Difference between revisions of "Dead Ringer"

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| view2name        = Activated
 
| view2name        = Activated
 
| hide-kill-icon  = yes
 
| hide-kill-icon  = yes
−
| used-by          = [[Spy]]
+
| used-by          = {{used by|Spy}}
 
| slot            = pda 2
 
| slot            = pda 2
−
| released        = [[The Sniper vs. Spy Update]]
+
| released        = {{Patch name|5|21|2009}}
−
| availability    = {{avail|unlock|drop|craft|purchase}}
+
| released-major  = Sniper vs. Spy Update
 +
| availability    = {{avail|unlock|drop|craft|purchase|crate38-strange|collectors}}
 +
| marketable      = yes
 
| numbered        = no
 
| numbered        = no
 
| medieval        = yes
 
| medieval        = yes
−
| ammo-loaded      = N/A
+
| ammo-loaded      = {{common string|N/A}}
−
| ammo-carried    = N/A
+
| ammo-carried    = {{common string|N/A}}
 
| loadout          = yes
 
| loadout          = yes
−
   | level         = Level 5 Invis Watch
+
   | item-kind      = {{item kind|Invis Watch}}
−
   | att-1-neutral  = Cloak Type: Feign Death
+
  | item-level     = 5
−
   | att-2-positive = +80% cloak regen rate
+
   | att-1-neutral  = {{attribute|CloakIsFeignDeath}}
−
   | att-3-negative = +60% cloak drain rate
+
   | att-2-positive = {{attribute|CloakMeterRegenRate|50}}
 +
   | att-3-positive = {{attribute|CloakConsumeRate_Decreased|40}}
 +
  | att-4-negative = {{attribute|ConsumeCloakFeignDeath|-50}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Quotation|Dead Ringer publicity blurb|By the time your adversary races towards your 'body' to frisk you for cash and pull gold fillings out of your mouth, you'll already be behind him, poised for the killing blow.}}
+
{{Quotation|'''Dead Ringer''' publicity blurb|By the time your adversary races towards your 'body' to frisk you for cash and pull gold fillings out of your mouth, you'll already be behind him, poised for the killing blow.}}
  
−
The '''Dead Ringer''' is an unlockable [[Weapons#spypda|PDA weapon]] for the [[Spy]]. It is a gold-plated pocket watch with an engraving of a hummingbird on its lid, and a circular Cloak display within.
+
The '''Dead Ringer''' is an unlockable [[Weapons#spypdasecondary|PDA weapon]] for the [[Spy]]. It is an advanced cloaking device disguised as a gold-plated pocket watch with an engraving of a hummingbird on its lid.
  
−
This weapon's main attribute is to [[Cloak]] the owner for 6.5 seconds upon being injured, leaving behind a fake Spy corpse to distract and deceive enemies. If the player is disguised as a friendly class, activation drops a [[ragdoll]] corpse of that class. To use this Cloak, the Spy must be holding the watch by pressing secondary fire before taking damage. The Cloak generated is instantaneous, and can generate certain information in the game that will indicate the Spy is dead.
+
Unlike the [[Invis Watch]], the Dead Ringer does not immediately cause the Spy to [[cloak]] when the alt-fire key {{DK|MOUSE2}} is pressed. Instead, the Spy holds the Dead Ringer out in his hand waiting to take damage. The Dead Ringer's cloak meter must be fully charged before it can be held, and holding the watch prevents the Spy from attacking or placing [[Sapper]]s, as when cloaked. Pressing the alt-fire key again causes the Spy to put the Dead Ringer away. Upon taking damage while the Dead Ringer is being held in hand, the Spy immediately and fully cloaks, leaving behind a fake [[Ragdoll|corpse]] to deceive enemies. If the Spy takes explosive damage, there is an 85% chance for fake [[gibs]] to be created instead of a fake corpse.<ref>game/server/tf/tf_player.cpp:L10447</ref> If a player is disguised as one of their own teammates, the fake corpse appears to enemies as the player they were disguised as, and to their own team as a friendly Spy corpse wearing a disguise mask. Certain in-game information is also faked to make the Spy's "death" more convincing.  
  
−
The Dead Ringer blocks 90% of the damage from the activating hit as well as during the first 6.5 seconds of the feign death Cloak. This allows the player to survive fully charged [[headshot]]s by [[Sniper]]s, [[backstab]]s from enemy Spies, and [[Taunts#Special taunts|Taunt kills]] as long as the user has a sufficient amount of [[Health]] before the attack was made. Since backstabs have a base damage of 6 times the victim's current health, and the initial hit that activates the Dead Ringer does 10% damage, backstabs will deal 6/10 of the Spy's current health. Additionally, the watch prevents the Cloak from flickering upon impact with enemies or damage.
+
The Spy takes 75% less damage from the initial attack that activates the cloak. In addition, the Dead Ringer's cloak differs from that of the Invis Watch in several ways:
 +
* Upon activation, the cloak meter immediately drops to 50%, and the Spy receives a 3-second speed boost.
 +
* During the first 3 seconds of cloak, the Spy does not flicker on contact with enemies or upon being shot, and he gains immunity to [[afterburn]].
 +
* The Spy gains a 65% damage resistance upon the Dead Ringer's activation, fading to the normal 20% cloaked damage resistance after 3 seconds.
  
−
The Dead Ringer uncloaks with a very loud and distinct sound. The uncloak noise is quite loud up-close, but rapidly fades with distance. Emerging from the Dead Ringer's Cloak before it is fully used will always drain a minimum of 60% of its meter. Like the standard [[Invisibility Watch]], [[resupply area]]s, [[Dispenser]]s, picked up weapons, and [[ammo]] can also replenish the Cloak meter. A large ammo box and medium boxes will restore 35% and small boxes 25%. Dispensers in particular recharge a cloaked Spy with this watch differently depending on the building's level. Level 1 will only slow down the time it takes to decloak. Level 3 Dispensers, however, will very slowly recharge the Cloak to full. If a Spy is cloaked for more than 6.5 seconds using the Dead Ringer, through collecting ammo or other sources, it will revert to a standard Cloak, losing the 90% damage reduction and flickering if the player collides with an enemy or gets shot.
+
The cloak takes 7 seconds to fully drain (from the initial 50%). The initial damage reduction allows the player to survive massive amounts of damage as long as the user has a sufficient amount of [[Health]] before the attack was made, with the exception of fully charged [[headshot]]s by [[Sniper]]s using the [[Machina]], [[backstab]]s from enemy Spies, and most [[Taunts#Taunt kills|taunt kills]].
  
