Community Heavy strategy

“

I have plan for you: more pain! Click to listen — The Heavy

”

The Heavy, as the class name suggests, is the full frontal attack troop of TF2. The class itself is a heavy weapon - big, slow, tough, and powerful - players can to wade in where other classes dare not. The Heavy's usefulness as a shock troop on the front lines, defense breaker, and wide-area defender should not be underestimated or ignored by either side.

General

• As the class with the most HP, the Heavy is capable of absorbing a large amount of punishment before going down. This endurance can allow you to stay on the front lines for longer durations than other classes. Use this to your advantage by keeping the pressure on the enemy if your teammates need to replenish their health or ammo.
  • However, remember that due to the Heavy's slow speed and large hitbox, it is far easier for players to cause damage to the Heavy, so always be ready to retreat behind cover. As powerful as the Heavy is, players should keep in mind that they are still vulnerable to concentrated attacks, and that the Heavy's slow movement can increase this vulnerability.
  • With 300 HP, the Heavy is capable of being overhealed up to 450 HP, which can allow players to absorb even more punishment than ever. A Heavy with a Medic in tow is easily one of the most powerful combos in the game.

• As the slowest class in the game, Heavy players should get used to planning their moves ahead of time. Knowing what path to take, where the best places to deploy your Minigun are, and the shortest path to cover and support can mitigate the Heavy's slow speed.
  • Similarly, Heavies are among the highest priority classes for Teleporters. While other classes like Scouts can quickly reach the front lines from spawn, doing so as a Heavy wastes precious time during which you could be attacking the enemy team.
  • Conversely, due to your slow speed, successfully setting up an ambush can have devastating effects, if only for the reason that the other team will not expect you to be there. A Heavy that can surprise a group of enemies can easily kill 2-3 of their number and force the rest to retreat.
  • As it is relatively uncommon for players to look up, setting up an ambush from above lets you mow down unaware enemies from close range before they can react. This can negate your slow speed as you do not have to race to chase down your enemies if you get behind them.

• Thanks to the class's size, strength, firepower, and general obviousness, Heavy players draw a lot of attention in a fight. This allows Heavies to dictate the focus and pace of a battle merely by their presence and positioning. Heavies can be used to distract enemies while more maneuverable classes such as Scouts and Pyros can ambush and flank the enemy, and their absence can be used to lead the foe into a false sense of security.

• Remember that in spite of the class's considerable offensive power, the Heavy is a Defensive type class. Heavies used in defensive situations can suppress enemy movements and break up pushes, and only needing to wait for the enemy to approach negates the Heavy's movement speed disadvantage.
  • A Heavy standing next to a Dispenser can get a constant supply of ammo, letting players fire their Minigun without worrying about running out of ammo.

File:Headshot heavy.jpg

Snipers can take out a Heavy with one fully charged Headshot, so keep out of their sights!

• Although the Heavy has a lot of Health, a well-placed Sniper shot can take players down in one hit, and the Heavy's slow movement and large size makes things easy for the Sniper. Sniper dots are a warning sign to watch for. Heavies should never stand still or spin up their Minigun in open areas, and should seek safer, more closed-off spaces when possible.
  • If you can see a Sniper, you can force them to lose their aim by firing on them, and they may retreat. Remember that while a Minigun round at long range will do negligible damage, being hit will cause the Sniper's scope to jump, making you a harder target to hit.

• As a Heavy, you're always a prime target for Spies, especially due to your slow movement speed, so make sure to watch your back often. When you spin up your Minigun, always be sure to have a teammate watching your back, as Spies can rarely resist backstabbing a spun-up Heavy.
  • Because of your Minigun's wide spread, firing occasionally out in the open can hit and reveal a Cloaked Spy. This allows you to Spy-check over longer distances.

• Pushing the cart in Payload games can be quite effective if your team will work with you. Use the cart as cover and aim over the top if the angle permits (bullets won't pass through it). Furthermore, as the cart acts as a moving Dispenser, your health and ammo will be automatically replenished, making you a much harder target to take down.

