Difference between revisions of "Dead Ringer"

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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#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.
  
−
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.
+
This weapon's main attribute is to [[Cloak]] the owner for 6.5 seconds (9.1 seconds with the [[L'etranger]] equipped) 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.
  
−
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 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. The Dead Ringer's cloak duration will be significantly reduced if the player happens to take damage while cloaked, therefore players must become more aware with their surroundings in order to make a safe retreat. Additionally, the watch prevents the Cloak from flickering upon impact with enemies or damage.
  
 
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 drops below 40% charge will always drain the meter down to 40%, though this penalty does not apply when decloaking with less than 40% remaining. As such, players will be left with between 0% and 40% remaining energy when emerging from the Dead Ringer's Cloak. 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 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 drops below 40% charge will always drain the meter down to 40%, though this penalty does not apply when decloaking with less than 40% remaining. As such, players will be left with between 0% and 40% remaining energy when emerging from the Dead Ringer's Cloak. 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.
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|  cloak fade        = Instant
 
|  cloak fade        = Instant
 
|  decloak fade      = <div style="float:left">Player:</div> 2.2 s<br/><div style="float:left">World:</div> 1.8 s
 
|  decloak fade      = <div style="float:left">Player:</div> 2.2 s<br/><div style="float:left">World:</div> 1.8 s
−
|  cloak duration    = 6.5 s
+
|  cloak duration    = 6.5 s<br> {{Tooltip|9.1 s|With the L'etranger equipped}}
 
|  recharge          = 16 s
 
|  recharge          = 16 s
 
|  activation time  = {{tooltip|Instant|On injury}}
 
|  activation time  = {{tooltip|Instant|On injury}}
Line 224: Line 224:
 
'''{{Patch name|12|21|2012}}'''
 
'''{{Patch name|12|21|2012}}'''
 
* Fixed a Dead Ringer Spy exploit in Mann Vs. Machine mode  
 
* Fixed a Dead Ringer Spy exploit in Mann Vs. Machine mode  
 +
 +
'''{{Patch name|07|10|2013}}'''
 +
* When under the effect of Feign Death, damage taken decreases the duration of the effect
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 23:37, 10 July 2013

“
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 a gold-plated pocket watch with an engraving of a hummingbird on its lid, and a circular Cloak display within.

This weapon's main attribute is to Cloak the owner for 6.5 seconds (9.1 seconds with the L'etranger equipped) 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.

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 headshots by Snipers, backstabs from enemy Spies, and 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. The Dead Ringer's cloak duration will be significantly reduced if the player happens to take damage while cloaked, therefore players must become more aware with their surroundings in order to make a safe retreat. Additionally, the watch prevents the Cloak from flickering upon impact with enemies or damage.

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 drops below 40% charge will always drain the meter down to 40%, though this penalty does not apply when decloaking with less than 40% remaining. As such, players will be left with between 0% and 40% remaining energy when emerging from the Dead Ringer's Cloak. Like the standard Invisibility Watch, resupply areas, Dispensers, 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.

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, Boston Basher, Three-Rune Blade, Wrap Assassin, or Flying Guillotine can inflict bleed which will cause the Spy to drop blood even while cloaked, allowing him to be tracked by sharp-eyed opponents.

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

Feign death effects

Feign deaths have certain characteristics that affect the game. Some kill effects are replicated or faked as if the Spy is actually killed, while others are not, which may alert vigilant players of the feign.

Mechanics replicated
Mechanics faked
Unaffected mechanics

Function times

Function times (in seconds)
Effect 90% damage reduction
Cloak maximum duration 6.5 s
9.1 s
Cloak fade time Instant
Decloak fade time
Player:
2.2 s
World:
1.8 s
Recharge time 16 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

  • This item now fully drains the Cloak meter, even if the Spy uncloaks early.

May 29, 2009 Patch

  • Fixed Spies not being telefragged when standing on an enemy teleporter exit with this item enabled.

June 8, 2009 Patch

  • This item can now be activated while carrying the flag.

June 23, 2009 Patch

  • This item'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.
  • This item'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.
  • Being attacked while taunting with this item 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 this item's damage reduction exploit involving Spy taunting.

July 14, 2009 Patch

  • [Undocumented] This item's recharge time was shortened from 18.5 seconds to 16.5 seconds.

January 6, 2010 Patch

  • This item now reduces Cloak to 40% when uncloaking early.
  • Made a 35% cap on the amount of Cloak it can gain from an ammo pack.
  • It now has 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 in 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

  • When under the effect of Feign Death, damage taken decreases the duration of the effect

Unused content

  • The Dead Ringer has an unused world model featuring a chain which would have likely hung on to the Spy's suit.

Bugs

  • The Cloak meter displayed on the watch does not properly correspond to the actual amount of Cloak available, similar to Enthusiast's Timepiece.
  • If the Spy takes any damage while taunting – with the exception of taunt kills that stun the enemy like the Organ Grinder – 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.
  • If the Dead Ringer is out during a taunt and the Spy takes damage after he is finished taunting, the Dead Ringer will not activate.
  • 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.
  • 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 hazards or fall damage, "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.
  • When reloading the Revolver, changing weapon to the Sapper, or using the Sharp Dresser while quickly activating the Dead Ringer, three hands can be momentarily seen.
  • Some achievements that involve killing cloaked Spies can be achieved by attacking a Spy with his Dead Ringer ready.
  • Often the fake body will slide on the ground without moving its actual limbs upon faking your death for enemies.

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 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 you uncloaked.
  • 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.[1]
  • 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

References

  1. ↑ Day 3 of Sniper vs. Spy Update

See also

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