−
Activating the Dead Ringer while already on [[fire]] extinguishes it. The player must take evasive action, however, as they can be lit on fire again during Cloak. The Dead Ringer Cloak will activate even if the Spy was previously covered by [[Jarate]] – though the increased damage will still be in effect – but will short out if he is hit by Jarate while the Cloak is active. The [[Tribalman's Shiv]], [[Southern Hospitality]], or [[Boston Basher]] can inflict [[bleed]] which will cause the Spy to drop blood even while cloaked, allowing him to be tracked by sharp-eyed opponents.
+
Activating the Dead Ringer extinguishes afterburn and stops [[bleeding]]. However, other status effects are unaffected. Notably, [[Soaked|soaking]] effects, including [[water]], is not removed, making it difficult to convincingly fake a death while under these effects. In addition, afterburn and bleeding are only removed by the initial activation; once the player is cloaked, the Spy is not immune to these status effects, although such effects have a reduced duration as with the normal Invis Watch cloak.
 +
 
 +
The Dead Ringer uncloaks with a [[Media:Spy uncloak feigndeath.wav|very loud and distinct sound]]. The uncloak noise is noticeably loud up-close but rapidly fades with distance. Unlike with the Invis Watch, [[ammo]] pickups and [[Dispenser]]s cannot replenish the Cloak meter.  
  
 
The Dead Ringer is automatically given to any player who obtains 17 [[Spy achievements]].
 
The Dead Ringer is automatically given to any player who obtains 17 [[Spy achievements]].
  
−
==Feign death effects==
+
== Feign death effects ==
−
Feign deaths have certain characteristics that affect the game. Some effects are replicated as if the Spy was killed for real, some effects are faked to aid in the deception, and other effects are not replicated or faked (which allows alert opponents to recognize the death was faked).
+
Feigned deaths replicate or fake certain HUD elements in order to look more convincing. However, some effects are not replicated, which vigilant players may notice.
  
 
{|class="wikitable grid"
 
{|class="wikitable grid"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Mechanics replicated
+
! class="header" | Replicated mechanics
 
|
 
|
−
*Certain [[achievement]]s and achievement counters
+
* Certain [[achievements]] and achievement counters
−
*[[First Blood]] in [[Arena]]
+
* [[First Blood]] in [[Arena]]
−
*Heads for the [[Eyelander]], [[Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker]] and [[Nessie's Nine Iron]]
+
* Weapon pickup (by the user or others)
−
*The bloody blade and weapon switch re-enabling of the [[Half-Zatoichi]]
+
* Heads for the [[Eyelander]], [[Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker]] and [[Nessie's Nine Iron]]
 +
* The bloody blade and removal of self-damaging weapon switching of the [[Half-Zatoichi]]
 +
* The penetrating shot kill icon and sound effect after killing another player through the Spy with the [[Machina]] and [[Shooting Star]]
 +
* A [[health pack]] drop in [[Medieval Mode]]
 +
* Vaporization effect from the [[Cow Mangler 5000]], [[Righteous Bison]], [[Pomson 6000]], [[Neon Annihilator]], [[Batsaber]], and [[C.A.P.P.E.R]]
 +
* Incineration effect from the [[Phlogistinator]], [[Manmelter]], [[Third Degree]], and [[Shooting Star]]
 +
* [[Exorcism (halloween spell)|Exorcism]]
 +
* [[Killstreak Kit|Killstreaks]]
 +
* [[Critical hits|Critical hit]] or Mini-Crit overhead display
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Mechanics faked
+
! class="header" | Faked mechanics
 
|
 
|
−
*Enemy [[Kill icon|kill feed]]
+
* [[Kill icon|Kill feed]] for the enemy team
−
*[[Domination]]s
+
* Final [[Hit Sound|hitsounds]]
−
*Weapon drop (does not provide ammo or metal when picked up)
+
* [[Domination]]/[[Domination#Revenge|Revenge]] notifications (not reflected on scoreboard)
−
*Death state on [[scoreboard]]
+
* Medium ammo box (does not provide ammo or metal when picked up)
 +
* Death state on [[scoreboard]] and team status display (does not last as long as a true death)
 +
* "Killstreak Ended" notification if the Spy is using a [[Killstreak Kit|killstreak]] weapon
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Mechanics not replicated or faked
+
! class="header" | Unreplicated mechanics
 
|
 
|
−
*On-kill effects
+
* Weapon-based on-kill effects, including:
−
**The health pack drop of the [[Candy Cane]]
+
** The [[Critical hits#Crit Boost|Crit-boost]] of the [[Killing Gloves of Boxing]]
−
**The [[crit-boost]] of the [[Killing Gloves of Boxing]]
+
** The FISH KILL!, ARM KILL! and SLAP KILL! notices of the [[Holy Mackerel]], [[Unarmed Combat]], and [[Hot Hand]] respectively
−
**The FISH KILL! and ARM KILL! notices of the [[Holy Mackerel]] and [[Unarmed Combat]], respectively
+
** The health gain from the [[Powerjack]], [[Warrior's Spirit]], and [[Half-Zatoichi]]
−
**The health boost of the [[Powerjack]]
+
** The health pack drop of the [[Candy Cane]]
−
**The auto-disguise of the [[Your Eternal Reward]], as well as the dissolving of the corpse.
+
** The Australium corpse created by the [[Saxxy]], [[Golden Wrench]], or [[Golden Frying Pan]]
−
**The health boost of the [[Half-Zatoichi]]
+
** The corpse pinning effect of the [[Huntsman]], [[Fortified Compound]], [[Crusader's Crossbow]], and [[Rescue Ranger]]
−
**The health leech of the [[Conniver's Kunai]]
+
** The speed boost of the [[Big Earner]] and [[Axtinguisher]]
−
**The 'Ice' effect when backstabbing with the [[Spy-cicle]]
+
** The corpse cloaking and silencing effect of the [[Your Eternal Reward]] and [[Wanga Prick]]
−
**The penetrating shot kill icon and sound effect are not triggered after killing another player through the Spy with the [[Machina]]
+
** The kill count of the [[Air Strike]]
−
*[[Deathcam]] location (players recently killed by the Spy will not see the camera focus on the fake death)
+
** The Head count for the [[Bazaar Bargain]]
−
*[[Revenge]] kills
+
** The Focus meter of the [[Hitman's Heatmaker]]
−
*[[Sentry Gun]] kill/assist count (and therefore Revenge Crits for the [[Frontier Justice]])
+
** The replenish of the [[Tide Turner]]'s charge meter after killing the Spy with a melee weapon (also applies for the [[Ali Baba's Wee Booties]], [[Bootlegger]], and [[Claidheamh Mòr]])
−
*Player count in Arena
+
* [[Deathcam]] location (players recently killed by the Spy see the camera focus on the real Spy, not the fake corpse, and do not see "the late" before the Spy's name)
−
*[[Dueling]] scores
+
* Players' personal kill count on the [[scoreboard]]
−
*[[Strange]] weapon statistics
+
* The Spy's killstreak count on the scoreboard
 +
* [[Sentry Gun]] kill/assist count (and therefore Revenge Crits for the [[Frontier Justice]])
 +
* Player count in Arena
 +
* [[Dueling Mini-Game|Dueling]] scores
 +
* [[Strange]] weapon statistics
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==Function times==
+
== Function times ==
 
{{Damage table
 
{{Damage table
−
| effect             = 90% damage reduction
+
| effect           = <p><div style="float:left"><!--
−
| function times     = yes
+
 
