are backstabbed or not. Also, the enemy will not see their kill notification. Therefore, even paranoid Spy-checkers will have trouble finding a Spy using Your Eternal Reward.
 
 
 
*This weapon is extremely well-suited for taking out Sentry Guns when you already have a disguise. You can backstab the Engineer and the Sentry Gun will not detect your presence between disguises, making Stab n' Sap much easier.
 
 
 
:*If you do not already have a disguise, you may still be able to take out a Sentry Gun with an extremely fast Stab n' Sap. If the gun is unattended, simply uncloak with your Electro Sapper equipped and strafe the Sentry Gun in the direction away from the barrel as it turns towards you. As soon as the Electro Sapper is attached, the Sentry Gun is done for, and you can escape without any damage taken.
 
 
 
:*However, consider switching back to the original Knife when fighting off Sentry farms, especially if the Engineers can watch each other. Those situations usually have a greater need to disguise at will than the ability to quickly disguise after attacking. Moreover, the other Engineers in the farm will most likely be alerted after the Spy saps the first placement.
 
 
 
*Your Eternal Reward is almost always better than any other knife when dealing with a crowd of pre-occupied enemies in a final push, or near a Payload cart. After backstabbing the enemy in the back of the group, one can assume the victim's identity almost instantly without raising any suspicion from those around him, and slowly eat away at the members of the group.
 
 
 
*Using the [[Dead Ringer]] alongside [[Your Eternal Reward]] will instigate a strong element of luck and skill, whether the Saharan Spy set is worn or not. The inability to Cloak or disguise at will will render backstabs much more difficult. However, once a disguise is acquired, the [[Dead Ringer]] can make an excellent escape plan should anything go wrong.
 
**The Saharan Spy set, or the full Polycount set, will reduce the sound of de-cloaking with any watch, notably the Dead Ringer. Since the Dead Ringer has a characteristically loud sound that can be deafened, its only major drawback is solved. Use this to your advantage.
 
 
 
*When using Your Eternal Reward on Control Point maps, be wary when defending the final control point. Because the Eternal Reward disguises instantaneously, stabbing enemies capping your last point will not disrupt the cap (it will, however, slow the capping with one less person). This can allow for survivors to continue to cap while you frantically try to stab them. Pulling out your selected Revolver at this time to stall for friendly backup is usually the best response.
 
 
 
*Prior to obtaining your first disguise, look for enemies who are separated from the rest of their team, or distracted in a firefight. Once you stab them and obtain their identity, approach enemy front lines from behind. This will allow you to rapidly disguise on each kill, eliminating members of their team while staying safe from any Sentry Guns in the area.
 
 
 
*Try to prioritize which disguise you want to use first over the kills you want, as using obvious disguises (such as Scout) or slow ones (Heavy or Soldier) will restrict your movement between areas a lot more and you will be unable to move as you like without losing the disguise.
 
  
*If you are stuck with a slower disguise (Soldier, Heavy, Demoman), remember that you can Cloak at any time to move at normal walking speed. Your disguised speed will resume when you uncloak.
+
* This weapon is extremely well-suited for taking out Sentry Guns when you already have a disguise. The Stab-n-Sap technique is made easier and kills in front of Sentry Guns are safer because the Sentry Gun will not detect you between disguises.
 +
** If you do not have a disguise and an Engineer is still guarding his Sentry Gun, you can uncloak behind the Engineer and use him as cover as the Sentry Gun turns around to face you. Stab him, and then sap his Sentry Gun.
 +
** Consider switching back to the original Knife when you need to quickly take out a sentry nest and don't have time to get a disguise. If you are quick, you should be able to sap his sentry after stabbing him, so the ability to disguise at will is helpful and the quick-disguise is unnecessary.
 +
** However, when taking out large sentry nests with multiple Engineers, stab-and-sapping will be suicidal, and if you sap first, the Engineers will Spy check and likely kill you before you can take out a significant number of their buildings. Instead, with Your Eternal Reward, once you have a disguise, which can be obtained from a player waiting to go through a teleporter, you can slowly whittle away at the Engineers until there are none left, and then sap all of the buildings. The Teleporters may be a priority so you are not interrupted when they respawn.
  
*Choose your attacks wisely in a large group of enemies. A single missed backstab will get rid of your disguise until you're able to land a successful backstab, which will be difficult should you be discovered.
+
* Your Eternal Reward is very good when dealing with a crowd of enemies. After backstabbing the enemy farthest back in the group, you are able to continue to push forward without raising suspicion from those around him. Continue stabbing until you kill all of the enemies or you need to escape.
**Because of this, new players are recommended to practice with the regular Knife until they master backstabbing successfully without the indicator.
 
  
*Since backstabbing with Your Eternal Reward will "cloak" the [[ragdoll]] of your victim and disguise you instantaneously, you can usually get away with backstabbing in front of a group of enemies without being noticed. If you're already disguised, backstab a Medic's healing target and proceed forward as if nothing has happened.
+
* Be aware that successful backstabs with Your Eternal Reward will not stop enemies capping a Control Point or pushing the Payload Cart. It will, however, slow them down until there are none left. It may be a better choice to shoot enemies with the Revolver so that you can inflict damage while stopping the enemies from capturing.
**Keep in mind that the "poke" sound of the Knife hitting the flesh can still be heard.
 
  
*The Cloak and Dagger works well with this Knife since you can search for people to backstab and disguise without having fear of being exposed.
+
* When using Your Eternal Reward on Control Point maps, be wary when defending the final control point. Because the Eternal Reward disguises instantaneously, stabbing enemies capping your last point will not disrupt the cap (it will, however, slow the capping with one less person, or two if any of the following occurs; a [[Scout]] on point or if a [[Soldier]] or [[Demoman]] has the [[Pain Train]] equipped). This can allow for survivors to continue to cap while you frantically try to stab them. Pulling out your selected Revolver at this time to stall for friendly backup is usually the best response.
  
*Using the Cloak and Dagger with Your Eternal Reward, you can potentially crush any enemy opposition by setting up near a largely used pathway. Hide in a nice little nook where you know your enemies will pass by. When you spot a straggler, take them down with a backstab. You will disguise yourself as them and easily slip in behind your enemies. Dish out as many backstabs as you can before getting caught. Once you are caught, bail out and Cloak until the coast is clear.
+
* Remember that if you {{botignore|cloak}} with a slow disguise, you will run at your normal walking speed until you uncloak.
 +
** Consider ditching a slower disguise in order to catch up to another nearby target if you're sure nobody will notice you. Depending on the distance, you can afford to be without a disguise for the short time it will take to replace it.
 +
** While manually switching to a faster disguise will drain all your cloak, the ammo box left behind by your victim(s) and/or any ammo on the map may be able to help make up for it.
  
*Your Eternal Reward gives players less flexibility in fending off close encounters. Even if the target that was chasing you has died, you are left without a disguise if a backstab wasn't performed.
+
* If you accidentally run past an enemy Medic but retained your disguise, simply run past him and go for other enemies. It is possible that, because Your Eternal Reward dissipates enemy ragdolls with very little sound, the Medic will not notice you stabbing his allies until it is too late.
  
*If a Medic's heal target was killed by Your Eternal Reward, the Spy will instantly become the new heal target. This will not only put players in a safer position to blend in amongst the group, but they will also be overhealed. This tactic is risky. An observant Medic will notice if a Spy has passed by or one of his "teammates" has suddenly disappeared. It is best to take over when the Medic isn't looking at his target, e.g., hiding behind a wall to take cover while his heal target is around the corner.
+
* The Cloak and Dagger works well with this Knife because you can wait for people to backstab without having fear of being exposed. This works especially well on commonly used paths — wait for a straggler, then begin your attack.
  
:*Due to the speed of the disguise, it is possible to backstab enemy players while being Übercharged by an enemy Medic without breaking the ÜberCharge. This is not possible with the stock Knife.
+
* Remember that in close encounters, even if you or a teammate kills your target, unless you finish the enemy with a backstab, you will be left without an easy disguise.
  
*While the stab fully cloaks the victim's body, it does not Cloak their weapon and some attachments such as [[Darwin's Danger Shield]]. Keep your Revolver at less than full ammunition and you will automatically pick up the weapon and hide all evidence of the stab.
+
* If you backstab the target of a Medic, you will become the new heal target. This is best applied when the Medic is not watching his target, as the Medic may notice a player disappearing when you backstab an enemy.
 +
** Due to the instant disguise, you can backstab enemy players while being Übercharged without stopping the Übercharge, unlike any other knife.
  
*If you are badly injured, but disguised, consider using [[health|Health packs]] in safe locations to heal rather than the [[Resupply locker]], as touching the locker will remove your disguise.
+
* Be aware that weapons will not disappear when you kill an enemy. Now that you cannot pick up weapons (except from your own class), you still leave visible evidence that a player was killed at the spot where you stabbed them. That said, a stray Rocket Launcher or Syringe Gun is probably not going to raise much initial suspicion, but if players keep running into each other and disappearing, then they can gather what's up.
  
* If you plan on using the Saharan Spy set, it is advisable not to use the Wanga Prick as a substitute to Your Eternal Reward since it dosen't contribute to the set.
+
* In situations with many enemies, such as a group of players pushing the Payload or capping the Control Point, the Your Eternal Reward can significantly decrease your chances of being spotted due to the Silent Killer attribute making any kills less noticeable.
  
====[[Conniver's Kunai]]====
+
==== [[Conniver's Kunai]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
! class="header" width="27% colspan=2 | Damage
+
! class="header" width="27%" colspan=2 | Damage
! class="header" width="13% colspan=1 | Healing
+
! class="header" width="13%" colspan=1 | Healing
 
|-
 
|-
 
! class="header" width="13%" | Point blank
 
! class="header" width="13%" | Point blank
Line 560: Line 632:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Conniver's Kunai|Promotional/Craft}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Conniver's Kunai|Promotional/Craft}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
| rowspan="2" | 0.8 seconds
| 40
+
| rowspan="2" | 40 / {{tooltip|2× victim's current health|Backstab}}
| 120
+
| rowspan="2" | 120 / {{tooltip|6× victim's current health|Backstab}}
| N/A
+
| rowspan="2" | Target's current health, minimum 75 health and capping at 210
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
| Target's current health, capping at 180 health.
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The Conniver's Kunai decreases the wielder's max health by 65 (down to 60), however, backstabbing with the Kunai will leech all of the victim's health and give the Spy a maximum [[overheal]] of up to 180 health, which decreases at 2 health per second back to 60.
+
* The Conniver's Kunai decreases your overall Health to 70. However, backstabbing with the Conniver's Kunai will leech all of the victim's health and [[overheal]] you to a maximum of 210 health, which then decreases at 2 health per second.
  
*With the [[Conniver's Kunai]] equipped, you will have to rely greatly on your Cloak. Spy checkers can kill you considerably easier due to your reduced health (barring the overheals from the Kunai, of course). The [[Dead Ringer]] and [[Cloak and Dagger]] are recommended over the [[Invisibility Watch]] or [[Enthusiasts Timepiece]].
+
* This weapon is high-risk, high-reward. If you can backstab someone before you are detected your increased health will greatly improve the odds of survival. Fail, and you are likely a goner thanks to your reduced base health.
 +
** For this reason, amateur Spies are advised to refrain from using this weapon if they are still learning how to properly infiltrate the enemy team.
  
*The Conniver's Kunai excels when dealing with heavier classes like Heavies and Soldiers; each backstabbed enemy is basically a full heal with an overheal, and the Spy can survive notably longer with this bonus health than a more conventionally-armed Spy. Consider using it when facing down groups of powerful enemies that lack proper Spy checking ability, i.e. Pyros.
+
* The Conniver’s Kunai greatly rewards skilled players, as they can effectively cause massive havoc and damage thanks to the large health pool from backstabs which can also remove afterburn from Pyros, the Spy’s main counter.
  
*The Conniver's Kunai is a trade-off weapon - it gives you much greater sustainability in exchange for making you extremely reliant upon overhealing from backstabs to survive dangerous areas. Any backstab can keep you in the fight much longer than other Spies - however, with only 60 health normally, you will go down in a single grenade, melee attack from most weapons, or rocket. Because of this, carefully picking and choosing targets before proceeding into enemy territory is ''essential'' for survival.
+
* With the Conniver's Kunai equipped, you will have to efficiently use your Cloak. Enemies can kill you much easier due to your reduced health. The [[Dead Ringer]] and [[Invis Watch]] are recommended over the [[Cloak and Dagger]].
  
*The Conniver's Kunai makes you ''extremely'' vulnerable when you first leave the spawn room - so bear in mind that it's generally a poor choice on defensive missions. Be sure to Cloak or disguise before you exit, lest an enemy pick you off as you leave.
+
* Backstabbing a target will always grant you at least 75 health. Therefore, if you're in a bad situation: don't panic! Just backstab someone, and then use your now large health pool in order to escape.
  
*The Conniver's Kunai rewards very heavily for chainstabs, as even if the enemy team notices you, you can heal off the damage by backstabbing other people. Because of this, you can be a bit more reckless when sneaking up on groups of enemies. If an enemy spots you, start backstabbing to heal off any damage you are taking.
+
* Prime targets for the Kunai are Heavies and Soldiers. A backstab on one will fully overheal you, assuming they have taken little (if any) damage.
  
*Remember that effects such as [[afterburn]] and [[bleed]] can be instantly negated by a successful backstab. However, you cannot heal from health packs if you are overhealed, therefore, if you have either afterburn or bleed you will not be able use Health packs to stop these effects until your overheal has ended.
+
* Be aware that many weapons can kill you in one hit while you are at 70 health. Choose your initial targets carefully to ensure that you don't die before gaining any overheal via backstabbing. A successful backstab will keep you in the fight much longer than other Spies.
  
*Never, ever bring out your Revolver against other classes unless they do not have long range weapons, they do not notice you, or you have the Dead Ringer equipped, as you almost never survive a one on one confrontation with the Conniver's Kunai.
+
* Be careful when you exit your spawn room or turn corners — one stray rocket, grenade, or other attack can easily kill you.
 +
 
 +
* You can be a bit quicker to getting behind enemies and stabbing them, because even if you begin to take damage from another source, you can out-heal it with a backstab.
 +
 
 +
* Remember that effects such as [[afterburn]] and [[bleed]] can be instantly negated by a successful backstab (or alternatively by picking up a medkit, as it normally would).
 +
 
 +
* It is generally a bad idea to use your Revolver in a 1 on 1 confrontation with an enemy. Due to your low health, you will likely not survive. If you run out of overheal often, try using the Ambassador, where you can deal better damage safely at a distance.
 +
 
 +
* The [[Dead Ringer]] gives you vastly improved survivability, so it helps to make up for the decreased health of the Kunai. For maximum effect, try to keep the Dead Ringer out at all times. After use, try to find a secluded spot to recharge, or you may be caught undefended.
 +
 
 +
* Try to avoid this weapon on [[Arena]] maps, as you and your enemies will not respawn, leaving you extremely vulnerable unless you can consistently backstab enemies and avoid being caught without overheal.
  
 
==== [[Big Earner]] ====
 
==== [[Big Earner]] ====
Line 594: Line 674:
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
! class="header" width="40% colspan=2 | Damage
+
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 
|-
 
|-
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
Line 600: Line 680:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Big Earner|Craft}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Big Earner|Craft}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Big Earner}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Big Earner}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
| rowspan="2" | 0.8 seconds
| 40
+
| rowspan="2" | 40 / {{tooltip|2× victim's current health|Backstab}}
| 120
+
| rowspan="2" | 120 / {{tooltip|6× victim's current health|Backstab}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The Big Earner reduces the user's overall health to 100, but grants a 30% Cloak refill (for any watch) upon a successful melee kill.
+
* The Big Earner reduces your overall health to 100, but grants a 30% Cloak refill for any watch and a 3 second speed boost upon a melee kill.
  
*The Big Earner functions as a Knife equivalent of L'Etranger; whilst it requires a risky trade-off (with lower heath and damage respectably), successfully landing a hit grants a Cloak bonus, thus making for easier escapes in exchange for riskier assaults.
+
* The Big Earner focuses on speed and staying out of sight. The speed boost and Cloak refill upon a melee kill allows you to quickly stab an enemy to death, then cloak and escape with the speed boost.
  
*The Big Earner works especially well with the Dead Ringer, as the Knife's ability to regain Cloak faster and the watches' survival ability can negate the health drop caused by the Big Earner (through an increase in survival chances).
+
* The Big Earner will generally allow for easier escapes due to you getting your Cloak back in exchange for riskier assaults, as you lose 25 base health.
  
*The Big Earner primarily benefits offensive/aggressive spies; successfully backstabbing in the enemy base can give your Cloak the necessary recharge it needs to help you survive in a pinch.
+
* Consider using the Dead Ringer or Invis Watch over the Cloak and Dagger in conjunction with the Big Earner. As you have reduced health, your survival may depend on the use of cloaking.
 +
** The Big Earner's ability to regain Cloak faster and the Dead Ringer's survival ability can negate the health loss caused by the Big Earner by significantly reducing damage when activated.
  
*It's recommended that you choose the Cloak and Dagger or Dead Ringer over the Invisibility Watch/Enthusiast's Timepiece when using the Big Earner; with reduced health, your survival may depend on abusing the Cloak whenever possible (due to reduced health and granted Cloak bonus on backstab), so it is preferable that you have a Cloak that won't run out quickly or that will allow you to survive.
+
* Both the Cloak and Dagger and the Dead Ringer cannot replenish their cloak whilst the Spy is invisible. The Big Earner mitigates this key downside of these watches.
  
*Note that, whilst it is not advised, getting a non-backstab or taunt kill will still grant the Cloak bonus, i.e. as long as the Knife is used, meaning that, in a desperate situation, a Cloak reward can still be gained by spam attacking an unaware, weak enemy.
+
* Remember to pick up the ammo case that enemies drop after you kill them. The combination of the Big Earner and a dropped ammo box can nearly refill your Cloak entirely.
  
==== [[Spy-cicle]] ====
+
* Note that non-backstab and taunt kills will still reward you with a 30% bonus to the charge on your Cloak (and a 3 second speed boost). If you're in a desperate situation or the enemy is low on health, try to stab any way you can if you need Cloak. If you do not need charge on your Cloak, it is generally a better idea to use your Revolver and shoot the enemy.
 +
 
 +
*The speed boost of the Big Earner greatly helps with trickstabbing and chainstabbing. A faster Spy means enemies will have less time to react and makes tracking his movement harder, allowing the Spy to more easily oustrafe and backstab them. It also allows the Spy to quickly cover distances that would be slower than using the other knives, allowing him to get to where he is going much more quicker.
 +
 
 +
* Although you have more base health than you would with the Conniver's Kunai, it's best to avoid arena maps with this weapon. Equip the Dead Ringer to prolong survival.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Spy-cicle]] + reskins ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
 
! class="header" width="20%" rowspan=2 | Attack interval
! class="header" width="40% colspan=2 | Damage
+
! class="header" width="40%" colspan=2 | Damage
 
|-
 
|-
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Point blank
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Critical
 
! class="header" width="20%" | Critical
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Spy-cicle|Craft}}
+
! rowspan="2" | {{Table icon|Spy-cicle|Uncrate/Craft}}
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Spy-cicle}}
+
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Spy-cicle}}
| 0.8 seconds
+
| rowspan="2" | 0.8 seconds
| 40
+
| rowspan="2" | 40 / {{tooltip|2× victim's current health|Backstab}}
| 120
+
| rowspan="2" | 120 / {{tooltip|6× victim's current health|Backstab}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
|-
 
|-
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Backstab}}
 
| 0.8 seconds
 
| N/A
 
| 6× victim's health.
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
* The Spy-cicle causes any backstabbed players to leave a frozen ragdoll, but causes a completely silent death. Upon any contact with flames, the knife provides a 2 second fire immunity, but requires a 15 second recharge period before it can be used again.
+
* The Spy-cicle causes any backstabbed players to leave a frozen ragdoll. Upon any contact with flames, the knife provides one second of fire immunity and a 10-second immunity to afterburn, but requires a fifteen-second recharge period before it can be used again.
 
+
**Recently backstabbed players from the Spy-cicle stand upright for up to 10 seconds. After that time, these frozen corpses will fall down. It takes over 30 seconds for these corpses to automatically disappear.
* This knife allows for a completely silent kill like [[Your Eternal Reward]], but leaves a unique corpse not unlike the [[Saxxy]]; as a result, it draws minimal immediate attention, but alerts anyone finding the body to your presence, requiring the player to employ a hit-and-run tactics to remain completely undetected.
 
 
 
* Try to time your kills carefully; should an observant [[Pyro]] come across a frozen ragdoll, they may Spy check more thoroughly to render your fireproof bonus moot.
 
  
* Since any contact with fire renders your knife temporarily useless, you may have to rely on your Revolver to defend yourself; consider picking a gun that doesn't suffer from a damage decrease, such as the [[Diamondback]] or [[L'Etranger]].
+
* This knife leaves a unique corpse not unlike the [[Saxxy]]; as a result, it alerts anyone finding the body to your presence, requiring the player to employ hit-and-run tactics to remain undetected.
  
=====[[Fencing]]=====
+
* Use the Spy-cicle only when there are Pyros on the enemy team, especially if they are competent and paranoid. Otherwise it is simply a stock knife that turns people into statues upon a backstab, which will very well alert enemies to your presence.
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" |
 
! class="header" width="16%" | Kill icon
 
! class="header" width="10%" | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="10%" | Damage
 
! class="header" width="10%" | Duration
 
! class="header" width="37%" | Details
 
|- style="height: 110px;"
 
| {{Table icon|Fencing}}
 
| align="center" | {{Icon killicon|weapon=Fencing}}
 
| [[Knife]], [[Saxxy]], [[Your Eternal Reward]], [[Conniver's Kunai]], [[Big Earner]], [[Wanga Prick]], [[Spy-cicle]]
 
| 500
 
| 4 seconds
 
| The Spy transfers his weapon to his left hand and begins to practice a deadly Fencing maneuver, resulting in damage or death for anyone to be in the way.
 
|}
 
  
*This taunt can be used with any of the Spy's knives to kill distracted enemies with one hit, however, due to the taunt's long duration and the minimal damage dealt by the first two swings, using a Kill taunt is a very risky strategy.
+
* Be aware that once Pyros notice you are using the Spy-cicle, they may begin to follow you for an extended period of time to ensure your death.
  
*It can be effectively used to destroy Engineer buildings with one hit, so the Engineer won't have time to see his building being sapped or damaged and return to save his buildings. However, do not attempt to destroy an enemy [[Sentry Gun]] in this way because one must remove one's disguise in order to be be able to perform the taunt, and attempting to do so will cause the Sentry to target and kill its attacker.
+
* If you are disguised or cloaked and a Pyro Spy checks you, be aware that you'll be instantly extinguished, a crackling sound will be emitted, and while you will be immune to fire for one second, you will still exclaim that you're on fire, so it's unlikely you will be ignored. Use the 10 seconds of afterburn immunity to put some distance between you and the Pyro, and the rest of his team.
  
*However, if a Sentry is close enough to a [[Dispenser]], then you can hide behind it without being detected and perform the taunt. The extra reach of this taunt means that it can often destroy both buildings.  
+
* Since any contact with fire renders your knife temporarily useless, you may have to rely on your Revolver to defend yourself. Consider picking a gun that doesn't suffer from a damage decrease. For instance, the [[L'Etranger]] is a poor self-defense option since it has a damage penalty and its cloak bonus is rendered almost useless if a Pyro actively engages you.
 +
** However, you can pick up ammo in order to make your Spy-cicle recharge quicker; thus, if you can collect enough ammo and/or wait until it charges, you may not need to worry about it.
 +
** The [[Enforcer]] is a good choice with this knife; if you are disguised, the Enforcer will deal increased damage compared to the other revolvers, making it somewhat easier to kill your targets. The slowed firing speed is counteracted by the damage bonus and the resistance piercing capability.
  
*Also, keep in mind that - even if you are able to catch anyone unaware - the Spy speaks during the taunt, and this may give your presence away. This can be negated by quickly performing a voice command
+
* Note that any Heavies equipping the [[Huo-Long Heater]] are still vulnerable to backstabs when using the Spy-cicle. You can simply jump over the ring of fire and stab the Heavy before you land.
  
*This taunt can still be used during [[Humiliation]]. Also, if being chased by a Heavy, try to perform this taunt around a tight corner; with luck, you should be able to hit with the last swing.
+
=== PDA Slot ===
 
+
==== [[Disguise Kit]] ====
*Fencing with [[Your Eternal Reward]] is not recommended as you have to remove your disguise in order to taunt, and you won't get a disguise even if the Kill taunt succeeds.
 
 
 
*Successfully Fencing with the [[Big Earner]] will still grant the 30% Cloak bonus, but it is still not advised as it also requires no disguise and your lowered health may put your life in risk if you fail.
 
 
 
===PDA Slot===
 
====[[Disguise Kit]]====
 
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
Line 691: Line 752:
 
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 
! class="header" width="50%" colspan=4 | Damage
 
|-
 
|-
! class="header" width="8%"| Loaded
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Loaded
! class="header" width="8%"| Carried
+
! class="header" width="8%" | Carried
! class="header" width="13%"| Point blank
+
! class="header" width="13%" | Point blank
! class="header" width="13%"| Medium range
+
! class="header" width="13%" | Medium range
! class="header" width="13%"| Long range
+
! class="header" width="13%" | Long range
! class="header" width="13%"| Critical
+
! class="header" width="13%" | Critical
 
|-
 
|-
 
! {{Table icon|Disguise Kit|Stock}}
 
! {{Table icon|Disguise Kit|Stock}}
Line 707: Line 768:
 
|}
 
|}
  
*The [[Disguise Kit]] is the Spy's major infiltration tool. Most of your time spent disguised will be done pretending to be an enemy. Each plays differently when trying to blend in.
+
* The [[Disguise Kit]] is the Spy's major infiltration tool. Most of your time spent disguised will be done pretending to be an enemy. Each plays differently when trying to blend in.
  
====[[Scout]]====
+
===== Enemy disguises =====
* Statistics
+
{|class="wikitable grid" width="100%"
:* '''Speed:''' 100% '''(33% slower than actual Scout.)'''
+
!class="header"|Class
:* '''Stature:''' Short, Skinny
+
!class="header"|Speed
* Inconspicuousness
+
!class="header"|Stature
:* '''Element of surprise:''' Medium
+
!class="header"|Beliveability
:* '''Believability:''' Low
+
!class="header"|Element of surprise
* Fake-Reloads
+
!class="header"|Overall usefulness/Notes
:* '''[[Scattergun]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=3s Partial, Short]
+
|-
:* '''[[Force-A-Nature]]:''' Partial, Short '''(Wrong animation, visible shells!)'''
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Scout}}
:* '''[[Pistol]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=9s Full, Short]
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=scout}}/300*100 round 2}}% '''({{#expr:({{Metrics/Speed|C=scout}}-{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=scout}})/300*100 round 2}}% too slow)'''
+
|'''Short and skinny.''' The Scout has a very small posture, making it rather useful for hiding. In addition, it can fool Snipers into shooting too low, as a Scout's head is in the same place as the Spy's torso.
The Scout disguise should be donned when the disguise is not being used in order to trick the enemy for a substantial amount of time, such as when hiding or when the enemy is too watchful to not [[Spy check]]. The Scout's character model is very small and none of its weapon models stick out, therefore it hides well. It has no [[speed|move speed]] reduction, though it does not gain speed to match that of the Scout. The disguise will generally fail to convince competent enemies up close both because of move speed and because it can't emulate double jumps. Since Scouts are known to wander for extended periods, it is usually viable for quick glances, particularly from long distances. The Scout disguise is common in [[competitive play]] because of the nature of competitive team composition and the fact that disguises do not work well for blending in against coordinated teams regardless of disguise choice.
+
|'''Low.''' A Spy disguised as a Scout will be moving noticeably too slow and cannot [[Jumping#Double jump|double jump]] (although repetitively jumping can increase believeability), which are both immediately suspicious. As Scouts tend to wander alone, however, it can remain viable for quick glances at long distances. If disguised as a Scout with the Baby Face’s Blaster, it can be somewhat more viable due to the reduced base speed and jump penalties.
+
|'''Medium.''' Players may not expect Scout disguises simply because of their low believability.
====[[Soldier]]====
+
|'''Situational.''' All things considered, the Scout disguise is best applied when you are trying to hide or when you will only be visible to the enemy for a short period of time. The Scout disguise is common in [[competitive play]] due to the nature of team composition, and the fact that disguises do not work well for blending in against coordinated teams, regardless of disguise. The Scout disguise also is one of the disguises that does not inhibit Spy's natural speed, which can give the advantage of getting a important pick quicker.
* Statistics
+
|-
:* '''Speed:''' 80%
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Soldier}}
:* '''Stature:''' Normal
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=soldier}}/300*100 round 2}}%
* Inconspicuousness
+
|'''Normal.''' Soldiers tend to have large weapons, making them less-than-suitable for hiding.
:* '''Element of surprise:''' High
+
|'''Medium.''' It is not uncommon to find a Soldier wandering alone, especially if he is walking backwards reloading his weapon. However, a lack of rocket jumping and suppressive fire may become suspicious if you remain amongst the enemy team for too long.
:* '''Believability:''' Medium
+
|'''High.''' With a large movement speed penalty that makes it difficult to catch up to backstab targets, most players do not expect Soldier disguises.
* Fake-Reloads
+
|'''Situational.''' As a Soldier, you will likely have trouble dodging enemy fire and avoiding blocking enemy movement. If your target starts moving at full speed, unless it is a Heavy, you will not be able to catch up to him without losing your disguise. On the other hand, successfully pretending to retreat from battle might result in an enemy Medic healing or ÜberCharging you. Try not to have your disguise weapon as the [[Equalizer]] or the [[Escape Plan]], as their (lack of) effects will give you away very quickly, especially if an enemy Medic starts healing you.
:* '''[[Rocket Launcher]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=75s Partial, Short]
+
|-
:* '''[[Shotgun]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=80s Partial, Short]
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Pyro}}
 
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=pyro}}/300*100 round 2}}%
Disguising as a Soldier can work well for blending in to stab a slow-moving target. Most generally don't suspect them. That said, having the speed of a Soldier means you will have trouble dodging enemy fire and avoiding blocking enemy movement. If your target starts moving at full speed (assuming it's not Soldier or Heavy), you might not be able to catch up to it without losing your disguise. To get behind enemy lines, it might work to just simply walk in backwards. Normal Soldiers often walk backwards while retreating, therefore most players will generally not suspect a backwards-moving Soldier. If there are enemy Medics on the enemy team, you might be able to get them to heal and/or Über you. If your disguise is wielding the [[Equalizer]], you will not go faster and will also not block Medics from healing you – which could easily give you away.
+
|'''Normal.''' If you are trying to hide, switch to a secondary or melee weapon, as all {{botignore|flamethrowers}} have long weapon models and can sometimes be seen through walls or props, and make a constant hissing noise when held.
 
+
|'''Medium.''' Pyros aren't expected to attack until they get close to others, and they commonly patrol their own bases, making it easier to get in and out of enemy areas. However, Pyros are easy to Spy-check and are expected to constantly engage in Spy-checking, so enemies may attack you once they realize you are not doing so. The Pyro disguise's fake Shotgun reload is arguably tied with the Engineer's for being the best in the game.
====[[Pyro]]====
+
|'''Low.''' As a class with 100% move speed, no need to reload primary weapons, and reasons to hide among teammates and near [[Sentry Gun]]s, Pyros are well-known to be a common choice of disguise.
* Statistics
+
|'''Common.''' Pyro is more often than not a good choice of disguise, despite its flaws.
:* '''Speed:''' 100%
+
|-
:* '''Stature:''' Normal
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Demoman}}
* Inconspicuousness
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=demoman}}/300*100 round 2}}%
:* '''Element of surprise:''' Low
+
|'''Normal.''' The disguise has average body and weapon size, and is therefore good for quick glances. However, be aware that holding a sword significantly increases a Demoman's visual footprint vertically, which can be a problem if you end up disguising as a Demoknight.
:* '''Believability:''' Medium
+
|'''Medium.''' Demomen have reasons to hang around their own team's base, waiting for enemies to trip their traps. However, they are generally expected to constantly use their weapons, and if no stickybombs are visible and your disguise does not include a shield, you will easily be discovered as a fraud. Both fake reloads are moderately believable.
* Fake-Reloads
+
|'''Low.''' Similar to the Soldier disguise with a lesser speed penalty and more reason to be idle on his team's side of the field, a Demoman disguise is generally unsurprising.
:* '''[[Shotgun]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=58s Full, Long]
+
|'''Common.''' The Demoman disguise is very average; while it is a convenient excuse to hover around the enemy stronghold, enemies are generally not fooled if you stay in one location for too long.
 
+
|-
As a class with 100% move speed, no need to reload, and reasons to hide by himself among teammates and near [[Sentry Gun]]s, the Pyro disguise is fairly well-rounded. Pyros aren't expected to attack until they get close to others, and they commonly patrol their own bases, therefore a Pyro disguise can get in and out of enemy areas nicely. Unfortunately, the Pyro disguise has a couple of flaws that make it less than perfect. Aside from the fact that it is a common disguise (and therefore frequently [[Spy check]]ed), Pyros are expected to Spy check constantly, therefore competent nearby enemies will almost always attack you if they notice that you are not Spy checking them. If you are lit on fire by an enemy Pyro, it might be more immediately noticed because Pyros never catch fire, though the color of a fire's glow gives you away no matter what disguise you are using. If you are trying to hide around a corner or wall, switch your disguise's weapon away from the Flamethrower because it has a long weapon model and can sometimes be seen through walls and props. The Pyro's Shotgun is arguably tied with the Engineer's for being the best fake reload in the game.
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Heavy}}
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=heavy}}/300*100 round 2}}%
====[[Demoman]]====
+
|'''Tall and wide.''' Heavies have big bodies and big weapons, making it hard to hide as one.
* Statistics
+
|'''Medium.''' The Heavy's primary weapon is not usually fired on a whim, due to its spin up and spin down times and reducing the Heavy's speed while spun up; therefore, an enemy Medic will not immediately Spy-check you just because you're not shooting. However, he may instead expect you to switch to your secondary weapon, which can be a problem, especially as switching back to your primary will show a different amount of ammo to him.
:* '''Speed:''' 93%
+
|'''High.''' Because of its severely reduced movement speed, hindering a Spy's ability to move around the map and chase enemies for stabs, a Heavy disguise is rare. As a result, many players won't expect it, and can be good for getting enemy Medics to heal or possibly even ÜberCharge you regardless of your health.
:* '''Stature:''' Normal
+
|'''Situational.''' While this disguise is good for backstabbing enemy Heavies that are revved up, there are other, better alternatives, and the large model size and extremely slow move speed make the Heavy disguise generally a bad choice.
* Inconspicuousness
+
|-
:* '''Element of surprise:''' Low
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Engineer}}
:* '''Believability:''' Medium
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=engineer}}/300*100 round 2}}%
* Fake-Reloads
+
|'''Short.''' A few {{botignore|shotguns}} aside, Engineers have small weapons and can hide quite easily.
:* '''[[Grenade Launcher]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=23s Partial, Short]
+
|'''Medium.''' Engineers have reason to hang around their team's buildings without attacking much, though they can come under suspicion if they are seen not swinging their {{botignore|wrench}} for a while, if they don't have any buildings constructed, or if they're hanging around a different Engineer's buildings for no apparent reason. The Engineer disguise's fake Shotgun reload is arguably tied with the Pyro's for being the best in the game.
:* '''[[Stickybomb Launcher|Sticky Launcher]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=29s Partial, Short]
+
|'''Low.''' It does not take long for even the newest of players to learn that Engineers are a common choice of disguise.
 