• Take care of your Medic! A Heavy-Medic pair can be a devastating force, but only if you work together. Remember that your Medic usually has other teammates to worry about besides you, so be observant of when the Medic is and isn't with you. Pay attention to the type of ÜberCharge your Medic deploys. If you are carrying a Sandvich, you can throw it to your Medic to keep him or her healthy. Listen and watch for enemies attacking your Medic, and focus your attack on them whenever you can do so safely. Medics will often help watch your back for Spies, but do not depend on them to check for you. If you are near full overheal, it is sometimes helpful to try and block incoming rockets or grenades that would otherwise hit your Medic. Finally, try to let your Medic know if you are out of Minigun ammo, so you can use ÜberCharge most effectively.

Weapon Specific

Example Combinations
Combo			Usage
Minigun	or Dalokohs Bar or Sandvich	Fists of Steel	This setup is good for an all-rounded, objective oriented Heavy. As most enemies generally attack with ranged weapons, the Fists of Steel can provide 60% damage reduction from player and Sentry Gun fire, allowing the Heavy to walk right into heavily defended objectives; this increased damage resistance can also allow particularly aggressive players to use melee attacks to successfully kill players or destroy Sentry Guns. In a Payload map, the Heavy can even use the bomb cart as an additional shield, as well as health replenishment, allowing players to escort the cart with ease. The Minigun provides a modest amount of damage, while the short spin-up time allows Heavy players to switch from the Fists of Steel directly with minimal penalties. As the Minigun does not suffer any spin-up penalties compared to the Heavy's other two unlockable primary weapons. Due to the obstacles a Heavy with this loadout faces, a lunchbox item is preferred over the Shotgun. The Dalokohs Bar is useful by giving the Heavy extra health in the event that there are no Medics nearby to give a buff or to heal 60 HP when injured. The Sandvich is useful for healing a Medic who is buffing you to guarantee longer survivability for both.
Natascha	Sandvich	GRU	A good offensive-support setup for when you know you'll mostly face non-Heavies in close-quarter combat, and when you'll be paired with a Medic constantly. Natascha's slow effect can be used to help your teammates finish off any particularly fast enemies, and with a Medic backing you up allows you to sustain fire even in the face of overwhelming force. While healing yourself with the Sandvich will not always be necessary due to having a Medic along, the Sandvich can be dropped both to keep your Medic alive as well as keep other teammates in the fight if your Medic is too busy. The GRU gives players a significant maneuverability advantage, allowing them to quickly respond to enemy movements or to reach objectives more quickly, and the self-damage while equipped will build up the Medic's ÜberCharge meter faster.
Brass Beast	Shotgun	or K.G.B or Fists of Steel	This set-up is for a strictly defensive Heavy whose main goal is to mow-down enemy offensive pushes and stop them from advancing. The Brass Beast's increased damage allows you to counter Sasha-wielding Heavies, but its increased spin-up time and slow movement speed means that you have to position yourself strategically, preferably next to a Dispenser. The Shotgun can provide vital secondary fire in the event that you are ambushed and cannot spin up the Brass Beast in time. Your choice of melee weapon will affect how you conduct defenses: The K.G.B. can be used to quickly give yourself a temporary boost in firepower, allowing you to deal with offensive pushes decisively. Due to the long spin-up time of the Brass Beast, the Shotgun is incredibly useful for utilising the 5 second Crit boost. Furthermore, the K.G.B can be used to decisively deal with any Heavies on the other team who attempt to use the Fists of Steel's sheer defensive potential to accomplish objectives, due to being able to kill such Heavies quickly with melee attacks without worrying about receiving double melee damage in return. The Fists of Steel can be used to physically prevent enemies from accomplishing an objective by using the high ranged weapon damage reduction, but beware of Scouts or Fists of Steel-equipped Heavies.
Brass Beast	Buffalo Steak Sandvich	Warrior's Spirit	The Hibernating Bear Having 5% Crits protection in exchange of having max health of 280hp, this Polycount set is geared toward strategic positioning, high-damage attacks, with provisions against Crits – especially useful due to the stationary nature of a deployed Brass Beast. The Brass Beast's increased damage potential makes it a good direct assault weapon, but its slower movement speed and higher spin up time requires careful positioning on the player's part. Alternatively, it can be used for defense, especially if your team's Engineers have not had the time to properly deploy their Sentry Guns yet; the Crit protection will force opponents to be more skillful instead of relying on the random roll. In Medieval Mode, the Warrior's Spirit's higher base damage and a relatively fast swing can provide much-needed offensive potential when fighting against Demomen using the Chargin' Targe and melee weapon combination. The Buffalo Steak Sandvich can either be eaten normally to increase the melee damage and speed of the Heavy, or thrown on the ground for quick healing; combined with the increased resistance against Critical hits, this set makes the Heavy a good class for assault in Medieval Mode.