−
|  cloak fade       = Instant
+
-->Upon activation:</div><div style="float:right"><span style="padding: 0 60px">&nbsp;</span><!--
−
|  decloak fade     = <div style="float:left">Player:</div> 2.2 s<br/><div style="float:left">World:</div> 1.8 s
+
-->Drop a fake corpse, 75% damage reduction, remove some status effects</div></p><br><p><div style="float:left"><!--
−
|  cloak duration   = 6.5 s
+
 
−
|  recharge         = 16 s
+
-->For the first 3 seconds:</div><div style="float:right"><span style="padding: 0 60px">&nbsp;</span><!--
−
|  activation time   = {{tooltip|Instant|On injury}}
+
-->Speed boost, no cloak shimmer upon collision with an enemy, up to 65% damage reduction</div></p><br><p><div style="float:left"><!--
 +
 
 +
-->Subsequently:</div> <div style="float:right"><span style="padding: 0 60px">&nbsp;</span><!--
 +
-->Normal invisibility</div></p>
 +
 
 +
| function times   = yes
 +
|  cloak fade     = Instant
 +
|  decloak fade   = <!--
 +
--><div style="float:left">Player:</div> 2.0 s<br/><!--
 +
--><div style="float:left">World:</div> 1.8 s
 +
 
 +
|  cloak duration = 7.0 s<br><!--
 +
        -->{{Tooltip|8.2 s|With L'Etranger equipped}}<br><!--
 +
        -->{{Tooltip|6.0 s|With Your Eternal Reward equipped}}<br><!--
 +
        -->{{Tooltip|7.6 s|With L'Etranger and Your Eternal Reward equipped}}
 +
 
 +
|  recharge       = {{Tooltip|10|From 50% charge}}-{{Tooltip|20|From 0% charge}} s
 +
|  activation time = {{tooltip|Instant|On injury}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Crafting==
+
{{Weapon Demonstration}}
 +
 
 +
== Crafting ==
 
{{See also|Crafting}}
 
{{See also|Crafting}}
  
−
===Blueprint===
+
=== Blueprint ===
 
{{Blueprint | autoresult = Spy pda}}
 
{{Blueprint | autoresult = Spy pda}}
  
Line 107: Line 149:
 
| ingredient-3 = Dead Ringer
 
| ingredient-3 = Dead Ringer
 
| result = Diamondback
 
| result = Diamondback
 +
}}
 +
 +
== Strange variant ==
 +
{{Strange item info
 +
| item-type = {{item kind|Invis Watch}}
 +
| rankson = deaths feigned
 +
| rankson2 =
 +
| festive =
 +
  | att-1-neutral  = {{attribute|CloakIsFeignDeath}}
 +
  | att-2-positive = {{attribute|CloakMeterRegenRate|50}}
 +
  | att-3-positive = {{attribute|CloakConsumeRate_Decreased|40}}
 +
  | att-4-negative = {{attribute|ConsumeCloakFeignDeath|-50}}
 +
| can deal damage = no
 +
| can deal gib damage = no
 +
| can headshot = no
 +
| can reflect projectiles = no
 +
| can deal posthumous damage = no
 +
| can extinguish = no
 +
| notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Related achievements ==
 
== Related achievements ==
−
==={{Class link|Pyro}}===
+
=== {{Class link|Pyro}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Pyro|Spontaneous Combustion}}
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Pyro|Spontaneous Combustion}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
==={{Class link|Demoman}}===
+
 
 +
 
 +
=== {{Class link|Demoman}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Demoman|Shorn Connery}}
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Demoman|Shorn Connery}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
==={{Class link|Heavy}}===
+
 
 +
 
 +
=== {{Class link|Heavy}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Heavy|Spyalectical Materialism}}
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Heavy|Spyalectical Materialism}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
==={{Class link|Engineer}}===
+
 
 +
 
 +
=== {{Class link|Engineer}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Engineer|Search Engine}}
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Engineer|Search Engine}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
==={{Class link|Sniper}}===
+
 
 +
 
 +
=== {{Class link|Sniper}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Sniper|Jarring Transition}}
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Sniper|Jarring Transition}}
 
| 2 = {{Show achievement|Sniper|Shoot the Breeze}}
 
| 2 = {{Show achievement|Sniper|Shoot the Breeze}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
==={{Class link|Spy}}===
+
 
 +
 
 +
=== {{Class link|Spy}} ===
 
{{Achievement table
 
{{Achievement table
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Spy|Burn Notice}}
 
| 1 = {{Show achievement|Spy|Burn Notice}}
Line 140: Line 211:
 
== Update history ==
 
== Update history ==
 
{{Update history|
 
{{Update history|
−
'''[[May 21, 2009 Patch]]''' ([[Sniper vs. Spy Update]])
+
'''{{Patch name|5|21|2009}}''' ([[Sniper vs. Spy Update]])
 
* The Dead Ringer was added to the game.
 
* The Dead Ringer was added to the game.
  
−
'''[[May 22, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|5|22|2009}}'''
 
* Fixed Spy feign death not being reflected in scoreboard.
 
* Fixed Spy feign death not being reflected in scoreboard.
  
−
'''[[May 26, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|5|26|2009}}'''
−
* This item now fully drains the Cloak meter, even if the Spy uncloaks early.
+
* The Dead Ringer now fully drains the Cloak meter, even if the Spy uncloaks early.
  
−
'''[[May 29, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|5|29|2009}}'''
−
* Fixed Spies not being telefragged when standing on an enemy [[teleport]]er exit with this item enabled.
+
* Fixed Spies not being [[telefrag]]ged when standing on an enemy [[Teleporters|teleporter]] exit with this item enabled.
  
−
'''[[June 8, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|6|8|2009}}'''
−
* This item can now be activated while carrying the flag.
+
* The Dead Ringer can now be activated while carrying the flag.
  
−
'''[[June 23, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|6|23|2009}}'''
−
* This item's Cloak consume rate has been slightly reduced, giving about an extra second of Cloak time on a full meter.  
+
* The Dead Ringer's Cloak consume rate has been slightly reduced, giving about an extra second of Cloak time on a full meter.  
 
* Emerging from this item's Cloak now drains up to 40% of the Cloak meter instead of 100%. This drain only happens if the meter is at least 60% full.
 
* Emerging from this item's Cloak now drains up to 40% of the Cloak meter instead of 100%. This drain only happens if the meter is at least 60% full.
−
* This item's Cloak meter can now be regenerated from ammo sources.  
+
* The Dead Ringer's Cloak meter can now be regenerated from ammo sources.  
−
* This item's "extra" Cloak powers (damage reduction and no-flicker) are not extended by obtaining ammo.
+
* The Dead Ringer's "extra" Cloak powers (damage reduction and no-flicker) are not extended by obtaining ammo.
−
* Being attacked while [[taunt]]ing with this item out no longer triggers a Spy's Cloak, but instead keeps the damage reduction for the remaining duration of the taunt.
+
* Being attacked while [[Taunts|taunting]] with the Dead Ringer out no longer triggers a Spy's Cloak, but instead keeps the damage reduction for the remaining duration of the taunt.
  
