Anti-Demoman strategy

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The Demoman, while an excellent ranged fighter, lacks an efficient means of self defense at close range.

General

Attributes	Anti Demoman Strategy
Role	The Demoman is used mainly for defense, so he will likely be patrolling the particular part of the map he is defending. If you can provoke one of these Demomen to follow you, lead him into a different area where you have the advantage.
Health	The Demoman has a base health of 175, so he can withstand a considerable amount of damage. Unless the situation is extreme, the Demoman is likely to stand his ground, rather than retreat. A Demoman using the Eyelander (without any heads) or Claidheamh Mòr will have less heath than usual, making him easier to kill.
Speed	The Demoman is close to the speed of a majority of the classes, but he is less likely to chase you down unless he has the Chargin' Targe or the Eyelander with multiple heads.
Power	The Demoman is quite deadly when using the Grenade Launcher, but the projectiles are fired in an arc, which can make it difficult to aim for many Demomen. Getting close to him and avoiding his projectiles will make it easier for you to kill him.

Weapon Specific

A list of useful tidbits about the Demoman's tools, and how to counter them.

Primary Weapons

Weapon	Anti Demoman Strategy
Grenade Launcher	The Grenade Launcher has a long reload time. Attack the Demoman when his weapon is out of ammo. A Demoman's grenades can bounce over cover and around corners, so don't rely as heavily on cover when fighting a Demoman using his Grenade Launcher. When firing the launcher and hitting at close range, the Demoman will likely get hit by his own grenade's explosion, dealing splash damage to himself. Use this to your advantage.
Loch-n-Load	The Loch 'n' Load deals additional self-damage to the Demoman. Even if you die at close range, there is a chance of the Demoman severely injuring or killing himself. The Loch 'n' Load has a smaller clipsize than the Grenade Launcher. Dodge the two grenades, and then attack him while he is reloading.

Secondary Weapons

Weapon	Anti Demoman Strategy
Chargin' Targe	The Chargin' Targe gives the Demoman resistance to fire and blast damage. Use a weapon that deals a different form of damage, if possible. The Charge effect can be cancelled or delayed by using weapons with Stun, Slowdown and/or Knockback effects.

Trap Weapons

Weapon	Anti Demoman Strategy
Sticky Bombs can be destroyed by most weapons. Take them out from a safe distance to avoid being damaged. Using an explosive weapon around corners can dislodge enemy sticky traps, revealing them before it's too late.
Stickybomb Launcher	The Stickybomb Launcher is more difficult to use at close range due to the lengthy arming time, but be careful, because the stickies themselves have a large splash damage radius. The Stickybomb Launcher has a long reload time. Avoid the sticky bombs he fires at you, and attack the Demoman when he needs to reload.
Scottish Resistance	The Scottish Resistance is not well suited for direct combat. When attacking, make sure to be wary of any traps he may have set.

Melee Weapons

Weapon	Anti Demoman Strategy
The Eyelander, Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker, Scotsman's Skullcutter, and Claidheamh Mòr all have an extended melee range. Consider this when using melee weapons against the Demoman.
Bottle / Frying Pan	A Demoman may use the Bottle or Frying Pan as a last resort at close range. Since the Demoman's speed is below average, back up while attacking him if he is chasing you with one of these weapons.
Eyelander / Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker	Demoman wielding this melee weapon would like nothing more than taking your head, so they will have an urge to try whatever they can to receive one. When a Demoman pulls out this weapon, avoid fighting him with melee weapons since you may add to his head collection.
Scotsman's Skullcutter	This weapon reduces the Demoman's speed, making him an easier target. However, this weapon also has an increased melee range, so use a ranged weapon against the Demoman if possible.
Claidheamh Mòr	The Claidheamh Mòr increases the charge duration of the Chargin' Targe and gives the Demoman increased melee range. Any Demoman using the Claidheamh Mòr is also likely to be using the Targe, which gives resistance to explosion damage and fire damage, so try and stay back and inflict damage with bullets, if possible.
Pain Train	The Demoman has a +10% vulnerability to bullets with the Pain Train equipped. Switch to a weapon that fires bullets for extra damage.
Ullapool Caber	This weapon explodes on contact with the world. Try to keep your distance from a Demoman who has this weapon out. If you are within melee range of a Demoman using this weapon, try and cause the Demoman to miss and hit a wall, injuring himself. A Demoman using a Chargin' Targe in conjunction with this weapon can close the distance between you quickly and attack you with a guaranteed critical. Beware of Demomen using this combination of weapons.

Class Set

Set	Anti Demoman Strategy
The Expert's Ordnance

See also

• Demoman strategy
• Community Demoman strategy
• Demoman match-ups
• Team strategy