Minigun / Iron Curtain

• The Minigun is capable of dealing significant damage at close and medium ranges; any enemy caught by its stream will usually die in seconds. However, the Minigun must first be spun up in order to fire.

• Remember that holding alternate fire will keep your Minigun spun up and ready to shoot at a moment's notice; stationing yourself in strategic defensive positions and staying spun up is often an excellent alternative to attempting an assault as a Heavy.
  • Beware that spinning up your Minigun will cause you to slow down significantly, making you greatly vulnerable to enemy fire. Be especially wary of spinning up in wide-open areas, where cover is scarce and enemies can attack from multiple directions and Snipers can line up easy headshots.
  • Also be wary that the sound of a spun-up Minigun is highly distinctive; keeping your weapon spun-up alerts the enemy to your presence long before they can see you.
  • Instead of holding the alternate fire to keep the gun spinning, tapping the alt-fire button allows you to enter a spin down phase, which allows you to move at normal speed while being able to deploy the gun quickly.

• Although the Minigun fires bullets over a wide range, the spread of the weapon greatly reduces its utility at longer ranges, so try to use it in close- to mid-range situations; think of it as a Shotgun with no rate of fire or reloading drawbacks.

• Your aiming speed does not decrease when your Minigun is spinning. Setting your mouse to a high sensitivity can allow you to quickly track in on targets that suddenly appear or try to strafe around you to avoid your fire.

• Knowing when not to fire is key to good Heavy play. Wasting ammo whittling away long-range targets or on ÜberCharged pairs will leave you without bullets when you need them most, and suddenly ceasing fire to gain a speed boost to get out of sight can allow even a lumbering Heavy to out-maneuver the other team, rather than relying on firepower in a dangerous situation.

• One of the keys to using the Minigun effectively is learning to jump and spin up at the same time. As the Minigun can be spun-up in mid-air, this can be used to negate the movement penalty suffered before the Minigun can be fired. It is especially effective if done around corners, as it gives enemy players next to no warning that a Heavy is about to attack, whereas spinning up while approaching a corner on foot will slow you down and alert the enemy beforehand.

• Don't forget that you have a Shotgun and Fists as well. The Shotgun is the weapon to use when you need to maneuver quickly, as it makes you a much harder target than using the Minigun (especially for Snipers). Fists are a good alternative for conserving ammo, especially if you've traded your Shotgun for the Sandvich. It's also good against enemies trying to fight you close range (such as Spies), though you have to be careful not to let them run out of your range and change to a long range weapon.

• 200 bullets seems like a lot, but when you start firing it will disappear rather quickly! Pay attention to fallen weapons of enemies/team-mates, weapon crates or Dispensers.

• At mid-range or closer, the Minigun has a higher damage output than any other weapon in the game, save for Critical hits. Keep this in mind and stand your ground when facing opponents one-on-one.

Natascha

• Natascha is an unlockable primary weapon for the Heavy. It deals 25% less damage than the Minigun and has a 30% longer spin-up time, but will cause a slow effect on any enemy that is hit, reducing their speed to roughly a third of their normal speed if hit constantly.
  • Natascha's slow effect is reduced over range. Therefore, as with the Minigun, its effectiveness is best at close to medium range.

• Natascha is particularly effective against faster classes (such as the Scout) since it counteracts their speed advantage. Use Natascha to prevent speedy classes from reaching cover, so that you and your teammates can finish them off.