−
'''[[June 25, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|6|25|2009}}'''
−
* Fixed this item's damage reduction exploit involving Spy taunting.
+
* Fixed the Dead Ringer's damage reduction exploit involving Spy taunting.
  
−
'''[[July 14, 2009 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|7|14|2009}}'''
−
* {{Undocumented}} This item's recharge time was shortened from 18.5 seconds to 16.5 seconds.
+
* {{Undocumented}} The Dead Ringer's recharge time was shortened from 18.5 seconds to 16.5 seconds.
  
−
'''[[January 6, 2010 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|1|6|2010}}'''
−
* This item now reduces Cloak to 40% when uncloaking early.
+
* The Dead Ringer now reduces Cloak to 40% when uncloaking early.
 
* Made a 35% cap on the amount of Cloak it can gain from an ammo pack.
 
* Made a 35% cap on the amount of Cloak it can gain from an ammo pack.
−
* It now has a quieter decloak sound.
+
* Has as a quieter decloak sound.
  
−
'''[[January 13, 2010 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|1|13|2010}}'''
 
* Feigning death can now play custom death animations like a normal death (head loss, Sniper shot, backstab, etc).
 
* Feigning death can now play custom death animations like a normal death (head loss, Sniper shot, backstab, etc).
 
* Feigning death due to explosive damage now has a chance to [[Gibs|gib]], like a normal death.
 
* Feigning death due to explosive damage now has a chance to [[Gibs|gib]], like a normal death.
Line 181: Line 252:
 
* Fixed a couple of physics issues on ragdolls created by feign death.
 
* Fixed a couple of physics issues on ragdolls created by feign death.
  
−
'''[[May 20, 2010 Patch]]'''
+
'''{{Patch name|5|20|2010}}'''
−
* {{Undocumented}} The Dead Ringer was added in the [[crafting]] blueprint for the [[Tribalman's Shiv]].
+
* {{Undocumented}} The Dead Ringer was added to the [[crafting]] blueprint for the [[Tribalman's Shiv]].
  
−
'''[[September 30, 2010 Patch]]''' ([[Mann-Conomy Update]])
+
'''{{Patch name|9|30|2010}}''' ([[Mann-Conomy Update]])
−
* {{Undocumented}} The Dead Ringer was added in the [[crafting]] blueprint for the [[L'Etranger]].
+
* {{Undocumented}} The Dead Ringer was added to the crafting blueprint for the [[L'Etranger]].
 
* {{Undocumented}} Your silhouette can be seen if touching an enemy.
 
* {{Undocumented}} Your silhouette can be seen if touching an enemy.
  
−
'''[[October 13, 2011 Patch]]''' ([[Manniversary Update & Sale]])
+
'''{{Patch name|10|13|2011}}''' ([[Manniversary Update & Sale]])
−
* {{undocumented}} The Dead Ringer now plays a tone if cloak is fully recharged.
+
* {{Undocumented}} The Dead Ringer now plays a tone if Cloak is fully recharged.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|2|2|2012}}'''
 +
* {{Undocumented}} Added [[Strange]] quality.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|6|28|2012}}'''
 +
* Death pits on [[Doomsday|sd doomsday]] now properly kill Dead Ringered Spies.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|21|2012}}'''
 +
* Fixed a Dead Ringer Spy exploit in Mann Vs. Machine mode.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|07|10|2013}}'''
 +
* Changed attribute:
 +
** When under the effect of Feign Death, damage taken decreases the duration of the effect.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|11|2013}}'''
 +
* When disguised as a teammate, the Dead Ringer will drop the body of the player the Spy is disguised as.
  
 +
'''{{Patch name|11|12|2013}}'''
 +
* Added [[Collector's]] quality.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|1|27|2015}}'''
 +
* Fixed a bug with Dead Ringer Cloak meter being lowered to 40% after Super Armor duration ends when Cloak was extended via [[Ammo|pickups]] or the [[L'Etranger]].
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|2|2015}} #1''' ([[Gun Mettle Update]])
 +
* Changed attributes:
 +
** Triggering Feign Death instantly removes 50% cloak meter.
 +
** Changed increased drain rate to a decreased drain rate. Overall duration of invisibility is still 7 seconds when accounting for initial spend of 50 cloak meter for triggering Feign Death.
 +
** Decreased cloak regen rate from +80% to +50%
 +
** When Feign Death is triggered, the Spy receives a 3 second speed boost.
 +
** Initial attack that triggers feign death has its damage reduced by 50%.
 +
** Damage resistance on triggering feign death scales over time. 65% to 20% over 3 seconds.
 +
** Feign Death stealth has no bump shimmer for 3 seconds.
 +
** 3 seconds after triggering Feign Death, the Spy is under normal invisible conditions (20% armor and shimmers if bumped or shot).
 +
** Can no longer pick up ammo for cloak meter while cloaked.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|8|2015}} #1'''
 +
* Fixed a case where speed-line particles were visible for enemy players when a Spy triggered the Dead Ringer.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|7|15|2015}} #1'''
 +
* Fixed an issue with Unusual Revolvers where the unusual effect would sometimes not disappear when the Spy would feign death, disguise, cloak, etc.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|17|2015}}''' ([[Tough Break Update]])
 +
* The HUD 'Cloak' meter now displays 'FEIGN' when Dead Ringer is equipped.
 +
* Changed attribute:
 +
** Initial damage reduction when feigning death increased to 75% from 50%.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|3|3|2016}}'''
 +
* Updated the draw sound for the Dead Ringer.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|4|25|2016}}'''
 +
* Fixed ragdolls not drawing the head properly when a Spy feigns death.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|11|14|2016}}'''
 +
* Fixed a bug related to using the Dead Ringer while carrying the flag.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|2|14|2017}}'''
 +
* Fixed Spectators seeing the fake death notices for the Spy when he feigns death.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|10|20|2017}} #1''' ([[Jungle Inferno Update]])
 +
* Changed attribute:
 +
** Ammo kits and Dispensers no longer refill the Spy's cloak meter.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|6|21|2022}}'''
 +
* Fixed the Spy's feigned deaths with the Dead Ringer not showing up in the matchmaking quick team status bar.
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|6|23|2022}}'''
 +
* Fixed Spy feign deaths not showing the correct class portraits.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Bugs==
+
== Notes ==
−
* The Cloak meter displayed on the watch does not properly correspond to the actual amount of Cloak available.
+
* Unlike other Spy watches, the Strange variant of the Dead Ringer ranks up based on times feigned, not number of seconds cloaked.
−
* If the Spy takes any damage – with the exception of taunt kills that stun the enemy like the [[Gunslinger]] – while taunting with the Dead Ringer activated, the Spy does not feign death and a fake watch is created. However, only the first hit will have reduced damage. Each hit after that takes full damage. The player can right click again to activate the actual Dead Ringer.
 