+
|'''Common.''' Engineers are rarely seen outside of their base unless they have the Gunslinger equipped, so be aware of which melee weapon your disguise has. Also be aware of your disguise's secondary weapon, as while the Pistol and Short Circuit are viable for Engineers to be wandering around with, the Wrangler is not, and holding it without a Sentry Gun following along is highly suspicuous.
The Demoman is an average disguise in almost every way, with both advantages and disadvantages in each of its traits. His move speed is reduced, but only slightly; he has reasons to stay in the enemy's base, but not for very long without using stickies; he is used in both offense and defense, but is expected to spam his weapons while doing so; his character and weapon models aren't too big, but aren't particularly small either. Because of this, the Demoman disguise works well as a general first-glance disguise, but is oftentimes foiled after loitering for too long. It has a moderately believable fake-reload on both of its guns.
+
|-
 
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Medic}}
====[[Heavy]]====
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=medic}}/300*100 round 2}}%
* Statistics
+
|'''Tall.''' The Medic disguise is poor at hiding due to his height and lab coat.
:* '''Speed:''' 77%
+
|'''Low.''' While most enemies will not notice the lack of increased move speed, the Medic disguise is incapable of healing. Because Medics are expected to heal whenever they're with a teammate and are rarely alone, your disguise quickly loses credibility. Another thing that has the potential to quickly give you away is the fact that, while disguised as a Medic, your fake [[ÜberCharge]] meter will always show 0%; more experienced players will know that Medics will never have 0% ÜberCharge unless walking out of spawn due to the Medic's frequent healing. The Medic disguise does have a rather good fake reload.
:* '''Stature:''' Tall, Wide
+
|'''High.''' Given all its disadvantages, most players will not expect a Medic disguise.
* Inconspicuousness
+
|'''Situational.''' Though its believability is very poor, if an enemy does get fooled, it should be quite easy to punish them for it. One method is to lure enemies into thinking they can get healed by you, and then you may dispatch them any way you like (preferably by a backstab, though if they are badly wounded, simply shoot them). You can also use the disguise to come from behind an enemy for a backstab, as it is completely natural for a Medic to be behind his patient.
:* '''Element of surprise:''' High
+
|-
:* '''Believability:''' Medium
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Sniper}}
* Fake-Reloads
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=sniper}}/300*100 round 2}}%
:* '''[[Shotgun]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=88s Partial, Short]
+
|'''Tall and skinny.''' Most of the Sniper's rifles have long models, necessitating switching to something else if you wish to hide.
+
|'''High.''' It is not suspicious for Snipers to stay within their base or at a sniping spot for extended periods of time, and are not expected to Spy-check allies. However, you are unable to zoom in, which can reveal your identity after a while, and if you stray too far from Sniper posts, you are likely to be Spy-checked.
Because of its severely reduced [[speed|move speed]], a Heavy is a rare disguise. He cannot chase well for backstabs, takes a long time in transit, is too large to hide in some places or blend in, and he has little reason to move around by himself. However, the very fact that the Heavy disguise is rare can make it more effective in some situations, as most players won't expect it. Because of this (and the nature of the class itself), the Heavy disguise is a great choice if you want an enemy Medic to heal you (or even possibly [[ÜberCharge]] you) regardless of what your health appears to be. Heavies have a commonly-used [[primary weapon]] that isn't usually fired on a whim, therefore the enemy Medic usually won't immediately [[Spy check]] you. The Heavy disguise is actually pretty great if you are going to stab another Heavy, when he is revving his Minigun, as long as you don't have the same name as him – nobody will really [[Spy check]] you. When it comes down to it, though, the large model size and extremely slow move speed make a Heavy a poor disguise.
+
|'''Low.''' With Snipers being the stereotypical Spy bait, most players will not be at all surprised to find that a Sniper is a Spy.
 
+
|'''Common.''' If you plan to lurk around sniping spots while visible, beware if the enemy team has a Sniper — odds are they will be headed to the same sniping spots as you are, which increases the chance of running into the one enemy who will instantly know you're a Spy. Also be aware of enemies attempting to light your arrow if your disguise is holding the [[Huntsman]].
====[[Engineer]]====
+
|-
* Statistics
+
!style="text-align:center"|{{class link|Spy}}
:* '''Speed:''' 100%
+
|style="text-align:center"|{{#expr:{{Metrics/Speed|C=spy|D=spy}}/300*100 round 2}}%
:* '''Stature:''' Short
+
|'''Tall and skinny.''' The only disguise for which the visible model matches your own hidden model.
* Inconspicuousness
+
|'''High.''' With a good fake reload, and no other actions available without breaking disguise (aside from sapping), there are no reasons to doubt a Spy disguise aside from his behavior. However as Spies are generally meant to be disguised on the enemy team, enemies may get suspicious if they only see you lingering around the base for a long time.
:* '''Element of surprise:''' Low
+
|'''Medium.''' The believability of the Spy disguise primarily relies on the habits of your enemies; many players instinctively fire at all Spies, even friendly ones, while others may not even consider a Spy disguise to be a threat.
:* '''Believability:''' Medium
+
|'''Uncommon.''' The Spy disguise is the only disguise where you have a reason to be with your teammates without attacking. Be aware that the enemy Spy disguise will not affect the color of your disguise smoke or your cloak, so enemies can still recognize those effects. Upon choosing the Spy class from the Disguise Kit, a random disguise will be applied to the Spy.
* Fake-Reloads
+
|}
:* '''[[Shotgun]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=36s Full, Long]
 
:* '''[[Pistol]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=44s Full, Short]
 
 
The Engineer disguise is good for taking down enemy structures and those in the surrounding area. The Engineer has 100% [[speed|move speed]], small character and weapon models, and a tendency to stay around his own base (and buildings). Enemies are prone to [[Spy check]] Engineers that avoid wrenching for too long, though, and it is not unlikely that you will by Spy checked by an enemy Engineer when/if they spot you with their own name. Engineers are also very rarely used anywhere outside of their bases. Because of these things, the Engineer disguise is generally limited to taking down enemy bases, albeit doing this quite well. The Engineer's Shotgun is arguably tied with the Pyro's in being the best fake reload in the game.
 
 
====[[Medic]]====
 
* Statistics
 
:* '''Speed:''' 100% '''(7% slower than actual Medic.)'''
 
:* '''Stature:''' Tall
 
* Inconspicuousness
 
:* '''Element of surprise:''' High
 
:* '''Believability:''' Low
 
* Fake-Reloads
 
:* '''[[Syringe Gun]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=68s Full, Short]
 
:* '''[[Blutsauger]]:''' Full, Short
 
 
The Medic disguise isn't very effective in most situations. While it is true that enemies usually will not notice the lack of increased [[speed|move speed]], the Medic disguise is flawed in much more significant ways. Medics are usually quick to be joined by teammates who expect to be healed quickly, which you cannot fake. Because Medics are almost never by themselves and because the Medic disguise is incapable of emulating a Medic's teamwork behavior, it generally doesn't last very long. The only real benefits of using the Medic disguise are that it can be used to bait enemies and that it has a good fake-reload. Medic disguises did not have an [[ÜberCharge]] meter until the Spy vs. Sniper Update, therefore some enemies will forget and assume a Medic with an [[ÜberCharge]] meter is not a Spy. One positive trait about the Medic disguise worth mentioning, though, is that anybody asking for a Medic expects the Medic to be behind them... for a [[backstab]] opportunity!
 
  
====[[Sniper]]====
+
===== Friendly disguises =====
* Statistics
+
Friendly disguises can prove handy in a variety of situations. Friendly disguises are useful at the beginning of rounds, especially during setup time, because they will avoid giving away that you are a Spy, while making the enemy team prepared for a class that isn't necessarily in use. If you're having trouble getting behind enemy lines, a friendly disguise can be used to scare enemies (for example, a friendly Pyro disguise in close quarters or a friendly Sniper disguise in a sightline) or to feign a death more convincingly. If an ally needs help, you can use a friendly disguise, such as a Heavy, to draw enemy fire. Your hit box is not the same as your disguise class, so you can draw Sniper fire with some disguises with a reduced risk of taking a headshot; however, a full-charged bodyshot will still take you down if you aren't [[overheal]]ed or using the Dead Ringer to feign death. Friendly disguises, particularly Medic and Sniper, are good for baiting, as many enemies will not expect a friendly disguise. Use this bait to prepare for a stab, shoot the target with your secondary weapon, or lead enemies into teammates or Sentry Guns. These tricks can be used more safely and repeatedly with the Dead Ringer, as you can fake friendly deaths.
:* '''Speed:''' 100%
 
:* '''Stature:''' Tall, Skinny
 
* Inconspicuousness
 
:* '''Element of surprise:''' Low
 
:* '''Believability:''' High
 
* Fake-Reloads
 
:* '''[[SMG]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=9s Full, Short]
 
  
Disguising as a Sniper is usually effective if you stick to where Snipers are expected to be, which you can use to set up repeated Sniper backstabs. It is not suspicious for Snipers to stay within their base's perimeters for extended periods, and they are not specifically expected to Spy check allies. Of course, the inability to actually zoom in can make the disguise less effective against observant foes, and Snipers are conspicuous when they stray too far from Sniper posts or look away from their targets. Enemies will also take note if they spot a Sniper trying to approach a group of allies in almost any area other than said Sniper posts. Furthermore, take care if you are disguised as a Sniper with the [[Huntsman]] as enemy Pyros may attempt to light your arrow. The Sniper disguise has the advantages of being relatively small and having 100% [[speed|move speed]]. Do note one small trick you can play. If you are in an area with common Sniper versus Sniper battles, such as the the 2nd floor exit in 2Fort, you might be able to get by as a Sniper longer by getting a teammate Sniper to shoot at you, but missing. If you are getting shot at, and the Sniper on your team constantly moves, your enemies may not expect you to zoom in and fire back because, to them, you have an enemy just waiting for you to pop out of hiding.
+
=== PDA2 slot ===
 
+
==== [[Invis Watch]] + reskins ====
====[[Spy]]====
 
* Statistics
 
:* '''Speed:''' 100%
 
:* '''Stature:''' Tall, Skinny
 
* Inconspicuousness
 
:* '''Element of surprise''' Medium
 
:* '''Believability:''' High
 
 
* Fake-Reloads
 
:* '''[[Revolver]]:''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUJATkPjjUE#t=52s Full, Short]
 
:* '''[[Ambassador]]:''' Full, Short
 
 
The Spy disguise can work fairly well, though its ability to blend in is largely based on the Spy checking habits of your enemies. The Spy disguise is the only disguise that has an excuse to mingle with your teammates without attacking, therefore it can come in handy when getting into firefights. Using an enemy Spy disguise has no effect on the color of your disguise smoke or your [[Cloak]], therefore you can still be spotted by those. Many players will instinctively fire at all Spies (even friendly ones), therefore the Spy disguise is usually risky. Spy disguises did not have fake masks until the Spy vs. Sniper Update, therefore some enemies will forget and assume a masked Spy must be a friendly Spy. The Spy disguise has a good, complete fake reload.
 
 
 
====Friendly disguises====
 
While some may initially see friendly disguises as very limited in use, they can prove quite handy in a number of situations. In general, a friendly disguise is recommended during setup time in all maps, because they will avoiding giving away that you're a Spy while making the enemy prepare for a class that isn't actually being used. If you're having trouble getting into an enemy area, a friendly disguise can be used to scare enemies (Sniper is good for open areas; Demoman is good for doorways; Heavy and Pyro are good for cramped spaces). If an important ally needs help, you can use a friendly disguise to draw enemy fire (Heavy or Medic usually works well). Additionally, your hit box is not the same as your disguise class, which can be used to draw Sniper fire with a reduced risk of headshot to spare team mates or waste an enemy's time.
 
 
Friendly disguises (especially Medic and Sniper) are good for baiting because most enemies won't expect a friendly disguise to be used; this can be used either for preparing a stab or faking out an enemy by visibly moving behind a corner, cloaking, and going for the backstab when the enemy chases your phantom. These tricks can be used more safely and repeatedly with the [[Dead Ringer]], which will let you fake friendly deaths. In a [[Spy rush]], friendly disguises can be used to fool the enemy team before they realize what you're doing.
 
 
 
===PDA2 slot===
 
====[[Invisibility Watch]] / [[Enthusiast's Timepiece]]====
 
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=5 | Cloak
 
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=5 | Cloak
 
|-
 
|-
! class="header" width "17%"| Cloak type  
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Cloak type
! class="header" width "17%"| Duration  
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Duration
! class="header" width "17%"| Activation time
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Activation time
! class="header" width "17%"| Deactivation time
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Deactivation time
! class="header" width "17%"| Recharge
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Recharge
 
|-
 
|-
! {{Table icon|Invisibility Watch|Stock}}
+
! {{Table icon|Invis Watch|Stock}}
| rowspan="2" | Standard Recharge
+
| rowspan="3" | Standard Recharge
| rowspan="2" | 9 seconds
+
| rowspan="3" | 9 seconds
| rowspan="2" | 1 second
+
| rowspan="3" | 1 second
| rowspan="2" | 1.8 seconds
+
| rowspan="3" | 1.8 seconds
| rowspan="2" | 30 seconds
+
| rowspan="3" | 30 seconds
 
|-
 
|-
 
! {{Table icon|Enthusiast's Timepiece|Promotional}}
 
! {{Table icon|Enthusiast's Timepiece|Promotional}}
 +
|-
 +
! {{Table icon|Quackenbirdt|Promotional}}
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
*[[Cloak]]ing is the Spy's special ability. Right clicking (by default) activates the Cloak, which renders the Spy fully invisible for enemy players. Players on the Spy's team can still see an outline around him. When cloaked, you can not use any of your weapons. Taking damage or running into an enemy will make the Spy flicker for a very brief period of time.
+
* [[Cloak]]ing is an ability exclusive to the Spy, which renders him fully invisible to enemy players. Your teammates will still be able to see you, albeit faintly. While cloaked, you cannot use any weapons, but you can still switch weapons and disguise. Taking damage or running into an enemy will make you flicker for a brief period of time.
* Remember that when the Invisibility Watch runs out, you can be seen by the enemy. To prevent this, pick up metal or fallen weapons to recharge your watch.
 
*Compared with the [[Dead Ringer]] and [[Cloak and Dagger]], the [[Invisibility Watch]] uses the least amount of energy and allows the furthest amount of distance while invisible.
 
  
*Cloaking is best used to get into an enemy base, where you should uncloak and continue being disguised. Cloaking takes 1 full second and uncloaking takes just over 2, during which you can be recognized by the enemy. Therefore, it is advisable to look for a safe and covered spot to uncloak. See the [[Cloak]] article for a more detailed explanation.
+
* When your Invis Watch runs out, you will automatically uncloak, revealing yourself. While you are cloaked, pick up ammo packs to recharge your watch.
  
*The margin of error with the Invisibility Watch is small given that you cannot feign your demise as with the Dead Ringer nor hide in plain sight as with the Cloak and Dagger. Plot your courses and approach targets carefully as being spotted will most likely result in instant death. If you have second thoughts, attempt to retreat and regroup. Throwing your life away at a lost cause not only leaves you waiting to respawn but also alerts the enemy to your potential targets and methods.
+
* The Invis Watch is most useful on offence when there are ammunition sources available.
  
*Maintain movement to decrease the likelihood of being detected and cornered. Unlike the Cloak and Dagger, the standard Invisibility Watch only recharges when you are uncloaked or if you are able to procure ammo boxes, fallen weapons, or scrap metal from destroyed buildings. However, the Invisibility Watch does not drain as quickly as the Cloak and Dagger when moving, allowing you to maneuver from position to position quickly.
+
* When compared to the other watches, the Invis Watch allows for the farthest distance traveled while invisible.
  
*When detected, attempt to feign the direction in which you will retreat. If you run toward an exit while cloaking followed immediately by moving in another direction when fully invisible, the enemy is likely to pursue you along the path you appeared to use.
+
* Cloaking can be pivotal when attempting to infiltrate an enemy base. Be aware that cloaking will take 1 full second while uncloaking will take a little over 2 seconds, during which you can be recognized by the enemy, even if you are disguised, but cannot attack or use your [[Sapper]]. Therefore, you should attempt to look for a safe, hidden spot to uncloak.
  
*Grab metal where you can, when you can while cloaked. More observant enemies may detect an ammo box inexplicably disappearing but more often than not they will be too preoccupied to notice. This is especially the case when in the midst of a firefight. Even if the enemy does notice, so long as you remained invisible, their efforts to track you down will either be fruitless or divert critical attention from mission objectives.
+
* Plot your course and approach targets carefully — being spotted may result in a quick death, as you cannot feign a death, as with the Dead Ringer, or hide in one spot until an opportunity arises, as with the Cloak and Dagger.
 +
** Always try to move while you are using the Invis Watch. You will only regain Cloak if you are not cloaked or if you pick up ammo boxes or remains of destroyed Engineer buildings. However, the Invis Watch lasts longer than the alternative watches.
  
*When waiting in the enemy base, hiding near an enemy Dispenser is a good way to emulate the Cloak and Dagger's effect, given you are disguised. This eliminates the need to hide to recharge your Cloak or search for metal drops, and can pass time waiting for the right moment to attack or sap the Engineer's base.
+
* If you know an enemy has seen you Cloak, head in one direction while you are partially visible, and when you are fully invisible, change your path. The enemy will likely believe you are going the same direction you were while visible, and will continue down that way, allowing for your escape or even counterattack.
  
*A quick foot and knowledge of a map's layout can be used to get from one end of a map to the other, speedily and invisibly. Take note of shortcuts and ammo box locations as you explore a map, and use shortcuts to cut down your time even further.
+
* Do not rely on the Invis Watch's natural recharge, as it takes about twice as long compared to the other watches.
  
*Keep in mind that Enthusiast's Timepiece viewmodel Cloak meter is bugged and does not show the amount of Cloak left properly; rely on [[HUD]] Cloak meter instead.
+
* Grab dropped metal whenever you can while cloaked. Some enemies will notice an ammo box disappearing for seemingly no reason, but even if they do (and realize it was a cloaked Spy who took it), you should be able to escape, if you remain invisible for long enough. If they do still try to chase you, their efforts will likely only divert their attention from the game objective.
  
====[[Cloak and Dagger]]====
+
* Hiding near an enemy Dispenser of any level will maintain or lengthen your Cloak's charge if you are disguised. This will give you as much time as you need to wait to strike an Engineer's sentry nest, whether you need the Engineer to leave or you are waiting for your team to make a push in.
 +
**Take caution if the Dispenser is near the battle, enemies may often stay nearby to restock and refill on health and ammo, which may risk them bumping into you and giving away your disguise. Unless it is an absolute emergency, stay away from such Dispensers if possible.
 +
 
 +
* Knowledge of a map's layout, especially locations of ammo boxes, will prove very useful for crossing the map quickly while invisible. Take note of shortcuts and the locations of ammo boxes as you learn a map.
 +
 
 +
* All the watches make a distinct noise when decloaking, and will make your presence known if you decloak right behind someone if things are otherwise quiet. If you must decloak that close, try to do so in tandem with other sounds, like someone else's gunfire, to mask your noise and remain undetected when you appear.
 +
 
 +
* After Gun Mettle update, all watches received 20% protection against all incoming damage. For example, a sting from afterburn from Flame Thrower would do 3 damage/0.5s, but with cloak activated, you only receive 2 damage/0.5s. Use it to your advantage.
 +
** Also after Gun Mettle update, when you're cloaked, the debuffs last slightly shorter, so fire/Jarate/bleeding/Mad Milk will last slightly shorter, so if you get set on fire or start bleeding, if enemies are not likely to notice/engage you, it may be a better idea to cloak so that you take less damage.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Cloak and Dagger]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=5 | Cloak
 
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=5 | Cloak
 
|-
 
|-
! class="header" width "17%" | Cloak type  
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Cloak type
! class="header" width "17%" | Duration  
+
! class="header" width "17%" | Duration
 
! class="header" width "17%" | Activation time
 
! class="header" width "17%" | Activation time
 
! class="header" width "17%" | Deactivation time
 
! class="header" width "17%" | Deactivation time
Line 889: Line 917:
 
| 2.2 seconds
 
| 2.2 seconds
 
| 15 seconds
 
| 15 seconds
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
*The Cloak and Dagger's Cloak time while moving is shorter than the Invisibility Watch.
 
* Be careful not to bump into enemies because then they will be able to see you partially.
 
*Despite being less focused on movement, the Cloak and Dagger can be preferable to take on maps with not enough ammo boxes to get you past a large enemy front, such as if the enemy team has the center of [[Turbine]].
 
  
*The Cloak drain is based on how fast you are moving, however, it is capped at the Spy's normal walking speed, so moving any faster (falling, for example) than that will not increase the drain rate. Keep in mind that taking fall damage will cause an audible groan and "bone-cracking" sound, potentially giving away your location to very aware enemies.
+
* The length of time the Cloak and Dagger lasts, while constantly running, is shorter than the Invis Watch.
 +
** This time can be elongated through crouch walking. If you stand still or uncloak, your watch will regenerate to 6.2 seconds of cloaking time. Even though you can extend the Cloak and Dagger's length through picking up ammo sources (or standing next to a Dispenser) of any kind, they provide 35% less cloak than when picked up with the default [[Invis Watch]].
 +
 
 +
* Although the Cloak and Dagger promotes laying in wait, it can be useful to travel through maps that lack enough ammo boxes to get you past a group of enemies, such as if the enemy controls the center of [[Turbine]].
 +
 
 +
* Use of the Cloak and Dagger can fool a team to Spy-Check various hiding places while you escape.
  
*You can cover more ground with the Cloak and Dagger if you walk while crouched rather than if you run at normal speed. This is also because the Cloak drains relative to how much you move.
+
* Learn the best hiding spots of the map you are playing, and the fastest routes to them.
  
*You cannot pick up ammo boxes to replenish your Cloak. Be sure to take this into account when attempting to infiltrate the enemy base.  
+
* Use this watch when you need to time your attack, defend a chokepoint, or on maps with few ammunition boxes.
  
*With the Cloak and Dagger Spies can safely report important information to their team, such as the locations of Enemy Sentry Guns or Offensive Pushes, with a much lower risk of getting caught.
+
* The speed at which the Cloak and Dagger drains depends on how fast you are moving, but is capped at the Spy's normal walking speed (being launched by Stickybombs will not increase your drain rate, for example). Taking fall damage will still cause you to make sounds associated with falling.
  
*While it is recommended to stay out of high-traffic areas while recharging your Cloak, try to avoid the most obvious places. Don't hide in corners or crevices that have a good vantage point on the immediate area, as smart Pyros will regularly puff into these areas in order to flush out Spies. If possible, hide in an open area that is rarely traveled, as most enemies will never expect a Spy to hide out on the open.
+
* While you can go further without having to wait to recharge if you crouch-walk, it is generally more efficient to run to a low-traffic area and recharge rather than slowly progressing with a crouch-walk.
  
*Standing on elevated terrain (such as on top of a crate, barrel, or rock formation) will prevent most enemies from inadvertently bumping into you, and give you a good vantage point, as well as a chance to run if you see an enemy approaching. It's also a fair defense against Pyros, since some don't Spy-check above eye level.
+
* When using the Cloak and Dagger, you can report information to your team, such as Sentry Gun placement or when an enemy is pushing, with a much lower risk of being caught.
** If you can find a good vantage point where you can see incoming enemy troops, you can relay off what's coming in to alert your team to any problems they may be confronted with. Remember though, you can still jump down and kill these targets should you need to.
 
  
*If you have been discovered by an enemy, it is often best to stop, duck, and wait for your Cloak to recharge, or for the enemy to leave. If you have been discovered by a Pyro, however, you should evade immediately to try and avoid being caught on fire.
+
* Usually, a Spy wants to remain out of sight for when their Cloak runs out. However, this watch's indefinite Cloak allows you to hide anywhere, and most enemies will not expect you to hide out in the open.
 +
** Even though you can hide almost anywhere, for obvious reasons, avoid standing still in narrow hallways and chokepoints.
 +
** Standing on top of objects or rocks will prevent many enemies from bumping into you while you wait for them to go past or to recharge.
  
*Your Eternal Reward works well with this watch, as you will have to rely more heavily on Cloak without the power to disguise on command.
+
* Because you can Cloak indefinitely while not moving, it can be useful to lead an enemy around a corner, {{botignore|cloak}} while out of sight, and then hide to the side. If the enemy is a Pyro, it may be better to simply run.
  
*Cloaked Spies can assist teammates in destroying Sentry Guns hidden behind doors by cloaking and remaining stationary by the door; this will cause the door to remain open while another player with long-range weaponry (such as the Sniper) can destroy the Sentry Gun from a distance with ease. An open door with no apparent cause can be very suspicious to observant Engineers, so avoid this tactic whenever an good Engineer is guarding his nest.
+
* Consider using the [[Your Eternal Reward]] with this watch, as the increased cloak drain rate does not affect your ability to stand still while cloaked.
  
*The Cloak and Dagger allows you to become invisible permanently, as long as you are standing still, so you could sneak behind enemy lines and do some scouting, then report back to your teammates about their Sentry positions, class combinations, etc.
+
* Using this watch, you can assist teammates in destroying Sentry Guns hidden behind proximity-activated doors. If you {{botignore|cloak}} and stand near one of these doors, it will remain open while a teammate, such as a Soldier, can safely destroy the Sentry Gun from a distance; however, if an enemy sees the door open with no one being there, they'll probably check the area around the door, so be careful.
  
* The Cloak and Dagger can be used for a technique known as "Spycapping" in which case a Spy sneaks past enemy forces and sits cloaked on the last [[Control Point (objective) | control point]]. Once the control point has unlocked the Spy then proceeds to uncloak and quickly capture the final point for the win.
+
* The Cloak and Dagger can be used for 'Spy capping'. To Spy cap, sneak past enemy lines and wait, while cloaked, on a [[Control Point (objective)|Control Point]]. Once the Control Point is open, uncloak (making sure you are not disguised as an enemy), and capture the point, but be careful about enemies spotting you and ''especially'' watch out for Sentry Guns in range of the point, as they can and '''will''' gun you down with ease.
** When attempting to Spycap be sure that there are no enemy [[Sentry Gun | Sentry Guns]] around, if there are quickly use your [[Electro Sapper]] on them and capture the point.
 
  
====[[Dead Ringer]]====
+
* Even though you can stay cloaked indefinitely, it doesn't mean you are being helpful to your team. Try to avoid staying cloaked in one location for too long, as you will end up being useless to your team in the long run.
 +
 
 +
* The [[L'Etranger]]'s 40% extra Cloak time and ability to add Cloak on hit will all but nullify the Cloak and Dagger's faster drain speed, so consider using both together.
 +
 
 +
*You can stay cloaked for an infinite amount of time provided you stay still. This means that you can simply observe enemy players, movement and most importantly, ÜberCharge meters. Communicate with your team and warn them of the incoming dangers, and notify them of the Medic’s ÜberCharge meter.
 +
**If the meter is full, you may have to simply rush in and backstab the Medic before he can deploy it. You will likely die trying to do so, but at least your team will have an easier time denying an enemy push.
 +
 
 +
==== [[Dead Ringer]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="17%" rowspan=2 | Weapon
 
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=5 | Cloak
 
! class="header" width="83%" colspan=5 | Cloak
 
|-
 
|-
! class="header" width "17%"| Cloak type  
+
! class="header" width "17%"| Cloak type
! class="header" width "17%"| Duration  
+
! class="header" width "17%"| Duration
 
! class="header" width "17%"| Activation time
 
! class="header" width "17%"| Activation time
 
! class="header" width "17%"| Deactivation time
 
! class="header" width "17%"| Deactivation time
Line 932: Line 970:
 
| Feign Death
 
| Feign Death
 
| 6.5 sec
 
| 6.5 sec
| 0 sec
+
| {{tooltip|0 sec|Instantanious}}
 
| 1.8 sec
 
| 1.8 sec
 
| 16 sec
 
| 16 sec
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
*The Dead Ringer makes a distinctive sound that lets all the enemies in the vicinity know that you are using the item (If you are wearing the Saharan Spy set, the Dead Ringer will make much less noise). Try to uncloak in a safe location, then move in for the kill.
 
  
*To make feigned deaths appear more realistic, you can take fire for about a second, then pull out the Dead Ringer.
+
* When deactivating, the Dead Ringer makes a loud, distinctive sound which can reveal your location. Try to uncloak in a safe area, then move in for the kill.
  
*While cloaked with the Dead Ringer, you take 90% less damage, and you do not flicker from enemy shots. Use this to your advantage when crossing chokepoints with a large amount of enemy fire.
+
* The Dead Ringer is best used when you cannot get by the enemy safely. This makes it useful for getting by chokepoints and crippling enemy defenses from behind. Just be sure that there is a safe area to decloak in.
 +
** It also gives you a second chance should you get caught.
  
*You can recharge your Cloak with ammo, even while cloaked. However, once the Dead Ringer's initial Cloak duration (approximately 6 seconds) is up, you will no longer benefit from the 90% damage reduction, nor the "flickerless" Cloak effects.
+
* The Dead Ringer allows you to perform 'Suicide' captures, using the watch as an {{botignore|escape plan}}.
  
*Remember, with the Dead Ringer, you cannot Cloak on demand.  When possible, take the high road in maps such as Pipeline and ease into enemy territory.  A fairly safe choice of disguise when doing this is disguising yourself as an enemy Spy because Spies are expected to infiltrate enemy territory.  To the naive team, you will appear as a Spy that is coming back to resupply.
+
* If the enemy is aware you are using the Dead Ringer, consider switching to a different watch to be less predictable.
  
*The Dead Ringer is most effective when the enemy is very close by. When the game boils down to the last control point and the enemy is in your base, the Dead Ringer can be a better alternative than the Cloak and Dagger.
+
* You can use this uncloak sound to your advantage. Uncloak behind an enemy, and circle strafe around them so their back is exposed for the kill once they turn around. Make sure they did actually turn around, though, as simply walking in front of a Heavy as a Spy is not the smartest of tactics.
  
*A decoy tactic would be to use the Dead Ringer in combination with the Disguise Kit to fake the enemy Snipers into thinking you are a Sniper and wasting their headshots on you rather than your team's Snipers. You don't die from headshots, so simply resupply after being shot (it's easy to do on 2Fort). Likewise, disguising as a friendly Heavy or other offensive class at the start-up gates and being on the front-lines ensures that not only do you take the initial hit that would likely kill a teammate, but you get a believable way to Cloak past the front lines. Make sure to yell battle cries to further authenticate your disguise as well before the gates open.
+
* Try taking damage for about a second before pulling out the Dead Ringer. It will make your feigned death appear more realistic.
 +
** Upon activation, the Dead Ringer removes afterburn. Cloaking right after you run out of the flamethrowers' range protects you from Spy checking, and makes for a very convincing fake death if you already took significant fire damage. Pyros might continue to spray fire around, so avoid obvious hiding spots. If the Pyro believes you burned to death, the entire team will forget about you.
 +
** If you kill an enemy but were left with an afterburn or bleeding effect, use the Dead Ringer to remove the effect if you can't find a medkit. Make sure to decloak immediately to save some meter and find a medkit or get a Medic to heal you.
  
*Demomen usually put [[Sticky bombs]] outside the setup gates during setup time, you can try using these to your advantage to get behind enemy lines.
+
* For the first 3 seconds of being cloaked with the Dead Ringer, you take up to 75% less damage (this damage reduction fades over time; after 3 seconds, you will only take 20% less damage) and you do not flicker if you take damage or bump into an enemy. Use this to your advantage when crossing choke-points.
 +
** However, the enemy team can know if you feign death with the scoreboard, as it will only account for 3 seconds and a 3-second respawn timer is unlikely.
  
*A useful tactic for using the Dead Ringer is to equip it during the beginning of Payload maps. This allows you to run through enemy defenses relatively easily, and the initial chaos might help cover the distinctive ring. It also helps your team by getting rid of Stickybombs at the door, as most Demomen will blow the stickies at the first sight of an enemy.
+
* Disguising as a friendly offensive class, such as the Demoman, at the beginning of the round will make for a more convincing death and easier passage into enemy territory.
 +
** This can also be used to cause a Demoman to trigger his Stickybombs unnecessarily, clearing the way for your teammates to come in, especially at the beginning of rounds.
 +
*** This used to be a much more viable strategy back when the Dead Ringer had an initial 90% damage resistance on feign death, allowing you to absorb absurd amounts of burst damage. Now that the initial resistance is only 75%, a Spy will not be able to survive more than 3 or 4 stickies at once, and most set traps will contain several. Therefore, try to skirt larger stickytraps while still staying in range of a couple bombs to trigger your watch.
  
*The Dead Ringer comes with its own unique style of terror, as you can tell when your teammates spot a Dead Ringer they tend to warn others that there is a Dead Ringer. This can be useful to both your team as well as yourself, allowing for you to cause several wild goose chases. The more confused your enemy is the easier it is to uncloak, however this does tend to bring more Spy checkers into the game, so switching between Dead Ringer and Cloak and Dagger is a good idea.  
+
* You can hold the Dead Ringer out while capturing a Control Point, carrying enemy Intelligence, or pushing the cart on a Payload map. Use this in combination with a friendly disguise to cause for a convincing death while helping out your team. You will need to uncloak to continue capturing an objective, however. After the Tough Break update, Spy is no longer able to pull out his Dead Ringer, requiring you to first drop the case, and then activate your Dead Ringer, making this strategy more difficult than it was, since you may not have time to drop the Intelligence yourself.
  
*The Dead Ringer can be held up when capturing a point, carrying enemy Intelligence, or pushing a cart on Payload map, making it a relatively safe method for doing so, especially in combination with friendly unit disguises. If you are hit by enemy fire that causes the Cloak to activate, however, you will drop the Intelligence/cease to capture the point until you uncloak again.
+
* The reduced duration on debuffs present on the other watches behaves rather oddly with the Dead Ringer — afterburn actually wears off instantaneously. Pyros can still damage you with the flame particles if they have good prediction, but couple this with the speed boost on feign death and you stand a good chance of escaping a Pyro's wrath if discovered. Running back towards teammates to heal and reset your cloak will oftentimes seal your escape.
  
*A fairly effective tactic is to use Ammo boxes to your advantage and constantly Cloak and uncloak while picking up Ammo boxes, so as to replenish your Cloak. Since the Dead Ringer removes 90% of damage taken, this tactic can be used for an incredibly  long time. However, due to a patch, the Dead Ringer cannot be fully recharged with a Large Ammo box.
+
* The Dead Ringer completely lacks the ability to regain cloak from ammo boxes and Dispensers. Consider equipping the L’Etranger and Big Earner in order to quickly refill it.
 +
** If you have neither one of the said weapons, try to hide from the enemy team until the Dead Ringer is recharged.
  
*When on fire, don't immediately pull out the Dead Ringer. Unless you were at extremely low health, an immediate death due to fire will look suspicious. Also, feigning death too early might allow the Pyro to ignite you after you have Cloaked, negating the Dead Ringer's effectiveness. It is much more effective to escape the Pyro and Cloak while out of its view. Simply turn a corner or jump off a ledge to escape, then use the Dead Ringer to make your "death" look more authentic.
+
* [[Jarate]] and [[Mad Milk]] will not wash off if you use the Dead Ringer while covered in it; you must enter water or wait for it to wear off.
  
*If ignited while cloaked, a good option is to run straight for friendly lines, as the Pyro will likely not pursue. Also make note of health pickups should you be too far from friendlies and need a quick extinguish, although it is unlikely you will survive if the Pyro is actively chasing you.
+
* If you are waiting or you are in an open area, keep the Dead Ringer held out if you aren't fighting. An enemy Spy or stray enemy fire could kill you while you aren't ready.
  
*When you're [[bleed]]ing with the Dead Ringer active, you won't flicker from the damage. However, the bleeding effect will still show, revealing your location to enemies.
+
* When using the Dead Ringer, try choosing friendly disguises while heading into enemy lines and then switching to an enemy disguise once you have infiltrated the enemy base.
  
* Despite what the tooltip says in a loading screen, [[Jarate]] and [[Mad Milk]] won't wash off if you use the Dead Ringer while covered by it.
+
* Try to disguise after you use the Dead Ringer. If the watch activated in the middle of you disguising, you will still emit smoke visible to the enemy team.
  
*The Dead Ringer can be helpful for dealing with Soldiers. Smart Soldiers will constantly [[Spy check]] suspicious team mates by firing two well placed rockets at them. Since it only takes two rockets to kill you, this can make playing as Spy difficult. Because of this the Dead Ringer can be a life saver against teams with a lot of Soldiers.  
+
* If possible, don't pick up the nearest Health pick-up. Many enemies will look to see if the pick-up disappears. If you are on fire, however, you must go for the pick-up anyway and then escape.
  
*If you are waiting for your foe to come to you, or are otherwise out in the open and undisguised, keep the Dead Ringer active. An enemy Spy may attempt to kill you with his own [[backstab]], and thus you'll have baited him out of hiding for a few moments, and may even catch a glimpse of his next disguise.
+
* If you need to take a long fall but don't have the Health to survive it, hold out your Dead Ringer to negate a large portion of the damage. You can also use fall damage to trigger your Cloak to get behind enemy lines.
  
*When using the Dead Ringer, if you choose to not take the high or back roads it is better to disguise as another friendly class rather than an enemy, as the other team will become suspicious if they see a disguised Spy running straight towards the front line.
+
* You can prevent enemy movement for a short period of time by Dead Ringing and standing in front of a doorway or hall. This may allow your team enough time to regroup.
  
*When you are at full health, only activate the Dead Ringer if an enemy is after you and firing at you. If he shoots you once without you cloaking, and then shoots you a second time and sees you die, they'll be more convinced that you are actually dead.
+
* Disguising as a friendly Medic, staying on the outskirts of your team's territory, and then Dead Ringing may trick the enemy team into pushing forward.
  
*If you have equipped the Saharan Spy pack, the Dead Ringer's loud uncloaking sound is replaced with the uncloaking sound (at a lower volume) used for the other cloaks. This makes it extremely useful in both getting through fortifications and obtaining stealth kills with the Eternal Reward.
+
* Be aware that if the an enemy has the "Display damage done as text over your target" advanced option enabled or the console command {{code|hud_combattext}} set to {{code|1}}, then they may see the small amount of damage needed to "kill" you, and guess you were using a Dead Ringer, thus try to deploy the Dead Ringer with a little bit of delay when someone starts to damage you, so your "death" will be more convincing.
  
*An enemy Dispenser can lengthen your invisibility time, even indefinitely if the Dispenser is fully leveled; however this will make uncloaking difficult as you will likely be around an enemy hotspot. Try to plan your escape away from or behind the buildings before uncloaking. Staying next to a Dispenser past the normal Cloak time will also make you visable from bullet hits and enemies bumping into you.
+
* If a particular player has a habit of taunting after killing you, using the Dead Ringer to feign a death and backstabbing them while they're taunting can be very effective and satisfying.
  
*Having the Dead Ringer activate while you're in the middle of disguising will cause you to emit smoke while you're invisible. If you backstab and immediately flee, keep the Dead Ringer out as a shield, then disguise ''after'' it is activated by damage.
+
* Be aware that being "killed" by a Demoman's [[Eyelander]] or any of its [[reskins]] will still add a head to its meter.
  