• Due to Natascha doing less damage, it is best to avoid fighting Heavies that are wielding the Minigun (or especially the Brass Beast), or an Engineer's Sentry Gun, unless you have a Medic buddy or are part of a team assault.

• When working with a teammate on defense such as a Demoman, Soldier, or Sasha-wielding Heavy, Natascha can make Scouts, Medics, and Pyros easier targets for slow moving projectiles and allows other Heavies time to spin up their guns. In this manner, you can whittle down a target's health while preparing them for a finishing blow from your team. This makes Natascha an ideal support weapon for helping your teammates in preventing enemy pushes from becoming successful.

• Natascha can be a better choice than Sasha for dealing with Spies, as Natascha reduces the chance of an enemy Spy successfully fleeing from you after a successful Spy-check.

• The slowdown of Natascha also affects vertical momentum, meaning that any opponent trying to jump (including rocket jumps and sticky jumps) will come up short when hit. This can be used to defend high vantage points against Soldiers and Demomen trying to take the high ground.

• Natascha can slow Demoman even when using the Chargin' Targe, so using it can prevent a Demoman from making a successful kill.

Brass Beast

• The Brass Beast is a craftable primary weapon for the Heavy. It does 20% more base damage than the Minigun, but it has a 50% slower spin-up time, and reduces the Heavy's movement speed by 60%.

• Due to the extremely slow walking speed while spun up, this weapon is great in defensive situations that do not require a significant amount of movement.
  • Take advantage of its greater damage potential by guarding bottlenecks and chokepoints, where the enemy has less room to avoid your fire.
  • When used in an assault/offensive, this weapon is more effective when used for brute force attack/support than an ambush.

• This weapon may occasionally be superior to a sentry:
  • A Sentry Gun's placement is restricted, but a Brass Beast Heavy may deploy anywhere that players can reach.
  • A level 2/3 Sentry Gun takes much longer to set up, so cannot be deployed in front of enemies.
  • A Spy can easily sap a Sentry and take the objective before the Sappers are removed, while other classes can stay out of its range to destroy it. Provided a Heavy regularly spychecks, players can avoid being backstabbed and can fire at enemies from any distance.
  • Automated Sentry Guns will only target and attack one person at a time. On the other hand, a Heavy may Spy-check anyone that comes near and can quickly change targets or move where necessary. Although use of the Wrangler does solve this to an extent, the Engineer has relatively low health and the Sentry Gun shuts down temporarily on the Engineer's death. Additionally, the Sentry Gun still cannot move without being packed up, and the laser sight makes its position rather obvious.
  • Even a Combat Mini-Sentry has a slower deployment time than a Heavy with the Brass Beast(2.5s when building and 1.5s when moving, compared to 1.3s to spin up the Brass Beast), and is much weaker in terms of damage and health.

• Using tap-spin (by tapping primary/secondary fire) allows you to quickly deploy the gun while able to walk at a normal speed. This is helpful when evading attacks or moving to a new position.

• Using the Shotgun as your secondary weapon is recommended due to the Brass Beast's long spin-up time. This allows players to quickly have a weapon ready to fire in event of an ambush.

• In team defenses, try to pair up with another Heavy that is using Natascha. The Natascha-wielding Heavy can slow targets down for you, allowing you to maximize the amount of damage you do.

• Make good use of Dispensers with this weapon. The slower movement speed when spinning means it is difficult for you to keep the Brass Beast well stocked with ammo as others may take the dropped weapons of dead foes before you reach them, as well as making you an easier target for explosive splash damage.

• You can negate the extra spin-up slow down by using the jump and spin technique, mentioned in the Minigun strategy above.

Shotgun

• The Shotgun is the maneuvering weapon of the Heavy. Use when moving from point to point, retreating, approaching a Sniper, or avoiding Rockets, Stickies and Grenades. It is also handy if you run out of Minigun ammo.
  • One major advantage that the Shotgun has over the Minigun is its lack of a noise signature. While players will immediately notice the presence of a spun-up Minigun, the Shotgun does not make any noise.
  • In particular, the Shotgun is good for ambushing enemies. Most players will expect a Heavy to use the Minigun, and will be unable to counter a maneuvering Heavy firing the Shotgun. While you cannot deal as much damage as with the Minigun, you can also deny enemies the ability to escape or use cover.