−
* Feigning death on circumstances that should trigger an unique death scream will issue a normal death scream.
 
−
* The damage reduction from the Dead Ringer applies to [[drowning]] damage as well. However, the Spy will recover the full amount of health that would have been lost without the Dead Ringer, allowing players to heal themselves by intentionally drowning.
 
−
* Activating the watch upon round start will sometimes cause the Spy not to hold up the watch. This can only be fixed by dying.
 
−
* The Dead Ringer cannot be used to wash off Jarate, yet the tips provided on the loading screen state otherwise.
 
−
* There is an occasional bug that occurs with the Dead Ringer where, once activated, the watch will report that the Spy's killer "got revenge" on him, even if they were not dominated or don't exist. When the Spy is killed by [[Environmental death|environmental hazards]] or [[fall damage]], "[http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n579/Spike_Neilson/ERRORNAMEGOTREVENGE.jpg ERRORNAME]" will get revenge on the Spy. These messages are only broadcast to the other team, just like all faked mechanics of the Dead Ringer.
 
−
* Causing an enemy Spy to feign death with the Dead Ringer may trigger the domination sound cue and notification, even if said Spy was already being dominated by the player.
 
−
* The ''Sleeper Agent'' achievement does not check if activation and kill are in the same round, so if the Dead Ringer is activated one round, the Spy could kill the activator in the next round if they manage to get them in twenty seconds since activation.
 
−
* If vaporized by the [[Cow Mangler 5000]] or [[Righteous Bison]], feigning death will sometimes drop two corpses: one vaporized and the other a ragdoll/gibs.
 
−
*When reloading the [[Revolver]] and quickly activating the Dead Ringer, three hands can be seen.
 
−
*When the Dead Ringer is out, but not activated, and the Spy is shot by a [[Sniper]], the Sniper will receive the ''Shoot the Breeze'' achievement regardless if the Spy is actually killed.
 
−
*When the Dead Ringer is used while wearing the [[Sharp Dresser]], it will display a third hand. The right hand will show the knife, the left with the Ringer and a hand pointed downwards to the ground behind the left hand.
 
−
*If the Dead Ringer is out when you change to Electro Sapper, you'll see three arms at single time.
 
  
−
==Trivia==
+
== Bugs ==
−
* When ping and network transmission are not an issue, a Spy can bring up the Dead Ringer and be protected in less than 1/100th of a second. In the average online match this margin is greater, but the times serve to show that the Dead Ringer was designed with no real activation delay.
+
* The Cloak meter displayed on the watch does not properly correspond to the actual amount of Cloak available, similar to the [[Enthusiast's Timepiece]] and [[Quäckenbirdt]].
−
* [http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dead%20ringer.html Dead Ringer] is a phrase used to describe an exact duplicate of something or someone else; for example, "He's a Dead Ringer for that BLU Spy we shot earlier!". The "ringer" part of the phrase refers to a replacement or impostor, especially in sporting events, making the fake corpse an actual "'''''dead''''' ringer".
+
* If a Spy is holding a Dead Ringer and takes damage while taunting, any damage taken after the taunt is finished does not trigger the feign death.
−
* The ability to [[Feign Death (Classic)|feign death]] was present in ''[[Team Fortress Classic]]'', and the Dead Ringer's function was likely inspired by that ability. However, in ''Team Fortress Classic'', feigning death was limited to being rendered immobile and having to hope that the enemy would have already passed by when you uncloaked.
+
* Feigning death on circumstances that should trigger a unique death scream sometimes issue a normal death scream.
−
* On the third day of the [[Sniper vs. Spy Update]] where the [[Razorback]] was introduced, the Dead Ringer can be seen in the "dead" Spy's hand, despite the fact that it wouldn't be officially announced until the next day.<ref>[http://www.teamfortress.com/sniper_vs_spy/day03_english.htm Day 3 of Sniper vs. Spy Update]</ref>
+
* The damage reduction from the Dead Ringer applies to [[Water|drowning]] damage as well. However, the Spy recovers the full amount of health that would have been lost without the Dead Ringer, allowing players to heal themselves by intentionally drowning.
 +
* Activating the watch upon round start sometimes causes the Spy not to hold up the watch. This can only be fixed by dying.
 +
* There is an occasional bug that occurs with the Dead Ringer where, once the feign death is activated, the killfeed reports that the Spy's killer "got revenge" on him, even if they were not dominated or do not exist. The same bug may report that the Spy's killer is dominating him even if said Spy was already being dominated by that player, or if they were nowhere close to dominating them. Both bugs may also play the accompanying sound cue. When the Spy is killed by [[Environmental death|environmental hazards]] or [[fall damage]], "ERRORNAME" gets revenge on the Spy. These messages are only broadcast to the other team, just like all faked mechanics of the Dead Ringer.
 +
* When reloading the [[Revolver]], switching weapon to the Sapper, or using the Sharp Dresser while quickly activating the Dead Ringer, three hands can be momentarily seen.
 +
** This can also happen when holding [[PASS Time#The JACK|The JACK]] in PASS Time.
 +
* Some achievements that involve killing cloaked Spies can be achieved by attacking a Spy with his Dead Ringer ready.
 +
* When a player holds the Dead Ringer with Specialized or Professional [[Killstreak Kit|Killstreak]] weapon, the sheen is replicated on the Dead Ringer.
 +
* If the user has final hitsounds enabled, they do not always play if they activate the Dead Ringer of an enemy Spy.
 +
* Just like the [[Invis Watch]] and the [[Cloak and Dagger]], if the Dead Ringer is deployed during the reload animation of a {{botignore|revolver}}, the reload itself is sped up.
 +
* Disguising with the [[Your Eternal Reward]] or [[Wanga Prick]] while holding out the Dead Ringer results in it still being held out and showing it charging. Upon it being fully charged, it acts normally. However, if the user takes damage while the uncharged Dead Ringer is active, they still receive the 75% damage resistance on the first hit taken.
 +
* If the player is holding the Dead Ringer after their team has lost the round, taking damage does not cause the feign death trigger, but the 75% damage resistance triggers each time.
 +
** If an enemy player damages a Spy in this state, damage numbers do not reflect the 75% damage resistance.
  