*A possible tactic to help increase believability is not to pick up the closest health or ammo pack when the Dead Ringer is triggered. Often your "killer" will look to the nearest medkit to see if it disappears, indicating you're still alive and thus reinitiating the chase.
+
== [[Taunts|Taunt Attacks]] ==
 +
===== [[Fencing]] =====
 +
{| class="wikitable grid" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
 +
! class="header" width="17%" |
 +
! class="header" width="16%" | Kill icon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Weapon
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Damage
 +
! class="header" width="10%" | Duration
 +
! class="header" width="37%" | Details
 +
|- style="height: 110px;"
 +
| {{Table icon|Fencing}}
 +
| {{Icon killicon|weapon=Fencing}}
 +
| [[Knife]]<br />[[Saxxy]]<br />[[Your Eternal Reward]]<br />[[Conniver's Kunai]]<br />[[Big Earner]]<br />[[Wanga Prick]]<br />[[Black Rose]]
 +
| 2×25 and then 500
 +
| 4 seconds
 +
| The Spy transfers his weapon to his left hand and begins to practice a deadly Fencing maneuver, resulting in damage and/or death for anyone in the way.
 +
|}
  
*Disguising as a teammate then using the Dead Ringer will allow you to slip behind enemy lines, then disguise as an enemy without causing suspicion.
+
* This taunt can be used with any of the Spy's knives (except the Sharp Dresser and the Spy-cicle) to kill ''very'' distracted enemies with one hit; however, due to the taunt's long duration and the minimal damage dealt by the first two swings, using this kill taunt is a very risky strategy.
 +
** The Fencing taunt is a viable last resort during the [[Humiliation]] round.
  
*Because you cannot Cloak on demand with the Dead Ringer, you can use falling damage causing your Cloak to activate, to Cloak allowing you to quickly slip behind enemy lines.
+
* It can be effectively used to destroy Engineer buildings with one hit, so the Engineer won't have time to see his building being sapped or damaged and return to save his buildings, but be careful, as if you get caught in mid-taunt, the Engineer (or anyone else) will have virtually no issues in dispatching you. However, do not attempt to destroy an enemy [[Sentry Gun]] in this way, because you must remove your disguise in order to be be able to perform the taunt, and attempting to do so will cause the Sentry to target and kill you.
 +
** However, if a Sentry is close enough to a [[Dispenser]], then you can hide behind it without being detected and perform the taunt. The extra reach of this taunt means that it can often destroy both buildings.
  
*When defending, the 90% damage reduction can help you stall the enemy at a chokepoint for a few precious seconds. Conversely, you can also use the Dead Ringer to stall the enemy at their own gates, by going in un-disguised and un-cloaked, and dodging erratically with the Dead Ringer out.
+
* Also, keep in mind that, even if you are able to catch anyone unaware, the Spy speaks during the taunt, and this may give your presence away. This can be negated by quickly performing a voice command, preferably a short command, such as "No."
*Because drowning deals such low damage, using the Dead Ringer when drowning will even heal you slightly, as it has damage reduction.
 
*When on 6v6 or [[Highlander]] mode, disguise as a friendly Medic and activate the Dead Ringer to trick the enemy team into making a push.
 
  
==Item Sets==
+
* Fencing with [[Your Eternal Reward]] is not recommended, as you have to remove your disguise in order to taunt, and you won't get a disguise even if the taunt kill succeeds.
===[[Item sets#Spy|The Saharan Spy Set]]===
 
{{Set|The Saharan Spy}}
 
  
*The uncloak volume reduction this set grants you is invaluable when using the Dead Ringer; its main problem of people detecting you upon uncloaking is nullified, and as such it is entirely possible to backstab targets who just triggered your Cloak by uncloaking directly behind them.
+
* Successfully Fencing with the [[Big Earner]] will still grant the 30% Cloak bonus, but it is still not advised, as it also requires no disguise and your lowered health may put your life at risk if you fail.
  
*The Invisibility Watch is completely silent when decloaking in conjunction with the Saharan Spy set.
+
* Make sure the last swing hits your target, as the first 2 swings do low damage and can get you noticed fast and put yourself in danger.
  
*However, with the normal Invisibility Watch or the Cloak and Dagger, bumping into people or running out of Cloak will cause your silhouette to flicker for a lot longer, revealing you much more easily. As such, it is inadvisable to use these unless it is a situation where the Dead Ringer cannot be used effectively.
+
== Weapon combinations ==
 +
{| class="wikitable grid collapsible collapsed" width="65%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=4 class="header" | Example combinations
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=3 class="header" | Combo
 +
! class="header" | Usage
 +
|-
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Revolver|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Revolver]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Knife|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Knife]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Invisibility Watch]]'''
 +
|
  
*A regular Spy works wonders among packs of enemies, where he cannot be noticed, while the Saharan Spy is much better at dealing with lone targets or in very big maps, where a regular Spy's decloak noise would give his position away. Keep this in mind and change your loadout accordingly.
+
The default loadout allows for a quick-moving, versatile Spy, and for general situations. The Revolver is useful to pick off lone enemies, damage Engineer buildings from a distance, or as a backup when you are discovered. The Knife allows you to disguise at-will, unlike Your Eternal Reward. The Invisibility Watch is the most versatile of the watches: quieter than the Dead Ringer, allows more mobility than the Cloak and Dagger, and can be replenished with ammo or metal. Move quickly, complete your current objective, and move onward.
  
*Remember that even if you can uncloak silently, trying to stab and steal someone's disguise in an area guarded with Sentry Guns is not recommended unless you already have a disguise. This makes using the Dead Ringer to proceed behind enemy lines a lot more risky, as if you uncloak in a hostile area there will be no escape.
+
|-
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Conniver's Kunai]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=50x50px}}
 +
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=50x50px}}<br/>
 +
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]''' or '''[[Invisibility Watch]]'''
 +
|
  
*If an enemy sees you undisguised with the Familiar Fez equipped, they may assume you are using the Dead Ringer or Your Eternal Reward. Try to minimize the amount of time you are undisguised behind enemy lines.
+
This is a medium-risk high-payoff loadout for Spies who like to have a lowered risk of being caught, or for playing on maps with a low amount of health packs and ammo boxes. The Spy should hide at the back of groups, waiting for an opportunity to get the first backstab. Then he can kill other nearby enemies. If you are caught early, then the L'Etranger can be used to fill the Cloak for a quick escape. Because the Kunai can remove negative effects that mark him as a Spy ([[Bleeding]], [[Fire]], etc), this loadout can be used to safely hide quite quickly if there is a handy distracted enemy nearby.
**For this same reason, you can exploit your appearance by purposely not using the whole set, but just wearing the hat. Most players will still assume you have the pros and cons of the set bonus.
 
  
*When using the Dead Ringer in conjunction with the Saharan Spy Set an easy way to get behind enemy lines is take fall damage to activate the Dead Ringer, then move from ammo box to ammo box until a suitable backstab target can be found.  This way, the enemy is unaware of your presence until you achieve the first backstab.
+
|-
**Try not to trigger the Dead Ringer when using the set, as your "deaths" will seem very obvious.
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Conniver's Kunai]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
 +
|
  
*When approaching a group of targets from behind, try to stab a faster moving class such as a Pyro, Demoman, Medic, or Sniper first.  This will allow you to run up to the slower moving classes more easily than if you started by stabbing a Soldier or Heavy first.
+
This is a loadout designed specifically for Spy to be hard to kill, and continuously place pressure on the enemy team. The Conniver's Kunai gives you the ability to take the enemy's health, and combined with the Dead Ringer, which allows the Spy to feign his own death, it makes the Spy a chore to eliminate. Since the L'Etranger gives you a 15% cloak on hit, as well as a passive 40% cloak duration boost, it allows you to utilize your Dead Ringer to its maximum potential, as the cloak on hit means that you can quickly regain your Dead Ringer without needing to fallback or go to a resupply closet, and the increased cloak duration means that you have more control over when you uncloak, allowing you to become an even greater threat.
  
*Just because you can't disguise without getting a backstab does not mean you are incapable of taking out a Sentry Gun.  Approach the sentry while cloaked, and uncloak directly behind the sentry while holding down Mouse1 with the Electro Sapper out.  The sentry will not lock on to you until you are completely decloaked, at which time the Electro Sapper will be placed.  This tactic is extremely difficult if enemies are around.
+
|-
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Revolver|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Revolver]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Conniver's Kunai]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
 +
|
  
 +
This is a high-risk high-payoff loadout for Spies who like to do as much damage to the enemy as possible. The Spy should hide at the back of groups, waiting for an opportunity to get the first backstab. Then he can kill other nearby enemies. The Dead Ringer will increase your chances of surviving while using the Kunai. If you are caught early, then the Revolver can be used to kill enemies quickly and effectively. Because the Kunai can remove negative effects that mark him as a Spy ([[Bleeding]], [[Fire]], etc.), this loadout can be used to safely hide quite quickly if there is a handy distracted enemy nearby.
  
===[[Item sets#Spy|The Man of Honor]]===
+
|-
{{Set|The Man of Honor}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=40x40px}}
 
+
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Diamondback|icon-size=40x40px}}<br />
* This set is designed for the Spy who likes to make large amounts of damage and escape quickly. The Enforcer and the Big Earner work together towards this goal, providing a higher damage output and a way to refill your Cloak faster.
+
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Revolver|icon-size=40x40px}}<br />
 +
'''[[Ambassador]]''' or '''[[Diamondback]]''' or '''[[Revolver]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Spy-cicle|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Spy-cicle]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
 +
|
  
* Even though this set lets you choose your watch at will, the Dead Ringer is usually the Watch of choice to carry with this set eqquiped:
+
This set is for the Spy who faces a team with a small number of paranoid, defensive Pyros. The Spy-cicle gives the Spy an opportunity to escape if caught by the Pyro. In the event that the Spy is discovered and knows that the Pyro will not give up, each of the three {{botignore|revolver}} variants provides a different way to take out the Pyro quickly. The Ambassador is recommended for those with superior aim, the Diamondback for those who have buildings to sap, and the Revolver for everyone else. The Dead Ringer provides yet another means of escape, should the above fail.
** The Enforcer's downside does not apply to it, making this weapon a straight upgrade to the default Revolver.
 
** The Dead Ringer's death fake ability helps offset the Big Earner's health penalty.
 
  
==Weapon Combinations==
 
{| class="wikitable grid collapsible collapsed" width="65%"
 
|-
 
! colspan=4 class="header" | Example combinations
 
|-
 
! colspan=3 class="header" | Combo
 
! class="header" | Usage
 
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Ambassador]]'''
 
'''[[Ambassador]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Knife|icon-size=50x50px}} or {{Icon weapon|weapon=Sharp Dresser|icon-size=50x50px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Knife|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Knife]]''' or '''[[Sharp Dresser]]
+
'''[[Knife]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
+
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
|  
+
|
  
This set-up is useful for a Spy who likes to take their time and survive as long as possible and is best used against classes that don't move much like Engineers and Snipers. The Cloak and Dagger lets the Spy stay invisible as long as he doesn't move too much. The Spy may headshot a Sniper with Razorback or wait for an Engineer to build and quickly take him out from a distance using the Ambassador. The Knife allows him to then disguise at will and sap the buildings.  
+
This set is commonly used by in competitive matches, as it is an extremely powerful loadout. Acting should usually be enough to get behind enemy lines (for experienced players), though disguising as a friendly to trigger the [[Dead Ringer]] can also be used. Trickstabs can easily be pulled off and escapes are often much easier with the [[Dead Ringer]]. The [[Ambassador]] allows for picks on most classes, if you can hit your headshots. This set turns the [[Spy]] into an extremely efficient killing machine, allowing for headshots, backstabs, and amazing escapes.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Revolver|icon-size=50x50px}} or {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Kill|icon-size=50x50px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Enforcer|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Revolver]]''' or '''[[Big Kill]]'''
+
'''[[Enforcer]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Knife|icon-size=50x50px}} or {{Icon weapon|weapon=Sharp Dresser|icon-size=50x50px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Knife]]''' or '''[[Sharp Dresser]]
+
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=50x50px}} ''or'' {{Icon weapon|weapon=Enthusiast's Timepiece|icon-size=50x50px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Invisibility Watch]]''' or '''[[Enthusiast's Timepiece]]'''
+
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
 
|
 
|
  
The default loadout allows for a quick-moving, versatile Spy. The Revolver is useful to pick off lone enemies, damage Engineer buildings from a distance, or as a backup when you are discovered. The Knife allows you to disguise at-will, unlike Your Eternal Reward. The Invisibility Watch is the most versatile of the watches: quieter than the Dead Ringer, allows more mobility than the Cloak and Dagger, and can be replenished with ammo or metal. Move quickly, complete your objective, and move on.
+
'''The Man of Honor - with Dead Ringer'''
 +
This set is especially recommended for those who use the Dead Ringer frequently or otherwise rely on it. The 20% damage bonus and resistance piercing of the Enforcer may improve survivability if the Spy’s [[Revolver]] is his last resort (provided that you are disguised first). The already-increased Cloak recharge rate of the Dead Ringer pairs very well with the bonus of the Big Earner. A single backstab is usually already enough to use the Dead Ringer again, once it has been used. Due to the Dead Ringer's great damage reduction, the downside of the Big Earner is somewhat negligible.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
 
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Your Eternal Reward]]'''
 
'''[[Your Eternal Reward]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
+
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
|'''The Saharan Spy - with Dead Ringer'''
+
|
 +
 
 +
'''The Saharan Spy - with Cloak and Dagger'''
 +
This strategy is for Spies preferring to camp in one place, or for taking out giant sentry nests. The Spy can wait in a corner cloaked until a good victim runs past him. Then he can silently backstab and instantly disguise as the victim making it unlikely for the rest of the enemies to notice anything. The L'Etranger can be used to quickly fill your Cloak when fast fill is needed since you can't pick up ammo packs to fill it, and the increased Cloak duration is always helpful. It should be noted that in most public games the importance of killing any one single enemy player is less, so camping for too long in one space not doing anything makes you dead weight to your team.
 +
 
 +
Your Eternal Reward allows you to stay undetected by Sentry Guns in between backstabs, so you can wait while cloaked until your team pushes in and provides distraction. Then uncloak, stab all the Engineers in the sentry nest, and sap their toys to oblivion. A tip is to wait on an elevated object such as a crate to decrease the chance of bumping into an Engineer or being flamed by a Pyro.
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Enforcer|icon-size=40x40px}}
 +
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Diamondback|icon-size=40x40px}}<br/>
 +
'''[[Enforcer]]''' or '''[[Diamondback]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Knife|icon-size=40x40px}}
 +
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Spy-cicle|icon-size=40x40px}}<br/>
 +
'''[[Knife]]''' or '''[[Spy-cicle]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Invisibility Watch]]'''
 +
|
  
This is a risky but recommended setup when using the full Saharan Spy pack, as it fully utilize the set bonus (namely the quiet Cloak) to the maximum benefit, allowing the Spy to play with his enemies. Once the Spy has got himself a disguise, he can backstab Engineers and then take out their buildings with ease, without worrying about the Sentry Gun killing him. Should the enemy discover the Spy, he could feign death with the Dead Ringer and escape relatively easily; the reduced cloaking sound provided by the set will make it far less obvious to enemies that you are using Dead Ringer. Combining L'Etranger with the Dead Ringer allows for a much quicker Cloak refill in extreme situations. 3-4 bursts of L'Etranger will nearly fill your Cloak, allowing you to feign death again. Also, having the complete Saharan Spy pack of the L'Etranger, Your Eternal Reward, and the [[Familiar Fez]] will greatly reduce the sound of the Dead Ringer, making the illusion of your death all the more believable.
+
This setup works well for veteran Spy players who are used to using the Spy's stock weaponry. The [[Enforcer]] is a stronger (if disguised) and slower version of the [[Revolver]], and can take out most enemies with two or three hits at mid range. This makes the Enforcer a much more viable secondary weapon when you're just out of [[Knife]] range or when you're being chased. Long range shots will still deal 20 damage per shot and regain accuracy rather fast, so it can seriously persuade oncoming enemies to retreat.
 +
The [[Diamondback]] is also useful right after a backstab if an enemy decides to pursue you, although you must not miss the first critical shot. The [[Spy-cicle]] offers a layer of protection against Pyros, but with the downside of losing your knife occasionally.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
 
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Your Eternal Reward]]'''
+
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
+
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
|'''The Saharan Spy - with Cloak and Dagger'''
+
|
  
This strategy is for Spies preferring to camp in one place, and is not recommended without the Familiar Fez. The Spy can wait in a corner cloaked until a good victim runs past him. Then he can silently backstab and instantly disguise as the victim making it unlikely for the rest of the enemies to notice anything. The L'Etranger can be used to quickly fill your Cloak when fast fill is needed since you can't pick up ammo packs to fill it. With the Familar Fez, the Spy has a more silent Cloak at the cost of a longer blink time, so it makes it easier to hide from enemies. It should be noted that in most public games the importance of killing any one single enemy player is less, so camping for too long in one space not doing anything makes you dead weight to your team.
+
This setup can be described as a "live forever" set. Both the L'Etranger and the Big Earner restore Cloak fast, and the Dead Ringer can counteract the Earner's -25 health penalty. Should you be caught, simply flip open your Dead Ringer, "die", and use your boosted Cloak time to position yourself in an optimal spot for a backstab so you can regain your Cloak. If your Dead Ringer's Cloak isn't filled, you pull out the L'Etranger and shoot to regain your Cloak, then escape. However, you have to use your weapons to survive. This set is very offensive, and if used incorrectly will result in failure. Since the Dead Ringer cannot be refilled by anything except these weapons, this loadout increases the usability of the watch.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
 
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Conniver's Kunai]]'''
+
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
 
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
|This is a medium-risk high-payoff loadout for Spies who like to have a lowered risk of being caught. The Spy should hide at the back of groups, waiting for an opportunity to get the first backstab. Then he can kill other nearby enemies. If you are caught early, then the L'Etranger can be used to fill the Cloak for a quick escape. Because the Kunai can remove negative effects that mark him as a Spy ([[Bleeding]], [[Fire]], etc), this loadout can be used to safely hide quite quickly if there is a handy distracted enemy nearby.
+
|
 +
 
 +
This set focuses on staying out of sight. Due to the Cloak and Dagger's fast Cloak consumption, and to its inability to use ammo packs to recharge your Cloak, L'Etranger and the Big Earner allow you to be cloaked often and escape most situations invisibly. Keep in mind that this set greatly relies on dealing damage to regain Cloak, which means that you will often be without your disguise and therefore vulnerable. This is mostly a set for people who know ideal cloaking spots and pathways in the map they are playing on.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Enforcer|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Diamondback|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Enforcer]]'''
+
'''[[Diamondback]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Conniver's Kunai|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Conniver's Kunai]]'''
 
'''[[Conniver's Kunai]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
 
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
|This is a high-risk high-payoff loadout for Spies who like to do as much damage to the enemy as possible. The Spy should hide at the back of groups, waiting for an opportunity to get the first backstab. Then he can kill other nearby enemies. The Dead Ringer will increase your chances of surviving while using the Kunai. If you are caught early, then the Enforcer can be used to kill enemies quickly and effectively. Because the Kunai can remove negative effects that mark him as a Spy ([[Bleeding]], [[Fire]], etc.), this loadout can be used to safely hide quite quickly if there is a handy distracted enemy nearby.
+
|
 +
 
 +
A setup suited for eliminating a lone Engineer and his buildings. After getting at least 2 free Crits by stabbing enemies ''out of the range'' of a Sentry Gun, the player can use the 2 Crits to take out the Engineer from a long range, and proceed to gun down his buildings, or proceed and sap the buildings to get more stored Crits. A player can backstab the Engineer (while using a disguise, of course). With the additional health gained from the Conniver's Kunai, the player can then quickly pull out the Dead Ringer, allowing him to survive the fire from the Sentry Gun, or if skilled enough, they can just try to [[Sapper|sap]] it. The Spy, now cloaked, can re-disguise and sap all of the Engineer's buildings to oblivion. This loadout can also be used, albeit less effectively, to take out an entire Engineer nest, with great skill and a little luck.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Enforcer|icon-size=100x100px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Diamondback|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Enforcer]]'''
+
'''[[Diamondback]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
 
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Dead Ringer|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
 
'''[[Dead Ringer]]'''
|'''The Man of Honor - with Dead Ringer'''
+
|
This set is especially recommended for those who use the Dead Ringer frequently or otherwise rely on it. The downside of the Enforcer will be nullified with the Dead Ringer, making it a straight upgrade to the default [[Revolver]]. The already increased Cloak recharge rate of the Dead Ringer pairs very well with the bonus of the Big Earner. A single backstab is usually already enough to use the Dead Ringer again, once it has been used. Due to the Dead Ringer's great damage reduction, the downside of the Big Earner is somewhat negligible.  
+
 
 +
'''The Chainstabber'''
 +
This is great for killing unsuspecting groups of enemies, such as defenses your team is having trouble passing through or a group of enemies clustered around a Payload. The Diamondback is the most effective when stabbing several enemies, as you will have several stored Crits when chainstabbing. The Big Earner, with its speed boost on backstab, allows you to run to the next victim as well as make your escape. If someone realizes what is going on and takes some shots at you, either pull out the Diamondback and kill them or pull out the Dead Ringer and run. The 30% cloak on kill allows you to quickly be able to pull out the Dead Ringer faster after using it.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=L'Etranger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=40x40px}}
'''[[L'Etranger]]'''
+
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Revolver|icon-size=40x40px}}<br />
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
'''Ambassador''' or '''Revolver'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Big Earner|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
 
'''[[Big Earner]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Invisibility Watch]]'''
 +
|
 +
 
 +
This is a "Hitman" setup, best for Hit-and-Run tactics. Use it to Infiltrate, take out one or two key targets that are halting your team's progress, and then retreat back to safety quickly. The Invisibility watch is the prime watch for getting behind enemy lines, as it can both cloak at will and has the longest cloak duration. The Big Earner, with its cloak and speed boost on kill, allows you to escape quicker, and the cloak boost allows you to cloak immediately after a kill, even if you just decloaked. Use the Ambassador or Revolver either to cover your escape or to pick off targets that it is too hard to reach or too dangerous to go near. Use the Ambassador if you can hit headshots most of the time. Use the Revolver if you like the random Crits and like the faster firerate.
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Ambassador]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Knife|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Spy-cicle|icon-size=100x100px}}
 +
'''[[Knife]]''' or '''[[Spy-cicle]]'''
 +
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Cloak and Dagger|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
 
'''[[Cloak and Dagger]]'''
|This set focuses on staying out of sight. Due to the Cloak and Dagger's fast Cloak consumption, and to it's ability to not be able to use ammo packs to recharge your Cloak, L'Etranger and the Big Earner allow you to be cloaked often and escape most situations invisibly. Keep in mind that this set greatly relies on dealing damage to regain Cloak, which means that you will often be without your disguise and therefore vulnerable. This is mostly a set for people who know ideal cloaking spots and pathways in the map they are playing on.
+
|
 +
 
 +
This set-up is useful for a Spy who likes to take their time and survive as long as possible and is best used against classes that don't move much like Engineers and Snipers. The Cloak and Dagger lets the Spy stay invisible as long as he doesn't move too much. The Spy may headshot a Sniper with the Razorback or wait for an Engineer to build and quickly take him out from a distance using the Ambassador. The Knife allows him to then disguise at will and sap the buildings. The Spy-cicle can prevent stray flames from giving away your position.
  
 
|-
 
|-
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Ambassador|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Ambassador]]'''
 
'''[[Ambassador]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward|icon-size=100x100px}}  
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Your Eternal Reward|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
'''[[Your Eternal Reward]]'''
 
'''[[Your Eternal Reward]]'''
! align="center" | {{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=50x50px}} ''or'' {{Icon weapon|weapon=Enthusiast's Timepiece|icon-size=50x50px}}
+
! {{Icon weapon|weapon=Invisibility Watch|icon-size=100x100px}}
'''[[Invisibility Watch]]''' or '''[[Enthusiast's Timepiece]]'''
+
'''[[Invisibility Watch]]'''
|This set is for the Spy who likes to kill an enemy, move on and repeat. The Ambassador allows him to kill the victim if the backstab misses and gives him a significant way of killing people without backstabbing. Your Eternal Reward allows the Spy to be rewarded with a disguise, so he can be ready for a follow-up. The normal Invisibility Watch forces him to keep moving quickly and to uncloak, Cloak and collect ammo boxes constantly. It also gives him enough time to catch up with his next target. Note that for this set, you want to make as many kills as possible in one life, as you are most effective at killing efficiently. This also means that if you are discovered, you do not always get killed and you have some defense. You should make every kill count if you use this set, for you cannot gain disguises without killing somebody.
+
|
 +
 
 +
This set is for the Spy who likes to kill an enemy, move on and repeat. The Ambassador allows him to kill the victim if the backstab misses and gives him a significant way of killing people without backstabbing. Your Eternal Reward allows the Spy to be rewarded with a disguise, so he can be ready for a follow-up. The normal Invisibility Watch forces him to keep moving quickly and to uncloak, Cloak and collect ammo boxes constantly. It also gives him enough time to catch up with his next target. Note that for this set, you want to make as many kills as possible in one life, as you are most effective at killing efficiently. This also means that if you are discovered, you do not always get killed and you have some defense. You should make every kill count if you use this set, for it is your only way to get disguises that don't cost your entire Cloak meter.
 +
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 1,127: Line 1,260:
 
''Most, if not all, tactics concerning Engineers will only work if the Engineer is not surrounded by allies. Use these tactics wisely.''
 
''Most, if not all, tactics concerning Engineers will only work if the Engineer is not surrounded by allies. Use these tactics wisely.''
  
*A tremendously useful ability to have is the power to surprise an enemy Engineer. The worse the Engineer is at Spy checking, the better. An excellent way to check if an Engineer is in the vicinity is to Cloak, run in, and survey the area before retreating. However, this technique is less effective with the Dead Ringer equipped, as you cannot Cloak at will. When a lone Engineer is blocking an objective with a Sentry Gun, you can use the Ambassador to attempt to take out the Engineer at long range first, using nearby objects for cover.
+
* A tremendously useful ability to have is the power to surprise an enemy Engineer. The worse the Engineer is at Spy checking, the better. An excellent way to check if an Engineer is in the vicinity is to Cloak, run in, and survey the area before retreating. However, this technique is less effective with the Dead Ringer equipped, as you cannot Cloak at will. When a lone Engineer is blocking an objective with a Sentry Gun, you can use the Ambassador to attempt to take out the Engineer at long range first, using nearby objects for cover.
 
** An alternative strategy is to use the Engineer's own buildings against him. This can be done by disguising as a player with low health, and crouching near the Dispenser to heal your disguise, while simultaneously using the Dispenser as cover from the Sentry Gun. Using this strategy will allow you to eliminate the Engineer at close quarters, while being safe from his Sentry Gun's fire.
 
** An alternative strategy is to use the Engineer's own buildings against him. This can be done by disguising as a player with low health, and crouching near the Dispenser to heal your disguise, while simultaneously using the Dispenser as cover from the Sentry Gun. Using this strategy will allow you to eliminate the Engineer at close quarters, while being safe from his Sentry Gun's fire.
  
*A lonely Engineer building a Sentry Gun can be easily killed by the Ambassador. Shooting him first in the head and then on any body part will kill him; afterward, you simply sap the building. Very useful if the Engineer is busy wrenching said building.
+
* A lonely Engineer building a Sentry Gun can be easily killed by the Ambassador. Shooting him first in the head and then on any body part will kill him; afterward, you simply sap the building. Very useful if the Engineer is busy wrenching said building.
  
*If an Engineer leaves his buildings unattended, some players may simply rush in and sap everything in sight. It is advised you do ''not'' do this, unless you are totally sure that the Engineer is dead or too far away to respond in time. What you should do is shoot at a building once, and then hide in cover to defend against the Sentry Gun. The Engineer may come rushing back to hit it with the Wrench, allowing you to then follow him back to wherever he was previously. Wait at the area and backstab him as he attempts to return to his buildings.
+
* If an Engineer leaves his buildings unattended, some players may simply rush in and sap everything in sight. It is advised you do ''not'' do this, unless you are totally sure that the Engineer is dead or too far away to respond in time. What you should do is shoot at a building once, and then hide in cover to defend against the Sentry Gun. The Engineer may come rushing back to hit it with the Wrench, allowing you to then follow him back to wherever he was previously. Wait at the area and backstab him as he attempts to return to his buildings.
  
*A similar tactic is to find an enemy building outside of the Sentry Gun's field of vision and sap that, then pull out the Ambassador and wait. When the Engineer comes to remove the Electro Sapper, quickly headshot him then shoot him, as the headshot on its own is unlikely to kill him. Since it takes two whacks with the Wrench to remove an Electro Sapper, you should have ample time.
+
* A similar tactic is to find an enemy building outside of the Sentry Gun's field of vision and sap that, then pull out the Ambassador and wait. When the Engineer comes to remove the Sapper, quickly headshot him then shoot him, as the headshot on its own is unlikely to kill him. Since it takes two whacks with the Wrench to remove a Sapper, you should have ample time.
  
===[[Sentry Gun]]s===
+
=== [[Sentry Gun]]s ===
*A [[sap]]ped Sentry Gun cannot fire. If the [[Engineer]] is standing next to them, you have several options:
+
* A [[Sapper|sapped]] Sentry Gun cannot fire. If the [[Engineer]] is standing next to them, you have several options:
 +
** Sap the Sentry Gun and then run out of the room with the [[Capture the Flag#Intelligence|Intelligence]] or try and cap a fast-capping/partially capped point. Remember, if you accidentally touch the Intelligence while disguised, you will lose your disguise, and the Sentry Gun will attack you.
 +
** Sap the Sentry Gun and stab the Engineer if he goes to repair it. If he is already in position and repairing the Sentry Gun, the Sapper will be removed before you can switch to the Knife and [[backstab]]. If he is out of position, you will have time to make the attempt. If he is in position and is repairing the Sentry Gun, all you can do is run for it, or keep putting new Sappers on the Sentry Gun. He will keep removing them as you place new Sappers, but it takes a long time to destroy a Sentry Gun this way. You will almost certainly be spotted by a teammate of the Engineer and be killed without destroying the Sentry Gun. Keep in mind there is a delay after the Sapper is removed.
 +
** Your [[Revolver]] can destroy Sentry Guns at long range well due to no damage falloff against buildings. Firing at a Dispenser first is the key to succeeding; once it's down, fire at the Sentry Gun. When an Engineer first deploys a building, it's vulnerable to damage. One or two Revolver shots will take it down quickly before the Engineer has time to set it up. Your Revolver does more damage against buildings that aren't sapped, so if you find a lone Teleporter or Dispenser, and an Engineer isn't far off, shooting it without sapping it is the best course of action. However, when there are no Engineers near by, sapping a building and fleeing is the best way to avoid being spotted.
 +
** In certain situations, a Sentry Gun may be built so close to the cap point that you can reach it while capping. In this instance, you can quickly sap the Sentry Gun, undisguise, and resume sapping the Sentry Gun over and over. However, watch out for the Engineer breaking the capture with his body. [https://youtube.com/watch?v=mUMWs1AKx-E This video] goes into more detail on how it's done.
 +
** Communicate with your teammates asking them to tell you via [[voice commands]] or [[voice chat]] when they need a Sentry Gun disabled, and then repeatedly sap the Sentry Gun.
 +
** A Sentry Gun takes about a second to execute a full 180° rotation. If you are directly behind a Sentry Gun and the Engineer is close to and facing his Sentry Gun, it is possible to take out the Engineer and then the Sentry Gun. As soon as the Knife hits the Engineer, use the quick switch key to change to your Sapper and place one before the Sentry Gun locks on. Strafe ''with'' the Sentry Gun's rotation (remember that the Sentry Gun will attempt to rotate as little as possible to shoot its target) so that you will have more time to place your Sapper. Note that due to lag, it is possible for the Sentry Gun to shoot you between the actual placement of the Sapper and the Sentry Gun being shut down. A Level 3 Sentry Gun will not always kill you immediately (although it has a good chance of doing so unless your reaction time is superb); however, it will still be sapped and most likely destroyed.
 +
** If the Sentry Gun and Dispenser are in such a position that you cannot reach the back of the Engineer for a backstab, try jumping on the Sentry Gun or Dispenser and sitting on the Engineer's head. This is an ideal spot, as it is in your victim's blind spot and will allow you to backstab him from above (and apply the stab and sap trick above). However, if the Engineer is crouched and tries to stand or jump, they will be unable to do so and suspect a Spy. At that range, a Shotgun blast or two will kill you instantly. This trick also works well against a Heavy taking the role of a makeshift Sentry Gun.
 +
** A difficult trick is to take advantage of the fact that Engineers take damage from the gunfire of their own Sentry Gun. Stand in a position where the Engineer is between his Sentry Gun and you, then uncloak. You will die, but hopefully so will the Engineer. This is useful if the Engineer is in a position where you simply cannot backstab him. Use this technique carefully, as it can easily backfire on you.
 +
** A variation of this trick can be used against a common Engineer Sentry Gun/Dispenser setup. Some Engineers like to sandwich themselves between their Sentry Gun to the front and a Dispenser to the back. Disguise as a Pyro (as if you are helping the Engineer Spy-check) and walk up behind him, so the Dispenser is between you and the Engineer. As quick as you can, fire a few rounds into the Engineer with the Revolver. Duck as soon as the Engineer dies from the combined damage of your Revolver and the Sentry Gun's fire. If done correctly, the Sentry Gun will lose you as you hide behind the Dispenser. Re-disguise, sap everything, and leave. Watch [http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=mUMWs1AKx-E this video] for more tips on how this is done.
 +
** The Engineer's [[Wrangler]] weapon permits the Engineer to control his Sentry Gun entirely. Take '''extreme''' caution, as many Engineers will [[Spy checking|Spy-check]] with this, and it will make sapping the Sentry Gun much harder. Killing the Engineer while he is using the Wrangler will give you a few crucial seconds to sap his Sentry Gun bullet-free.
  
**Sap the Sentry Gun and then run out of the room with the [[Intelligence]] or try and cap a fast-capping/partially capped point. Remember, if you accidentally touch the Intelligence while disguised, you will lose your disguise, and the Sentry Gun will attack you.
+
* The Sap and stab is mainly for baiting. In this tactic, one must approach a sentry with an Engineer nearby while cloaked and disguised. Uncloak where the Engineer cannot see and sap the Sentry Gun. Quickly {{botignore|cloak}} and back up behind the Sentry Gun. Any Engineer with half a brain will come to knock off the Sapper. Uncloak as his back is turned and stab. Occasionally this may be done without having to Cloak in between.
  
**Sap the Sentry Gun and stab the Engineer if he goes to repair it. If he is already in position and repairing the Sentry Gun, the Electro Sapper will be removed before you can switch to the Knife and [[backstab]]. If he is out of position, you will have time to make the attempt. If he is in position and is repairing the Sentry Gun, all you can do is run for it, or keep putting new Sappers on the Sentry Gun. He will keep removing them as you place new Sappers, but it takes a long time to destroy a Sentry Gun this way.  You will almost certainly be spotted by a teammate of the Engineer and be killed without destroying the Sentry Gun.
+
* Stab and sap -- while disguised, approach the Engineer, preferably when he is upgrading the Sentry Gun, and backstab. Now use your quick reflexes to take out your Sapper and sap the Sentry Gun. Note that circling the sentry often allows more time to take out the Sapper, as the sentry will have to rotate to get you. This tactic is really about how quick you can stab then sap. This method requires much practice, an unaware Engineer, and a great deal of luck to pull off.
  
** Your [[Revolver]] can destroy Sentry Guns at long range well due to no damage falloff against buildings. Firing at a Dispenser first is the key to succeeding; once it's down, fire at the Sentry Gun. With your Cloak you can move around and try shooting from different angles; try to find hiding spots where no one notices you firing. When an Engineer first deploys a building, it's vulnerable to damage. One or two Revolver shots will take it down quickly before the Engineer has time to set it up. Note that Sapping the Sentry Gun and then immediately unloading your Revolver into it worked well until the [[December 20, 2007 Patch]], which reduced the Spy's damage done to the Sentry Gun he sapped. Now the Sentry Gun does not go down - the Engineer has time to save it - and then the Sentry Gun will kill you. Your Revolver does more damage against buildings that aren't sapped, so if you find a lone Teleporter or Dispenser, and an Engineer isn't far off, shooting it without sapping it is the best course of action. However, when there are no Engineers near by, sapping a building and fleeing is the best way to avoid being spotted.
+
* Long range takeout -- If you can find a corner to hide from the Sentry Gun's fire, you can headshot the Engineer. For other situations, the stock Revolver works well for this method, as it does not have any damage or firing speed penalties. First, uncloak in a safe hidden spot outside the reach of the Sentry Gun, but make sure that you can see the Engineer and Sentry Gun. Kill the Engineer first. Now you can either disguise and approach the sentry to sap it, or simply shoot it from long range with your Revolver of choice until it goes down.
  
**In certain situations, a Sentry Gun may be built so close to the cap point that you can reach it while capping. In this instance, you can quickly sap the Sentry Gun, un[[disguise]], and resume sapping the Sentry Gun over and over. However, watch out for the Engineer breaking the capture with his body. Watch the [http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=mUMWs1AKx-E Spy Guide Part#2 Engineers: Section 2] by [ESG] Orca to see how it's done.
+
* Remember that there won't always just be one Engineer. In that case, it is recommended that you use the sap and stab and be patient. Wait until both Engineers have their back turned (note that if both Engineers are striking the same Sentry Gun, it will take half as long to remove the Sapper).
  
