Anti-Heavy strategy

“

You're dumb as a box of rocks! Click to listen — The Engineer

”

The Heavy is known to be a slow, behemoth. He has a large amount of health with heavy firepower, but is poor at speed and maneuvering, requiring the swift observation behind himself and ambushing.

General

• The Heavy's size and speed make him an easy target. Don't overcompensate your shots.
• The Heavy can soak up a lot of damage. Teams should focus fire Heavies to take them down quickly.

Weapon Specific

A list of useful tidbits about the Heavy's equipments, and how to best counter them.

Primary Weapons

• The Heavy's primary weapons all require a brief moment to spin up before he can start firing, especially Natascha. This makes him vulnerable to ambushes.

Minigun / Iron Curtain

Natascha

• Natascha has a longer spin-up than the other primary weapons. Hit and run tactics are more effective on Heavies using this weapon.

Brass Beast

• The Heavy's movement speed decreases dramatically when spun up or firing this weapon. This makes him an easy target. Don't overcompensate your shots.

Shotgun

• Heavies will switch to their Shotgun when their primary weapon runs out of ammunition. Try to take them down before they find more.

Edibles

• Droppable edibles can be picked up by anyone. Try to steal them before the Heavy or his Medic reach them.
• Edibles make a distinct noise when being eaten. Use this sound to track down the retreating Heavy.
• The Heavy is relatively defenseless when eating an edible. This varies depending upon the edible.

Sandvich

• The Sandvich replenishes health quickly. Make sure you can out-damage him while he's eating.

Dalokohs Bar

• This weapon only heals the Heavy for 60 health, making him more vulnerable while eating than with the Sandvich.

Buffalo Steak Sandvich

• Attack from range, as the Heavy can only use his melee weapon when under this item's effect. He will receive Mini-Crit damage.
• The Buffalo Steak Sandvich provides the Heavy with no health when it is being eaten, making him completely defenseless.

Fists

K.G.B.

• If the Heavy is under the critical buff of the K.G.B, stay back until it wears off. Your death will just extend the effect.

G.R.U.

Warrior's Spirit

Fists of Steel

• The Heavy takes 100% more melee damage with the Fists of Steel out.
• Heavies will often use the Fists of Steel to safely close the distance. Don't immediately presume they want to have a melee fight.

The Hibernating Bear

See also

• Heavy strategy
• Community Heavy strategy
• Heavy match-ups
• Team strategy