 
== Unused content ==
 
== Unused content ==
−
* The Dead Ringer has an unused world model featuring a chain which would have likely hung on to the Spy's suit.
+
* The Dead Ringer has an unused model featuring a chain, similar to the backpack icon's model.
 +
 
 +
== Trivia ==
 +
* [[w:Dead ringer (idiom)|Dead Ringer]] is a phrase used to describe an exact duplicate of something or someone else; for example, "He's a {{botignore|dead ringer}} for that BLU Spy we shot earlier!". The "ringer" part of the phrase refers to a replacement or impostor, especially in sporting events, making the fake Spy corpse an actual "'''''dead''''' ringer".
 +
* The ability to [[Feign Death (Classic)|feign death]] was present in ''[[Team Fortress Classic]]'', and the Dead Ringer's function was likely inspired by that ability. However, in ''Team Fortress Classic'', feigning death was limited to being rendered immobile and having to hope that the enemy would have already passed by when the player decided to get up.
 +
* On the third day of the [[Sniper vs. Spy Update]], where the [[Razorback]] was introduced, the Dead Ringer can be seen in the "dead" Spy's hand, despite the fact that it would not be officially announced until the next day.<ref>[https://www.teamfortress.com/sniper_vs_spy/day03_english.htm Day 3 of Sniper vs. Spy Update]</ref>
 +
* According to the ''Dapper Rogue'' catalog on the fourth day of the Sniper vs. Spy Update, the Dead Ringer costs $7.39.<ref>[https://www.teamfortress.com/sniper_vs_spy/day04_english.htm Day 4] of Sniper vs. Spy Update</ref>
 +
* The Dead Ringer is mentioned by the [[Heavy]] in ''[[Poker Night at the Inventory]]'' during a fold response with the line "[[:Media:The cards flop worse than spy with dead ringer.wav|The cards flop worse than Spy with Dead Ringer]]."
  
−
==Gallery==
+
== Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Dead Ringer 1st person red.png|RED first-person view
+
File:Dead Ringer 1st person red.png|[[RED]] first-person view.
−
File:Dead Ringer 1st person blu.png|BLU first-person view
+
File:Dead Ringer 1st person blu.png|[[BLU]] first-person view.
−
File:Dead Ringer Chain.png|Unused world model
+
File:Dead Ringer Chain.png|Unused world model.
 +
File:Dead Ringer Catalogue.png|Dead Ringer ad in the ''Dapper Rogue'' catalog.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
*[[Invisibility Watch]]
+
* [[Basic Spy strategy#Dead Ringer|Dead Ringer strategy]]
−
*[[Cloak and Dagger]]
 
−
*[[Enthusiast's Timepiece]]
 
−
*[[Cloak]]
 
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
−
{{SnipervsSpyUpdateNav}}
+
{{Sniper Vs Spy Update Nav}}
 
{{Allweapons Nav}}
 
{{Allweapons Nav}}
 
{{Spy Nav}}
 
{{Spy Nav}}

Latest revision as of 21:59, 10 November 2024

“
By the time your adversary races towards your 'body' to frisk you for cash and pull gold fillings out of your mouth, you'll already be behind him, poised for the killing blow.
— Dead Ringer publicity blurb
 ”

The Dead Ringer is an unlockable PDA weapon for the Spy. It is an advanced cloaking device disguised as a gold-plated pocket watch with an engraving of a hummingbird on its lid.

Unlike the Invis Watch, the Dead Ringer does not immediately cause the Spy to cloak when the alt-fire key (default key: MOUSE2) is pressed. Instead, the Spy holds the Dead Ringer out in his hand waiting to take damage. The Dead Ringer's cloak meter must be fully charged before it can be held, and holding the watch prevents the Spy from attacking or placing Sappers, as when cloaked. Pressing the alt-fire key again causes the Spy to put the Dead Ringer away. Upon taking damage while the Dead Ringer is being held in hand, the Spy immediately and fully cloaks, leaving behind a fake corpse to deceive enemies. If the Spy takes explosive damage, there is an 85% chance for fake gibs to be created instead of a fake corpse.[1] If a player is disguised as one of their own teammates, the fake corpse appears to enemies as the player they were disguised as, and to their own team as a friendly Spy corpse wearing a disguise mask. Certain in-game information is also faked to make the Spy's "death" more convincing.

The Spy takes 75% less damage from the initial attack that activates the cloak. In addition, the Dead Ringer's cloak differs from that of the Invis Watch in several ways:

  • Upon activation, the cloak meter immediately drops to 50%, and the Spy receives a 3-second speed boost.
  • During the first 3 seconds of cloak, the Spy does not flicker on contact with enemies or upon being shot, and he gains immunity to afterburn.
  • The Spy gains a 65% damage resistance upon the Dead Ringer's activation, fading to the normal 20% cloaked damage resistance after 3 seconds.

The cloak takes 7 seconds to fully drain (from the initial 50%). The initial damage reduction allows the player to survive massive amounts of damage as long as the user has a sufficient amount of Health before the attack was made, with the exception of fully charged headshots by Snipers using the Machina, backstabs from enemy Spies, and most taunt kills.

Activating the Dead Ringer extinguishes afterburn and stops bleeding. However, other status effects are unaffected. Notably, soaking effects, including water, is not removed, making it difficult to convincingly fake a death while under these effects. In addition, afterburn and bleeding are only removed by the initial activation; once the player is cloaked, the Spy is not immune to these status effects, although such effects have a reduced duration as with the normal Invis Watch cloak.

The Dead Ringer uncloaks with a very loud and distinct sound. The uncloak noise is noticeably loud up-close but rapidly fades with distance. Unlike with the Invis Watch, ammo pickups and Dispensers cannot replenish the Cloak meter.

The Dead Ringer is automatically given to any player who obtains 17 Spy achievements.

Feign death effects

Feigned deaths replicate or fake certain HUD elements in order to look more convincing. However, some effects are not replicated, which vigilant players may notice.

Replicated mechanics
Faked mechanics
  • Kill feed for the enemy team
  • Final hitsounds
  • Domination/Revenge notifications (not reflected on scoreboard)
  • Medium ammo box (does not provide ammo or metal when picked up)
  • Death state on scoreboard and team status display (does not last as long as a true death)
  • "Killstreak Ended" notification if the Spy is using a killstreak weapon
Unreplicated mechanics

Function times

Function times (in seconds)
Effect

Upon activation:
 Drop a fake corpse, 75% damage reduction, remove some status effects


For the first 3 seconds:
 Speed boost, no cloak shimmer upon collision with an enemy, up to 65% damage reduction


Subsequently:
 Normal invisibility

Cloak maximum duration 7.0 s
8.2 s
6.0 s
7.6 s
Cloak fade time Instant
Decloak fade time
Player:
2.0 s
World:
1.8 s
Recharge time 10-20 s
Activation time Instant
Values are approximate and determined by community testing.

Demonstration

Crafting

See also: Crafting

Blueprint

Class Token - Spy Slot Token - PDA2 Scrap Metal Possible Results
Item icon Class Token - Spy.png + Item icon Slot Token - PDA2.png + Item icon Scrap Metal.png =
Item icon Cloak and Dagger.png Item icon Dead Ringer.png Item icon Quackenbirdt.png

As a crafting ingredient

Dead Ringer Huntsman Tribalman's Shiv
Item icon Dead Ringer.png + Item icon Huntsman.png = Item icon Tribalman's Shiv.png
Dead Ringer Reclaimed Metal L'Etranger
Item icon Dead Ringer.png + Item icon Reclaimed Metal.png = Item icon L'Etranger.png
Reclaimed Metal Frontier Justice Dead Ringer Diamondback
Item icon Reclaimed Metal.png + Item icon Frontier Justice.png + Item icon Dead Ringer.png = Item icon Diamondback.png

Strange variant


Related achievements

Leaderboard class pyro.png Pyro

Spontaneous Combustion
 Spontaneous Combustion
Ignite 10 cloaked Spies.


Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman

Shorn Connery
 Shorn Connery
Decapitate a cloaked Spy.


Leaderboard class heavy.png Heavy

Spyalectical Materialism
 Spyalectical Materialism
Kill or assist in killing 10 cloaked Spies.


Leaderboard class engineer.png Engineer

Search Engine
 Search Engine
Kill 3 cloaked Spies with a sentry gun under control of your Wrangler.


Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper

Jarring Transition
 Jarring Transition
Use Jarate to reveal a cloaked Spy.
Shoot the Breeze
 Shoot the Breeze
Kill a fully invisible Spy in a single hit.


Leaderboard class spy.png Spy

Burn Notice
 Burn Notice
Survive 30 seconds after being ignited while cloaked.


Sleeper Agent
 Sleeper Agent
Kill an enemy who triggered your feign death in the last 20 seconds.
Spies Like Us
 Spies Like Us
While cloaked, bump into an enemy cloaked Spy.

Update history

May 21, 2009 Patch (Sniper vs. Spy Update)
  • The Dead Ringer was added to the game.

May 22, 2009 Patch

  • Fixed Spy feign death not being reflected in scoreboard.

May 26, 2009 Patch

  • The Dead Ringer now fully drains the Cloak meter, even if the Spy uncloaks early.

May 29, 2009 Patch

June 8, 2009 Patch

  • The Dead Ringer can now be activated while carrying the flag.

June 23, 2009 Patch

  • The Dead Ringer's Cloak consume rate has been slightly reduced, giving about an extra second of Cloak time on a full meter.
  • Emerging from this item's Cloak now drains up to 40% of the Cloak meter instead of 100%. This drain only happens if the meter is at least 60% full.
  • The Dead Ringer's Cloak meter can now be regenerated from ammo sources.
  • The Dead Ringer's "extra" Cloak powers (damage reduction and no-flicker) are not extended by obtaining ammo.
  • Being attacked while taunting with the Dead Ringer out no longer triggers a Spy's Cloak, but instead keeps the damage reduction for the remaining duration of the taunt.

June 25, 2009 Patch

  • Fixed the Dead Ringer's damage reduction exploit involving Spy taunting.

July 14, 2009 Patch

  • [Undocumented] The Dead Ringer's recharge time was shortened from 18.5 seconds to 16.5 seconds.

January 6, 2010 Patch

  • The Dead Ringer now reduces Cloak to 40% when uncloaking early.
  • Made a 35% cap on the amount of Cloak it can gain from an ammo pack.
  • Has as a quieter decloak sound.

January 13, 2010 Patch

  • Feigning death can now play custom death animations like a normal death (head loss, Sniper shot, backstab, etc).
  • Feigning death due to explosive damage now has a chance to gib, like a normal death.
  • Corpses from a feign death now use the correct wearable behavior (hats stay on, or fall off as they should).
  • The weapons dropped by feign death corpses now have appropriate physics and collision for their type.
  • Fixed Spies that feign death while disguised as enemy Spies dropping fake ragdolls wearing a mask.
  • Fixed a couple of physics issues on ragdolls created by feign death.

May 20, 2010 Patch

September 30, 2010 Patch (Mann-Conomy Update)

  • [Undocumented] The Dead Ringer was added to the crafting blueprint for the L'Etranger.
  • [Undocumented] Your silhouette can be seen if touching an enemy.

October 13, 2011 Patch (Manniversary Update & Sale)

  • [Undocumented] The Dead Ringer now plays a tone if Cloak is fully recharged.

February 2, 2012 Patch

  • [Undocumented] Added Strange quality.

June 28, 2012 Patch

  • Death pits on sd doomsday now properly kill Dead Ringered Spies.

December 21, 2012 Patch

  • Fixed a Dead Ringer Spy exploit in Mann Vs. Machine mode.

July 10, 2013 Patch

  • Changed attribute:
    • When under the effect of Feign Death, damage taken decreases the duration of the effect.

July 11, 2013 Patch

  • When disguised as a teammate, the Dead Ringer will drop the body of the player the Spy is disguised as.

November 12, 2013 Patch

January 27, 2015 Patch

  • Fixed a bug with Dead Ringer Cloak meter being lowered to 40% after Super Armor duration ends when Cloak was extended via pickups or the L'Etranger.

July 2, 2015 Patch #1 (Gun Mettle Update)

  • Changed attributes:
    • Triggering Feign Death instantly removes 50% cloak meter.
    • Changed increased drain rate to a decreased drain rate. Overall duration of invisibility is still 7 seconds when accounting for initial spend of 50 cloak meter for triggering Feign Death.
    • Decreased cloak regen rate from +80% to +50%
    • When Feign Death is triggered, the Spy receives a 3 second speed boost.
    • Initial attack that triggers feign death has its damage reduced by 50%.
    • Damage resistance on triggering feign death scales over time. 65% to 20% over 3 seconds.
    • Feign Death stealth has no bump shimmer for 3 seconds.
    • 3 seconds after triggering Feign Death, the Spy is under normal invisible conditions (20% armor and shimmers if bumped or shot).
    • Can no longer pick up ammo for cloak meter while cloaked.

July 8, 2015 Patch #1

  • Fixed a case where speed-line particles were visible for enemy players when a Spy triggered the Dead Ringer.

July 15, 2015 Patch #1

  • Fixed an issue with Unusual Revolvers where the unusual effect would sometimes not disappear when the Spy would feign death, disguise, cloak, etc.

December 17, 2015 Patch (Tough Break Update)

  • The HUD 'Cloak' meter now displays 'FEIGN' when Dead Ringer is equipped.
  • Changed attribute:
    • Initial damage reduction when feigning death increased to 75% from 50%.

March 3, 2016 Patch

  • Updated the draw sound for the Dead Ringer.

April 25, 2016 Patch

  • Fixed ragdolls not drawing the head properly when a Spy feigns death.

November 14, 2016 Patch

  • Fixed a bug related to using the Dead Ringer while carrying the flag.

February 14, 2017 Patch

  • Fixed Spectators seeing the fake death notices for the Spy when he feigns death.

October 20, 2017 Patch #1 (Jungle Inferno Update)

  • Changed attribute:
    • Ammo kits and Dispensers no longer refill the Spy's cloak meter.

June 21, 2022 Patch

  • Fixed the Spy's feigned deaths with the Dead Ringer not showing up in the matchmaking quick team status bar.

June 23, 2022 Patch

  • Fixed Spy feign deaths not showing the correct class portraits.

Notes

  • Unlike other Spy watches, the Strange variant of the Dead Ringer ranks up based on times feigned, not number of seconds cloaked.