**Communicate with your teammates asking them to tell you via [[voice commands]] or [[voice chat]] when they need a Sentry Gun disabled, and then repeatedly sap the Sentry Gun.
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* With [[Your Eternal Reward]], you can backstab someone in the range of the Sentry Gun, including the Engineer behind it, without being detected. Just remember that you need a disguise equipped before you can do this, otherwise the Sentry Gun will kill you as soon as you step in range uncloaked. This is effective for taking down sentry nests with multiple Engineers as you can silently rid of them before sapping all of their buildings.
  
**A Sentry Gun takes about a second to execute a full 180° rotation. If you are directly behind a Sentry Gun and the Engineer is close to and facing his Sentry Gun it is possible to take out the Engineer and then the Sentry Gun. It requires that you backstab and as soon as the Knife hits the Engineer use the quick switch key to change to your Electro Sapper and place one before the Sentry Gun locks on. Strafe ''with'' the Sentry Gun's rotation (remember that the Sentry Gun will attempt to rotate as little as possible to shoot its target) so that you will have more time to place your Electro Sapper. Note that due to lag, it is possible for the Sentry Gun to shoot you between the actual placement of the Electro Sapper and the Sentry Gun being shut down. A Level 3 Sentry Gun will not always kill you immediately (although it has a good chance of doing so unless your reaction time is superb); however, it will still be sapped and most likely destroyed.
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* If you are using [[Your Eternal Reward]] and lack a disguise, you can get a free disguise in spawn, or get an easy disguise on an unsuspecting Engineer; wait for the [[Sentry Gun]] to be in a good position (similar to Stab and Sap tactics), uncloak (preferably with a quiet watch), and immediately stab the Engineer repairing it. If done correctly, you will get your disguise before the Sentry locks on you, and you will get both a free disguise, and a destroyed [[Engineer]] position. Just make sure to use the attack button only one time, or you will drop your disguise and be at the (nonexistent) mercy of the Sentry Gun.
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** This strategy can be very effective against [[turtling]] Engineers with a giant Sentry nest.
  
**If the Sentry Gun and Dispenser are in such a position that you cannot reach the back of the Engineer for a backstab, try jumping on the Sentry Gun or Dispenser and sitting on the Engineer's head. This is an ideal spot as it is in your victim's blind spot and will allow you to backstab him from above (and apply the stab and sap trick above). However, if the Engineer is crouched and tries to stand or jump, they will be unable to do so and suspect a Spy. At that range, a Shotgun blast or two will kill you instantly. This trick also works well against a Heavy taking the role of a makeshift Sentry Gun.
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* Against an Engineer with the [[Frontier Justice]] and [[Gunslinger]], equip the [[Red-Tape Recorder]] instead of the stock Sapper. This will sap his Sentry much slower, denying him Crits from Sentry kills, and making him unable to place a new Combat Mini-Sentry Gun until the old one is destroyed.
  
**A difficult trick is to take advantage of the fact that Engineers take damage from the gunfire of their own Sentry Gun. Stand in a position where the Engineer is between his Sentry Gun and you, then uncloak. You will die, but hopefully so will the Engineer. This is useful if the Engineer is in a position where you simply cannot backstab him. Use carefully as this technique can easily backfire on you.
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=== [[Dispenser]]s ===
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* Keep an eye out for Dispensers once you infiltrate the enemy base. They will still heal you and you can use them while your Cloak is still active (when using the default [[Invisibility Watch]]). In fact, all Dispensers above Level 1 can recharge your Cloak even while you're cloaked. Level 1 Dispensers don't recharge your Cloak, but your Cloak won't drain either. Instead, it'll stay at the same level, giving you time to plan your next actions. Level 2 Dispensers recharge it slowly and Level 3 recharge it much faster, so Dispensers can be crucial to your plan. Note that the healing beam CANNOT be seen when cloaked and when next to a Dispenser - but be sure to watch out for Engineers, as they will constantly run back to their Dispenser, possibly running into you and revealing you. To avoid the Engineer, jump on top of the Dispenser instead of standing beside it. Be careful though, as his teammates can still run through it and, if they do, reveal your location.
  
**A variation of this trick can be used against a common Engineer Sentry Gun/Dispenser setup. Some Engineers like to sandwich themselves between their Sentry Gun to the front and a Dispenser to the back. Disguise as a Pyro (as if you are helping the Engineer Spy-check) and walk up behind him, so the Dispenser is between you and the Engineer. As quick as you can, fire a few rounds into the Engineer with the Revolver. Duck as soon as the Engineer dies from the combined damage of your Revolver and the Sentry Gun's fire. If done correctly, the Sentry Gun will lose you as you hide behind the Dispenser. Re-disguise, sap everything and leave. Watch the [http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=mUMWs1AKx-E Spy Guide Part#2 Engineers: Section 1] by [ESG] Orca for a demonstration of how this is done.
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* Note that on maps with narrow corridors, like 2Fort, Engineers may place superfluous Dispensers in locations that block your path. They also use these Dispensers to lure you into sapping them, thus alerting him and his team of your presence. If this is the case, you have 3 options: Crouch behind the Dispenser and use your Revolver to take it out or at least damage it (Provided there aren't any enemies around, they will hear the sound of your Revolver), crouch jump over the Dispenser (unless the Dispenser is placed in a position where you would've normally jumped on to the platform to reach it) or simply take another route.
  
**The Engineer's [[Wrangler]] weapon permits the Engineer to control his Sentry Gun entirely. Take '''extreme''' caution, as many Engineers will [[Spy checking|Spy-check]] with this, and it will make sapping the Sentry Gun much harder. Killing the Engineer while he is using the Wrangler will give you a few crucial seconds to sap his Sentry Gun bullet-free.
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* When uncloaked, avoid standing on Dispensers. Because most players (except the Engineer who built the Dispenser) will clip through buildings, being spotted in this position will instantly ruin your disguise, unless you are disguised as the Engineer, but he will almost certainly see a clone of himself and kill you. Unless the Engineer is dead and you are disguised as him, it is highly recommended to not stand on top of a Dispenser while uncloaked.
  
*With [[Your Eternal Reward]], you can backstab someone in the range of the Sentry Gun including the Engineer behind it without being detected. Just remember that you need a disguise equipped before you can do this, otherwise the Sentry Gun will kill you as soon as you step in range uncloaked.
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* If you have no other option, using a Scout disguise and crouching behind a Dispenser while uncloaking may minimize the odds the Engineer will spot you instantly. This can be useful in small, commonly camped areas.
  
===[[Dispenser]]s===
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* If you have just stabbed an Engineer and you are low on health, try looking for his Dispenser to patch yourself up. Remember to be cautious however, run if an enemy approaches the Dispenser, and take note when the Engineer respawns, then flee.
*Keep an eye out for Dispensers once you infiltrate the enemy base. They will still heal you and you can use them while your Cloak is still active (when using the default [[Invisibility Watch]] or while cloaked with the [[Dead Ringer]]). In fact, all Dispensers above Level 1 can recharge your Cloak even while you're cloaked. Level 1 Dispensers don't recharge your Cloak but your Cloak won't drain, either. Instead, it'll stay at the same level, giving you time to plan your next actions. Level 2 Dispensers recharge it slowly and Level 3 recharge it much faster, so Dispensers can be crucial to your plan. Note that the healing beam CANNOT be seen when cloaked and when next to a Dispenser - but be sure to watch out for Engineers, as they will constantly run back to their Dispenser, possibly running into you and revealing you. To avoid the Engineer, jump on top of the Dispenser instead of standing beside it. Be careful though, as his teammates can still run through it and, if they do, reveal your location.
 
*Note that on maps with narrow corridors, like 2Fort, Engineers may place superfluous Dispensers in locations that block your path. They also use these Dispensers to lure you into sapping them, thus alerting him and his team of your presence. If this is the case, you have 3 options: Crouch behind the Dispenser and use your Revolver to take it out or at least damage it (Provided there aren't any enemies around, they will hear the sound of your Revolver), crouch jump over the Dispenser (unless the Dispenser is placed in a position where you would've normally jumped on to the platform to reach it) or simply take another route.
 
*When uncloaked, avoid standing on Dispensers. Because most players (except the Engineer who built the Dispenser) will clip through buildings, being spotted in this position will instantly ruin your disguise, unless you are disguised as the Engineer, but he will almost certainly see a clone of himself and kill you. Unless you have backstabbed the Engy already and you disguised as him, or the Engy is dead and you are disguised as him, do not go on top of a Dispenser uncloaked.
 
*If you have no other option, using a Scout disguise and crouching behind a Dispenser while uncloaking may minimize the odds the Engineer will spot you instantly. This can be useful in small, commonly camped areas.
 
  
===[[Teleporter]]s===
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=== [[Teleporter]]s ===
 
* If you're disguised as an enemy and take one of your team's Teleporters, the glowing ring and trail effect will not show up. Using friendly Teleporters with friendly disguises will give you a ring and trail but these are removed when you next use an enemy disguise.
 
* If you're disguised as an enemy and take one of your team's Teleporters, the glowing ring and trail effect will not show up. Using friendly Teleporters with friendly disguises will give you a ring and trail but these are removed when you next use an enemy disguise.
  
* Walking over an enemy Teleporter exit when someone uses it kills you, a term called telefragging.
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* Walking over an enemy Teleporter exit when someone uses it kills you, a term called [[telefrag]]ging.
  
* When you find an exit Teleporter, watch it to see which way players come out. Then stand behind the Teleporter and wait. When the next player comes out, backstab him instantly. He should report this to his team, but he'll be dead for a bit, so you can risk waiting a little for a second Teleport and kill, or you can just sap the Teleporter and leave the area. This is called telecamping, which is usually frowned upon by most TF2 players.
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* When you find an exit Teleporter, watch it to see which way players come out. Then stand behind the Teleporter and wait. When the next player comes out, backstab him instantly. He should report this to his team, but he'll be dead for a bit, so you can risk waiting a little for a second Teleport and kill, or you can just sap the Teleporter and leave the area. This is called telecamping, which is usually frowned upon by most players.
  
* Due to the [[August 13, 2009 Patch]], whenever a Teleport Entrance or Exit is sapped, the other automatically has an Electro Sapper placed on it as well, regardless of their distance from one another. However, the Engineer can now remove Sappers from both the entrance and the exit by using his Wrench on either. Although this makes it much harder for Spies to get cheap points by sapping Teleporter entrances outside the enemy spawn, a successful Electro Sapper on an active Teleporter will now give two points.
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* Due to the {{Patch name|8|13|2009}}, whenever a Teleport Entrance or Exit is sapped, the other automatically has a Sapper placed on it as well, regardless of their distance from one another. However, the Engineer can now remove Sappers from both the entrance and the exit by using his Wrench on either. Although this makes it much harder for Spies to get cheap points by sapping Teleporter entrances outside the enemy spawn, a successful Sapper on an active Teleporter will now give two points.
  
*If you're trying to telefrag enemies with their own Teleporters, either step over them while cloaked or use a slow disguise (Heavy and Soldier are the best) in order not to draw too much attention towards you.
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* If you're trying to telefrag enemies with their own Teleporters, either step over them while cloaked or use a slow disguise (Heavy and Soldier are the best) in order not to draw too much attention towards you.
  
* If you see enemy Teleporter entrances and exits in unusual places (often near their objectives), it could mean you are walking into an Engineer's trap - many Engineers place their Teleporters inside their base as an early warning system, hoping that you will be unable to resist sapping them and will thus alert the Engineer to your presence. (One way you can trick the Engineer in this scenario is by firing 2-3 Revolver shots at it, or if the Engineer is close by, hit it with your Knife as it is much quieter, but not enough to destroy it. Engineers will almost always expect a Spy to sap it if anything, so this may throw off the Engineer who built it)
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* If you see enemy Teleporter entrances and exits in unusual places (often near their objectives), it could mean you are walking into an Engineer's trap - many Engineers place their Teleporters inside their base as an early warning system, hoping that you will be unable to resist sapping them and will thus alert the Engineer to your presence (one way you can trick the Engineer in this scenario is by firing 2-3 Revolver shots at it, or if the Engineer is close by, hit it with your Knife as it is much quieter, but not enough to destroy it. Engineers will almost always expect a Spy to sap it if anything, so this may throw off the Engineer who built it).
  
*As of the Sniper vs. Spy Update, the Spy is now able to use enemy Teleporters. This can be useful for getting into well-defended Sentry Gun nests and/or nests that would otherwise be unreachable.
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* As of the Sniper vs. Spy Update, the Spy is now able to use enemy Teleporters. This can be useful for getting into well-defended Sentry Gun nests and/or nests that would otherwise be unreachable.
  
*If you can time it just right, it's possible to sap an enemy Teleporter entrance just as it teleports you. However, due to the [[August 13, 2009 Patch]] this is rather pointless as you can achieve the same effect by taking the teleport and then sapping the exit. However, it does allow you to harass the Engineer as he attempts to knock your Electro Sapper off.
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* If you can time it just right, it's possible to sap an enemy Teleporter entrance just as it teleports you. However, due to the {{Patch name|8|13|2009}} this is rather pointless as you can achieve the same effect by taking the teleport and then sapping the exit. However, it does allow you to harass the Engineer as he attempts to knock your Sapper off.
  
*If you are lucky, you may manage to [[telefrag]] an enemy upon taking an opposing Teleporter. While this normally applies to your own team's Teleporters as well if an enemy somehow stands on it without destroying it, the likelihood is higher as a Spy, as enemies may be clustered around the exit on the other side. In some cases, you may even be able to telefrag the enemy Engineer on the other side. However, be aware that telefragging will immediately alert the Engineer who built the Teleporter.
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* If you are lucky, you may manage to telefrag an enemy upon taking an opposing Teleporter. While this normally applies to your own team's Teleporters as well if an enemy somehow stands on it without destroying it, the likelihood is higher as a Spy, as enemies may be clustered around the exit on the other side. In some cases, you may even be able to telefrag the enemy Engineer on the other side. However, be aware that telefragging will immediately alert the Engineer as to who took their Teleporter.
  
*A clever Spy can sneak his way to the enemy's Teleporter Entrance, sap it, and then stand on it, waiting for an Engineer on the exit side to knock off the Electro Sapper. Once the Electro Sapper has been knocked off the Spy will teleport to the other side, telefragging the Engineer if he is close enough, and is free to sap any buildings the Engineer has built. This is a risky but effective way of taking down forward bases built by one Engineer.
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* A clever Spy can sneak his way to the enemy's Teleporter Entrance, sap it, and then stand on it, waiting for an Engineer on the exit side to knock off the Sapper. Once the Sapper has been knocked off the Spy will teleport to the other side, telefragging the Engineer if he is close enough, and is free to sap any buildings the Engineer has built. This is a risky but effective way of taking down forward bases built by one Engineer.
**However, the above strategy becomes obsolete if there are two Engineers babysitting their buildings in the same location. The second Engineer will no doubt see/hear his buddy trying to repair his Teleporter and dying. There is usually no way to fight the second Engineer without the Sentry Guns swiveling and shooting you dead once you uncloak/remove your disguise. Your best hope in this situation is to either run, or sap BOTH the Sentry Guns as fast as you can, while avoiding the Wrench. If you're VERY lucky, you'll be able to get both of them, and then deal with your hard-hatted assailant. Assuming he doesn't just repair the Sentry Guns or Shotgun you to death, you could also try the continuous sap strategy.
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** However, the above strategy becomes obsolete if there are two Engineers babysitting their buildings in the same location. The second Engineer will no doubt see/hear his buddy trying to repair his Teleporter and dying. There is usually no way to fight the second Engineer without the Sentry Guns swiveling and shooting you dead once you uncloak/remove your disguise. Your best hope in this situation is to either run, or sap BOTH the Sentry Guns as fast as you can, while avoiding the Wrench. If you're VERY lucky, you'll be able to get both of them, and then deal with your hard-hatted assailant. Assuming he doesn't just repair the Sentry Guns or Shotgun you to death, you could also try the continuous sap strategy.
  
*Another way to deal with Teleporters is to simply sap the entrance, and then put another back on immediately after it gets knocked off, and repeating. As the Engineer cannot repair the Teleporter while it is being sapped, you can slowly wear down the entrance and take out both sides with little to no risk; this is one of the safer courses of action if the Engineer is smart enough to stand off of his exit and Wrench whoever comes through right after he knocks the Electro Sapper off. However, beware that this takes a long time, and in the case of spawns with only one exit, greatly increases the risk of an enemy seeing you and killing you. In this case, you can simply take out your Revolver and empty it into the entrance after sapping it, this will usually kill the entrance in most cases. If the Engineer is quick enough to knock off your Electro Sapper before you can destroy the entrance, simply place a second one on immediately and repeat, though repeatedly sapping will probably work better as your Revolver may be out of ammunition. This method is faster and reduces the risk of being discovered by the enemy in their spawn, but leaves you more vulnerable as you will not be disguised.
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* Another way to deal with Teleporters is to simply sap the entrance, and then put another back on immediately after it gets knocked off, and repeating. As the Engineer cannot repair the Teleporter while it is being sapped, you can slowly wear down the entrance and take out both sides with little to no risk; this is one of the safer courses of action if the Engineer is smart enough to stand off of his exit and Wrench whoever comes through right after he knocks the Sapper off. However, beware that this takes a long time, and in the case of spawns with only one exit, greatly increases the risk of an enemy seeing you and killing you. In this case, you can simply take out your Revolver and empty it into the entrance after sapping it, usually destroying the entrance in most cases. If the Engineer is quick enough to knock off your Sapper before you can destroy the entrance, simply place a second one on immediately and repeat, though repeatedly sapping will probably work better as your Revolver may be out of ammunition. This method is faster and reduces the risk of being discovered by the enemy in their spawn, but leaves you more vulnerable as you will not be disguised.
  
*You can quickly kill Teleporters by sapping them and then shooting them a few times with your Revolver. Although this will attract more attention than just sapping, it may destroy at least one side of the Teleporter before the Engineer can remove your Electro Sapper thus reverting the other side of the teleport to level 1.
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* You can quickly destroy Teleporters by sapping them and then shooting them a few times with your Revolver. Although this will attract more attention than just sapping, it may destroy at least one side of the Teleporter before the Engineer can remove your Sapper thus reverting the other side of the teleport to level 1.
  
*Hitting a Teleporter with a Wrench will only remove Sappers from the other end if the end being hit has finished building. If you sap a teleport early in its build, the Engineer may not have enough time to save the other end even if they're able to remove the Electro Sapper.
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* Hitting a Teleporter with a Wrench will only remove Sappers from the other end if the end being hit has finished building. If you sap a teleport early in its build, the Engineer may not have enough time to save the other end even if they're able to remove the Sapper.
  
==Infiltration==
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== Infiltration ==
*You can [[disguise]] as your own team by hitting {{Key|-}} (or {{Key|E}} if you have the simple disguise menu enabled) at the top of the keyboard after bringing up the [[disguise]] interface. As a friendly non-Spy class, players on the other team are much less likely to alert each other to Spies entering the base if they see you. However, the best way to get in and out is to Cloak properly.
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* You can [[disguise]] as your own team by hitting {{Key|R}} or {{Key|-}} (or {{Key|E}} if you have the simple disguise menu enabled) at the top of the keyboard after bringing up the disguise interface. As a friendly non-Spy class, players on the other team are much less likely to alert each other to Spies entering the base if they see you. However, the best way to get in and out is to Cloak properly.
  
*While it may not seem immediately obvious to the Spy, as you slowly [[Cloak|decloak]] you take on the color of your team until you are 100% visible. It is vital to let the Cloak come on fully before entering into areas where you would be seen. Try to [[Cloak|decloak]] around a corner where an opponent can't see you. It's very obvious that you are a Spy as no other class is able to Cloak.
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* While it may not seem immediately obvious to the Spy, as you slowly [[Cloak|decloak]] you take on the color of your team until you are 100% visible. It is vital to let the Cloak come on fully before entering into areas where you would be seen. Try to decloak around a corner where an opponent can't see you. It's very obvious that you are a Spy as no other class is able to Cloak.
  
*While cloaked, remember to avoid all enemy fire - if you're hit, you flicker visible. The same is true if you bump into an enemy. If you plan to rush out, tell your team-mates to let you go first (cloaked), so that stray fire from the enemy team at your visible team-mates doesn't reveal or kill you.
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* While cloaked, remember to avoid all enemy fire - if you're hit, you flicker visibly. The same is true if you bump into an enemy. If you plan to rush out, tell your team-mates to let you go first (cloaked), so that stray fire from the enemy team at your visible team-mates doesn't reveal or kill you.
  
 
* If you are discovered and must Cloak to run away (assuming that you are not using a [[Dead Ringer]]), use misdirection to break away from your foes. If you are running in a certain direction while you Cloak, your enemies will usually head in that direction, so you can immediately make a radical turn after becoming completely invisible, or even turn in the immediate opposite direction to get behind them for a backstab opportunity.
 
* If you are discovered and must Cloak to run away (assuming that you are not using a [[Dead Ringer]]), use misdirection to break away from your foes. If you are running in a certain direction while you Cloak, your enemies will usually head in that direction, so you can immediately make a radical turn after becoming completely invisible, or even turn in the immediate opposite direction to get behind them for a backstab opportunity.
  
*While cloaked, avoid giving away your position, especially to Snipers or if you have been busted, your pursuers. So do not:
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* While cloaked, avoid giving away your position, especially to Snipers or, if you have been busted, your pursuers. So do not:
 
** ...pick up medkits (unless you're burning) or ammo crates.
 
** ...pick up medkits (unless you're burning) or ammo crates.
** ...enter the enemies' line of sight before your Cloak is fully active. (See above)
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** ...enter the enemies' line of sight before your Cloak is fully active (see above).
 
** Also, if you go through an automatic door while cloaked and no one else is around, it is obvious that there is a Spy. If the door is very narrow, you still will become a very easy target, as you only have one direction to run in. Also, if you come out of swimmable [[water]], water will be visible dripping from you.
 
** Also, if you go through an automatic door while cloaked and no one else is around, it is obvious that there is a Spy. If the door is very narrow, you still will become a very easy target, as you only have one direction to run in. Also, if you come out of swimmable [[water]], water will be visible dripping from you.
  
 
* You appear to have the same health as the target of your disguise did at the moment you took on that disguise.
 
* You appear to have the same health as the target of your disguise did at the moment you took on that disguise.
  
* Get a friendly Medic to heal you while you are disguised, because your disguised health level also rises to 100%, thus making you less suspicious when disguised while around the enemy spawn however appearing to be injured may be a good idea so you can get an enemy Medic to heal you. Note that overhealing will also be visible on your disguise, and if the enemy team has no Medics, walking around with an [[overheal]] may be a dead giveaway.
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* Get a friendly Medic to heal you while you are disguised, because your disguised health level also rises to 100%, thus making you less suspicious when disguised while around the enemy spawn; however, appearing to be injured may be a good idea so you can get an enemy Medic to heal you. Note that overhealing will also be visible on your disguise, and if the enemy team has no Medics, walking around with an [[overheal]] may be a dead giveaway.
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* If your disguise has an overhealing weapon equipped ([[Powerjack]], [[Conniver's Kunai]], etc.), then you may be able to fool some players with the weapon equipped and a full overheal.
  
* Avoid walking over medkits unless your real health is injured, your fake health level will appear to be injured and if you don't pick up a medkit when walking over it, it is a dead giveaway that you're a disguised Spy. You can only increase your disguised health level from [[Dispensers]] and [[Payload cart]]s if your real health is injured. So if you're receiving a healing beam, and your health is not appearing to increase then those that know this telltale sign will know you're a Spy, so it's best to use a Dispenser and cart only if you're truly injured. But against less experienced players, being healed by a Dispenser or cart can makes you seem less suspicious. As of the [[May 21, 2009 Patch]], in the PC version, walking over a medkit will add to your disguise health. You will also pick up medkits if your disguise health is down, even if your real health is full.
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* Avoid walking over medkits unless your real health is injured; your fake health level will appear to be injured and, if you don't pick up a medkit when walking over it, it is a dead giveaway that you're a disguised Spy. You can only increase your disguised health level from [[Dispensers]] and [[Payload#Carts|Payload carts]] if your real health is injured. So if you're receiving a healing beam, and your health is not appearing to increase then those that know this telltale sign will know you're a Spy, so it's best to use a Dispenser and cart only if you're truly injured. But against less experienced players, being healed by a Dispenser or cart can makes you seem less suspicious. As of the {{Patch name|5|21|2009}}, in the PC version, walking over a medkit will add to your disguise health. You will also pick up medkits if your disguise health is down, even if your real health is full.
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** Note that picking medkits makes the cross icon appear above your head even if you're cloaked or disguised, and it will be of your team's color, so it can be a serious giveaway for players who will notice that.
  
 
* Alternatively, if you have the [[Cloak and Dagger]] equipped, you can deliberately grab medkits in order to deny them to the enemy. While they will probably know that an enemy Spy is in the area, you can assist your team in this way by making your opponents easier to kill if your teammates are also relatively close by; however, this is also a double-edged sword since you can accidentally deny the medkit to a teammate who needs it.
 
* Alternatively, if you have the [[Cloak and Dagger]] equipped, you can deliberately grab medkits in order to deny them to the enemy. While they will probably know that an enemy Spy is in the area, you can assist your team in this way by making your opponents easier to kill if your teammates are also relatively close by; however, this is also a double-edged sword since you can accidentally deny the medkit to a teammate who needs it.
  
[[Image:Spy for Medic.jpg|thumb|right|''Friendly'' disguised Blu Spy calling for a Red Medic]]
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[[Image:Spy for Medic.png|thumb|right|''Friendly'' disguised BLU Spy calling for a RED Medic]]
  
 
* Remember that you can call for and be healed by enemy Medics while disguised. This is a great way to hold your cover, and also a good opportunity to backstab the opponent's support. Beware that this also risks drawing undue attention to yourself, especially if your alter-ego notices his own name calling for a Medic. For these reasons it is probably best to do this as a retreating maneuver.
 
* Remember that you can call for and be healed by enemy Medics while disguised. This is a great way to hold your cover, and also a good opportunity to backstab the opponent's support. Beware that this also risks drawing undue attention to yourself, especially if your alter-ego notices his own name calling for a Medic. For these reasons it is probably best to do this as a retreating maneuver.
** Do note that if you are in a situation that you may think it is safe to call a Medic, such as separation from the other members, there is one giveaway that a person paying attention would notice. As a Spy, your Medic call copies '''your''' health, not the health of that who you are disguised as. Therefore, if the person you are disguised as has above half health, but you have below half health, then your Medic call will be red or vice versa and the deadly wounded teammate will call Medic in pure white, therefore if the Medic pays attention to the signs, calling Medic at the wrong health may be a dead giveaway that you are a Spy. If you notice that you might give yourself away, such as medicalling while almost dead while your disguise is healthy, then call Medic and look at them for signs. If they pull out a weapon like the Übersaw or [[Needle Gun]] and look at you, this may be a sign that you have just revealed your disguise to them.
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** In a similar manner to calling for Medic, using any voice command that appears in the text chat (such as "Help!" or "Incoming!") while disguised as an enemy will be shown to the enemy team as from the person you are disguised as.
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** Do note that if you are in a situation that you may think it is safe to call a Medic, such as separation from the other members, there is one giveaway that a person paying attention would notice. As a Spy, your Medic call copies '''your''' health, not the health of that who you are disguised as. Therefore, if the person you are disguised as has above half health, but you have below half health, then your Medic call will be red. The opposite is also true; if you're healthy while your disguise is deadly wounded, the Medic call will be in pure white. Therefore if the Medic pays attention to the signs, calling Medic at the wrong health may be a dead giveaway that you are a Spy. If you notice that you might give yourself away, such as medicalling while almost dead while your disguise is healthy, then call Medic and look at them for signs. If they pull out a weapon like the Ubersaw or [[Syringe Gun]] and look at you, this may be a sign that you have just revealed your disguise to them.
  
* Once in the enemy's base, ''communicate'' with your team. Talking might not move you up on the [[Scoreboard]], but reporting Sentry Gun placements if a group of enemies are taking an alternate route or building a minibase can make a big difference and bring your team closer to victory. Note that on alltalk servers, your speech bubble is your own team color even when cloaked.  
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* Once in the enemy's base, ''communicate'' with your team. Talking might not move you up on the [[Scoreboard]], but reporting Sentry Gun placements if a group of enemies are taking an alternate route or building a minibase can make a big difference and bring your team closer to victory. Note that on alltalk servers, your speech bubble is your own team color even when cloaked.
  
 
* You can walk backward while heading for the enemy base, or look backwards occasionally while walking forwards. Retreating into an enemy base while disguised looks much less suspicious than running into it at full tilt (unless your disguise health is relatively low), but as this trick has been done so many times, it can appear obvious to the astute observer.
 
* You can walk backward while heading for the enemy base, or look backwards occasionally while walking forwards. Retreating into an enemy base while disguised looks much less suspicious than running into it at full tilt (unless your disguise health is relatively low), but as this trick has been done so many times, it can appear obvious to the astute observer.
  
* When you disguise yourself, you take the name of an enemy player that is playing the same class as the disguise. It is crucial that you try to use a class that is well represented by the enemy side to decrease the risk of coming face to face with the person you stole the name from. As of the [[May 21, 2009 Patch]], you can see whose name you have taken on on your disguise nameplate.
+
* When you disguise yourself, you take the name of an enemy player that is playing the same class as the disguise. It is crucial that you try to use a class that is well represented by the enemy side to decrease the risk of coming face to face with the person you stole the name from. As of the {{Patch name|5|21|2009}}, you can see whose name you have taken on on your disguise nameplate.
  
* If you disguise as a class not represented by the enemy team, you take on a name randomly. This can be a dead giveaway as a glance at the score table will make your trickery obvious, so try to disguise as a class that you know the enemy has.
+
* If you disguise as a class not represented by the enemy team, you take on a name randomly, and your disguise has a completely stock loadout with no cosmetics. This can be a dead giveaway as a glance at the score table will make your trickery obvious, so try to disguise as a class that you know the enemy has.
  
 
* Try to act natural. Many times, an enemy will shoot you and not notice your health go down. If you do react to their shots, you can be certain that they and the rest of their team will hunt you down. If you continue heading in the same direction and if you seem to ignore the attack (assuming that it doesn't kill you), many times you will be left alone.
 
* Try to act natural. Many times, an enemy will shoot you and not notice your health go down. If you do react to their shots, you can be certain that they and the rest of their team will hunt you down. If you continue heading in the same direction and if you seem to ignore the attack (assuming that it doesn't kill you), many times you will be left alone.
 +
** Expanding on the above, standing still while in the enemy base is highly suspicious, and most players will try to [[Spy checking|Spy check]] you. Making it seem like you were NOT harmed by this attack is the key to getting sneaky backstabs when they turn away. Be incredibly careful of Pyros however. If you see one heading for you, and he is actively Spy checking, RUN!
 +
** Another thing to note on the above is that certain weapons WILL give you away, even if you pretend it didn't hurt you. Weapons like the [[Widowmaker]], the [[Black Box]], and certain weapons with on hit effects will give you away, because they will vary in their triggers; with the former replenishing metal on hit, and the latter replenishing health on hit. Take note of what weapons the enemy is using to Spy check.
  
*Expanding  on the above, standing still while in the enemy base is highly suspicious, and most players will try to [[Spy checking|Spy check]] you. Making it seem like you were NOT harmed by this attack is the key to getting sneaky backstabs when they turn away. Be incredibly careful of Pyros however. If you see one heading for you, and he is actively Spy checking, RUN!
+
* When disguised as a Medic, your fake Ubercharge meter will always display 0%. This can be a dead giveaway.
 
 
* Before the Sniper vs. Spy Update, when disguised as a Medic, the ÜberCharge percentage did not show up when an enemy targeted you. This was a big giveaway. This was fixed in the [[May 21, 2009 Patch]], and now disguising as a Medic you appear to have a ÜberCharge percentage that the Medic you're disguised had when you took on that disguise. If there aren't any enemy Medics you will simply have a random ÜberCharge meter.
 
  
 
* You may, while entering the enemy base, notice that an attack force is heading for your base. Running in the opposite direction of them will likely result in a Spy check. A great method to single-handedly stop this attack is trying to run with the group towards your base. This works well as it appears to the opposite team that you are not a Spy, and you can slow yourself down a little bit to get to the rear of the pack and backstab most, if not all, of them. Just be sure the person you are disguised as is not among them, or you will be very dead very quickly.
 
* You may, while entering the enemy base, notice that an attack force is heading for your base. Running in the opposite direction of them will likely result in a Spy check. A great method to single-handedly stop this attack is trying to run with the group towards your base. This works well as it appears to the opposite team that you are not a Spy, and you can slow yourself down a little bit to get to the rear of the pack and backstab most, if not all, of them. Just be sure the person you are disguised as is not among them, or you will be very dead very quickly.
 +
** This is one of the main techniques for a [[Your Eternal Reward]] / [[Wanga Prick]] users, since even a quick behind-glance from one of the enemies will less likely reveal you, not to mention the screams and bodies won't be a problem either.
  
 
* A dead giveaway that you're a Spy in disguise is the fact that your enemies are unable to walk through you. Once they bump into you, they will try to kill you immediately. When in small enclosed spaces, e.g. the sewers in [[2Fort]], walk close to the walls and be sure to leave enough room for enemy players to run past you.
 
* A dead giveaway that you're a Spy in disguise is the fact that your enemies are unable to walk through you. Once they bump into you, they will try to kill you immediately. When in small enclosed spaces, e.g. the sewers in [[2Fort]], walk close to the walls and be sure to leave enough room for enemy players to run past you.
  
*Deliberately trying to avoid people in corridors is like saying, "Hey! Here I am! Shoot me!" and will likely get you Spy checked and possibly killed. If you see someone barreling down a corridor at you, it is usually a better idea to open fire on them then to risk bumping into them and being melee'd by them. Remember, your knife isn't exactly fantastic in a face-off. It is only good for backstabs and taking out already weakened enemies; you cannot count on facestabs to save you.
+
* Deliberately trying to avoid people in corridors is like saying, "Hey! Here I am! Shoot me!" and will likely get you Spy checked and possibly killed. If you see someone barreling down a corridor at you, it is usually a better idea to open fire on them then to risk bumping into them and being melee'd by them. Remember, your knife isn't exactly fantastic in a face-off. It is only good for backstabs and taking out already weakened enemies; you cannot count on facestabs to save you.
  
 
* Keep an eye on the enemy players that are about to respawn. When did they die? What class did they play? What is their skill? Remember, these are the players that are going to be on your back in a few seconds. Use this knowledge to time your actions. If you know that the opponent's #1 Scout will respawn in a few seconds, let him pass by before you take any backstabbing/sapping action. Also remember, if you've just killed the same player twice in the exact same spot, they are going to be checking the area the next time they come through in order to find you.
 
* Keep an eye on the enemy players that are about to respawn. When did they die? What class did they play? What is their skill? Remember, these are the players that are going to be on your back in a few seconds. Use this knowledge to time your actions. If you know that the opponent's #1 Scout will respawn in a few seconds, let him pass by before you take any backstabbing/sapping action. Also remember, if you've just killed the same player twice in the exact same spot, they are going to be checking the area the next time they come through in order to find you.
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* Most importantly: There are many people ([[Pyro]]s) who will Spy check anyone they see, regardless of team affiliation, just as a precaution. Because of this, you must remember to keep moving, change disguises frequently, and, whenever possible, avoid being seen by the enemy entirely.
 
* Most importantly: There are many people ([[Pyro]]s) who will Spy check anyone they see, regardless of team affiliation, just as a precaution. Because of this, you must remember to keep moving, change disguises frequently, and, whenever possible, avoid being seen by the enemy entirely.
  
*As long as there's a damage indication on your HUD, you are semi-visible. Wait until the damage indicator clears before moving to ensure that you're completely invisible.
+
* As long as there's a damage indication on your HUD, you are semi-visible. Wait until the damage indicator clears before moving to ensure that you're completely invisible.
 
 
*Avoid disguising yourself as a Scout. While your speed will be slower when disguised as a Heavy or a Soldier, you will not get a speed boost or be able to double jump when disguised as a Scout. Due to this, the enemy will see a Scout who is running slower than normal. This is one of the quickest ways to be detected. The speed difference is not as noticeable if running towards or away from enemies, and disguising as a Scout can be effective if the enemy team has a lot of Scouts, or just several newbie ones.
 
  
*A good idea to make your disguise more believable is to get behind or near the enemy spawn, put on your disguise, wait until no one is around/not watching you, and then run forwards so it looks like you just respawned. Not only can it put you behind players leaving said spawn, but it also makes enemy players less likely to Spy check you thinking that you're someone who just came from their own spawn.
+
* A good idea to make your disguise more believable is to get behind or near the enemy spawn, put on your disguise, wait until no one is around/not watching you, and then run forwards so it looks like you just respawned. Not only can it put you behind players leaving said spawn, but it also makes enemy players less likely to Spy check you thinking that you're someone who just came from their own spawn.
 +
** Be cautious to not get into players' casual fire though, as it is rather common for some people to spend some of the ammo shooting in the air (or teammates) while running to an objective that is too far away. Also try to avoid spawns with automatic doors (see above).
  