• If you believe the speed decrease and spin-up time of the Minigun will be a hindrance to a successful attack, switch to your Shotgun instead.

• If your team has lots of able-bodied Medics, then it may be a better idea to bring this over the Sandvich, since healing yourself is not an issue. However, you can drop the Sandvich to heal and potentially save your Medic's life and precious ÜberCharge.

• The Shotgun is useful if you have low Minigun ammo and don't want to waste it on lower-risk classes, such as Spies or Pyros.

• Keep in mind that without the Sandvich, you will need to rely more on Health Packs and Medics to stay alive. Try to memorize the map's health pack locations, and keep within easy distance of teammates should the need to retreat arise.

Sandvich

• The Sandvich is an unlockable secondary weapon for the Heavy. When eaten, it fully restores your HP over four seconds; during this process, the Heavy becomes immobile and emits loud eating noises.

• Remember to use the Sandvich only when behind cover and in the presence of teammates. As you are completely immobile while recovering health, you will be an easy target for enemies.
  • Try to eat with your back to a wall. A Spy that happens upon a dining Heavy can spell disaster. In addition, make sure to stand somewhere where a Spy is unable to jump on top of you.

• You can use alternate fire to throw your Sandvich onto the ground. A dropped Sandvich acts as a medium health pack, replenishing 50% of a player's HP when picked up, and stopping burning/bleeding damage. Use it to help endangered teammates quickly recover health. This is especially advisable for healing Medics, as they cannot heal themselves and doing so helps them to retain their ÜberCharge meter.
  • You can pick up your own thrown Sandvich from the ground for 150 instant healing. This can be used to quickly replenish health while moving. Furthermore, a dropped Sandvich can be used to provide yourself with a quick health boost in the middle of battle if dropped behind a corner beforehand.
  • Enemies can see dropped Sandviches, you can set traps by dropping a Sandvich and ambushing enemies that try to pick it up.

• The Sandvich has a 30 second cooldown if you throw it or eat it when injured. Picking up a health item while at full HP restores the Sandvich instantly.
  • This can be used to your advantage when picking up small health packs, as you can drop the Sandvich for a teammate and pick up the health kit to replenish your Food meter.

• Without your Shotgun, Snipers are much deadlier, and without a fallback weapon you are forced to rely on using your Minigun to do damage.

• You can taunt with The Sandvich on in order to eliminate the 1 second delay after weapon change, effectively giving you an extra second.

• You cannot eat the Sandvich whilst your feet are off the ground or while swimming. However, you can still throw it.

• Take advantage of the Sandvich being a projectile to throw it over ledges to teammates in need.

Dalokohs Bar

• The Dalokohs Bar is a craftable secondary weapon for the Heavy. Consuming the Dalokohs Bar restores 60 HP over four seconds when eaten, and increases the Heavy's maximum health to 350 HP for 30 seconds. As with the Sandvich, the Heavy becomes immobile and makes highly audible eating noises.
  • At the end of the 30-second time limit, any health over 300 becomes overheal health.

• The Dalokohs Bar follows the same limits as the Sandvich: it cannot be eaten while in mid-air or swimming, it has a 30-second cooldown if eaten while injured, and picking up a health kit at full health restores the Food meter.
  • However, unlike the Sandvich, the Dalokohs Bar cannot be dropped, meaning that players cannot heal endangered teammates.

• The extra 50 HP allows the user to withstand a minimum of one more shot from the Scattergun, the Grenade Launcher or the Sniper Rifle (minimally charged headshots or bodyshots). It may also allow a minimum of one more shot from the Stickybomb Launcher and Direct Hit when fighting outside very close range. All of these weapons are used by the Heavy's most common enemies and the extra hit may give the Heavy time to finish off his opponent, however without the 100% healing power of the Sandvich they will be troubled to find healing afterward.