Bugs

  • The Cloak meter displayed on the watch does not properly correspond to the actual amount of Cloak available, similar to the Enthusiast's Timepiece and Quäckenbirdt.
  • If a Spy is holding a Dead Ringer and takes damage while taunting, any damage taken after the taunt is finished does not trigger the feign death.
  • Feigning death on circumstances that should trigger a unique death scream sometimes issue a normal death scream.
  • The damage reduction from the Dead Ringer applies to drowning damage as well. However, the Spy recovers the full amount of health that would have been lost without the Dead Ringer, allowing players to heal themselves by intentionally drowning.
  • Activating the watch upon round start sometimes causes the Spy not to hold up the watch. This can only be fixed by dying.
  • There is an occasional bug that occurs with the Dead Ringer where, once the feign death is activated, the killfeed reports that the Spy's killer "got revenge" on him, even if they were not dominated or do not exist. The same bug may report that the Spy's killer is dominating him even if said Spy was already being dominated by that player, or if they were nowhere close to dominating them. Both bugs may also play the accompanying sound cue. When the Spy is killed by environmental hazards or fall damage, "ERRORNAME" gets revenge on the Spy. These messages are only broadcast to the other team, just like all faked mechanics of the Dead Ringer.
  • When reloading the Revolver, switching weapon to the Sapper, or using the Sharp Dresser while quickly activating the Dead Ringer, three hands can be momentarily seen.
    • This can also happen when holding The JACK in PASS Time.
  • Some achievements that involve killing cloaked Spies can be achieved by attacking a Spy with his Dead Ringer ready.
  • When a player holds the Dead Ringer with Specialized or Professional Killstreak weapon, the sheen is replicated on the Dead Ringer.
  • If the user has final hitsounds enabled, they do not always play if they activate the Dead Ringer of an enemy Spy.
  • Just like the Invis Watch and the Cloak and Dagger, if the Dead Ringer is deployed during the reload animation of a revolver, the reload itself is sped up.
  • Disguising with the Your Eternal Reward or Wanga Prick while holding out the Dead Ringer results in it still being held out and showing it charging. Upon it being fully charged, it acts normally. However, if the user takes damage while the uncharged Dead Ringer is active, they still receive the 75% damage resistance on the first hit taken.
  • If the player is holding the Dead Ringer after their team has lost the round, taking damage does not cause the feign death trigger, but the 75% damage resistance triggers each time.
    • If an enemy player damages a Spy in this state, damage numbers do not reflect the 75% damage resistance.

Unused content

  • The Dead Ringer has an unused model featuring a chain, similar to the backpack icon's model.

Trivia

  • Dead Ringer is a phrase used to describe an exact duplicate of something or someone else; for example, "He's a dead ringer for that BLU Spy we shot earlier!". The "ringer" part of the phrase refers to a replacement or impostor, especially in sporting events, making the fake Spy corpse an actual "dead ringer".
  • The ability to feign death was present in Team Fortress Classic, and the Dead Ringer's function was likely inspired by that ability. However, in Team Fortress Classic, feigning death was limited to being rendered immobile and having to hope that the enemy would have already passed by when the player decided to get up.
  • On the third day of the Sniper vs. Spy Update, where the Razorback was introduced, the Dead Ringer can be seen in the "dead" Spy's hand, despite the fact that it would not be officially announced until the next day.[2]
  • According to the Dapper Rogue catalog on the fourth day of the Sniper vs. Spy Update, the Dead Ringer costs $7.39.[3]
  • The Dead Ringer is mentioned by the Heavy in Poker Night at the Inventory during a fold response with the line "The cards flop worse than Spy with Dead Ringer."

Gallery

  • RED first-person view.

  • BLU first-person view.

  • Unused world model.

  • Dead Ringer ad in the Dapper Rogue catalog.

See also

References

  1. ↑ game/server/tf/tf_player.cpp:L10447
  2. ↑ Day 3 of Sniper vs. Spy Update
  3. ↑ Day 4 of Sniper vs. Spy Update
v • d • e
Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper vs. Spy Update Leaderboard class spy.png
Game modes
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v • d • e
Leaderboard class spy.png Spy
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Abilities
Cosmetics
Fancy Fedora · Backbiter's Billycock · Camera Beard · Magistrate's Mullet · Frenchman's Beret · Familiar Fez · Détective Noir · Le Party Phantom · Noh Mercy · Charmer's Chapeau · Private Eye · Janissary Ketche · Cosa Nostra Cap · Made Man · Rogue's Col Roule · Nanobalaclava · Counterfeit Billycock · L'Inspecteur · Spectre's Spectacles · Griffin's Gog · Intangible Ascot · Under Cover · Dr. Whoa · Dashin' Hashshashin · Doublecross-Comm · Sneaky Spats of Sneaking · Business Casual · Triad Trinket · Ninja Cowl · Stealth Steeler · Hat of Cards · Distinguished Rogue · Lacking Moral Fiber Mask · Exorcizor · Scarecrow · Voodoo-Cursed Spy Soul · Cut Throat Concierge · Dapper Disguise · Bloodhound · Base Metal Billycock · Bootleg Base Metal Billycock · Megapixel Beard · Pom-Pommed Provocateur · Powdered Practitioner · After Dark · Belgian Detective · Blood Banker · Harmburg · Rogue's Brogues · Macho Mann · Escapist · Frenchman's Formals · L'homme Burglerre · Bountiful Bow · Bozo's Brogues · Candyman's Cap · Foul Cowl · Hyperbaric Bowler · Ethereal Hood · Backstabber's Boomslang · Napoleon Complex · Deep Cover Operator · Au Courant Assassin · Aviator Assassin · Rogue's Robe · Sky Captain · Spycrab · Lady Killer · Facepeeler · Nightmare Hunter · Rogue's Rabbit · Shadowman's Shade · Pocket Momma · Puffy Provocateur · Stealthy Scarf · Lurker's Leathers · Graylien · Buttler · Teufort Knight · A Hat to Kill For · Chicago Overcoat · Lurking Legionnaire · Dead Head · Big Topper · Showstopper · Brain-Warming Wear · Reader's Choice · Upgrade · Aloha Apparel · Aristotle · Assassin's Attire · Bandit's Boots · Dressperado · Murderer's Motif · Harry · Shutterbug · Avian Amante · Voodoo Vizier · Bird's Eye Viewer · Crabe de Chapeau · Smoking Jacket · Particulate Protector · Crustaceous Cowl · Computron 5000 · Gruesome Gourd · Festive Cover-Up · Monsieur Grenouille · Night Vision Gawkers · Tactical Turtleneck · Turncoat · Cold Blooded Coat · Frostbite Bonnet · Infiltrator's Insulation · Cleaner's Cap · Le Professionnel · Classic Criminal · Concealed Convict · Six-Eyed Specs · Spyder · Covert Covers · Strasbourg Scholar · Sneaky Blinder · Tuxedo Royale · Nightfall Veil · Shadow Shroud · L'aire Filteure · Le Frosteaux · Poleur Voyeur · Cosmetic items wearable by all classes
Item sets
Special taunts
Achievements
Character
Strategy
Other
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