Spy match-ups (Classic)

Class			Strategy
Spy	vs	Scout (match-ups)	A Scout is one of the most dangerous threats you can face, as he can instantly disable your disguise just by touching you and can chase you down and land multiple hits on you with his Single-Barrel Shotgun and superior Nailgun. In addition to this, a typical Scout rarely stands still and is difficult to hit with any of your weapons, making him a poor target for a backstab. If you do wind up encountering him, backpedal whilst throwing your Grenades and firing your Double-Barrel Shotgun, and see if you can land a Tranquiliser Gun shot - this will help immensely in escaping or killing him.
Spy	vs	Sniper (match-ups)	A Sniper is one of the easier classes to deal with, especially because focus will be very high. Because of this, a backstab is relatively easy to land. If the Sniper has you in his sightlines, however, it is a very dangerous situation. If he attacks, retaliate and retreat with Grenades and Double-Barrel Shotgun. If you need to, make a precise shot with your Tranquilizer Gun and escape.
Spy	vs	Soldier (match-ups)	A Soldier is one of the most difficult classes to face, considering his large amount of health and unmatched firepower. One of the best tactics to use against a Soldier would be to feign death and wait for the Soldier to pass. Then, get up and attempt to backstab. If you miss or he spots you, retreat with Grenades or the Nailgun. A well-aimed shot from the Tranquilizer Gun will aid immensely.
Spy	vs	Demoman (match-ups)	A Demoman should be an easy class for a Spy. His relatively low speed and focus on Detpacks make him an easy target for a backstab. However, the damage caused by Detpacks and Grenades from the Grenade Launcher are very large and should be taken seriously. If you do get caught by a Demoman, shoot the Tranquilizer Gun first, then retaliate with the Nailgun or Double-Barrel Shotgun.
Spy	vs	Medic (match-ups)	A Medic is a bad target as a Spy. The Medic can drop a health kit, infecting you and revealing your identity. The Medic can then proceed to take you out quickly with his Super Nailgun. The Super Nailgun is even more powerful than the regular Nailgun that Spies wield. If you get caught by a Medic, escape whilst throwing Grenades and firing your weapons.
Spy	vs	Heavy (match-ups)	A Heavy is very slow, and at times, immobile, making him a good target for the Spy. However, if the Heavy is fast enough, he can quickly turn to shoot at the Spy. Just like the Soldier, a good tactics is to Feign Death, then get up when the Heavy is not looking. If you are caught by the Heavy, throw Grenades, which will be most effective on the Heavy, since he is slow. Backpedal using the Double-Barrel Shotgun. A Tranquilizer Gun shot should not be necessary.
Spy	vs	Pyro (match-ups)	A Pyro is one of the worst match-ups for Spy. The Pyro is equipped with the Flamethrower, as well as a long range Incendiary Cannon. The Flamethrower can be used to ignite disguised Spies. The Incendiary Cannon can do the same, but from a distance, albeit slowly. The Incendiary Cannon looks almost identical to the Soldier's Rocket Launcher. If you are caught, you are almost guaranteed to die, but use the Tranquilizer Gun, as it will slow down the Pyro. If you can land a shot, the Pyro will not be able to catch up once you escape.
Spy	vs	Spy (match-ups)	A Spy going against another Spy is not uncommon. If you are a Spy going up against another Spy, hit him with your Double-Barrel Shotgun, or Feign Death. But remember, an enemy Spy may do the same to you.
Spy	vs	Engineer (match-ups)	An Engineer is a relatively easy class to deal with. The Engineer has a total of 130 health, which is very easy to kill using your Nailgun and Grenades. His Sentry Gun is also very vulnerable to your Nailgun. A couple of Grenades can also destroy a Level 3 very quickly. Be careful, however. The Engineer has 2 EMP Grenades he can detonate, that explode all of the ammunition on the victim. That can be used in conjunction with the Dispenser to create a deadly trap.
Spy	vs	Civilian (match-ups)	Unfortunately, the Civilian does not exist in actual gameplay, as he was scrapped before development could be made.

See also

• Community Spy strategy
• Basic Spy strategy
• Team Strategy