• The Dalokohs Bar can be particularly useful for Heavies that can obtain a constant source of healing but lack a nearby friendly Medic for overhealing or a Dispenser for healing.

• Take advantage of the fact that the Dalokohs Bar increases your maximum HP and use it only at full health or while overhealed. This allows you to have it ready for immediate use after increasing your HP to 350 in the event that you need it.

• Even though the Dalokohs Bar increases your maximum health to 350, Medics can still only overheal you to 450 HP, making the bar less effective when there are numerous Medics on your team.
  • Furthermore, due to a bug Dispensers will still only heal you up to 300 HP.

Buffalo Steak Sandvich

• The Buffalo Steak Sandvich is a craftable secondary weapon for the Heavy. When consumed, it increases the Heavy's movement speed by roughly 35%, and makes any damage dealt and taken by the Heavy Mini-Crits for 15 seconds. For the duration of the Buffalo Steak Sandvich's effects, the Heavy is limited to using only melee weapons.

• Like the Sandvich, the Buffalo Steak Sandvich can be dropped with alternate fire. A dropped Buffalo Steak Sandvich behaves the same as a regular Sandvich, replenishing 50% of the health of whoever picks it up.

• The speed boost can be handy in more ways than simple offense; it can aid in scouting and can help get players to their destinations quickly. Note, however, that you are more vulnerable to attack after eating a Buffalo Steak Sandvich due to the Mini-Crits.
  • A particularly effective tactic is to use the Buffalo Steak Sandvich at the start of Arena mode's setup time; you will be able to reach the front line faster and the effect will wear off as you enter combat, allowing you to make surprising offensive rushes on lighter classes.

• If an enemy is chasing you at a distance, turn a corner and use the Buffalo Steak Sandvich. You will be able to spot the enemy with the third-person view whist eating and, with good timing, can pop out again with a surprise melee attack.

• Make sure not to charge at enemies because they can still use their non-melee weapons at range, and with you taking Mini-Crits you'll be taken down easily.

• Generally you should avoid using it with the Fists of Steel, as the additional damage you take from melee attacks, along with Mini-Crits, allows you to be easily killed.

Fists

• Fists are a fallback weapon, and are your only fallback weapon if you traded your Shotgun for the Sandvich. It is also good against any class that is cornered or not expecting you to engage in melee combat.

• Pressing secondary fire will cause players to punch using their right arm. This is purely cosmetic and has no effect on gameplay.

Showdown

• Keep in mind the attack speed for this taunt. If you can time it right, it is a perfect revenge tool during humiliation. It also can be used against either distracted Heavies or scoped Snipers, saving ammo for other classes.

• Unlike other taunts, the Showdown taunt must be manually aimed. This allows players to hit targets from above or below, as long as the target is within the player's line of fire when the "lethal" portion of the taunt is executed.

• The Showdown acts as a short ranged but very wide hitting Pistol, making it the only kill taunt with range. In melee-only Sudden Death, this can give you a considerable advantage.

• In Attack/Defend and Payload maps, it is possible to achieve a kill with this. Stand in front of the gates, and taunt when there is a second left on the Setup clock.

• The taunt attacks in a straight line, so it is possible to aim it through tight spaces and surprise unaware targets. It is possible to do a "Pinshot" by aiming the taunt through a thin crack that leads to another part of the map. For example, a crack under a bridge can be exploited to hit someone under or above the bridge.

Killing Gloves of Boxing

• The K.G.B. are unlockable melee weapons for the Heavy. Upon killing an enemy, players are guaranteed Critical hits for the next 5 seconds, and can kill additional enemies using the K.G.B to continually reset the boost time. However, the K.G.B. has a 20% slower swinging speed.

• The guaranteed Critical hits can be transferred to other weapons as well. Therefore, it is possible to kill an enemy, then quickly switch to another weapon to kill enemies beyond melee range. However, switching weapons wastes precious time, and spinning up the Minigun wastes even more; in addition, the Shotgun's Criticals are less powerful than those of the K.G.B. If possible, get multiple kills (2 or more) with the K.G.B. before switching to another weapon.
  • Keep in mind however that spinning up the Minigun eats up a lot of your Crit time as stated in the in-game hints. The Shotgun is a much nicer pairing since it allows for instantaneous shooting, not to mention that most classes (unless overhealed) will succumb to a single critical Shotgun blast at close range.