* Picking up the enemy [[Intelligence]] does not yet make you a suicide flag runner. You can drop the Intelligence anytime ({{Key|L}} by default), put on a disguise, or Cloak to recon ahead for danger and/or clear out an ambush. Afterwards, return to the Intelligence and resume carrying it when the path is clear. This is especially useful against Sentry Guns, which you can sap and then return to the Intelligence and Demomen, who like to block your path with stickies, essentially trapping you between themselves and anyone pursuing you from the enemy base. It's also a good way to lure other classes out of ambush, as they will move from their spot to check why has the Intelligence been dropped.
+
* Picking up the enemy [[Capture the Flag#Intelligence|Intelligence]] does not yet make you a suicide flag runner. You can drop the Intelligence anytime ({{Key|L}} by default), put on a disguise, or Cloak to Recon ahead for danger and/or clear out an ambush. Afterwards, return to the Intelligence and resume carrying it when the path is clear. This is especially useful against Sentry Guns, which you can sap and then return to the Intelligence and Demomen, who like to block your path with stickies, essentially trapping you between themselves and anyone pursuing you from the enemy base. It's also a good way to lure other classes out of ambush, as they will move from their spot to check why has the Intelligence been dropped.
  
 
* Disguises only fool enemies "at-a-glance". It's best to avoid being seen altogether and use cloaking more often.
 
* Disguises only fool enemies "at-a-glance". It's best to avoid being seen altogether and use cloaking more often.
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* While disguised, try to use voice commands such as Battle Cry. It will make your disguised player speak and do some mimics, and therefore it can fool some enemies who don't think about Spies being able to do those mimics.
 
* While disguised, try to use voice commands such as Battle Cry. It will make your disguised player speak and do some mimics, and therefore it can fool some enemies who don't think about Spies being able to do those mimics.
  
*Reloading the Revolver/Ambassador will reload the weapon equipped by your disguise. Use this for added realism.
+
* Reloading the Revolver and its variants will reload the weapon equipped by your disguise. Use this for added realism.
 +
** Be wary of the weapon your disguise is holding, as even weapons that do not require reloading (such as [[Minigun]]s and [[Flame Thrower]]s) will still play an animation.
  
 
* If you are using the [[Cloak and Dagger]], try to jump up on obstacles and ledges as you move through the map. Players use the obvious running pathways and will run right past you if you are cloaked. Standing on a crate allows you to recharge your Cloak without being bumped into and giving away your position. Standing on top of obstacles is also a good place to avoid Spy checking and escape pursuing players as they often forget to check the top of boxes and ledges.
 
* If you are using the [[Cloak and Dagger]], try to jump up on obstacles and ledges as you move through the map. Players use the obvious running pathways and will run right past you if you are cloaked. Standing on a crate allows you to recharge your Cloak without being bumped into and giving away your position. Standing on top of obstacles is also a good place to avoid Spy checking and escape pursuing players as they often forget to check the top of boxes and ledges.
  
==Backstabbing techniques==
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== Backstabbing techniques ==
 
:''For more information, see [[Backstab#Backstabbing Techniques|Backstab]]''
 
:''For more information, see [[Backstab#Backstabbing Techniques|Backstab]]''
  
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Approaching your victim for a backstab is difficult without getting caught. It is common for an enemy player to randomly Spy check hiding places and teammates. You can expect the enemy team to Spy check more often if they are alerted to the presence of a Spy.
 
Approaching your victim for a backstab is difficult without getting caught. It is common for an enemy player to randomly Spy check hiding places and teammates. You can expect the enemy team to Spy check more often if they are alerted to the presence of a Spy.
  
The easiest targets to approach are ''distracted'' players who are busy with another task. Common targets are Engineers that are building/upgrading and Snipers who are looking through their Sniper Rifle.  
+
The easiest targets to approach are ''distracted'' players who are busy with another task. Common targets are Engineers that are building/upgrading and Snipers who are looking through their Sniper Rifle.
  
 
There are a few things to keep in mind before going in for the killing blow:
 
There are a few things to keep in mind before going in for the killing blow:
  
*Determine who your target is, and if they are a good target, before you approach.
+
* Determine who your target is, and if they are a good target, before you approach.
*Don't panic when you are discovered.
+
* Don't panic when you are discovered.
*Make sure to double check the routes behind you ''before'' decloaking, especially in routes which are commonly used. A recently spawned enemy player might catch you decloaking.
+
* Make sure to double check the routes behind you ''before'' decloaking, especially in routes which are commonly used. A recently spawned enemy player might catch you decloaking.
*Check your surrounding first before cloaking. An enemy player might be looking at your general direction. If you are lucky, they might not be suspicious of you, but if they start shooting at you, run and hide.
+
* Check your surrounding first before cloaking. An enemy player might be looking at your general direction. If you are lucky, they might not be suspicious of you, but if they start shooting at you, run and hide.
*Check the Scoreboard for dead enemy players so you can be aware if someone will come out from spawn.  
+
* Check the Scoreboard for dead enemy players so you can be aware if someone will come out from spawn.
*If you know that someone has just spawned, you can wait for them to pass by you. You can also try to delay their movement to the front line by timing your kill so they would be forced to look for you.
+
* If you know that someone has just spawned, you can wait for them to pass by you. You can also try to delay their movement to the front line by timing your kill so they would be forced to look for you.
*Your disguise protects you from passing glances, but only until they get suspicious. Kill your target as soon as possible.
+
* Your disguise protects you from passing glances, but only until they get suspicious. Kill your target as soon as possible.
*Be aware of the speed of your Heavy and Soldier disguise. While enemies may be less suspicious of these uncommon disguises, you will have a much harder time trying to hunt down your victim.
+
* Be aware of the speed of your Heavy and Soldier disguise. While enemies may be less suspicious of these uncommon disguises, you will have a much harder time trying to hunt down your victim.
*A common mistake is to Cloak when the target is attacking you. Even if the target is aware of you, you can still kill them with techniques like stairstabbing, sidestabbing, or shooting.
+
* A common mistake is to Cloak when the target is attacking you. Even if the target is aware of you, you can still kill them with techniques like stairstabbing, sidestabbing, or shooting.
*Be careful on approaching the same target too often. Even the most inexperienced player will start checking their back after being stabbed too frequently.
+
* Be careful on approaching the same target too often. Even the most inexperienced player will start checking their back after being stabbed too frequently.
*When attempting to backstab during an enemy push, be sure to wait until they have engaged your teammates. Be wary of enemy players who are watching their team's back.
+
* When attempting to backstab during an enemy push, be sure to wait until they have engaged your teammates. Be wary of enemy players who are watching their team's back.
*When you see a friendly Spy approaching a target, choose another target. If your teammate targets an [Engineer], sap their buildings while they are distracted. You can also watch your teammates' back by targeting approaching reinforcements.
+
* When you see a friendly Spy approaching a target, choose another target. If your teammate targets an [[Engineer]], sap their buildings while they are distracted. You can also watch your teammates' back by targeting approaching reinforcements.
*Use elevated areas to your advantage. With good timing and positioning, you can get your target within a couple of seconds.
+
* Use elevated areas to your advantage. With good timing and positioning, you can get your target within a couple of seconds.
 +
* Avoid chasing and staring when closing in. Looking directly at your target while running after them gives you away to anyone watching, but watching in your periphery (by aiming the crosshair a few steps to their side) and running parallel with your target looks like you're running ''with'' them, arousing less suspicion.
 +
* Since players rarely look upwards, consider using elevated areas and stairways to jump around your target and confuse them.
  
 
A Spy's weapons and gadgets can drastically change how a Spy has to approach his target. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your loadout:
 
A Spy's weapons and gadgets can drastically change how a Spy has to approach his target. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your loadout:
  
*If you have the Dead Ringer, refill the watch as much as possible before going for your target. It makes for great insurance in case you fail to catch your victim and you start becoming the enemy's target. Make sure your death is convincing though or the area will be double-checked.
+
* If you have the Dead Ringer, wait for the watch to refill as much as possible before going for your target. It makes for great insurance in case you fail to catch your victim and you start becoming the enemy's target. Make sure your death is convincing though or the area will be double-checked.
*The L'Étranger can help quickly refill the Cloak meter in areas without ammo boxes, therefore you can Cloak in order to hide in case a backstab attempt fails. Be careful if you decide to shoot unaware players as they will turn their attention toward you.
+
* The L'Étranger can help quickly refill the Cloak meter in areas without ammo boxes, therefore you can Cloak in order to hide in case a backstab attempt fails. Be careful if you decide to shoot unaware players as they will turn their attention toward you.
*With [[Your Eternal Reward]], you cannot disguise until you backstab someone. You will need to proceed with caution when attempting a backstab.
+
* Be aware of the level of noise each of your cloaking devices make. A common mistake is decloaking too close to your target, thus enabling them to hear you.
*Be aware of the level of noise each of your cloaking devices make. A common mistake is decloaking too close to your target, thus enabling them to hear you. The [[Item Sets|Saharan Spy Set]] nullifies your cloaking sound to a whisper, but it does not mean players cannot hear the cloaking sound.
+
* Also, when using [[Your Eternal Reward]] try to predict and calculate your enemies movement and patterns to look for an opening in getting the first kill.
*Also, when using [[Your Eternal Reward]] try to predict and calculate your enemies movement and patterns to look for an opening in getting the first kill.
+
 
 +
==Class Cooperation Strategies==
 +
The Spy generally works on his own instead of working with his team, picking off high priority targets in the backlines. However, a bit of knowledge on your available options when it may be beneficial to team up with allies could make the difference between a skillful win, or humiliating loss.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Scout}}===
 +
Generally speaking, the Scout and Spy hardly often work together due to their completely opposite playstyles. Despite this, there is still some chemistry to be found in a Spy-Scout pair up.
 +
* The Scout ambushing a whole team is generally seen as an annoyance which many opponents will be focused on killing, or chasing off. If their attention is directed towards your Scout buddy, you can very easily backstab a few of them before being noticed.
 +
* A Spy and Scout can both ambush the same target, such as a Medic or Heavy and quickly kill them before moving onto their next target.
 +
* You can trick enemies into following you up close to a Scout and allow him to kill them.
 +
* Spies have a better weapon for long range engagement than the Scout, the Revolver. You can finish off any target that the Scout cannot reach in time with a few accurate shots.
 +
* A Scout with [[Mad Milk]] can extinguish a burning allied Spy.
 +
* You and a Scout can take out a whole Sentry Nest together. If the Scout is using the [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]], he can distract the Sentry Gun, which allows you to kill the Engineer and sap the buildings before he can repair them.
 +
* A Scout with the [[Sandman]] may be able to slow targets to make them easier picks for the Spy.
 +
* Spies specialize in taking out Engineers and Heavies, both of which make life difficult for Scouts.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Soldier}}===
 +
Soldiers are a very attention-grabbing class and will make it easier for friendly Spies to go unnoticed, simply by existing near the enemy team.
 +
* Soldiers can cause a large enough distraction for you to slip by the enemy unnoticed, and deal damage in the backlines.
 +
* Kill any Heavies that are focusing down an allied Soldier, because a Soldier under Minigun fire is a sitting duck.
 +
* Eliminate Sentry nests where possible. Because of a Sentry Gun's long range and high damage, it makes it difficult for a Soldier to actively [[Rocket Jump]] without being pushed away or outright killed.
 +
* Soldiers using the [[Battalion's Backup]] make it easier for you to eliminate enemies with the increased damage resistance and nullification of Crits, in the event you are found out.
 +
* If you are under the effects of a friendly Soldier's [[Concheror]], a single backstab will bring you to full health.
 +
** This is less effective with the [[Conniver's Kunai]], however, as that knife already gives you healing.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Pyro}}===
 +
Few classes are better at distracting large numbers of enemies than Pyros are. The amount of chaos a Pyro can descend upon an enemy team means it will make you less likely to be found out, even after a stab.
 +
* A friendly Pyro can extinguish you if you get set on fire.
 +
* Enemy Heavies can very easily take out a Pyro, even in the event of an ambush. Killing a Heavy therefore will make it easier for Pyros to ambush your foes.
 +
* Pyros using the Gas Passer will allow you to set multiple enemies on fire with your Secondary and help them cause even more of a disruption.
 +
* A particularly bold tactic is to use your allied Pyros as bait. If you are disguised as a slow-moving class, try to look panicked and pretend to run away from them. This will make you look like an enemy trying to flee and seem less conspicuous. Even if your allied Pyro dies, you will now likely be behind your enemies and can stab them without arousing much suspicion.
 +
* Pyros are situationally high on Snipers' list of classes to kill, so backstabbing them can deny them the chance to snipe your Pyro buddy.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Demoman}}===
 +
Despite their differing playstyles, Demomen and Spies have a surprising amount of chemistry, and are often found working together on both offense and defense.
 +
* Demoman's weaknesses are hitscan weapons and up close combat-- strategies that some of your highest priority targets employ, such as Heavies or Snipers. In these cases, eliminating them first can make it easier for a Demo to do his job.
 +
* Make sure to kill Snipers '''before''' they kill your Demomen. When Demoman dies, all his stickybombs disappear, which weakens your team's defenses.
 +
* Both you and Demoman are very useful in destroying Sentry Guns. Your combined efforts will make it difficult for any Engineers to maintain a Sentry nest for long.
 +
** Kill any Engineers setting up Sentry Guns or Dispensers. With them dead, it makes it almost guaranteed that your Sapper and a Demoman's stickybombs will destroy any buildings.
 +
* Most classes will immediately attempt to chase down and kill a Spy once discovered. You can use this knowledge to your advantage for baiting enemies into a Demoman's stickybomb trap. Simply get your enemies to chase you, then run to where your Demoman buddy has set up a sticky trap.
 +
* Act as a tripwire for your Demo buddy. Using the Cloak and Dagger, you can stay invisible for as long as you need to, and let your buddy know when to detonate his stickybombs for maximum damage potential.
 +
* Engineers and Heavies can be nightmares for [[Community Demoman Strategy|Demoknight]]s to deal with but are favored targets for Spies. Simply sapping an enemy sentry can make life exponentially easier for an allied Demoknight.
 +
* When disguising as an allied Demoknight wielding the [[Eyelander]] with 4 heads or more, your speed will not increase to his. This is a dead giveaway that you are a Spy.
 +
* Both you and Demoman have a weakness to Pyros; you can get found out with a single puff of fire and all of Demo's weapons can be reflected. Therefore, if your intention of teaming with a Demoman is to be safe from Pyros, another class would probably prove to be more effective.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Heavy}}===
 +
Heavies act as the full-frontal assault class and as a spearhead for teammates to rally around. Since they are almost always targeted first and can be easily killed by enemy Spies or Snipers, it can be of similar importance to protect the Heavy as you would your Medic.
 +
* The Heavy is one of the more distracting classes in the game - and Spies work best against distracted enemies.
 +
* A Spy can backstab enemy Snipers and Demomen, thus making a Heavy’s life easier.
 +
* A Heavy can mow down enemy Pyros or similar threats looking for the Spy.
 +
* Enemies slowed by the [[Natascha]] will be easier for the Spy to backstab.
 +
* A dropped [[Sandvich]] or similar can end afterburn or bleeding effects that can give Spies away.
 +
** However, a dropped Sandvich just suddenly disappearing may blow your cover and alert enemies to your presence.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Engineer}}===
 +
While a Spy may not be directly working with an Engineer, his actions on the battlefield indirectly help an Engie immensely. Additionally an Engineer who is properly maintaining his buildings will also help out a Spy on the prowl.
 +
* Dispensers allow you to heal, restock your ammo and restore the cloak of your Invis Watch. Higher level Dispensers allow you to restore Cloak even when currently invisible, which can extend your usage.
 +
* Teleporters allow you to get to the battlefield far quicker, and let you save precious Cloak for when you're infiltrating enemy lines.
 +
* If you are sticking close to your team and know a Spy is in the area, killing them for your Engineer allows buildings such as Teleporters and Dispensers to stay up and active, which in turn helps out your entire team.
 +
* You can call out enemies with low health to your Engineer, and help him pick them off with the [[Wrangler]].
 +
* Killing enemy Engineers allows your own Engies to set up nests more liberally, and take control of areas deep within enemy territory.
 +
* Taking out enemy Medics denies their ÜberCharge advantage, which goes a long way towards defending a Sentry nest.
 +
* Taking out enemy Snipers will make allied Engineers' lives easier, as they will no longer need to hide from their Sniper dots.
 +
* Demomen are a high priority target when protecting an Engineer's buildings, as only four midrange Stickybombs are enough to destroy a Level 3 Sentry Gun.
 +
* Heavies deal considerable amounts of continuous damage to Sentry nests, so backstabbing them will make it much easier to keep a Sentry around.
 +
 
 +
==={{class link|Medic}}===
 +
Protecting your allied Medics should be prioritized at all times. To this end, strategically eliminating high priority targets will make your Medics' job easier and keep him from dying.
 +
* A Spy can backstab targets that are trying to focus on the Medic.
 +
** Of all classes, Snipers or other Spies would be the top of this target list, due to their ability to kill a Medic in one hit.
 +
* Due to the high accuracy of your Revolver, a Medic using the [[Kritzkrieg]] on you can be highly effective.
 +
** When used with the Enforcer, a single shot while disguised will instantly kill any class at 130 or below.
 +
* A Spy equipped with the [[Dead Ringer]] can disguise himself as an allied Medic and get himself "killed" by the enemy team. This may lead them to think they've killed your Medic, which will be important if they were acting on the assumption that the Medic had an ÜberCharge ready.
 +
* An ÜberCharge is quite possibly the single most distracting thing in the game, and distracted enemies will make a Spy's job much easier.
 +
** Special mention goes to Kritzkrieg and [[Quick-Fix]] ÜberCharges, which ''can'' be dealt with via focused fire, thus further encouraging the enemy team to direct their attention towards the combo.
 +
* The Spy can call out the health and ÜberCharge percent of an enemy Medic to an allied Medic and help them decide whether to push in with their pocket.
 +
* A friendly Medic can potentially blow your cover by healing you. Therefore, it is in your best interest to memorize where health packs are located on the map. If you absolutely must be healed by a Medic, come to them under a friendly disguise to not arouse suspicion.
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==={{class link|Sniper}}===
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Spy and Sniper perform the same roles of priority elimination and paranoia. As such, working with your allied Sniper is crucial in not only controlling enemy movements, but getting the drop on the enemy team before they realize what hit them.
 +
* An allied Sniper's presence may force enemies to use an alternate route to their objective. This can allow you to follow behind them and backstab them one-by-one.
 +
* A Spy can stab enemy Snipers, thus making a friendly Sniper’s life easier. Additionally, distracting Snipers with your presence can often be enough time to let an allied Sniper finish the job.
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* If an allied Sniper misses a shot, you can likely pick up the kill, as the enemy will now be actively dodging your Sniper's aim instead of looking for Spies.
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* If you have an inexperienced Sniper on your team, you can aid in finishing off missed shots.
 +
* A Sniper and Spy can ambush and kill practically any Medic combo with the proper strategy. If the Sniper can headshot the Medic's pocket, you can backstab the Medic as he is retreating.
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* The Spy's position on the battlefield can give an allied Sniper vital information on the whereabouts of enemies, and can advise them where to snipe from for maximum damage potential.
 +
* A Sniper can use [[Jarate]] or the [[Sydney Sleeper]] to extinguish a burning allied Spy.
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 +
==={{class link|Spy}}===
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A pair, or group of Spies can make a team extremely paranoid and distract them from their objective while hunting you down.
 +
* Two Spies can strategically eliminate specific classes, such as Soldiers, Medics or Heavies, to thin out a team's power and force them to hold off a push until reinforcements arrive.
 +
* A common Spy-pair practice is for one to use the Invis Watch/Cloak and Dagger, and the other to use the Dead Ringer. This can allow a pair to create a false sense of security for the enemy team and trick them into leaving their guard down for a stab.
 +
* Coordinating your disguises can make you less suspicious when moving among your enemies. If your buddy is disguised as a Medic, disguise as a Heavy, since a Heavy-Medic pair is not uncommon to see amidst the haze of battle.
 +
* A pair of Spies can bait opponents into chasing one disguised as a enemy, while the other is disguised as a friendly player. The Spy disguised as an enemy can then manipulate their position behind the attackers and backstab them.
 +
* Sapper armor only applies to Sentry Guns ''you'' sapped. Another Spy's weapons still do full damage to Sentry Guns you've sapped, and vice versa.
 +
* Stacking Spies is generally not recommended, as one Spy getting noticed may prompt the enemy team to use tactics that will get the others found out.
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 +
=Backstabbing Priorities=
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A crucial part of playing Spy effectively is understanding which classes are the most important to backstab and which ones are better to ignore in any given situation. Generally, if a lone enemy player has their back turned, or are oblivious to their surroundings, it is a good idea to backstab them. However, in cases where the enemy is paired up, or grouped together in areas such as around the cart or a Sentry Nest where your death is almost assured after your first stab, there are some guidelines that should be kept in mind before attempting to approach.
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 +
In order of priority, the classes you should be backstabbing first are:
 +
 
 +
1. Medics
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 +
2. Snipers
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3. Engineers
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4. Heavies
 +
 
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These classes are situational, and can be prioritized in any order at the player's discretion:
 +
 
 +
1. Demomen
 +
 
 +
2. Soldiers
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3. Other Spies
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 +
These are the classes you should NOT attempt to backstab, unless in very specific situations:
 +
 
 +
1. Scouts
 +
 
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2. Pyros
 +
 
 +
* Medics are at the top of the list because of their inherent role of giving healing to your enemies and activating ÜberCharges. A Medic who has an ÜberCharge ready to be deployed should rank even higher than a Medic without one in most cases. Medics are also often the most difficult class to get to, because they will be surrounded by their other teammates, not to mention they may be slightly faster than you, which makes chasing them down for a backstab more difficult. If you can trick a Medic into healing you, manipulating your position behind them and quickly backstabbing them before they realize you are a Spy is a sound strategy. Do not disguise as a Medic, as if you accidentally disguise as the Medic you plan to stab, your cover will be blown immediately.
 +
* Snipers are next due to the threat that they are to your own Medics, Heavies and allied Snipers. Sniper pairs also can come with equipment dedicated to dissuading you from attacking them and have means to track you down if caught, so they also can cause problems for you and other Spies. Their ability to one-shot kill any class in the game makes them a dangerous, and juicy target. Most rifle-wielding Snipers are often too inattentive to notice if you are close, and can be easier to kill. However, Huntsman Snipers are hypothetically more dangerous to you, as they have full range of sight, and can easily protect themselves with a near-instant headshot that will kill you even at point-blank range. Snipers often will attempt to duel you with their melee weapon if they notice you, which can allow you to trickstab them, or cloak to retreat without fear of being headshot. If they are using the [[Razorback]], shoot them with your Revolver instead.
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* Engineers have the unique ability to construct and maintain buildings that allow them to hold down any chokepoint or control point anywhere on the map with ease. Overall, it is more important that the Engineer dies than that his buildings are destroyed, but there are exceptions. The Engineer tends to not pay attention to much other than their buildings, especially when using the Wrangler, so it can be easy to stab them and then quickly sap their Sentry Gun. After an Engineer is dead, try to sap their Teleporters first so he cannot quickly return to his nest and remove your Sappers.
 +
* Heavies are the full-frontal assault class of Team Fortress 2. Dealing the most significant damage possible and having the most health of all classes, it makes them an important target to backstab. They are slow-- even slower while revved up, which can make them easy to approach from behind when all alone, but are also fairly attentive because of their weakness to you. A Heavy's Minigun deals enough damage to kill you in less than a second, which necessitates the element of surprise when approaching them. Medics will also be on the look-out for Spies for their Heavy buddies, and may Spy-check if your presence seem suspicious. Catch them while they have their attention diverted toward your team, and you can very easily get the drop on them. They also have a hard time tracking enemies up close, which allows you to easily trickstab them, or simply throw off their aim enough to let teammates finish them off.
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* Demomen can set stickybomb traps out that will obliterate any class that steps too close to them. When killed, their stickybombs will shatter, and therefore it is important to backstab them before your teammates arrive in their territory. Demoknights or Hybrid Knights tend to be for more difficult to kill, since they are more effective at close range with their melee weapons, and can charge after you when you attempt to escape. You have the tools necessary to slip past his defenses, and can approach him while under disguise or cloak to stab him. Demoman's grenades deal heavy splash damage, and can kill you with little effort if you are caught. However, if you can stay close to him, he may accidentally blow himself up in the process of killing you or choose not to engage with ranged weapons at all, giving you an easier time killing him. The Dead Ringer can allow you to fool the Demoman into thinking he killed you, given that a direct hit with a grenade deals a 100 damage. He may then go back to fighting, giving you a prime opportunity to backstab him. However he may also be more paranoid from now on, and watch his back more frequently.
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* Soldiers deal heavy splash damage, and can unleash utter chaos on your team if not stopped. Soldiers are somewhat slow on the ground, but highly mobile in the air with rocket jumping, making it more difficult to close the gap and stab them. They are a popular choice for being pocketed, making it risky to approach without being Spy-checked by their pocket Medic. Soldiers also can easily Spy-check you with their splash damage, and kill you with just two rockets at close range, making it dangerous to approach them unless you are sure you can stab them before they blow your cover. Like the Demoman, Rocket Launchers deal lethal damage up close, which allows you to make your feign death with the Dead Ringer more convincing. However don’t always believe that the Soldier thinks he is in the clear-- he may turn around again, and will be more paranoid from now on.
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* Enemy Spies are not often found in their own base, and will most likely be on the prowl among your teammates. This makes it difficult to find any Spies to backstab unless they have just respawned or returned from a resupply cabinet. If you discover an enemy Spy, notify your team, and leave them be unless they attack you. If you are with your own team, and notice a teammate you believe is a disguised Spy, approach them from behind. If your knife raises to backstab them, that 'teammate' is an enemy Spy.
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* Scouts are one of your two class counters, and therefore are extremely difficult to backstab. Their natural speed advantage makes it hard to approach them or run away, and their Scattergun can quickly kill you if you are discovered. The Scout also has the means to track you down with the use of [[Mad Milk]] or the [[Wrap Assassin]]/[[Boston Basher]]. If you are in a situation where you are fighting against a Scout, you can attempt to trickstab them, but outside of this, they are not of high priority to backstab, and should instead be fled from or shot with your Revolver. Since Scouts constantly move around a lot when fighting, you can wait for them to backpedal into you, then backstab them.
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* Pyros are your other class counter, and are the biggest threat to you as a Spy. While they can be backstabbed, it is often too difficult to do so due to the combination of the Pyro's tools. You are faster than a Pyro, so it can be easy to catch up to them, but a single puff of fire is enough to blow your cover, even when invisible. [[Compression blast]] allows a Pyro to protect itself and other teammates from your approach, and has [[Homewrecker|melee]] [[Neon Annihilator|weapons]] built for destroying your Sappers when attached to enemy buildings. However, the Pyro can be an important class to backstab if they are ambushing your team or do not notice you. In all other situations, it is better to not engage with a Pyro, and run away. If there are a lot of Pyros on the enemy team, equip the Spy-cicle and Dead Ringer to increase your chances of survival.
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
*[[Team strategy]]
+
* [[Team strategy]]
*[http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/file/437678/51095 In-Depth Spy Guide: by sR+Orca]
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUkko8I01-E Great Spy Guide Video: by sR+Orca]
 
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Spy Nav}}
 
{{Spy Nav}}

Latest revision as of 22:22, 28 November 2024

Run.
May I make a suggestion? Run.
The Spy

The Spy is a class dedicated to trickery and deceit. Specializing in espionage and sabotage, he can backstab, cloak, and disguise. He can also sap an Engineer's buildings, causing them to malfunction. Enemies that are Spy checking should be avoided, and to escape suspicion, a little bit of acting on your part can go a long way. With some skill and luck, Spies can even fool veteran players, and professional Spies can easily wreak major havoc on the enemy team.

Quick tips

  • Avoid being seen or heard as much as possible, even with a disguise.
    • Players can be exceptionally paranoid (especially if they have been backstabbed previously), Spy-checking anyone they see, regardless of your behavior or acting. Wait until your teammates distract them, and strike while they are occupied.
    • Be aware that decloaking and backstabbing can be rather loud, especially if you are using the Dead Ringer. Competent enemies will likely hear these sounds and react. Use the sounds of gunfire from the battlefield, and decloaking behind corners and walls to mask the sound of your decloak.
    • Try to avoid being spotted while doing your job. Take note of which players see you decloak, stab, or sap. If you do get spotted, your options are to cloak and run away or fight back with your Revolver.
    • Always ask yourself, "Will/did that player see/hear me stab/sap/decloak? Did they react to it?" If so, move to another part of the map until they are done Spy-checking. If not, continue doing your job.
    • Try to check your surroundings before you decloak.
  • Typically, you should cloak when heading towards an enemy objective. A teammate running in the opposite direction of the rest of the team is suspicious and a prime candidate for Spy-checking.
    • While disguised, enemies are much less likely to Spy-check you if run backward toward them as if fleeing from your real teammates.
  • Learn to play other classes first. Once you know how each class behaves, you will be able to act more convincingly.
    • Pay attention to which class you are disguised as. Snipers and Engineers generally stay in one spot while Pyros will often patrol an area.
    • The Pyro disguise is good for general situations, but being a very common disguise, you might get Spy-checked more frequently. The upside is, you might not want to stay close to enemy Pyros, so you probably won't appear in the same vicinity as them.
    • The Scout disguise is nearly useless for tricking vigilant enemies; you will not move as fast as a real Scout does. However, you can use the Scout disguise to hide, as his body is much smaller than other classes. Furthermore, the smaller model of the Scout changes where your head appears to enemies, throwing off Snipers' aim. Also, Scouts will often run in and out of the fray of battle — distracted enemies may not suspect you if you are heading towards the objective.
      • Scouts with the Baby Face Blaster equipped can make your disguise more convincing since they start off with a slower base speed and a boost penalty when jumping.
    • The Heavy disguise will slow you down considerably, but can be used to trick enemy Medics into healing you. The disguise may trick enemies simply because the Heavy disguise is so rarely used. However, this disguise makes it difficult to approach enemies to backstab.
    • The Soldier disguise should not be used when you are heading from the enemy's base toward their objective. Soldiers will generally rocket jump, and one that does not will attract suspicion, unless you are in a confined room that prevents rocket jumping, such as the corridors on cp_steel.
    • The Engineer disguise can be useful in specific situations. Kill an Engineer, disguise as him, and stand next to his buildings with your disguise's Wrench out; when the coast is clear, sap the enemy's buildings and make your escape. Enemies may even expose their backs to you as they heal next to "your" Dispenser. Keep your eye on when the Engineer respawns, however - he may return to his nest and expose you as a Spy.
    • The Medic disguise will not trick enemies very often; Medics who are not healing teammates will instantly draw suspicion. However, it does give you a reason to be behind them. Pull out your disguise's Medi Gun, and backstab them when they look away from you.
      • If you happen to chance upon a Medic who does not heal his teammates but instead fights with his primary instead, disguising as him can be a good choice.
    • The Sniper disguise can be good for surveillance, as you won't attract too much attention behind enemy lines. However, you can't scope in, so make sure to not stand in one spot for too long, or an enemy might notice that you aren't doing anything.
    • The Spy disguise can be effective, as you won't seem out of place taking flank routes. It is also useful when among your teammates, as you can act like an enemy Spy trying to stab your own teammates, instead of an obviously disguised Spy that none of your teammates are attacking. However, merely seeing a Spy might remind paranoid enemies to Spy-check.
    • Make sure you're disguised as an actual player. If the enemy team doesn't have the class you're disguised as means your disguise will have no cosmetics or weapons other than stock. New players are fairly uncommon in most games, so seeing a cosmetic-less enemy with Stock weapons approaching may make enemies suspicious.
      • Alternatively, you can act confused and pretend to make "beginner mistakes" - enemies may dismiss you as clueless or useless and ignore you.
  • Cloak before disguising if you are behind enemy lines. Doing so will prevent your enemies from seeing your Disguise Kit's smoke.
    • Press (by default) B to automatically change the weapon that your disguise is holding, matching the weapon slot you are using. For example, if you are holding a Revolver and press B your disguise will switch weapon to its primary (or secondary, if you're disguised as a Spy) slot. For example, if you are disguised as a Sniper, make sure to switch to your disguise's Sniper Rifle. Changing weapons can also trick enemies into believing your disguise. If you are not disguised, pressing B will disguise you as the last person you disguised as.
  • If you are using the Invisibility Watch, you are able to regain Cloak, both while cloaked and uncloaked, by picking up ammo boxes and remains of destroyed buildings as well as leeching off enemy Dispensers (if you are also disguised).
    • However, be careful while picking up ammo or health if enemies are nearby. Seeing ammo and health disappear with no one near it is a sign of a cloaked Spy.
  • If you are using the Cloak and Dagger, then you can only pick up ammo when uncloaked (although it will refill your cloak meter less than if you were using the Invis Watch). Use this ability to make sure that you don't run low on cloak at a vital moment.
  • Unless you are using the Dead Ringer, cloaking will take about one second. Cloak before you enter enemy territory, as you will always show as your team color when cloaking and uncloaking, thus revealing yourself to the enemy.
  • Always work with your team. Despite your abilities of backstabbing, cloaking, and disguising, you are still susceptible to taking damage, and working in conjunction with your team will improve your performance as a Spy.

General

  • Try to make an indirect approach to enemies by predicting their movements; it will attract less attention and will surprise them. Also, try not to bump into your enemies; it will alert them to your presence.
    • Avoid attacking a large group of enemies that are not in combat, such as when they are pushing the cart when your entire team is dead. They will be more alert and may Spy-check any teammates that approach them.
  • If you are following an enemy and they look back, consider turning around as if you were checking for a Spy behind you — this may trick them into believing your disguise.
  • You are able to see the names of enemies, and their health. Use this knowledge when making a plan or predicting movements. Injured players will often look for a Health kit or a Medic, while enemies at full health tend to head for the objective. You are also able to see the health and upgrade level on an Engineer's buildings.
    • You can also see the Medic's Medi Gun charge status. Relay this information to your team — if the enemy is near full charge, they will probably make a push soon.
  • When you are disguised as an enemy, enemy Sentry Guns will not attack you directly, and you can use enemy buildings; enemy Medics are also able to heal you.
    • If you use a voice command (such as "MEDIC!" or "Spy!") that shows up in the chat, the enemy team will also see it in their chat, which may alert them to your presence if the enemy you are disguised as sees it and calls you out.
    • Teleporters do not require a disguise to use.
    • If a Sentry Gun locks onto a teammate and you are between him and the Sentry Gun, you will still be harmed.
    • A Sentry Gun will not stop shooting at you if you have disguised after it sees you unless a teammate comes closer to it than you, you break line of sight, or you leave the Sentry Gun's range.
  • Avoid backstabbing someone in front of an enemy Sentry Gun, unless you have to make a pick that is worth dying for. If you are using a Dead Ringer or Your Eternal Reward, however, utilize it to avoid taking damage.
  • Avoid enemy Pyros if you can, for they can easily Spy-check you. If you are ignited while cloaked with a watch that isn't the Dead Ringer, uncloak so you are able to fight back, preferably with a Revolver. Also, be on the lookout for Health kits to douse the flames and increase your chances of survival, or use the Spy-cicle to extinguish yourself and cover your tracks. You should also retreat towards your team's side while shooting the Pyro so that your team can help you fend off the enemy.
    • Alternatively, if you are set on fire, consider remaining cloaked; debuffs such as fire and Jarate wear off faster when you are cloaked.
  • Be prepared to use the Revolver in several situations. These include: being spotted, attacking a Pyro, and picking off low-health enemies that are out of your melee range.
    • The Ambassador is especially good for Revolver-sniping, and will do 102 damage on a Headshot at close range. Its first shot is also perfectly accurate. However, its damage, including headshots, decreases with distance, so try to close the distance before you attack.
  • Try to pick high-value targets, such as Medics and Heavies, to kill first. This is due to their high utility to the enemy. Killing a Medic is usually worth your life — you can stop an enemy push that might change the game's outcome.
  • Use good judgment to pick targets. If you see a Heavy-Medic pair, it may be better to take down the Medic first if there are multiple enemies to prevent the Medic from simply healing another enemy who would kill you. However, if the pair is alone, it may be better to kill the Heavy first and leave the Medic nearly defenseless. If you are called out by the Medic, however, it would be better to go for the Heavy than to die for nothing.
  • Lone Snipers and Heavies are generally easy targets due to their low movement speed when scoped in or spun up, respectively. If the opportunity arises, eliminate them.
  • Enemies are less likely to Spy-check if they are fighting at the frontlines. Use this opportunity to backstab them, cloak, and run back to your team. Alternatively coordinate with your teammates to launch a fake attack or distraction, giving you the chance to pick enemies off one by one.
    • You can also set up a large killing spree by positioning yourself behind enemy lines and following a group of enemies into battle. Once they are distracted by a fight, start backstabbing one after the other, starting with the enemy farthest back. Be aware of the time between backstabs and don't run past a backpedaling enemy; they may notice and kill you.
  • While you are invisible using any of the Spy's watches, you have 20% resistance to damage (more if you are using the Dead Ringer), and debuffs will wear off faster (Jarate, Mad Milk, afterburn, bleed). If you are bleeding or burning to death, cloak and search for a Health kit. However, be aware that while cloaked, you cannot attack, and if (for example) you are bleeding, you will still be visible to enemies as a translucent silhouette.
  • Be aware that if you step on to the enemy Intelligence, you will lose your disguise and pick up the Intelligence. Sentry Guns will lock on to you if they are in range and the enemy team will be notified. You can use this to lure enemies into checking on the Intelligence and killing them when they arrive. However, enemies will be able to know your location while you are carrying it, so you may want to drop the Intelligence (default key L) and then wait for them to check on it.
  • Try not to fall too far while cloaked; your enemies will be able to see the blood and hear the sound of you taking fall damage. If it is unavoidable (or simply faster), try finding railings or other platforms to break your fall.
  • You can trick enemy Medics into using their ÜberCharge on you, usually by disguising as a Medic buddy, ideally a Heavy or a Soldier, as both disguises are not as expected. If an enemy Medic starts healing you with an ÜberCharge, run towards the objective the enemy Medic is going for. With luck, he may believe you are on his team and use his ÜberCharge, wasting his charge. Then, when his ÜberCharge wears off, if he is still healing you, your teammates can pick him off.
  • If you want to make a quick escape, try turning a corner and quickly activating your Invisibility Watch. When your Watch is active, turn around (avoiding the enemy) and double back past him. The enemy will believe you've continued running, and run in the wrong direction.
  • Using voice commands like 'Help!' or 'Incoming!' may lead the enemy into believing you're on their team, provided you do it in the right situation. For example, you might use them when you are fleeing from the battle.
  • If you are disguised as a slow class, such as the Heavy, it can be helpful to drop your disguise just before backstabbing an enemy. You'll begin to run at your normal speed, and if you do it just before you go for a backstab, you can reduce your chances of being spotted by the enemy before you get the kill.
  • Be aware that players that are turtling are much more likely to Spy check you, as they are likely not focused on anything except defending.
    • Also take note of the Spy-checking habits of the enemy team. If you recognize that a certain enemy always Spy-checks players, try avoiding the area that player is in.
  • Consider changing your loadout every so often. Some players will try to memorize enemy equipment in order to predict their playstyle; switching up yours, especially your Invis Watch may throw them off. As Spy's theme is based around deception, this is a good way to manifest deceit in-game.
  • Use the terrain to your advantage; there are shortcuts scattered through the maps that can help you conserve your Cloak and catch up to enemies.
  • There are many different maneuvers you can use to land a successful backstab; for example, you can fall off of a high area and land behind your enemy as you are falling. This can surprise some players, who may let you flee from battle and prepare for another infiltration.
  • Even if enemies start Spy-checking you unless it is a Pyro with a Flame Thrower or you are low on health, consider ignoring the attack, especially if there are no escape routes available. Sometimes, the enemy will believe your disguise, having Spy-checked you, and even if they don't unless you're using the Conniver's Kunai or the Big Earner, you can often survive enough damage to escape.
    • Even if you die, a dead Spy is much less of a detriment to a team than other classes, and the presence of a Spy, dead or alive, is enough to keep the enemy distracted and off of their best game. Just make sure that you're actually contributing while alive, or you'll be better off as another class!
  • If you see an unattended Sentry Gun, check for Engineers who might be around before you sap it.
  • If a Medic corners you with the Ubersaw, consider disguising or committing suicide in order to deny him additional ÜberCharge.
  • The Knife deals 40 damage. This means that you can just finish off enemies with 40 or fewer health by butterknifing them if you are out of Revolver ammo.
  • Try and utilize trickstabs to punish overconfident enemies who know that you are a Spy.
  • The more kills you rack up, the more paranoid the enemy team will be. Don’t be surprised that you are getting fewer kills or dying more often every time you respawn and infiltrate. If too many, if not all the players on the enemy team are often carrying out Spy-checking measures, you are probably better off as another class.