• The slow swing speed coupled with the Heavy's slow movement speed makes using them a risky prospect. It is best to use them when you have an enemy cornered, or have a Medic to prevent you from getting killed before killing an enemy.
  • However, if you do manage a kill and you are in tight corridors, keep using them while there are still enemies around; a Critical hit with the K.G.B. will kill all non-overhealed classes with a single hit except Soldiers, Demomen (with the Eyelander and with 5 or more heads) and Heavies, who will fall if a second hit is landed.

• Using the Buffalo Steak Sandvich can assist you in getting the first melee kill, as you will be able to move faster and deal Mini-Crits. However, beware that you will still have Mini-Crits inflicted upon yourself for the duration of the Buffalo Steak Sandvich's buff, so try to time an attack so that the Buffalo Steak Sandvich's effects run out as soon as you get the melee kill.
  • This strategy is even more effective in Medieval Mode, as most other enemy classes will not be carrying long-range weapons. Just one kill with the gloves, while under the steak's effect, will make you an incredibly powerful class.

Gloves of Running Urgently

• The G.R.U. are craftable melee weapons for the Heavy. While equipped, the Heavy's movement speed is increased by 30%, but players lose 6 HP/sec. Furthermore, all melee damage dealt is reduced by 50%.

• Use the GRU to reach the front lines faster and keep up with teammates, but make sure you know the location of health kits on the map, have a Medic healing you or have the Sandvich equipped, so that you do not reach the front lines with too little HP.
  • The GRU can also be used to escape combat situations where you know you can't win. This can allow you to survive and rendezvous with teammates where otherwise you would be forced to respawn.
  • Dodging enemy fire is also more effective when using the GRU, since you can use the increased maneuverability to actively dodge explosives and arrows fired by the Huntsman

• With a Medic healing you, you can negate the -6 damage penalty, and help build the Medic's ÜberCharge meter as well. A Sandvich can also be used to sustain health where necessary. The Dalakohs Bar works as well, but the lower health regained and the need to stop and eat, rather than a quick throw, makes it less effective compared to the Sandvich. The Buffalo Steak Sandvich, like the normal Sandvich, can be dropped as well.

• With the added speed, you can use trick jumps that the faster classes can do, like jumping onto the bridge on 2Fort.
  • The damage penalty also adds a very slight amount of knockback when you are in the air. Time it so that in the middle of your jump it ticks, and you will be sent ever so slightly further, thus allowing you to reach even more previously inaccessible places (such as point E in Steel). If possible try to use the momentum from the gloves to your advantage by quickly switching back to your Minigun and revving it up for added jump distance.

• Remember that the GRU does much less damage than standard melee weapons, so it may not be wise to get into a melee fight unless you have a preexisting advantage (such as a health kit near to you, a nearby Medic, or if your target is already damaged).

• When under the effects of an ÜberCharge, use the GRU to push in closer to a Sentry Gun until you reach the range that overwhelms its knockback. Your extra acceleration allows you go straight up to a Sentry Gun and use your Minigun's full damage potential, rather than at longer ranges where the spread makes a Heavy ineffective.

• Fast switching the GRU and jumping can give you a speed boost while in mid-air, while taking less damage.

• Beware of running out of ammo on all other weapons. Remember that when a weapon runs out of ammo, you will automatically switch to an alternate weapon, and then your melee; you may be forced to equip the GRU when you don't want to and start taking damage.

• Do not equip GRU if the server has melee-only Sudden Death enabled, as you will die faster due to the health drain.

Warrior's Spirit

• The Warrior's Spirit are craftable melee weapons for the Heavy. The Warrior's Spirit deal 30% more base damage, but reduce the Heavy's maximum HP to 280.

• The Warrior's Spirit can be used to give players an edge in melee fights. As the Heavy already has a significant amount of HP, being able to deal more damage allows players to kill their enemies before they take too much damage.