Disguising

  • All disguises have at least one strategic use. For example, if you were to attempt to stop an enemy push on the bridge of 2Fort, you would want to disguise as a Medic to stay behind the push inconspicuously, ready to Backstab your foes. There are many more beyond that.
    • If you wanted to be less noticeable while sneaking around, disguising as a Scout may help due to his smaller size. However, keep in mind that more aware opponents may notice the lack of speed compared to an actual Scout, so stay alert.
  • Disguising as the same class as nearby enemy players can be dangerous because your disguise may show their name and loadout, revealing you to be a Spy.
  • When disguising or changing disguises, your body will be covered by smoke that is visible to everyone. When cloaked, this smoke will not be seen by the enemy. If you have the Dead Ringer equipped, the smoke will linger if you disguise shortly before you are "killed", making it immediately obvious that you are still alive.
  • Try to not always use the same disguise. For example, if an enemy player always sees you disguised as a Pyro, they will soon begin to Spy-check any Pyros they come across.
  • You can switch your disguised weapon by pressing the 'Last Disguise Used' button (default key B). This will change the weapon that your enemies see based on what you are currently holding. Use this to your advantage by using weapons that are appropriate to your location — a melee weapon may be more appropriate for a class like the Sniper in a compact, enclosed space.
    • Pressing the Last Disguise Used button while holding your Revolver will change your disguise's weapon to its Primary slot. The Sapper will change it to its Secondary, and your Knife to its Melee weapon.
    • Note that weapon switching looks identical to the class switching weapons normally. It may help you blend in around the enemy.
    • Your disguise is unable to hold the Disguise Kit or Sapper.
    • By disguising as an enemy Medic and switching to their secondary weapon, a Spy can check if the enemy Medic is using the Kritzkrieg, Medi Gun, Quick-Fix, or Vaccinator. This is especially useful during Setup time.
      • While not as essential as checking an enemy Medic's Medi Gun, one can also do this to other classes in order to predict their play style.
  • Your disguise health will mimic that of the player you are disguised as at the time you applied the disguise. You can increase your disguise health through a variety of methods, including being healed by a Medic, standing near the Payload cart or an enemy Dispenser, or picking up a Health kit. Be aware that if you are disguised, you will always pick up Health kits, even if you are at full health. Use your disguise to steal Health packs from the enemy!
  • You can fake-reload the weapon you're holding while disguised if you shoot with the Revolver, disguise with a Primary or Secondary weapon, and then reload (default key R). This may allow you to avoid suspicion in the middle of a firefight.
    • However, when holding a weapon that cannot reload, such as the Minigun, attempting to fake-reload will still produce an animation. This may alert suspicious enemies.
  • When you are disguised, you will wear the same equipment as your disguise - including cosmetic items.
    • This gives more reason to avoid enemies that you disguise as — they may recognize their own equipment, if not their name.
    • Some cosmetics, such as the Hotrod, will carry effects that it normally has on you. That is, the Hotrod will flip down over an Engineer's face if he is holding blueprints or carrying a building. Your disguise will flip the Hotrod over your face if you pull out the Sapper, which can be used to detect you.
  • If you know an enemy Spy is in your base, disguise as a friendly Pyro. The Spy may reconsider his attack and flee, enabling an easy backstab if you are within range or allowing you the first shot if they are at medium range. You can also chase the enemy Spy into a group of your teammates or out of your base.
  • It is worthwhile to disguise in most circumstances as one of the faster classes, such as a Pyro, Medic, Sniper, or Engineer. While each class can be used as a disguise in certain situations, be wary in general of slower classes which are less mobile.
  • In certain situations, you can disguise as a dangerous class on your team such as a Pyro or Heavy in an attempt to scare off attackers. This usually never works but it doesn't hurt to try!
  • If there is an enemy that tends to exhibit odd behavior, such as excessive jumping, try to do the same if you're disguised as them to better sell your act.

Cloaking

  • If you know an enemy has seen you cloak, head in one direction while you are partially visible, and when you are fully invisible, change your path to trick your pursuer into going the wrong way. Use props and elevation to your advantage to make yourself harder to track.
  • Always have a plan before decloaking, as it takes 2 seconds before you can attack or use the Sapper.
  • When using the Invisibility Watch, you have about 9 seconds (13 seconds if you are using the L'Etranger) of full cloaking (unless you find an ammo pickup), and recharging from an empty Cloak takes 30 seconds. Keep this in mind when penetrating and hiding in the enemy base.
    • Memorizing ammo spawns and shortcuts will make your Cloak much more effective.
    • You can also use Dispensers to recharge your Cloak, including enemy Dispensers if you are disguised as an enemy.
      • Level 1 Dispensers will maintain your level of cloak with the Invisibility Watch.
      • Level 2 Dispensers will recharge your Cloak with the Invisibility Watch.
      • Level 3 Dispensers will recharge the Invisibility Watch.
      • The Payload cart will not refill your cloak meter while cloaked.
  • Use blind spots (areas where the player's view is cut off, normally a corner or other 90-degree angle) to recharge your Cloak if you are not using the Cloak and Dagger. An example of this is on 2Fort in the corner just inside the enemy fort entrance. Most people will run past this area without even looking in the corner, allowing you to recharge your Cloak or surprise a group heading out towards the bridge or sewers.
  • If possible, cloak while surveying an area. Disguises are not always reliable, as Spy checking is a common practice.
  • With the Cloak and Dagger, find small nooks or other obscured places near doorways. You can either sit and wait for your Cloak to fill before continuing on into the enemy base, or you can wait for a target to exit or enter the building.
  • If you know you will die to an Ubersaw, try to disguise to deny the Medic extra Über. Note that you can still feed Über to the enemy Medic if you are cloaked or not fully disguised. Common in competitive play, another way is to bind a key to kill yourself and deny enemy Medics additional Über.
  • The ability to be completely invisible means you can help to warn your teammates of incoming enemy movement and pushes, such as an ÜberCharge. This lets them prepare for the assault.

Weapon specifics

Secondary weapons

Revolver + reskins

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point blank Medium range Long range Critical
Revolver
Stock
Revolver
Killicon revolver.png 6 24 55-60 35-45 16-25 120
Big Kill
Promotional
Big Kill
Killicon big kill.png
  • The Revolver is the Spy's secondary weapon. While not as powerful as the Knife's backstabbing capabilities, it is still an integral part of the Spy's arsenal. It is moderately accurate and has a fast reload time.
  • Use the Revolver for killing low-health classes and when backstabs are not easy or possible due to the location of the enemy. It's also viable when you are being chased; 6 medium-range shots will take down most classes.
  • Due to the Scout's quick movement, it can be better to shoot Scouts rather than try to stab them.
  • Use the Revolver against Snipers who use the Razorback. While the Ambassador can deal critical damage on a Headshot, the Revolver is also a good option because of its fast rate of fire. It is also better against Huntsman-wielding Snipers, as they tend to move around more.
  • Use the Revolver in conjunction with the Sapper. Sap an Engineer's Sentry Gun, and when he returns to repair it, shoot him. 3 to 4 hits will kill him, after which you can shoot his buildings if necessary.
    • If the Engineer has just begun building his Sentry Gun, Dispenser, or Teleporter, 1 to 2 shots will take it down — use the Revolver instead of the Sapper for long-range destruction. This will help prevent you from being discovered as well.
    • Alternatively, the Revolver has the best damage output against buildings of all Spy secondaries; let chaos ensue on a paranoid Engineer or Sentry nest with a mass sap strategy. Use your Revolver to take his buildings out before he knows what hit him.
  • Remember that the Revolver is 100% accurate if you allow 1.25 seconds between shots (approximately how long it takes to reload your Revolver). Use this to pick off wounded enemies or to snipe buildings from a distance. Long-range shots, despite only doing about 20 damage to players, will deal full damage to buildings.
  • When navigating narrow corridors, keep your Revolver out. If they are fooled by your disguise, run by them and backstab them. If they begin to attack you, begin to backpedal while side-strafing and shooting them.
  • This is an invaluable weapon against Pyros, as it allows you to keep your distance from their flames as you back away and weaken them with each shot. Be aware that walking backward incurs a 10% speed penalty (and you and the Pyro are normally matched in speed) and flame particles have a slightly deceptively larger range than what the game's visual effects might indicate.

Ambassador + reskins

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point blank Medium range Long range Critical
Ambassador
Unlock
Ambassador
Killicon ambassador.png 6 24 46-56 31-37 18-19 54-102
Killicon sniperriflehs.png
  • The Ambassador deals Critical hits damage upon a headshot. However, it deals 15% less damage, does not apply random Critical hits, the Critical hits and Mini-Crit damage are affected by distance falloff, and fires at a slower rate than the stock Revolver.
    • The Ambassador will only headshot if the crosshair is at its smallest size. Allow just under one second in between shots to ensure your ability to headshot.
    • The Critical hits and Mini-Crit will deal normal damage after a range of 1200 HU, greatly reducing the effectiveness of long-range sniping. Close the distance between you and the enemy first.
  • Aim carefully. A well placed headshot against a pursuing enemy with low health could mean the difference between life and death.
  • The Ambassador can also be used to destroy Engineer buildings from a distance, similar to the Revolver, as an alternative to sapping. Remember, if an Engineer is repairing the building, killing the Engineer first is preferable.
    • Landing a headshot on the Engineer may lead him to run away to find a source of Health. Use the time that he is away to destroy his buildings.
      • Check if he has a Dispenser nearby, then pick him off while he regenerates health and sap the other buildings.
    • If you are good with your aim, you can often pick off all the Engineers in a nest. Usually, if they hide behind their Sentry Guns, you can shoot the Sentry Gun, forcing them to repair it until they run out of metal, which usually prompts them to run to get more, exposing their head. However, they may simply produce more from their Dispenser. You can run out of ammo and will be vulnerable to enemies.
  • With good aim, the Ambassador can be deadly against a Scout. If you manage to headshot him at close quarters, he will only have 23 health left (or 8 with the Sandman equipped); therefore, you can finish him off with a single attack of the Knife or another shot, depending on your range.
    • This strategy can be used on Snipers, Engineers, and other Spies because they start off with as much health as a Scout, 125; be careful, though, as these values can vary. An Engineer with a Gunslinger or a Spy with a Dead Ringer will be as difficult to kill as most other classes such as the Soldier or Heavy.
  • Razorback Snipers have resistance against backstabs, but not against bullets. Take the time to headshot enemy Razorback Snipers. A single headshot followed by a simple body shot — which can be fired faster than the Sniper is able to react — is enough to kill him.
  • The ability to see enemy health is invaluable when equipped with the Ambassador. When it drops below half of its base value, the health meter is shown in red. Against all classes except the Heavy, this means a guaranteed kill upon a close-range headshot.
  • If you miss a backstab on a low-health class (but still get a hit), switch to the Ambassador. A headshot will likely finish off the enemy.

L'Etranger

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point blank Medium range Long range Critical
L'Etranger
Craft
L'Etranger
Killicon l'etranger.png 6 24 44-48 28-36 15-18 96
  • L'Etranger deals 20% less damage compared with the stock Revolver. However, it fills the "Cloak" meter by 15% on each successful hit, and the Cloak duration is increased by 40%.
  • L'Etranger converts firepower into potential fleeing power. It allows you to turn scenarios where scoring a kill with the Revolver or Ambassador is too difficult into the ability to run away — and save your life.
    • Be aware that L'Etranger has a very distinctive "crack" sound when fired, which will alert nearby enemies to your presence.
  • The increased Cloak duration gives more breathing room when you want to get behind enemy lines.
    • When equipped in conjunction with the Invis Watch, the duration of time spent fully invisible is increased from 9 seconds to 13.
    • In addition, the Cloak duration of both the Dead Ringer and the Cloak and Dagger (while running) is increased to 9 seconds, making them equivalent to using the Invis Watch without L'Etranger.
  • The +15% Cloak per hit is applied regardless of the amount of damage you do to the opponent or your distance from him. Remember that L'Etranger is 100% accurate 1.25 seconds after shooting. Use it to recharge your Cloak safely from a distance.
    • Keep in mind that the Invis Watch's timer can still be replenished by picking up Ammo boxes and building debris or standing next to a Dispenser.
    • As the Cloak and Dagger and the Dead Ringer are either not recharged by sources of ammo whilst invisible or not recharged by ammo sources at all, L'Etranger can be very effective when used with these watches.
    • Nonetheless, always be aware of your surroundings when using L'Etranger. It is not recommended for you to try and regain Cloak via L'Etranger if there are many enemies around with no allies. In a case like this, it is better to hide instead.
  • Remember that L'Etranger does less damage than any other secondary weapons. If you need more firepower, consider switching to other secondary weapons.
    • L'Etranger also does less damage to buildings, making a Sap-n-Shoot technique harder.
  • While the bonus cloak duration is negated by the Dead Ringer's -50% cloak meter when Feign Death is activated, L'Etranger can be used effectively with it. Be aware that once players realize that both items are being used, they will likely Spy check around your fake corpse and try to make sure that you are actually dead.
  • Positioning is key as Spy, and when using L'Etranger is no exception; when shooting from a relatively hidden position, you are less likely to be found while regaining your Cloak.

Enforcer

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point blank Medium range Long range Critical
Enforcer
Craft
Enforcer
Killicon enforcer.png 6 24 55-60 / 70-72 35-45 / 41-55 16-25 / 24-26 120 / 144
  • The Enforcer deals 20% damage bonus while disguised (i.e. the initial shot that breaks your disguise will deal 20% extra damage) and full damage resistance piercing (from the Vaccinator, but obviously not from any sort of full invulnerability, for example). In exchange, the Enforcer fires 20% slower, and cannot deal random Critical hits.
  • The Enforcer allows you to kill low health classes in 2-3 shots at point-blank range. Therefore, you can kill Razorback Snipers or Engineers trying to remove a Sapper easily.
  • A critical shot from this weapon can kill a light health class in 1 shot if the user is disguised when the shot was fired and drop many other classes on critically low health, allowing them to be killed in possibly another shot.
  • The reduced firing speed allows for more time to aim shots, potentially making the difference between a hit or a miss.

Diamondback

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point blank Medium range Long range Critical
Diamondback
Promotional/Craft
Diamondback
Killicon diamondback.png 6 24 47-51 30-33 14-21 102
  • The Diamondback has the ability to store Critical hits when your Sappers are involved in the destruction of enemy buildings, as well as when you backstab an enemy. Each destruction or assist involving your Sapper or successfully backstabbing an enemy will give the Diamondback one guaranteed Critical hit. However, the Diamondback deals 15% less damage and cannot roll for random Critical hits.
  • Consider using the Diamondback if the enemy team has several Engineers. When you have several Crits, you can drop any non-overhealed class in 3 shots while ignoring damage falloff and being able to sneak around, thus becoming a major threat.
  • You can use the Diamondback's rather loud firing to lure enemies into a backstab trap.
  • Even if you lack Crits, the Diamondback is still a relatively viable weapon. It does the same amount of damage as the Ambassador, but with no firing speed penalty.
  • The Diamondback is 100% accurate if you allow 1.25 seconds between shots. When combined with the Crit boost, the 100% accurate bullets can effectively snipe enemies at long range. Most enemies will die in 2 to 3 shots.
  • Enemy Engineers with the Gunslinger are great for racking up Crits to use, as they will rarely attempt to remove a Sapper from a Mini-Sentry.
  • Like the Ambassador, the Diamondback also allows you to pick off Engineers from long range, and then sap their Sentry Guns after getting up close. This can be extremely useful for lone or exposed Engineers who are too vigilant for a stab-and-sap.
  • The Diamondback is useful for taking out a Medic who is pocketing a player. Run up and backstab the patient, then quickly turn around and use the Crit just gained to quickly kill the Medic with a few shots. An unprepared Medic will be surprised and will not take out his Syringe Gun until it's too late.

Building slot

Sapper + reskins

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage Building destroy time
Loaded Carried Downgrade Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Combat Mini-Sentry Gun
Sapper
Stock
Sapper
Killicon electro sapper.png 1 25 / seconds N/A 6.00 seconds 7.20 seconds 8.64 seconds 4.00 seconds
Ap-Sap
Promotional
Ap-Sap
Killicon ap-sap.png
Snack Attack
Uncrate
Snack Attack
Killicon snack attack.png
  • The Sapper is a tool used to take down an Engineer's buildings. You have an unlimited supply of Sappers, and there is no "reload" delay between placing them. A Spy can continuously sap a building until it has been destroyed even if an Engineer is repairing it, since as soon as the Engineer knocks off a Sapper, a new one immediately replaces it. Sappers still do damage during the two Wrench hits it takes to remove them.
  • Holding MOUSE1 when approaching a building will place the Sapper as soon as you are in range. This also allows you to replace a Sapper immediately after an Engineer removes it.
  • In many instances, you can sap a building from well below or above it, allowing you to confuse its Engineer. This can also allow you to more safely retreat from the Engineer's nest if your sabotage efforts are interrupted.
  • The Homewrecker and Neon Annihilator allows Pyros to remove Sappers from Engineer buildings. This, combined with their Flame Thrower's Spy checking ability, will make your job much harder. Therefore, it is strongly advised to either eliminate these Pyros before attempting to sap any buildings or to avoid them completely if possible.
  • When sneaking up on an Engineer who is using the Wrangler, stab first and then sap. Killing the Engineer will cause his Sentry Gun to become disabled for three seconds, which will be enough time to place a Sapper.
  • It is possible to stab an Engineer and then quickly sap the Sentry Gun. When attempting this, it is recommended that you circle strafe away from the Sentry Gun's turrets to have more time to sap.
  • If an Engineer has his Wrench out and you sap his building, he most likely will attempt to repair the Sentry first instead of trying to kill you. Since it takes two hits to knock the Sapper off, this gives you a window of opportunity to stab him. This can be easier than the stab and sap method because you don't have to account for which way the Sentry is facing and circle-strafing the opposite way.
  • When dealing with Teleporters, it may be ideal to forgo the Sapper and use your Revolver. If the Engineer is not near either end, it will attract less attention if you destroy one end, as the Engineer will not automatically know a Spy was the culprit. Additionally, you can combine both to ensure one end is destroyed, while the Sapper encourages the Engineer to leave his other buildings unprotected.
    • Sapping a teleporter entrance can force Engineers to remove the Sapper on the exit. If they are partially standing on the teleporter exit while doing so, they can be telefragged by standing on the entrance and waiting for the Sapper to be destroyed. This only works if nobody sees the Sapper being placed and if the Engineer is not cautious. If the exit leads to a small or crowded room, it is more likely to work. Telefrags do not produce distinctive killfeeds, noises, or visuals.
  • The Ap-Sap's "eye" opens more the closer you are to a building, thus allowing you to find nearby enemy buildings.
  • Although the Sapper can disable and destroy Engineer buildings, keep in mind that both the Sapper and damage done can be undone with just a couple of Wrench hits. Coordinate your Sap with your team; Sap the buildings, then get your team to move in and help finish your work. If possible, use voice chat for better communication.

Red-Tape Recorder

Weapon Kill icon Ammo Damage Building destroy time
Loaded Carried Downgrade Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Combat Mini-Sentry Gun
Red-Tape Recorder
Unique
Red-Tape Recorder
Killicon red-tape recorder.png 1 N/A 3.4 seconds 10.7 seconds 21.4 seconds 21.4 seconds 10.5 seconds
  • Rather than damage buildings, the Red-Tape Recorder causes them to go through the building process in reverse. Upgrade levels are removed and the building eventually unbuilds, leaving a collectible toolbox in its place.
  • The rate of damage is based on the time taken to construct the building. As such, Sentry Guns go down faster than Dispensers and Teleporters.
  • The toolbox dropped acts as a large ammo pickup, which is very useful for boosting the regular Cloak.
    • Even if your Cloak is full and you have plenty of ammo, take the toolbox anyway. If you leave them where they are, an Engineer can use them to rebuild his buildings. If you have max ammo, simply fire your Revolver, reload, and take the toolbox.
  • It takes 3 seconds to degrade one level of a building. This makes the Red-Tape Recorder more useful than the Sapper for entrenched positions where a sapped Sentry Gun can easily be repaired, as upgrading takes longer than repairing.
    • Working alone, this is generally less effective than the regular Sapper, as you will most likely only manage to downgrade the buildings rather than destroying them. However, it is possible to convert a highly defended sentry nest into all level one Sentry Guns, allowing your teammates to destroy it far more easily.
  • Conversely, the Red-Tape Recorder is worse at destroying buildings outright, as unbuilding takes longer than the Sapper's destruction time. The Red-Tape Recorder can very rapidly remove the first few levels of a building, but takes a very long period of time to completely pack up a building. As of such, it's better to kill the Engineer first before applying the Red-Tape Recorder.
    • However, it makes sap-and-stab tactics a little easier. Even if an Engineer manages to remove your Red-Tape Recorder just as he gets backstabbed, the building still will have to complete its upgrade animation before becoming operational again, thus giving a little extra time to re-sap it.
  • Due to the fact that they only have one level, the Red-Tape Recorder can be surprisingly effective against Mini-Sentry Guns. However, it should be noted that it takes just as long to destroy as with a normal level 1 Sentry Gun.
    • It should also be noted that any Engineer removing the Red-Tape Recorder will cause the mini-sentry to return to full health, undoing both Sapper and other damage.
  • If your team has to push, the Red-Tape Recorder can easily downgrade the Engineer’s buildings to inferior levels, and in addition they have to complete their building animation if the Sapper is destroyed mid construction. This allows your team to make an easier push and destroy the Engineer and his buildings more easily.
  • Make sure to sap more than one building, preferably 3; this will cost the Engineer time and metal rebuilding, leaving him vulnerable for assault.
    • On the HUD for the Engineer, the Sentry Gun has the biggest icon compared to the others. Sap the sentry first before you sap other buildings. Chances are the Engineer will save the Sentry Gun, due to the fact it costs the most metal to make (unless the Engineer is using the Gunslinger), leaving the other buildings in greater disrepair.
    • Engineers with the Widowmaker or Short Circuit will likely pay more attention to their Dispenser than their Sentry Gun. As long as multiple buildings are sapped, these Engineers will be more vulnerable than others, due to their weapons consuming metal.
  • Because Gunslinger Engineers rarely attempt to remove Sappers from their Mini-Sentry Guns, the Red-Tape Recorder can be effective against Engineers who frequently place down Mini-Sentry Guns, as a Sapper that takes longer to complete will therefore increase the amount of time the Engineer has to wait before he can place another Mini-Sentry unless he removes your Sapper.
  • Compared to the stock Sapper, the Red-Tape Recorder is generally more suited in causing havoc in entrenched Engineer positions where the stock Sapper’s damage can be quickly repaired and when dealing with Mini-Sentry Guns. Against lone Engineers, the stock Sapper is generally a better choice.

Melee weapons

Knife + reskins

Weapon Kill icon Attack interval Damage
Point blank Critical
Knife
Stock
Knife
Killicon knife.png 0.8 seconds 40 / 2× victim's current health 120 / 6× victim's current health
Killicon backstab.png
Saxxy
Promotional
Saxxy
Killicon saxxy.png
Killicon backstab.png
Sharp Dresser
Promotional
Sharp Dresser
Killicon sharp dresser.png
Killicon sharp dresser backstab.png
Black Rose
Promotional
Black Rose
Killicon black rose.png
Killicon backstab.png
Golden Frying Pan
Reward
Golden Frying Pan
Killicon golden frying pan.png
Killicon backstab.png
Prinny Machete
Promotional
Prinny Machete
Killicon prinny machete.png
Killicon backstab.png
  • When you are in range for a successful backstab, the Spy will ready his Knife for a stab with a reverse-grip stance. If the Spy doesn't have his Knife in a reverse-grip, you may perform a low-damage slash instead. Look for the change in grip before attempting a backstab if you're unsure if the backstab will actually register.
    • Although a backstab grip guarantees a backstab, many other pokes will register a backstab as well. As long as your stab connects with the enemy's rear-facing half, any swipe or poke should kill him.
    • The Knife does rather low damage when it's not a backstab. Only attack with it if you are certain it will backstab, or else you will deal minimal damage and give away your position.
    • The Saxxy does not have a backstab stance.
  • Compared to your other Melees, the stock Knife is the most reliable of them all. You are able to disguise at will, have no health downsides and does not need to be recharged.
  • In most scenarios, you should switch to the Revolver to fight enemies once you've been discovered. Even in close range, the Revolver is significantly more powerful than non-backstab Knife swipes.
  • Because a backstab is always a melee kill, enemies killed by a Knife backstab will always emit a blood-curdling scream upon death. It is important when killing an enemy that you have a plan to either run from or kill nearby foes as soon as you perform your first stab.
  • A quick stab with the Knife into the air is generally the fastest way to silently drop your disguise (the most silent way to do it is to disguise as a Spy of your own team, but it can be somewhat slower). This can be used to perform covert Capture Point captures.
  • If you encounter a Sniper with the Razorback, it is generally a good idea to shoot him with a Revolver, rather than trying to stab him.
    • If a Sniper equipping the Razorback is standing near a corner, it is much quieter to stab his Razorback, turn the corner, and cloak. When the Sniper either finishes Spy checking or doesn't react, backstab him. If he returns to a Resupply Cabinet, shoot him; even though it's louder, he will quickly catch on and possibly find you. Be wary that the Razorback replenishes itself after a period of time, so be quick.
  • Be aware that the Saxxy and the Spy-cicle leave very noticeable corpses, the former being made of shimmering Australium, the latter being an ice sculpture. They are very likely to reveal your presence.
    • In addition try to refrain from using the Sharp Dresser. It has its own unique backstab animation in the kill feed which will practically announce to the enemy team that you are using a stock Knife reskin. This could very well give away your playstyle and allow enemies to more easily predict how you will strike.
  • When discovered, an advanced technique to help fend off the pursuer is to run up a slope, jump over the head of the pursuer, do a 180-degree turn, crouch, and backstab him. This is commonly called the stair-stab. [1]
    • Due to the flashiness of the move and the general popularity and publicity of "trick stabs" and those who perform them, even inexperienced players will know better than to blindly pursue a Spy that's standing on the top of a set of stairs with his Knife out. Unless your prey is clearly fooled or desperate, mask your intent as much as possible via blind spots, and have an escape plan for if your enemy does not behave as you want them to. To make your attempt less obvious, do not face the enemy as if waiting for them when attempting a stairstab.
    • Keep in mind that you do not need to be directly on top of a staircase to attempt this. Anything that is Teleporter-height or taller will do the trick, so if there are no nearby staircases, look for any nearby props. Since many people only look out for staircases, this method may allow for an easier setup.

Your Eternal Reward + reskins

Weapon Kill icon Attack interval Damage
Point blank Critical
Your Eternal Reward
Craft
Your Eternal Reward
Killicon your eternal reward.png 0.8 seconds 40 / 2× victim's current health 120 / 6× victim's current health
Killicon backstab.png
Wanga Prick
Craft
Wanga Prick
Killicon wanga prick.png
Killicon backstab.png
  • Your Eternal Reward gives the ability to disguise as the target upon a successful backstab, the victim does not scream upon death, nor does a death notice appear in the enemy team's kill feed. Also, the corpse of the victim fades away almost instantly as if cloaking. However, the Cloak drain rate is increased by 33%, and manual disguise with the Disguise Kit consume 100% of your Cloak.
    • However, the non-backstab kill still appear in the the enemy team's kill feed.
    • As manual disguises cost an entire Cloak meter, utilize manual disguises only when either no enemies and/or a source of ammo are nearby (be aware that ammo cannot refill the cloak meter of the Dead Ringer).
  • This weapon is extremely well-suited for taking out Sentry Guns when you already have a disguise. The Stab-n-Sap technique is made easier and kills in front of Sentry Guns are safer because the Sentry Gun will not detect you between disguises.
    • If you do not have a disguise and an Engineer is still guarding his Sentry Gun, you can uncloak behind the Engineer and use him as cover as the Sentry Gun turns around to face you. Stab him, and then sap his Sentry Gun.
    • Consider switching back to the original Knife when you need to quickly take out a sentry nest and don't have time to get a disguise. If you are quick, you should be able to sap his sentry after stabbing him, so the ability to disguise at will is helpful and the quick-disguise is unnecessary.
    • However, when taking out large sentry nests with multiple Engineers, stab-and-sapping will be suicidal, and if you sap first, the Engineers will Spy check and likely kill you before you can take out a significant number of their buildings. Instead, with Your Eternal Reward, once you have a disguise, which can be obtained from a player waiting to go through a teleporter, you can slowly whittle away at the Engineers until there are none left, and then sap all of the buildings. The Teleporters may be a priority so you are not interrupted when they respawn.
  • Your Eternal Reward is very good when dealing with a crowd of enemies. After backstabbing the enemy farthest back in the group, you are able to continue to push forward without raising suspicion from those around him. Continue stabbing until you kill all of the enemies or you need to escape.
  • Be aware that successful backstabs with Your Eternal Reward will not stop enemies capping a Control Point or pushing the Payload Cart. It will, however, slow them down until there are none left. It may be a better choice to shoot enemies with the Revolver so that you can inflict damage while stopping the enemies from capturing.
  • When using Your Eternal Reward on Control Point maps, be wary when defending the final control point. Because the Eternal Reward disguises instantaneously, stabbing enemies capping your last point will not disrupt the cap (it will, however, slow the capping with one less person, or two if any of the following occurs; a Scout on point or if a Soldier or Demoman has the Pain Train equipped). This can allow for survivors to continue to cap while you frantically try to stab them. Pulling out your selected Revolver at this time to stall for friendly backup is usually the best response.
  • Remember that if you cloak with a slow disguise, you will run at your normal walking speed until you uncloak.
    • Consider ditching a slower disguise in order to catch up to another nearby target if you're sure nobody will notice you. Depending on the distance, you can afford to be without a disguise for the short time it will take to replace it.
    • While manually switching to a faster disguise will drain all your cloak, the ammo box left behind by your victim(s) and/or any ammo on the map may be able to help make up for it.
  • If you accidentally run past an enemy Medic but retained your disguise, simply run past him and go for other enemies. It is possible that, because Your Eternal Reward dissipates enemy ragdolls with very little sound, the Medic will not notice you stabbing his allies until it is too late.
  • The Cloak and Dagger works well with this Knife because you can wait for people to backstab without having fear of being exposed. This works especially well on commonly used paths — wait for a straggler, then begin your attack.
  • Remember that in close encounters, even if you or a teammate kills your target, unless you finish the enemy with a backstab, you will be left without an easy disguise.
  • If you backstab the target of a Medic, you will become the new heal target. This is best applied when the Medic is not watching his target, as the Medic may notice a player disappearing when you backstab an enemy.
    • Due to the instant disguise, you can backstab enemy players while being Übercharged without stopping the Übercharge, unlike any other knife.
  • Be aware that weapons will not disappear when you kill an enemy. Now that you cannot pick up weapons (except from your own class), you still leave visible evidence that a player was killed at the spot where you stabbed them. That said, a stray Rocket Launcher or Syringe Gun is probably not going to raise much initial suspicion, but if players keep running into each other and disappearing, then they can gather what's up.
  • In situations with many enemies, such as a group of players pushing the Payload or capping the Control Point, the Your Eternal Reward can significantly decrease your chances of being spotted due to the Silent Killer attribute making any kills less noticeable.

Conniver's Kunai

Weapon Kill icon Attack interval Damage Healing
Point blank Critical From backstab
Conniver's Kunai
Promotional/Craft
Conniver's Kunai
Killicon conniver's kunai.png 0.8 seconds 40 / 2× victim's current health 120 / 6× victim's current health Target's current health, minimum 75 health and capping at 210
Killicon backstab.png
  • The Conniver's Kunai decreases your overall Health to 70. However, backstabbing with the Conniver's Kunai will leech all of the victim's health and overheal you to a maximum of 210 health, which then decreases at 2 health per second.
  • This weapon is high-risk, high-reward. If you can backstab someone before you are detected your increased health will greatly improve the odds of survival. Fail, and you are likely a goner thanks to your reduced base health.
    • For this reason, amateur Spies are advised to refrain from using this weapon if they are still learning how to properly infiltrate the enemy team.
  • The Conniver’s Kunai greatly rewards skilled players, as they can effectively cause massive havoc and damage thanks to the large health pool from backstabs which can also remove afterburn from Pyros, the Spy’s main counter.
  • With the Conniver's Kunai equipped, you will have to efficiently use your Cloak. Enemies can kill you much easier due to your reduced health. The Dead Ringer and Invis Watch are recommended over the Cloak and Dagger.
  • Backstabbing a target will always grant you at least 75 health. Therefore, if you're in a bad situation: don't panic! Just backstab someone, and then use your now large health pool in order to escape.
  • Prime targets for the Kunai are Heavies and Soldiers. A backstab on one will fully overheal you, assuming they have taken little (if any) damage.
  • Be aware that many weapons can kill you in one hit while you are at 70 health. Choose your initial targets carefully to ensure that you don't die before gaining any overheal via backstabbing. A successful backstab will keep you in the fight much longer than other Spies.
  • Be careful when you exit your spawn room or turn corners — one stray rocket, grenade, or other attack can easily kill you.
  • You can be a bit quicker to getting behind enemies and stabbing them, because even if you begin to take damage from another source, you can out-heal it with a backstab.
  • Remember that effects such as afterburn and bleed can be instantly negated by a successful backstab (or alternatively by picking up a medkit, as it normally would).
  • It is generally a bad idea to use your Revolver in a 1 on 1 confrontation with an enemy. Due to your low health, you will likely not survive. If you run out of overheal often, try using the Ambassador, where you can deal better damage safely at a distance.
  • The Dead Ringer gives you vastly improved survivability, so it helps to make up for the decreased health of the Kunai. For maximum effect, try to keep the Dead Ringer out at all times. After use, try to find a secluded spot to recharge, or you may be caught undefended.
  • Try to avoid this weapon on Arena maps, as you and your enemies will not respawn, leaving you extremely vulnerable unless you can consistently backstab enemies and avoid being caught without overheal.

Big Earner

Weapon Kill icon Attack interval Damage
Point blank Critical
Big Earner
Craft
Big Earner
Killicon big earner.png 0.8 seconds 40 / 2× victim's current health 120 / 6× victim's current health
Killicon backstab.png
  • The Big Earner reduces your overall health to 100, but grants a 30% Cloak refill for any watch and a 3 second speed boost upon a melee kill.
  • The Big Earner focuses on speed and staying out of sight. The speed boost and Cloak refill upon a melee kill allows you to quickly stab an enemy to death, then cloak and escape with the speed boost.
  • The Big Earner will generally allow for easier escapes due to you getting your Cloak back in exchange for riskier assaults, as you lose 25 base health.
  • Consider using the Dead Ringer or Invis Watch over the Cloak and Dagger in conjunction with the Big Earner. As you have reduced health, your survival may depend on the use of cloaking.
    • The Big Earner's ability to regain Cloak faster and the Dead Ringer's survival ability can negate the health loss caused by the Big Earner by significantly reducing damage when activated.
  • Both the Cloak and Dagger and the Dead Ringer cannot replenish their cloak whilst the Spy is invisible. The Big Earner mitigates this key downside of these watches.
  • Remember to pick up the ammo case that enemies drop after you kill them. The combination of the Big Earner and a dropped ammo box can nearly refill your Cloak entirely.
  • Note that non-backstab and taunt kills will still reward you with a 30% bonus to the charge on your Cloak (and a 3 second speed boost). If you're in a desperate situation or the enemy is low on health, try to stab any way you can if you need Cloak. If you do not need charge on your Cloak, it is generally a better idea to use your Revolver and shoot the enemy.
  • The speed boost of the Big Earner greatly helps with trickstabbing and chainstabbing. A faster Spy means enemies will have less time to react and makes tracking his movement harder, allowing the Spy to more easily oustrafe and backstab them. It also allows the Spy to quickly cover distances that would be slower than using the other knives, allowing him to get to where he is going much more quicker.
  • Although you have more base health than you would with the Conniver's Kunai, it's best to avoid arena maps with this weapon. Equip the Dead Ringer to prolong survival.

Spy-cicle + reskins

Weapon Kill icon Attack interval Damage
Point blank Critical
Spy-cicle
Uncrate/Craft
Spy-cicle
Killicon spy-cicle.png 0.8 seconds 40 / 2× victim's current health 120 / 6× victim's current health
Killicon backstab.png
  • The Spy-cicle causes any backstabbed players to leave a frozen ragdoll. Upon any contact with flames, the knife provides one second of fire immunity and a 10-second immunity to afterburn, but requires a fifteen-second recharge period before it can be used again.
    • Recently backstabbed players from the Spy-cicle stand upright for up to 10 seconds. After that time, these frozen corpses will fall down. It takes over 30 seconds for these corpses to automatically disappear.
  • This knife leaves a unique corpse not unlike the Saxxy; as a result, it alerts anyone finding the body to your presence, requiring the player to employ hit-and-run tactics to remain undetected.
  • Use the Spy-cicle only when there are Pyros on the enemy team, especially if they are competent and paranoid. Otherwise it is simply a stock knife that turns people into statues upon a backstab, which will very well alert enemies to your presence.
  • Be aware that once Pyros notice you are using the Spy-cicle, they may begin to follow you for an extended period of time to ensure your death.
  • If you are disguised or cloaked and a Pyro Spy checks you, be aware that you'll be instantly extinguished, a crackling sound will be emitted, and while you will be immune to fire for one second, you will still exclaim that you're on fire, so it's unlikely you will be ignored. Use the 10 seconds of afterburn immunity to put some distance between you and the Pyro, and the rest of his team.
  • Since any contact with fire renders your knife temporarily useless, you may have to rely on your Revolver to defend yourself. Consider picking a gun that doesn't suffer from a damage decrease. For instance, the L'Etranger is a poor self-defense option since it has a damage penalty and its cloak bonus is rendered almost useless if a Pyro actively engages you.
    • However, you can pick up ammo in order to make your Spy-cicle recharge quicker; thus, if you can collect enough ammo and/or wait until it charges, you may not need to worry about it.
    • The Enforcer is a good choice with this knife; if you are disguised, the Enforcer will deal increased damage compared to the other revolvers, making it somewhat easier to kill your targets. The slowed firing speed is counteracted by the damage bonus and the resistance piercing capability.
  • Note that any Heavies equipping the Huo-Long Heater are still vulnerable to backstabs when using the Spy-cicle. You can simply jump over the ring of fire and stab the Heavy before you land.

PDA Slot

Disguise Kit

Weapon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point blank Medium range Long range Critical
Disguise Kit
Stock
Disguise Kit
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
  • The Disguise Kit is the Spy's major infiltration tool. Most of your time spent disguised will be done pretending to be an enemy. Each plays differently when trying to blend in.
Enemy disguises
Class Speed Stature Beliveability Element of surprise Overall usefulness/Notes
Leaderboard class scout.png Scout 106.67% (26.67% too slow) Short and skinny. The Scout has a very small posture, making it rather useful for hiding. In addition, it can fool Snipers into shooting too low, as a Scout's head is in the same place as the Spy's torso. Low. A Spy disguised as a Scout will be moving noticeably too slow and cannot double jump (although repetitively jumping can increase believeability), which are both immediately suspicious. As Scouts tend to wander alone, however, it can remain viable for quick glances at long distances. If disguised as a Scout with the Baby Face’s Blaster, it can be somewhat more viable due to the reduced base speed and jump penalties. Medium. Players may not expect Scout disguises simply because of their low believability. Situational. All things considered, the Scout disguise is best applied when you are trying to hide or when you will only be visible to the enemy for a short period of time. The Scout disguise is common in competitive play due to the nature of team composition, and the fact that disguises do not work well for blending in against coordinated teams, regardless of disguise. The Scout disguise also is one of the disguises that does not inhibit Spy's natural speed, which can give the advantage of getting a important pick quicker.
Leaderboard class soldier.png Soldier 80% Normal. Soldiers tend to have large weapons, making them less-than-suitable for hiding. Medium. It is not uncommon to find a Soldier wandering alone, especially if he is walking backwards reloading his weapon. However, a lack of rocket jumping and suppressive fire may become suspicious if you remain amongst the enemy team for too long. High. With a large movement speed penalty that makes it difficult to catch up to backstab targets, most players do not expect Soldier disguises. Situational. As a Soldier, you will likely have trouble dodging enemy fire and avoiding blocking enemy movement. If your target starts moving at full speed, unless it is a Heavy, you will not be able to catch up to him without losing your disguise. On the other hand, successfully pretending to retreat from battle might result in an enemy Medic healing or ÜberCharging you. Try not to have your disguise weapon as the Equalizer or the Escape Plan, as their (lack of) effects will give you away very quickly, especially if an enemy Medic starts healing you.
Leaderboard class pyro.png Pyro 100% Normal. If you are trying to hide, switch to a secondary or melee weapon, as all flamethrowers have long weapon models and can sometimes be seen through walls or props, and make a constant hissing noise when held. Medium. Pyros aren't expected to attack until they get close to others, and they commonly patrol their own bases, making it easier to get in and out of enemy areas. However, Pyros are easy to Spy-check and are expected to constantly engage in Spy-checking, so enemies may attack you once they realize you are not doing so. The Pyro disguise's fake Shotgun reload is arguably tied with the Engineer's for being the best in the game. Low. As a class with 100% move speed, no need to reload primary weapons, and reasons to hide among teammates and near Sentry Guns, Pyros are well-known to be a common choice of disguise. Common. Pyro is more often than not a good choice of disguise, despite its flaws.
Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman 93.33% Normal. The disguise has average body and weapon size, and is therefore good for quick glances. However, be aware that holding a sword significantly increases a Demoman's visual footprint vertically, which can be a problem if you end up disguising as a Demoknight. Medium. Demomen have reasons to hang around their own team's base, waiting for enemies to trip their traps. However, they are generally expected to constantly use their weapons, and if no stickybombs are visible and your disguise does not include a shield, you will easily be discovered as a fraud. Both fake reloads are moderately believable. Low. Similar to the Soldier disguise with a lesser speed penalty and more reason to be idle on his team's side of the field, a Demoman disguise is generally unsurprising. Common. The Demoman disguise is very average; while it is a convenient excuse to hover around the enemy stronghold, enemies are generally not fooled if you stay in one location for too long.
Leaderboard class heavy.png Heavy 76.67% Tall and wide. Heavies have big bodies and big weapons, making it hard to hide as one. Medium. The Heavy's primary weapon is not usually fired on a whim, due to its spin up and spin down times and reducing the Heavy's speed while spun up; therefore, an enemy Medic will not immediately Spy-check you just because you're not shooting. However, he may instead expect you to switch to your secondary weapon, which can be a problem, especially as switching back to your primary will show a different amount of ammo to him. High. Because of its severely reduced movement speed, hindering a Spy's ability to move around the map and chase enemies for stabs, a Heavy disguise is rare. As a result, many players won't expect it, and can be good for getting enemy Medics to heal or possibly even ÜberCharge you regardless of your health. Situational. While this disguise is good for backstabbing enemy Heavies that are revved up, there are other, better alternatives, and the large model size and extremely slow move speed make the Heavy disguise generally a bad choice.
Leaderboard class engineer.png Engineer 100% Short. A few shotguns aside, Engineers have small weapons and can hide quite easily. Medium. Engineers have reason to hang around their team's buildings without attacking much, though they can come under suspicion if they are seen not swinging their wrench for a while, if they don't have any buildings constructed, or if they're hanging around a different Engineer's buildings for no apparent reason. The Engineer disguise's fake Shotgun reload is arguably tied with the Pyro's for being the best in the game. Low. It does not take long for even the newest of players to learn that Engineers are a common choice of disguise. Common. Engineers are rarely seen outside of their base unless they have the Gunslinger equipped, so be aware of which melee weapon your disguise has. Also be aware of your disguise's secondary weapon, as while the Pistol and Short Circuit are viable for Engineers to be wandering around with, the Wrangler is not, and holding it without a Sentry Gun following along is highly suspicuous.
Leaderboard class medic.png Medic 106.67% Tall. The Medic disguise is poor at hiding due to his height and lab coat. Low. While most enemies will not notice the lack of increased move speed, the Medic disguise is incapable of healing. Because Medics are expected to heal whenever they're with a teammate and are rarely alone, your disguise quickly loses credibility. Another thing that has the potential to quickly give you away is the fact that, while disguised as a Medic, your fake ÜberCharge meter will always show 0%; more experienced players will know that Medics will never have 0% ÜberCharge unless walking out of spawn due to the Medic's frequent healing. The Medic disguise does have a rather good fake reload. High. Given all its disadvantages, most players will not expect a Medic disguise. Situational. Though its believability is very poor, if an enemy does get fooled, it should be quite easy to punish them for it. One method is to lure enemies into thinking they can get healed by you, and then you may dispatch them any way you like (preferably by a backstab, though if they are badly wounded, simply shoot them). You can also use the disguise to come from behind an enemy for a backstab, as it is completely natural for a Medic to be behind his patient.
Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper 100% Tall and skinny. Most of the Sniper's rifles have long models, necessitating switching to something else if you wish to hide. High. It is not suspicious for Snipers to stay within their base or at a sniping spot for extended periods of time, and are not expected to Spy-check allies. However, you are unable to zoom in, which can reveal your identity after a while, and if you stray too far from Sniper posts, you are likely to be Spy-checked. Low. With Snipers being the stereotypical Spy bait, most players will not be at all surprised to find that a Sniper is a Spy. Common. If you plan to lurk around sniping spots while visible, beware if the enemy team has a Sniper — odds are they will be headed to the same sniping spots as you are, which increases the chance of running into the one enemy who will instantly know you're a Spy. Also be aware of enemies attempting to light your arrow if your disguise is holding the Huntsman.
Leaderboard class spy.png Spy 106.67% Tall and skinny. The only disguise for which the visible model matches your own hidden model. High. With a good fake reload, and no other actions available without breaking disguise (aside from sapping), there are no reasons to doubt a Spy disguise aside from his behavior. However as Spies are generally meant to be disguised on the enemy team, enemies may get suspicious if they only see you lingering around the base for a long time. Medium. The believability of the Spy disguise primarily relies on the habits of your enemies; many players instinctively fire at all Spies, even friendly ones, while others may not even consider a Spy disguise to be a threat. Uncommon. The Spy disguise is the only disguise where you have a reason to be with your teammates without attacking. Be aware that the enemy Spy disguise will not affect the color of your disguise smoke or your cloak, so enemies can still recognize those effects. Upon choosing the Spy class from the Disguise Kit, a random disguise will be applied to the Spy.
Friendly disguises

Friendly disguises can prove handy in a variety of situations. Friendly disguises are useful at the beginning of rounds, especially during setup time, because they will avoid giving away that you are a Spy, while making the enemy team prepared for a class that isn't necessarily in use. If you're having trouble getting behind enemy lines, a friendly disguise can be used to scare enemies (for example, a friendly Pyro disguise in close quarters or a friendly Sniper disguise in a sightline) or to feign a death more convincingly. If an ally needs help, you can use a friendly disguise, such as a Heavy, to draw enemy fire. Your hit box is not the same as your disguise class, so you can draw Sniper fire with some disguises with a reduced risk of taking a headshot; however, a full-charged bodyshot will still take you down if you aren't overhealed or using the Dead Ringer to feign death. Friendly disguises, particularly Medic and Sniper, are good for baiting, as many enemies will not expect a friendly disguise. Use this bait to prepare for a stab, shoot the target with your secondary weapon, or lead enemies into teammates or Sentry Guns. These tricks can be used more safely and repeatedly with the Dead Ringer, as you can fake friendly deaths.

PDA2 slot

Invis Watch + reskins

Weapon Cloak
Cloak type Duration Activation time Deactivation time Recharge
Invis Watch
Stock
Invis Watch
Standard Recharge 9 seconds 1 second 1.8 seconds 30 seconds
Enthusiast's Timepiece
Promotional
Enthusiast's Timepiece
Quackenbirdt
Promotional
Quäckenbirdt
  • Cloaking is an ability exclusive to the Spy, which renders him fully invisible to enemy players. Your teammates will still be able to see you, albeit faintly. While cloaked, you cannot use any weapons, but you can still switch weapons and disguise. Taking damage or running into an enemy will make you flicker for a brief period of time.
  • When your Invis Watch runs out, you will automatically uncloak, revealing yourself. While you are cloaked, pick up ammo packs to recharge your watch.
  • The Invis Watch is most useful on offence when there are ammunition sources available.
  • When compared to the other watches, the Invis Watch allows for the farthest distance traveled while invisible.
  • Cloaking can be pivotal when attempting to infiltrate an enemy base. Be aware that cloaking will take 1 full second while uncloaking will take a little over 2 seconds, during which you can be recognized by the enemy, even if you are disguised, but cannot attack or use your Sapper. Therefore, you should attempt to look for a safe, hidden spot to uncloak.
  • Plot your course and approach targets carefully — being spotted may result in a quick death, as you cannot feign a death, as with the Dead Ringer, or hide in one spot until an opportunity arises, as with the Cloak and Dagger.
    • Always try to move while you are using the Invis Watch. You will only regain Cloak if you are not cloaked or if you pick up ammo boxes or remains of destroyed Engineer buildings. However, the Invis Watch lasts longer than the alternative watches.
  • If you know an enemy has seen you Cloak, head in one direction while you are partially visible, and when you are fully invisible, change your path. The enemy will likely believe you are going the same direction you were while visible, and will continue down that way, allowing for your escape or even counterattack.
  • Do not rely on the Invis Watch's natural recharge, as it takes about twice as long compared to the other watches.
  • Grab dropped metal whenever you can while cloaked. Some enemies will notice an ammo box disappearing for seemingly no reason, but even if they do (and realize it was a cloaked Spy who took it), you should be able to escape, if you remain invisible for long enough. If they do still try to chase you, their efforts will likely only divert their attention from the game objective.
  • Hiding near an enemy Dispenser of any level will maintain or lengthen your Cloak's charge if you are disguised. This will give you as much time as you need to wait to strike an Engineer's sentry nest, whether you need the Engineer to leave or you are waiting for your team to make a push in.
    • Take caution if the Dispenser is near the battle, enemies may often stay nearby to restock and refill on health and ammo, which may risk them bumping into you and giving away your disguise. Unless it is an absolute emergency, stay away from such Dispensers if possible.
  • Knowledge of a map's layout, especially locations of ammo boxes, will prove very useful for crossing the map quickly while invisible. Take note of shortcuts and the locations of ammo boxes as you learn a map.
  • All the watches make a distinct noise when decloaking, and will make your presence known if you decloak right behind someone if things are otherwise quiet. If you must decloak that close, try to do so in tandem with other sounds, like someone else's gunfire, to mask your noise and remain undetected when you appear.
  • After Gun Mettle update, all watches received 20% protection against all incoming damage. For example, a sting from afterburn from Flame Thrower would do 3 damage/0.5s, but with cloak activated, you only receive 2 damage/0.5s. Use it to your advantage.
    • Also after Gun Mettle update, when you're cloaked, the debuffs last slightly shorter, so fire/Jarate/bleeding/Mad Milk will last slightly shorter, so if you get set on fire or start bleeding, if enemies are not likely to notice/engage you, it may be a better idea to cloak so that you take less damage.

Cloak and Dagger

Weapon Cloak
Cloak type Duration Activation time Deactivation time Recharge
Cloak and Dagger
Unlock
Cloak and Dagger
Motion Sensitive 6.2 seconds 1 second 2.2 seconds 15 seconds
  • The length of time the Cloak and Dagger lasts, while constantly running, is shorter than the Invis Watch.
    • This time can be elongated through crouch walking. If you stand still or uncloak, your watch will regenerate to 6.2 seconds of cloaking time. Even though you can extend the Cloak and Dagger's length through picking up ammo sources (or standing next to a Dispenser) of any kind, they provide 35% less cloak than when picked up with the default Invis Watch.
  • Although the Cloak and Dagger promotes laying in wait, it can be useful to travel through maps that lack enough ammo boxes to get you past a group of enemies, such as if the enemy controls the center of Turbine.
  • Use of the Cloak and Dagger can fool a team to Spy-Check various hiding places while you escape.
  • Learn the best hiding spots of the map you are playing, and the fastest routes to them.
  • Use this watch when you need to time your attack, defend a chokepoint, or on maps with few ammunition boxes.
  • The speed at which the Cloak and Dagger drains depends on how fast you are moving, but is capped at the Spy's normal walking speed (being launched by Stickybombs will not increase your drain rate, for example). Taking fall damage will still cause you to make sounds associated with falling.
  • While you can go further without having to wait to recharge if you crouch-walk, it is generally more efficient to run to a low-traffic area and recharge rather than slowly progressing with a crouch-walk.
  • When using the Cloak and Dagger, you can report information to your team, such as Sentry Gun placement or when an enemy is pushing, with a much lower risk of being caught.
  • Usually, a Spy wants to remain out of sight for when their Cloak runs out. However, this watch's indefinite Cloak allows you to hide anywhere, and most enemies will not expect you to hide out in the open.
    • Even though you can hide almost anywhere, for obvious reasons, avoid standing still in narrow hallways and chokepoints.
    • Standing on top of objects or rocks will prevent many enemies from bumping into you while you wait for them to go past or to recharge.
  • Because you can Cloak indefinitely while not moving, it can be useful to lead an enemy around a corner, cloak while out of sight, and then hide to the side. If the enemy is a Pyro, it may be better to simply run.
  • Consider using the Your Eternal Reward with this watch, as the increased cloak drain rate does not affect your ability to stand still while cloaked.
  • Using this watch, you can assist teammates in destroying Sentry Guns hidden behind proximity-activated doors. If you cloak and stand near one of these doors, it will remain open while a teammate, such as a Soldier, can safely destroy the Sentry Gun from a distance; however, if an enemy sees the door open with no one being there, they'll probably check the area around the door, so be careful.
  • The Cloak and Dagger can be used for 'Spy capping'. To Spy cap, sneak past enemy lines and wait, while cloaked, on a Control Point. Once the Control Point is open, uncloak (making sure you are not disguised as an enemy), and capture the point, but be careful about enemies spotting you and especially watch out for Sentry Guns in range of the point, as they can and will gun you down with ease.
  • Even though you can stay cloaked indefinitely, it doesn't mean you are being helpful to your team. Try to avoid staying cloaked in one location for too long, as you will end up being useless to your team in the long run.
  • The L'Etranger's 40% extra Cloak time and ability to add Cloak on hit will all but nullify the Cloak and Dagger's faster drain speed, so consider using both together.
  • You can stay cloaked for an infinite amount of time provided you stay still. This means that you can simply observe enemy players, movement and most importantly, ÜberCharge meters. Communicate with your team and warn them of the incoming dangers, and notify them of the Medic’s ÜberCharge meter.
    • If the meter is full, you may have to simply rush in and backstab the Medic before he can deploy it. You will likely die trying to do so, but at least your team will have an easier time denying an enemy push.

Dead Ringer

Weapon Cloak
Cloak type Duration Activation time Deactivation time Recharge
Dead Ringer
Unlock
Dead Ringer
Feign Death 6.5 sec 0 sec 1.8 sec 16 sec
  • When deactivating, the Dead Ringer makes a loud, distinctive sound which can reveal your location. Try to uncloak in a safe area, then move in for the kill.
  • The Dead Ringer is best used when you cannot get by the enemy safely. This makes it useful for getting by chokepoints and crippling enemy defenses from behind. Just be sure that there is a safe area to decloak in.
    • It also gives you a second chance should you get caught.
  • The Dead Ringer allows you to perform 'Suicide' captures, using the watch as an escape plan.
  • If the enemy is aware you are using the Dead Ringer, consider switching to a different watch to be less predictable.
  • You can use this uncloak sound to your advantage. Uncloak behind an enemy, and circle strafe around them so their back is exposed for the kill once they turn around. Make sure they did actually turn around, though, as simply walking in front of a Heavy as a Spy is not the smartest of tactics.
  • Try taking damage for about a second before pulling out the Dead Ringer. It will make your feigned death appear more realistic.
    • Upon activation, the Dead Ringer removes afterburn. Cloaking right after you run out of the flamethrowers' range protects you from Spy checking, and makes for a very convincing fake death if you already took significant fire damage. Pyros might continue to spray fire around, so avoid obvious hiding spots. If the Pyro believes you burned to death, the entire team will forget about you.
    • If you kill an enemy but were left with an afterburn or bleeding effect, use the Dead Ringer to remove the effect if you can't find a medkit. Make sure to decloak immediately to save some meter and find a medkit or get a Medic to heal you.
  • For the first 3 seconds of being cloaked with the Dead Ringer, you take up to 75% less damage (this damage reduction fades over time; after 3 seconds, you will only take 20% less damage) and you do not flicker if you take damage or bump into an enemy. Use this to your advantage when crossing choke-points.
    • However, the enemy team can know if you feign death with the scoreboard, as it will only account for 3 seconds and a 3-second respawn timer is unlikely.
  • Disguising as a friendly offensive class, such as the Demoman, at the beginning of the round will make for a more convincing death and easier passage into enemy territory.
    • This can also be used to cause a Demoman to trigger his Stickybombs unnecessarily, clearing the way for your teammates to come in, especially at the beginning of rounds.
      • This used to be a much more viable strategy back when the Dead Ringer had an initial 90% damage resistance on feign death, allowing you to absorb absurd amounts of burst damage. Now that the initial resistance is only 75%, a Spy will not be able to survive more than 3 or 4 stickies at once, and most set traps will contain several. Therefore, try to skirt larger stickytraps while still staying in range of a couple bombs to trigger your watch.
  • You can hold the Dead Ringer out while capturing a Control Point, carrying enemy Intelligence, or pushing the cart on a Payload map. Use this in combination with a friendly disguise to cause for a convincing death while helping out your team. You will need to uncloak to continue capturing an objective, however. After the Tough Break update, Spy is no longer able to pull out his Dead Ringer, requiring you to first drop the case, and then activate your Dead Ringer, making this strategy more difficult than it was, since you may not have time to drop the Intelligence yourself.
  • The reduced duration on debuffs present on the other watches behaves rather oddly with the Dead Ringer — afterburn actually wears off instantaneously. Pyros can still damage you with the flame particles if they have good prediction, but couple this with the speed boost on feign death and you stand a good chance of escaping a Pyro's wrath if discovered. Running back towards teammates to heal and reset your cloak will oftentimes seal your escape.
  • The Dead Ringer completely lacks the ability to regain cloak from ammo boxes and Dispensers. Consider equipping the L’Etranger and Big Earner in order to quickly refill it.
    • If you have neither one of the said weapons, try to hide from the enemy team until the Dead Ringer is recharged.
  • Jarate and Mad Milk will not wash off if you use the Dead Ringer while covered in it; you must enter water or wait for it to wear off.
  • If you are waiting or you are in an open area, keep the Dead Ringer held out if you aren't fighting. An enemy Spy or stray enemy fire could kill you while you aren't ready.
  • When using the Dead Ringer, try choosing friendly disguises while heading into enemy lines and then switching to an enemy disguise once you have infiltrated the enemy base.
  • Try to disguise after you use the Dead Ringer. If the watch activated in the middle of you disguising, you will still emit smoke visible to the enemy team.
  • If possible, don't pick up the nearest Health pick-up. Many enemies will look to see if the pick-up disappears. If you are on fire, however, you must go for the pick-up anyway and then escape.
  • If you need to take a long fall but don't have the Health to survive it, hold out your Dead Ringer to negate a large portion of the damage. You can also use fall damage to trigger your Cloak to get behind enemy lines.
  • You can prevent enemy movement for a short period of time by Dead Ringing and standing in front of a doorway or hall. This may allow your team enough time to regroup.
  • Disguising as a friendly Medic, staying on the outskirts of your team's territory, and then Dead Ringing may trick the enemy team into pushing forward.
  • Be aware that if the an enemy has the "Display damage done as text over your target" advanced option enabled or the console command hud_combattext set to 1, then they may see the small amount of damage needed to "kill" you, and guess you were using a Dead Ringer, thus try to deploy the Dead Ringer with a little bit of delay when someone starts to damage you, so your "death" will be more convincing.
  • If a particular player has a habit of taunting after killing you, using the Dead Ringer to feign a death and backstabbing them while they're taunting can be very effective and satisfying.
  • Be aware that being "killed" by a Demoman's Eyelander or any of its reskins will still add a head to its meter.

Taunt Attacks

Fencing
Kill icon Weapon Damage Duration Details
Fencing
Fencing
Killicon fencing.png Knife
Saxxy
Your Eternal Reward
Conniver's Kunai
Big Earner
Wanga Prick
Black Rose
2×25 and then 500 4 seconds The Spy transfers his weapon to his left hand and begins to practice a deadly Fencing maneuver, resulting in damage and/or death for anyone in the way.
  • This taunt can be used with any of the Spy's knives (except the Sharp Dresser and the Spy-cicle) to kill very distracted enemies with one hit; however, due to the taunt's long duration and the minimal damage dealt by the first two swings, using this kill taunt is a very risky strategy.
    • The Fencing taunt is a viable last resort during the Humiliation round.
  • It can be effectively used to destroy Engineer buildings with one hit, so the Engineer won't have time to see his building being sapped or damaged and return to save his buildings, but be careful, as if you get caught in mid-taunt, the Engineer (or anyone else) will have virtually no issues in dispatching you. However, do not attempt to destroy an enemy Sentry Gun in this way, because you must remove your disguise in order to be be able to perform the taunt, and attempting to do so will cause the Sentry to target and kill you.
    • However, if a Sentry is close enough to a Dispenser, then you can hide behind it without being detected and perform the taunt. The extra reach of this taunt means that it can often destroy both buildings.
  • Also, keep in mind that, even if you are able to catch anyone unaware, the Spy speaks during the taunt, and this may give your presence away. This can be negated by quickly performing a voice command, preferably a short command, such as "No."
  • Fencing with Your Eternal Reward is not recommended, as you have to remove your disguise in order to taunt, and you won't get a disguise even if the taunt kill succeeds.
  • Successfully Fencing with the Big Earner will still grant the 30% Cloak bonus, but it is still not advised, as it also requires no disguise and your lowered health may put your life at risk if you fail.
  • Make sure the last swing hits your target, as the first 2 swings do low damage and can get you noticed fast and put yourself in danger.

Weapon combinations

Against Engineers

Most, if not all, tactics concerning Engineers will only work if the Engineer is not surrounded by allies. Use these tactics wisely.

  • A tremendously useful ability to have is the power to surprise an enemy Engineer. The worse the Engineer is at Spy checking, the better. An excellent way to check if an Engineer is in the vicinity is to Cloak, run in, and survey the area before retreating. However, this technique is less effective with the Dead Ringer equipped, as you cannot Cloak at will. When a lone Engineer is blocking an objective with a Sentry Gun, you can use the Ambassador to attempt to take out the Engineer at long range first, using nearby objects for cover.
    • An alternative strategy is to use the Engineer's own buildings against him. This can be done by disguising as a player with low health, and crouching near the Dispenser to heal your disguise, while simultaneously using the Dispenser as cover from the Sentry Gun. Using this strategy will allow you to eliminate the Engineer at close quarters, while being safe from his Sentry Gun's fire.
  • A lonely Engineer building a Sentry Gun can be easily killed by the Ambassador. Shooting him first in the head and then on any body part will kill him; afterward, you simply sap the building. Very useful if the Engineer is busy wrenching said building.
  • If an Engineer leaves his buildings unattended, some players may simply rush in and sap everything in sight. It is advised you do not do this, unless you are totally sure that the Engineer is dead or too far away to respond in time. What you should do is shoot at a building once, and then hide in cover to defend against the Sentry Gun. The Engineer may come rushing back to hit it with the Wrench, allowing you to then follow him back to wherever he was previously. Wait at the area and backstab him as he attempts to return to his buildings.
  • A similar tactic is to find an enemy building outside of the Sentry Gun's field of vision and sap that, then pull out the Ambassador and wait. When the Engineer comes to remove the Sapper, quickly headshot him then shoot him, as the headshot on its own is unlikely to kill him. Since it takes two whacks with the Wrench to remove a Sapper, you should have ample time.

Sentry Guns

  • A sapped Sentry Gun cannot fire. If the Engineer is standing next to them, you have several options:
    • Sap the Sentry Gun and then run out of the room with the Intelligence or try and cap a fast-capping/partially capped point. Remember, if you accidentally touch the Intelligence while disguised, you will lose your disguise, and the Sentry Gun will attack you.
    • Sap the Sentry Gun and stab the Engineer if he goes to repair it. If he is already in position and repairing the Sentry Gun, the Sapper will be removed before you can switch to the Knife and backstab. If he is out of position, you will have time to make the attempt. If he is in position and is repairing the Sentry Gun, all you can do is run for it, or keep putting new Sappers on the Sentry Gun. He will keep removing them as you place new Sappers, but it takes a long time to destroy a Sentry Gun this way. You will almost certainly be spotted by a teammate of the Engineer and be killed without destroying the Sentry Gun. Keep in mind there is a delay after the Sapper is removed.
    • Your Revolver can destroy Sentry Guns at long range well due to no damage falloff against buildings. Firing at a Dispenser first is the key to succeeding; once it's down, fire at the Sentry Gun. When an Engineer first deploys a building, it's vulnerable to damage. One or two Revolver shots will take it down quickly before the Engineer has time to set it up. Your Revolver does more damage against buildings that aren't sapped, so if you find a lone Teleporter or Dispenser, and an Engineer isn't far off, shooting it without sapping it is the best course of action. However, when there are no Engineers near by, sapping a building and fleeing is the best way to avoid being spotted.
    • In certain situations, a Sentry Gun may be built so close to the cap point that you can reach it while capping. In this instance, you can quickly sap the Sentry Gun, undisguise, and resume sapping the Sentry Gun over and over. However, watch out for the Engineer breaking the capture with his body. This video goes into more detail on how it's done.
    • Communicate with your teammates asking them to tell you via voice commands or voice chat when they need a Sentry Gun disabled, and then repeatedly sap the Sentry Gun.
    • A Sentry Gun takes about a second to execute a full 180° rotation. If you are directly behind a Sentry Gun and the Engineer is close to and facing his Sentry Gun, it is possible to take out the Engineer and then the Sentry Gun. As soon as the Knife hits the Engineer, use the quick switch key to change to your Sapper and place one before the Sentry Gun locks on. Strafe with the Sentry Gun's rotation (remember that the Sentry Gun will attempt to rotate as little as possible to shoot its target) so that you will have more time to place your Sapper. Note that due to lag, it is possible for the Sentry Gun to shoot you between the actual placement of the Sapper and the Sentry Gun being shut down. A Level 3 Sentry Gun will not always kill you immediately (although it has a good chance of doing so unless your reaction time is superb); however, it will still be sapped and most likely destroyed.
    • If the Sentry Gun and Dispenser are in such a position that you cannot reach the back of the Engineer for a backstab, try jumping on the Sentry Gun or Dispenser and sitting on the Engineer's head. This is an ideal spot, as it is in your victim's blind spot and will allow you to backstab him from above (and apply the stab and sap trick above). However, if the Engineer is crouched and tries to stand or jump, they will be unable to do so and suspect a Spy. At that range, a Shotgun blast or two will kill you instantly. This trick also works well against a Heavy taking the role of a makeshift Sentry Gun.
    • A difficult trick is to take advantage of the fact that Engineers take damage from the gunfire of their own Sentry Gun. Stand in a position where the Engineer is between his Sentry Gun and you, then uncloak. You will die, but hopefully so will the Engineer. This is useful if the Engineer is in a position where you simply cannot backstab him. Use this technique carefully, as it can easily backfire on you.
    • A variation of this trick can be used against a common Engineer Sentry Gun/Dispenser setup. Some Engineers like to sandwich themselves between their Sentry Gun to the front and a Dispenser to the back. Disguise as a Pyro (as if you are helping the Engineer Spy-check) and walk up behind him, so the Dispenser is between you and the Engineer. As quick as you can, fire a few rounds into the Engineer with the Revolver. Duck as soon as the Engineer dies from the combined damage of your Revolver and the Sentry Gun's fire. If done correctly, the Sentry Gun will lose you as you hide behind the Dispenser. Re-disguise, sap everything, and leave. Watch this video for more tips on how this is done.
    • The Engineer's Wrangler weapon permits the Engineer to control his Sentry Gun entirely. Take extreme caution, as many Engineers will Spy-check with this, and it will make sapping the Sentry Gun much harder. Killing the Engineer while he is using the Wrangler will give you a few crucial seconds to sap his Sentry Gun bullet-free.
  • The Sap and stab is mainly for baiting. In this tactic, one must approach a sentry with an Engineer nearby while cloaked and disguised. Uncloak where the Engineer cannot see and sap the Sentry Gun. Quickly cloak and back up behind the Sentry Gun. Any Engineer with half a brain will come to knock off the Sapper. Uncloak as his back is turned and stab. Occasionally this may be done without having to Cloak in between.
  • Stab and sap -- while disguised, approach the Engineer, preferably when he is upgrading the Sentry Gun, and backstab. Now use your quick reflexes to take out your Sapper and sap the Sentry Gun. Note that circling the sentry often allows more time to take out the Sapper, as the sentry will have to rotate to get you. This tactic is really about how quick you can stab then sap. This method requires much practice, an unaware Engineer, and a great deal of luck to pull off.
  • Long range takeout -- If you can find a corner to hide from the Sentry Gun's fire, you can headshot the Engineer. For other situations, the stock Revolver works well for this method, as it does not have any damage or firing speed penalties. First, uncloak in a safe hidden spot outside the reach of the Sentry Gun, but make sure that you can see the Engineer and Sentry Gun. Kill the Engineer first. Now you can either disguise and approach the sentry to sap it, or simply shoot it from long range with your Revolver of choice until it goes down.
  • Remember that there won't always just be one Engineer. In that case, it is recommended that you use the sap and stab and be patient. Wait until both Engineers have their back turned (note that if both Engineers are striking the same Sentry Gun, it will take half as long to remove the Sapper).
  • With Your Eternal Reward, you can backstab someone in the range of the Sentry Gun, including the Engineer behind it, without being detected. Just remember that you need a disguise equipped before you can do this, otherwise the Sentry Gun will kill you as soon as you step in range uncloaked. This is effective for taking down sentry nests with multiple Engineers as you can silently rid of them before sapping all of their buildings.
  • If you are using Your Eternal Reward and lack a disguise, you can get a free disguise in spawn, or get an easy disguise on an unsuspecting Engineer; wait for the Sentry Gun to be in a good position (similar to Stab and Sap tactics), uncloak (preferably with a quiet watch), and immediately stab the Engineer repairing it. If done correctly, you will get your disguise before the Sentry locks on you, and you will get both a free disguise, and a destroyed Engineer position. Just make sure to use the attack button only one time, or you will drop your disguise and be at the (nonexistent) mercy of the Sentry Gun.
    • This strategy can be very effective against turtling Engineers with a giant Sentry nest.
  • Against an Engineer with the Frontier Justice and Gunslinger, equip the Red-Tape Recorder instead of the stock Sapper. This will sap his Sentry much slower, denying him Crits from Sentry kills, and making him unable to place a new Combat Mini-Sentry Gun until the old one is destroyed.

Dispensers

  • Keep an eye out for Dispensers once you infiltrate the enemy base. They will still heal you and you can use them while your Cloak is still active (when using the default Invisibility Watch). In fact, all Dispensers above Level 1 can recharge your Cloak even while you're cloaked. Level 1 Dispensers don't recharge your Cloak, but your Cloak won't drain either. Instead, it'll stay at the same level, giving you time to plan your next actions. Level 2 Dispensers recharge it slowly and Level 3 recharge it much faster, so Dispensers can be crucial to your plan. Note that the healing beam CANNOT be seen when cloaked and when next to a Dispenser - but be sure to watch out for Engineers, as they will constantly run back to their Dispenser, possibly running into you and revealing you. To avoid the Engineer, jump on top of the Dispenser instead of standing beside it. Be careful though, as his teammates can still run through it and, if they do, reveal your location.
  • Note that on maps with narrow corridors, like 2Fort, Engineers may place superfluous Dispensers in locations that block your path. They also use these Dispensers to lure you into sapping them, thus alerting him and his team of your presence. If this is the case, you have 3 options: Crouch behind the Dispenser and use your Revolver to take it out or at least damage it (Provided there aren't any enemies around, they will hear the sound of your Revolver), crouch jump over the Dispenser (unless the Dispenser is placed in a position where you would've normally jumped on to the platform to reach it) or simply take another route.
  • When uncloaked, avoid standing on Dispensers. Because most players (except the Engineer who built the Dispenser) will clip through buildings, being spotted in this position will instantly ruin your disguise, unless you are disguised as the Engineer, but he will almost certainly see a clone of himself and kill you. Unless the Engineer is dead and you are disguised as him, it is highly recommended to not stand on top of a Dispenser while uncloaked.
  • If you have no other option, using a Scout disguise and crouching behind a Dispenser while uncloaking may minimize the odds the Engineer will spot you instantly. This can be useful in small, commonly camped areas.
  • If you have just stabbed an Engineer and you are low on health, try looking for his Dispenser to patch yourself up. Remember to be cautious however, run if an enemy approaches the Dispenser, and take note when the Engineer respawns, then flee.

Teleporters

  • If you're disguised as an enemy and take one of your team's Teleporters, the glowing ring and trail effect will not show up. Using friendly Teleporters with friendly disguises will give you a ring and trail but these are removed when you next use an enemy disguise.
  • Walking over an enemy Teleporter exit when someone uses it kills you, a term called telefragging.
  • When you find an exit Teleporter, watch it to see which way players come out. Then stand behind the Teleporter and wait. When the next player comes out, backstab him instantly. He should report this to his team, but he'll be dead for a bit, so you can risk waiting a little for a second Teleport and kill, or you can just sap the Teleporter and leave the area. This is called telecamping, which is usually frowned upon by most players.
  • Due to the August 13, 2009 Patch, whenever a Teleport Entrance or Exit is sapped, the other automatically has a Sapper placed on it as well, regardless of their distance from one another. However, the Engineer can now remove Sappers from both the entrance and the exit by using his Wrench on either. Although this makes it much harder for Spies to get cheap points by sapping Teleporter entrances outside the enemy spawn, a successful Sapper on an active Teleporter will now give two points.
  • If you're trying to telefrag enemies with their own Teleporters, either step over them while cloaked or use a slow disguise (Heavy and Soldier are the best) in order not to draw too much attention towards you.
  • If you see enemy Teleporter entrances and exits in unusual places (often near their objectives), it could mean you are walking into an Engineer's trap - many Engineers place their Teleporters inside their base as an early warning system, hoping that you will be unable to resist sapping them and will thus alert the Engineer to your presence (one way you can trick the Engineer in this scenario is by firing 2-3 Revolver shots at it, or if the Engineer is close by, hit it with your Knife as it is much quieter, but not enough to destroy it. Engineers will almost always expect a Spy to sap it if anything, so this may throw off the Engineer who built it).
  • As of the Sniper vs. Spy Update, the Spy is now able to use enemy Teleporters. This can be useful for getting into well-defended Sentry Gun nests and/or nests that would otherwise be unreachable.
  • If you can time it just right, it's possible to sap an enemy Teleporter entrance just as it teleports you. However, due to the August 13, 2009 Patch this is rather pointless as you can achieve the same effect by taking the teleport and then sapping the exit. However, it does allow you to harass the Engineer as he attempts to knock your Sapper off.
  • If you are lucky, you may manage to telefrag an enemy upon taking an opposing Teleporter. While this normally applies to your own team's Teleporters as well if an enemy somehow stands on it without destroying it, the likelihood is higher as a Spy, as enemies may be clustered around the exit on the other side. In some cases, you may even be able to telefrag the enemy Engineer on the other side. However, be aware that telefragging will immediately alert the Engineer as to who took their Teleporter.
  • A clever Spy can sneak his way to the enemy's Teleporter Entrance, sap it, and then stand on it, waiting for an Engineer on the exit side to knock off the Sapper. Once the Sapper has been knocked off the Spy will teleport to the other side, telefragging the Engineer if he is close enough, and is free to sap any buildings the Engineer has built. This is a risky but effective way of taking down forward bases built by one Engineer.
    • However, the above strategy becomes obsolete if there are two Engineers babysitting their buildings in the same location. The second Engineer will no doubt see/hear his buddy trying to repair his Teleporter and dying. There is usually no way to fight the second Engineer without the Sentry Guns swiveling and shooting you dead once you uncloak/remove your disguise. Your best hope in this situation is to either run, or sap BOTH the Sentry Guns as fast as you can, while avoiding the Wrench. If you're VERY lucky, you'll be able to get both of them, and then deal with your hard-hatted assailant. Assuming he doesn't just repair the Sentry Guns or Shotgun you to death, you could also try the continuous sap strategy.
  • Another way to deal with Teleporters is to simply sap the entrance, and then put another back on immediately after it gets knocked off, and repeating. As the Engineer cannot repair the Teleporter while it is being sapped, you can slowly wear down the entrance and take out both sides with little to no risk; this is one of the safer courses of action if the Engineer is smart enough to stand off of his exit and Wrench whoever comes through right after he knocks the Sapper off. However, beware that this takes a long time, and in the case of spawns with only one exit, greatly increases the risk of an enemy seeing you and killing you. In this case, you can simply take out your Revolver and empty it into the entrance after sapping it, usually destroying the entrance in most cases. If the Engineer is quick enough to knock off your Sapper before you can destroy the entrance, simply place a second one on immediately and repeat, though repeatedly sapping will probably work better as your Revolver may be out of ammunition. This method is faster and reduces the risk of being discovered by the enemy in their spawn, but leaves you more vulnerable as you will not be disguised.
  • You can quickly destroy Teleporters by sapping them and then shooting them a few times with your Revolver. Although this will attract more attention than just sapping, it may destroy at least one side of the Teleporter before the Engineer can remove your Sapper thus reverting the other side of the teleport to level 1.
  • Hitting a Teleporter with a Wrench will only remove Sappers from the other end if the end being hit has finished building. If you sap a teleport early in its build, the Engineer may not have enough time to save the other end even if they're able to remove the Sapper.

Infiltration

  • You can disguise as your own team by hitting R or - (or E if you have the simple disguise menu enabled) at the top of the keyboard after bringing up the disguise interface. As a friendly non-Spy class, players on the other team are much less likely to alert each other to Spies entering the base if they see you. However, the best way to get in and out is to Cloak properly.
  • While it may not seem immediately obvious to the Spy, as you slowly decloak you take on the color of your team until you are 100% visible. It is vital to let the Cloak come on fully before entering into areas where you would be seen. Try to decloak around a corner where an opponent can't see you. It's very obvious that you are a Spy as no other class is able to Cloak.
  • While cloaked, remember to avoid all enemy fire - if you're hit, you flicker visibly. The same is true if you bump into an enemy. If you plan to rush out, tell your team-mates to let you go first (cloaked), so that stray fire from the enemy team at your visible team-mates doesn't reveal or kill you.
  • If you are discovered and must Cloak to run away (assuming that you are not using a Dead Ringer), use misdirection to break away from your foes. If you are running in a certain direction while you Cloak, your enemies will usually head in that direction, so you can immediately make a radical turn after becoming completely invisible, or even turn in the immediate opposite direction to get behind them for a backstab opportunity.
  • While cloaked, avoid giving away your position, especially to Snipers or, if you have been busted, your pursuers. So do not:
    • ...pick up medkits (unless you're burning) or ammo crates.
    • ...enter the enemies' line of sight before your Cloak is fully active (see above).
    • Also, if you go through an automatic door while cloaked and no one else is around, it is obvious that there is a Spy. If the door is very narrow, you still will become a very easy target, as you only have one direction to run in. Also, if you come out of swimmable water, water will be visible dripping from you.
  • You appear to have the same health as the target of your disguise did at the moment you took on that disguise.
  • Get a friendly Medic to heal you while you are disguised, because your disguised health level also rises to 100%, thus making you less suspicious when disguised while around the enemy spawn; however, appearing to be injured may be a good idea so you can get an enemy Medic to heal you. Note that overhealing will also be visible on your disguise, and if the enemy team has no Medics, walking around with an overheal may be a dead giveaway.
  • If your disguise has an overhealing weapon equipped (Powerjack, Conniver's Kunai, etc.), then you may be able to fool some players with the weapon equipped and a full overheal.
  • Avoid walking over medkits unless your real health is injured; your fake health level will appear to be injured and, if you don't pick up a medkit when walking over it, it is a dead giveaway that you're a disguised Spy. You can only increase your disguised health level from Dispensers and Payload carts if your real health is injured. So if you're receiving a healing beam, and your health is not appearing to increase then those that know this telltale sign will know you're a Spy, so it's best to use a Dispenser and cart only if you're truly injured. But against less experienced players, being healed by a Dispenser or cart can makes you seem less suspicious. As of the May 21, 2009 Patch, in the PC version, walking over a medkit will add to your disguise health. You will also pick up medkits if your disguise health is down, even if your real health is full.
    • Note that picking medkits makes the cross icon appear above your head even if you're cloaked or disguised, and it will be of your team's color, so it can be a serious giveaway for players who will notice that.
  • Alternatively, if you have the Cloak and Dagger equipped, you can deliberately grab medkits in order to deny them to the enemy. While they will probably know that an enemy Spy is in the area, you can assist your team in this way by making your opponents easier to kill if your teammates are also relatively close by; however, this is also a double-edged sword since you can accidentally deny the medkit to a teammate who needs it.
Friendly disguised BLU Spy calling for a RED Medic
  • Remember that you can call for and be healed by enemy Medics while disguised. This is a great way to hold your cover, and also a good opportunity to backstab the opponent's support. Beware that this also risks drawing undue attention to yourself, especially if your alter-ego notices his own name calling for a Medic. For these reasons it is probably best to do this as a retreating maneuver.
    • In a similar manner to calling for Medic, using any voice command that appears in the text chat (such as "Help!" or "Incoming!") while disguised as an enemy will be shown to the enemy team as from the person you are disguised as.
    • Do note that if you are in a situation that you may think it is safe to call a Medic, such as separation from the other members, there is one giveaway that a person paying attention would notice. As a Spy, your Medic call copies your health, not the health of that who you are disguised as. Therefore, if the person you are disguised as has above half health, but you have below half health, then your Medic call will be red. The opposite is also true; if you're healthy while your disguise is deadly wounded, the Medic call will be in pure white. Therefore if the Medic pays attention to the signs, calling Medic at the wrong health may be a dead giveaway that you are a Spy. If you notice that you might give yourself away, such as medicalling while almost dead while your disguise is healthy, then call Medic and look at them for signs. If they pull out a weapon like the Ubersaw or Syringe Gun and look at you, this may be a sign that you have just revealed your disguise to them.
  • Once in the enemy's base, communicate with your team. Talking might not move you up on the Scoreboard, but reporting Sentry Gun placements if a group of enemies are taking an alternate route or building a minibase can make a big difference and bring your team closer to victory. Note that on alltalk servers, your speech bubble is your own team color even when cloaked.
  • You can walk backward while heading for the enemy base, or look backwards occasionally while walking forwards. Retreating into an enemy base while disguised looks much less suspicious than running into it at full tilt (unless your disguise health is relatively low), but as this trick has been done so many times, it can appear obvious to the astute observer.
  • When you disguise yourself, you take the name of an enemy player that is playing the same class as the disguise. It is crucial that you try to use a class that is well represented by the enemy side to decrease the risk of coming face to face with the person you stole the name from. As of the May 21, 2009 Patch, you can see whose name you have taken on on your disguise nameplate.
  • If you disguise as a class not represented by the enemy team, you take on a name randomly, and your disguise has a completely stock loadout with no cosmetics. This can be a dead giveaway as a glance at the score table will make your trickery obvious, so try to disguise as a class that you know the enemy has.
  • Try to act natural. Many times, an enemy will shoot you and not notice your health go down. If you do react to their shots, you can be certain that they and the rest of their team will hunt you down. If you continue heading in the same direction and if you seem to ignore the attack (assuming that it doesn't kill you), many times you will be left alone.
    • Expanding on the above, standing still while in the enemy base is highly suspicious, and most players will try to Spy check you. Making it seem like you were NOT harmed by this attack is the key to getting sneaky backstabs when they turn away. Be incredibly careful of Pyros however. If you see one heading for you, and he is actively Spy checking, RUN!
    • Another thing to note on the above is that certain weapons WILL give you away, even if you pretend it didn't hurt you. Weapons like the Widowmaker, the Black Box, and certain weapons with on hit effects will give you away, because they will vary in their triggers; with the former replenishing metal on hit, and the latter replenishing health on hit. Take note of what weapons the enemy is using to Spy check.
  • When disguised as a Medic, your fake Ubercharge meter will always display 0%. This can be a dead giveaway.
  • You may, while entering the enemy base, notice that an attack force is heading for your base. Running in the opposite direction of them will likely result in a Spy check. A great method to single-handedly stop this attack is trying to run with the group towards your base. This works well as it appears to the opposite team that you are not a Spy, and you can slow yourself down a little bit to get to the rear of the pack and backstab most, if not all, of them. Just be sure the person you are disguised as is not among them, or you will be very dead very quickly.
    • This is one of the main techniques for a Your Eternal Reward / Wanga Prick users, since even a quick behind-glance from one of the enemies will less likely reveal you, not to mention the screams and bodies won't be a problem either.
  • A dead giveaway that you're a Spy in disguise is the fact that your enemies are unable to walk through you. Once they bump into you, they will try to kill you immediately. When in small enclosed spaces, e.g. the sewers in 2Fort, walk close to the walls and be sure to leave enough room for enemy players to run past you.
  • Deliberately trying to avoid people in corridors is like saying, "Hey! Here I am! Shoot me!" and will likely get you Spy checked and possibly killed. If you see someone barreling down a corridor at you, it is usually a better idea to open fire on them then to risk bumping into them and being melee'd by them. Remember, your knife isn't exactly fantastic in a face-off. It is only good for backstabs and taking out already weakened enemies; you cannot count on facestabs to save you.
  • Keep an eye on the enemy players that are about to respawn. When did they die? What class did they play? What is their skill? Remember, these are the players that are going to be on your back in a few seconds. Use this knowledge to time your actions. If you know that the opponent's #1 Scout will respawn in a few seconds, let him pass by before you take any backstabbing/sapping action. Also remember, if you've just killed the same player twice in the exact same spot, they are going to be checking the area the next time they come through in order to find you.
  • Most importantly: There are many people (Pyros) who will Spy check anyone they see, regardless of team affiliation, just as a precaution. Because of this, you must remember to keep moving, change disguises frequently, and, whenever possible, avoid being seen by the enemy entirely.
  • As long as there's a damage indication on your HUD, you are semi-visible. Wait until the damage indicator clears before moving to ensure that you're completely invisible.
  • A good idea to make your disguise more believable is to get behind or near the enemy spawn, put on your disguise, wait until no one is around/not watching you, and then run forwards so it looks like you just respawned. Not only can it put you behind players leaving said spawn, but it also makes enemy players less likely to Spy check you thinking that you're someone who just came from their own spawn.
    • Be cautious to not get into players' casual fire though, as it is rather common for some people to spend some of the ammo shooting in the air (or teammates) while running to an objective that is too far away. Also try to avoid spawns with automatic doors (see above).
  • Picking up the enemy Intelligence does not yet make you a suicide flag runner. You can drop the Intelligence anytime (L by default), put on a disguise, or Cloak to Recon ahead for danger and/or clear out an ambush. Afterwards, return to the Intelligence and resume carrying it when the path is clear. This is especially useful against Sentry Guns, which you can sap and then return to the Intelligence and Demomen, who like to block your path with stickies, essentially trapping you between themselves and anyone pursuing you from the enemy base. It's also a good way to lure other classes out of ambush, as they will move from their spot to check why has the Intelligence been dropped.
  • Disguises only fool enemies "at-a-glance". It's best to avoid being seen altogether and use cloaking more often.
  • While disguised, try to use voice commands such as Battle Cry. It will make your disguised player speak and do some mimics, and therefore it can fool some enemies who don't think about Spies being able to do those mimics.
  • Reloading the Revolver and its variants will reload the weapon equipped by your disguise. Use this for added realism.
    • Be wary of the weapon your disguise is holding, as even weapons that do not require reloading (such as Miniguns and Flame Throwers) will still play an animation.
  • If you are using the Cloak and Dagger, try to jump up on obstacles and ledges as you move through the map. Players use the obvious running pathways and will run right past you if you are cloaked. Standing on a crate allows you to recharge your Cloak without being bumped into and giving away your position. Standing on top of obstacles is also a good place to avoid Spy checking and escape pursuing players as they often forget to check the top of boxes and ledges.

Backstabbing techniques

For more information, see Backstab

Approaching the target

Approaching your victim for a backstab is difficult without getting caught. It is common for an enemy player to randomly Spy check hiding places and teammates. You can expect the enemy team to Spy check more often if they are alerted to the presence of a Spy.

The easiest targets to approach are distracted players who are busy with another task. Common targets are Engineers that are building/upgrading and Snipers who are looking through their Sniper Rifle.

There are a few things to keep in mind before going in for the killing blow:

  • Determine who your target is, and if they are a good target, before you approach.
  • Don't panic when you are discovered.
  • Make sure to double check the routes behind you before decloaking, especially in routes which are commonly used. A recently spawned enemy player might catch you decloaking.
  • Check your surrounding first before cloaking. An enemy player might be looking at your general direction. If you are lucky, they might not be suspicious of you, but if they start shooting at you, run and hide.
  • Check the Scoreboard for dead enemy players so you can be aware if someone will come out from spawn.
  • If you know that someone has just spawned, you can wait for them to pass by you. You can also try to delay their movement to the front line by timing your kill so they would be forced to look for you.
  • Your disguise protects you from passing glances, but only until they get suspicious. Kill your target as soon as possible.
  • Be aware of the speed of your Heavy and Soldier disguise. While enemies may be less suspicious of these uncommon disguises, you will have a much harder time trying to hunt down your victim.
  • A common mistake is to Cloak when the target is attacking you. Even if the target is aware of you, you can still kill them with techniques like stairstabbing, sidestabbing, or shooting.
  • Be careful on approaching the same target too often. Even the most inexperienced player will start checking their back after being stabbed too frequently.
  • When attempting to backstab during an enemy push, be sure to wait until they have engaged your teammates. Be wary of enemy players who are watching their team's back.
  • When you see a friendly Spy approaching a target, choose another target. If your teammate targets an Engineer, sap their buildings while they are distracted. You can also watch your teammates' back by targeting approaching reinforcements.
  • Use elevated areas to your advantage. With good timing and positioning, you can get your target within a couple of seconds.
  • Avoid chasing and staring when closing in. Looking directly at your target while running after them gives you away to anyone watching, but watching in your periphery (by aiming the crosshair a few steps to their side) and running parallel with your target looks like you're running with them, arousing less suspicion.
  • Since players rarely look upwards, consider using elevated areas and stairways to jump around your target and confuse them.

A Spy's weapons and gadgets can drastically change how a Spy has to approach his target. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your loadout:

  • If you have the Dead Ringer, wait for the watch to refill as much as possible before going for your target. It makes for great insurance in case you fail to catch your victim and you start becoming the enemy's target. Make sure your death is convincing though or the area will be double-checked.
  • The L'Étranger can help quickly refill the Cloak meter in areas without ammo boxes, therefore you can Cloak in order to hide in case a backstab attempt fails. Be careful if you decide to shoot unaware players as they will turn their attention toward you.
  • Be aware of the level of noise each of your cloaking devices make. A common mistake is decloaking too close to your target, thus enabling them to hear you.
  • Also, when using Your Eternal Reward try to predict and calculate your enemies movement and patterns to look for an opening in getting the first kill.

Class Cooperation Strategies

The Spy generally works on his own instead of working with his team, picking off high priority targets in the backlines. However, a bit of knowledge on your available options when it may be beneficial to team up with allies could make the difference between a skillful win, or humiliating loss.

Leaderboard class scout.png Scout

Generally speaking, the Scout and Spy hardly often work together due to their completely opposite playstyles. Despite this, there is still some chemistry to be found in a Spy-Scout pair up.

  • The Scout ambushing a whole team is generally seen as an annoyance which many opponents will be focused on killing, or chasing off. If their attention is directed towards your Scout buddy, you can very easily backstab a few of them before being noticed.
  • A Spy and Scout can both ambush the same target, such as a Medic or Heavy and quickly kill them before moving onto their next target.
  • You can trick enemies into following you up close to a Scout and allow him to kill them.
  • Spies have a better weapon for long range engagement than the Scout, the Revolver. You can finish off any target that the Scout cannot reach in time with a few accurate shots.
  • A Scout with Mad Milk can extinguish a burning allied Spy.
  • You and a Scout can take out a whole Sentry Nest together. If the Scout is using the Bonk! Atomic Punch, he can distract the Sentry Gun, which allows you to kill the Engineer and sap the buildings before he can repair them.
  • A Scout with the Sandman may be able to slow targets to make them easier picks for the Spy.
  • Spies specialize in taking out Engineers and Heavies, both of which make life difficult for Scouts.

Leaderboard class soldier.png Soldier

Soldiers are a very attention-grabbing class and will make it easier for friendly Spies to go unnoticed, simply by existing near the enemy team.

  • Soldiers can cause a large enough distraction for you to slip by the enemy unnoticed, and deal damage in the backlines.
  • Kill any Heavies that are focusing down an allied Soldier, because a Soldier under Minigun fire is a sitting duck.
  • Eliminate Sentry nests where possible. Because of a Sentry Gun's long range and high damage, it makes it difficult for a Soldier to actively Rocket Jump without being pushed away or outright killed.
  • Soldiers using the Battalion's Backup make it easier for you to eliminate enemies with the increased damage resistance and nullification of Crits, in the event you are found out.
  • If you are under the effects of a friendly Soldier's Concheror, a single backstab will bring you to full health.
    • This is less effective with the Conniver's Kunai, however, as that knife already gives you healing.

Leaderboard class pyro.png Pyro

Few classes are better at distracting large numbers of enemies than Pyros are. The amount of chaos a Pyro can descend upon an enemy team means it will make you less likely to be found out, even after a stab.

  • A friendly Pyro can extinguish you if you get set on fire.
  • Enemy Heavies can very easily take out a Pyro, even in the event of an ambush. Killing a Heavy therefore will make it easier for Pyros to ambush your foes.
  • Pyros using the Gas Passer will allow you to set multiple enemies on fire with your Secondary and help them cause even more of a disruption.
  • A particularly bold tactic is to use your allied Pyros as bait. If you are disguised as a slow-moving class, try to look panicked and pretend to run away from them. This will make you look like an enemy trying to flee and seem less conspicuous. Even if your allied Pyro dies, you will now likely be behind your enemies and can stab them without arousing much suspicion.
  • Pyros are situationally high on Snipers' list of classes to kill, so backstabbing them can deny them the chance to snipe your Pyro buddy.

Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman

Despite their differing playstyles, Demomen and Spies have a surprising amount of chemistry, and are often found working together on both offense and defense.

  • Demoman's weaknesses are hitscan weapons and up close combat-- strategies that some of your highest priority targets employ, such as Heavies or Snipers. In these cases, eliminating them first can make it easier for a Demo to do his job.
  • Make sure to kill Snipers before they kill your Demomen. When Demoman dies, all his stickybombs disappear, which weakens your team's defenses.
  • Both you and Demoman are very useful in destroying Sentry Guns. Your combined efforts will make it difficult for any Engineers to maintain a Sentry nest for long.
    • Kill any Engineers setting up Sentry Guns or Dispensers. With them dead, it makes it almost guaranteed that your Sapper and a Demoman's stickybombs will destroy any buildings.
  • Most classes will immediately attempt to chase down and kill a Spy once discovered. You can use this knowledge to your advantage for baiting enemies into a Demoman's stickybomb trap. Simply get your enemies to chase you, then run to where your Demoman buddy has set up a sticky trap.
  • Act as a tripwire for your Demo buddy. Using the Cloak and Dagger, you can stay invisible for as long as you need to, and let your buddy know when to detonate his stickybombs for maximum damage potential.
  • Engineers and Heavies can be nightmares for Demoknights to deal with but are favored targets for Spies. Simply sapping an enemy sentry can make life exponentially easier for an allied Demoknight.
  • When disguising as an allied Demoknight wielding the Eyelander with 4 heads or more, your speed will not increase to his. This is a dead giveaway that you are a Spy.
  • Both you and Demoman have a weakness to Pyros; you can get found out with a single puff of fire and all of Demo's weapons can be reflected. Therefore, if your intention of teaming with a Demoman is to be safe from Pyros, another class would probably prove to be more effective.

Leaderboard class heavy.png Heavy

Heavies act as the full-frontal assault class and as a spearhead for teammates to rally around. Since they are almost always targeted first and can be easily killed by enemy Spies or Snipers, it can be of similar importance to protect the Heavy as you would your Medic.

  • The Heavy is one of the more distracting classes in the game - and Spies work best against distracted enemies.
  • A Spy can backstab enemy Snipers and Demomen, thus making a Heavy’s life easier.
  • A Heavy can mow down enemy Pyros or similar threats looking for the Spy.
  • Enemies slowed by the Natascha will be easier for the Spy to backstab.
  • A dropped Sandvich or similar can end afterburn or bleeding effects that can give Spies away.
    • However, a dropped Sandvich just suddenly disappearing may blow your cover and alert enemies to your presence.

Leaderboard class engineer.png Engineer

While a Spy may not be directly working with an Engineer, his actions on the battlefield indirectly help an Engie immensely. Additionally an Engineer who is properly maintaining his buildings will also help out a Spy on the prowl.

  • Dispensers allow you to heal, restock your ammo and restore the cloak of your Invis Watch. Higher level Dispensers allow you to restore Cloak even when currently invisible, which can extend your usage.
  • Teleporters allow you to get to the battlefield far quicker, and let you save precious Cloak for when you're infiltrating enemy lines.
  • If you are sticking close to your team and know a Spy is in the area, killing them for your Engineer allows buildings such as Teleporters and Dispensers to stay up and active, which in turn helps out your entire team.
  • You can call out enemies with low health to your Engineer, and help him pick them off with the Wrangler.
  • Killing enemy Engineers allows your own Engies to set up nests more liberally, and take control of areas deep within enemy territory.
  • Taking out enemy Medics denies their ÜberCharge advantage, which goes a long way towards defending a Sentry nest.
  • Taking out enemy Snipers will make allied Engineers' lives easier, as they will no longer need to hide from their Sniper dots.
  • Demomen are a high priority target when protecting an Engineer's buildings, as only four midrange Stickybombs are enough to destroy a Level 3 Sentry Gun.
  • Heavies deal considerable amounts of continuous damage to Sentry nests, so backstabbing them will make it much easier to keep a Sentry around.

Leaderboard class medic.png Medic

Protecting your allied Medics should be prioritized at all times. To this end, strategically eliminating high priority targets will make your Medics' job easier and keep him from dying.

  • A Spy can backstab targets that are trying to focus on the Medic.
    • Of all classes, Snipers or other Spies would be the top of this target list, due to their ability to kill a Medic in one hit.
  • Due to the high accuracy of your Revolver, a Medic using the Kritzkrieg on you can be highly effective.
    • When used with the Enforcer, a single shot while disguised will instantly kill any class at 130 or below.
  • A Spy equipped with the Dead Ringer can disguise himself as an allied Medic and get himself "killed" by the enemy team. This may lead them to think they've killed your Medic, which will be important if they were acting on the assumption that the Medic had an ÜberCharge ready.
  • An ÜberCharge is quite possibly the single most distracting thing in the game, and distracted enemies will make a Spy's job much easier.
    • Special mention goes to Kritzkrieg and Quick-Fix ÜberCharges, which can be dealt with via focused fire, thus further encouraging the enemy team to direct their attention towards the combo.
  • The Spy can call out the health and ÜberCharge percent of an enemy Medic to an allied Medic and help them decide whether to push in with their pocket.
  • A friendly Medic can potentially blow your cover by healing you. Therefore, it is in your best interest to memorize where health packs are located on the map. If you absolutely must be healed by a Medic, come to them under a friendly disguise to not arouse suspicion.

Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper

Spy and Sniper perform the same roles of priority elimination and paranoia. As such, working with your allied Sniper is crucial in not only controlling enemy movements, but getting the drop on the enemy team before they realize what hit them.

  • An allied Sniper's presence may force enemies to use an alternate route to their objective. This can allow you to follow behind them and backstab them one-by-one.
  • A Spy can stab enemy Snipers, thus making a friendly Sniper’s life easier. Additionally, distracting Snipers with your presence can often be enough time to let an allied Sniper finish the job.
  • If an allied Sniper misses a shot, you can likely pick up the kill, as the enemy will now be actively dodging your Sniper's aim instead of looking for Spies.
  • If you have an inexperienced Sniper on your team, you can aid in finishing off missed shots.
  • A Sniper and Spy can ambush and kill practically any Medic combo with the proper strategy. If the Sniper can headshot the Medic's pocket, you can backstab the Medic as he is retreating.
  • The Spy's position on the battlefield can give an allied Sniper vital information on the whereabouts of enemies, and can advise them where to snipe from for maximum damage potential.
  • A Sniper can use Jarate or the Sydney Sleeper to extinguish a burning allied Spy.

Leaderboard class spy.png Spy

A pair, or group of Spies can make a team extremely paranoid and distract them from their objective while hunting you down.

  • Two Spies can strategically eliminate specific classes, such as Soldiers, Medics or Heavies, to thin out a team's power and force them to hold off a push until reinforcements arrive.
  • A common Spy-pair practice is for one to use the Invis Watch/Cloak and Dagger, and the other to use the Dead Ringer. This can allow a pair to create a false sense of security for the enemy team and trick them into leaving their guard down for a stab.
  • Coordinating your disguises can make you less suspicious when moving among your enemies. If your buddy is disguised as a Medic, disguise as a Heavy, since a Heavy-Medic pair is not uncommon to see amidst the haze of battle.
  • A pair of Spies can bait opponents into chasing one disguised as a enemy, while the other is disguised as a friendly player. The Spy disguised as an enemy can then manipulate their position behind the attackers and backstab them.
  • Sapper armor only applies to Sentry Guns you sapped. Another Spy's weapons still do full damage to Sentry Guns you've sapped, and vice versa.
  • Stacking Spies is generally not recommended, as one Spy getting noticed may prompt the enemy team to use tactics that will get the others found out.

Backstabbing Priorities

A crucial part of playing Spy effectively is understanding which classes are the most important to backstab and which ones are better to ignore in any given situation. Generally, if a lone enemy player has their back turned, or are oblivious to their surroundings, it is a good idea to backstab them. However, in cases where the enemy is paired up, or grouped together in areas such as around the cart or a Sentry Nest where your death is almost assured after your first stab, there are some guidelines that should be kept in mind before attempting to approach.

In order of priority, the classes you should be backstabbing first are:

1. Medics

2. Snipers

3. Engineers

4. Heavies

These classes are situational, and can be prioritized in any order at the player's discretion:

1. Demomen

2. Soldiers

3. Other Spies

These are the classes you should NOT attempt to backstab, unless in very specific situations:

1. Scouts

2. Pyros

  • Medics are at the top of the list because of their inherent role of giving healing to your enemies and activating ÜberCharges. A Medic who has an ÜberCharge ready to be deployed should rank even higher than a Medic without one in most cases. Medics are also often the most difficult class to get to, because they will be surrounded by their other teammates, not to mention they may be slightly faster than you, which makes chasing them down for a backstab more difficult. If you can trick a Medic into healing you, manipulating your position behind them and quickly backstabbing them before they realize you are a Spy is a sound strategy. Do not disguise as a Medic, as if you accidentally disguise as the Medic you plan to stab, your cover will be blown immediately.
  • Snipers are next due to the threat that they are to your own Medics, Heavies and allied Snipers. Sniper pairs also can come with equipment dedicated to dissuading you from attacking them and have means to track you down if caught, so they also can cause problems for you and other Spies. Their ability to one-shot kill any class in the game makes them a dangerous, and juicy target. Most rifle-wielding Snipers are often too inattentive to notice if you are close, and can be easier to kill. However, Huntsman Snipers are hypothetically more dangerous to you, as they have full range of sight, and can easily protect themselves with a near-instant headshot that will kill you even at point-blank range. Snipers often will attempt to duel you with their melee weapon if they notice you, which can allow you to trickstab them, or cloak to retreat without fear of being headshot. If they are using the Razorback, shoot them with your Revolver instead.
  • Engineers have the unique ability to construct and maintain buildings that allow them to hold down any chokepoint or control point anywhere on the map with ease. Overall, it is more important that the Engineer dies than that his buildings are destroyed, but there are exceptions. The Engineer tends to not pay attention to much other than their buildings, especially when using the Wrangler, so it can be easy to stab them and then quickly sap their Sentry Gun. After an Engineer is dead, try to sap their Teleporters first so he cannot quickly return to his nest and remove your Sappers.
  • Heavies are the full-frontal assault class of Team Fortress 2. Dealing the most significant damage possible and having the most health of all classes, it makes them an important target to backstab. They are slow-- even slower while revved up, which can make them easy to approach from behind when all alone, but are also fairly attentive because of their weakness to you. A Heavy's Minigun deals enough damage to kill you in less than a second, which necessitates the element of surprise when approaching them. Medics will also be on the look-out for Spies for their Heavy buddies, and may Spy-check if your presence seem suspicious. Catch them while they have their attention diverted toward your team, and you can very easily get the drop on them. They also have a hard time tracking enemies up close, which allows you to easily trickstab them, or simply throw off their aim enough to let teammates finish them off.
  • Demomen can set stickybomb traps out that will obliterate any class that steps too close to them. When killed, their stickybombs will shatter, and therefore it is important to backstab them before your teammates arrive in their territory. Demoknights or Hybrid Knights tend to be for more difficult to kill, since they are more effective at close range with their melee weapons, and can charge after you when you attempt to escape. You have the tools necessary to slip past his defenses, and can approach him while under disguise or cloak to stab him. Demoman's grenades deal heavy splash damage, and can kill you with little effort if you are caught. However, if you can stay close to him, he may accidentally blow himself up in the process of killing you or choose not to engage with ranged weapons at all, giving you an easier time killing him. The Dead Ringer can allow you to fool the Demoman into thinking he killed you, given that a direct hit with a grenade deals a 100 damage. He may then go back to fighting, giving you a prime opportunity to backstab him. However he may also be more paranoid from now on, and watch his back more frequently.
  • Soldiers deal heavy splash damage, and can unleash utter chaos on your team if not stopped. Soldiers are somewhat slow on the ground, but highly mobile in the air with rocket jumping, making it more difficult to close the gap and stab them. They are a popular choice for being pocketed, making it risky to approach without being Spy-checked by their pocket Medic. Soldiers also can easily Spy-check you with their splash damage, and kill you with just two rockets at close range, making it dangerous to approach them unless you are sure you can stab them before they blow your cover. Like the Demoman, Rocket Launchers deal lethal damage up close, which allows you to make your feign death with the Dead Ringer more convincing. However don’t always believe that the Soldier thinks he is in the clear-- he may turn around again, and will be more paranoid from now on.
  • Enemy Spies are not often found in their own base, and will most likely be on the prowl among your teammates. This makes it difficult to find any Spies to backstab unless they have just respawned or returned from a resupply cabinet. If you discover an enemy Spy, notify your team, and leave them be unless they attack you. If you are with your own team, and notice a teammate you believe is a disguised Spy, approach them from behind. If your knife raises to backstab them, that 'teammate' is an enemy Spy.
  • Scouts are one of your two class counters, and therefore are extremely difficult to backstab. Their natural speed advantage makes it hard to approach them or run away, and their Scattergun can quickly kill you if you are discovered. The Scout also has the means to track you down with the use of Mad Milk or the Wrap Assassin/Boston Basher. If you are in a situation where you are fighting against a Scout, you can attempt to trickstab them, but outside of this, they are not of high priority to backstab, and should instead be fled from or shot with your Revolver. Since Scouts constantly move around a lot when fighting, you can wait for them to backpedal into you, then backstab them.
  • Pyros are your other class counter, and are the biggest threat to you as a Spy. While they can be backstabbed, it is often too difficult to do so due to the combination of the Pyro's tools. You are faster than a Pyro, so it can be easy to catch up to them, but a single puff of fire is enough to blow your cover, even when invisible. Compression blast allows a Pyro to protect itself and other teammates from your approach, and has melee weapons built for destroying your Sappers when attached to enemy buildings. However, the Pyro can be an important class to backstab if they are ambushing your team or do not notice you. In all other situations, it is better to not engage with a Pyro, and run away. If there are a lot of Pyros on the enemy team, equip the Spy-cicle and Dead Ringer to increase your chances of survival.

See also