• Due to the health penalty, the maximum amount of health that a Medic can overheal you to is 420 rather than 450.
  • The Dalokohs Bar can be used to partially negate the health penalty. However, this does not increase the maximum overheal health.

Fists of Steel

• The Fists of Steel are craftable melee weapons for the Heavy. While equipped, the Heavy takes 60% less damage from ranged weapons. However, players will take double damage from melee attacks.

• The Fists of Steel can significantly reduce the Heavy's vulnerability if ambushed or when attacked while traversing areas. As the Heavy has effectively 750 HP, even fully charged headshots from Snipers will not kill players.

• If you need to retreat, equipping the Fists of Steel can give you a greater chance to escape. Enemy players firing at you will not be able to damage you enough before you can retreat behind cover or find some health.

• The Fists of Steel are extremely valuable for accomplishing objectives such as capturing points, pushing the Payload cart or capturing the Intelligence. As most players will often try to protect objectives from a distance, using the Fists of Steel can give you a much greater chance of success at accomplishing such objectives.
  • A Heavy with the Fists of Steel pushing the Payload cart can be especially hard to defeat. As the cart still heals the Heavy at the normal rate and the Heavy takes reduced damage, a Heavy pushing the cart can last for a very long time.

• Make sure not to get into a melee battle due to the doubled damage an enemy can deal to you with their melee weapons. Therefore, do not equip this is Medieval mode.
  • Be especially wary of Pyros equipped with the Axtinguisher, as a Critical hit is guaranteed to kill you unless you are fully overhealed.

• A Heavy with the Fists of Steel equipped can effectively shield a Sentry Gun from a barrage of rockets with ease, and soak up quite a bit of Minigun damage, which makes it ideal for maintaining your team's Sentry Gun nests against an enemy ÜberCharge. Using the Fists of Steel can turn a Heavy into a mobile shield that can protect teammates and friendly buildings against damage.

• The Dalokohs Bar can be a useful lunchbox item to take with the Fists of Steel. As Medics will generally avoid pocket healing a Heavy that only has melee weapons equipped, the Dalokohs Bar can give players an additional 50 HP edge, which translates to an extra 125 HP worth of projectile damage

The Hibernating Bear

• With critical damage resistance you can counter Crit-boosted enemies. Combined, it's excellent for defense purposes, with a moderate to good performance in direct, well planned assault.

• The reduced Critical damage extends to Mini-Crits as well. This makes you more effective in the face of Jarate and the Buff Banner.

• While it may seem the tradeoff of health (-20 HP) for Crit protection make the item set bonus moot, note that Crits are highly damaging. By minimize the chance of Crits landing on you, you take less damage. Thus, this set rewards players who play defensively.

• Note that you cannot survive a fully charged headshot even when overhealed, as a Headshot will still do 428 damage while your maximum HP when overhealed is 420.

Map Specific

2Fort

• The areas inside of each respective base are ideal for Heavy play. The tight quarters prevent enemy players from being able to escape your fire except at longer ranges, and the enclosed corridors and multiple corners allow for many ambush opportunities.
  • If attacking the enemy base, beware of being ambushed from behind, especially when under the grate. The enemy has access to multiple avenues with which to attack you from, and your slow speed can prevent you from escaping in a timely manner if things go bad.
  • Beware of Sentry Guns that enemy Engineers may place in their courtyards. These are often placed at angles where you cannot attack without exposing yourself, so your best bet is often to leave them to other classes.

• Due to the wide-open area between the two bases, spinning up your gun is only recommended if you can get under the cover of the bridge awning, as Snipers can easily pick you off otherwise.

• The sewers provide an ideal way to enter the enemy base without the risk of being killed by Snipers. The enclosed corridors prevent enemies from dodging your fire, and the water under the bridge can be used to ambush any enemies that try to jump down.

• Capturing the enemy team's Intelligence should not be your first priority, as even with the GRU you are not as fast as most other classes. Instead, try to use your firepower to cover your teammates as they attempt to capture it. Your mere presence can be used to attract enemy attention and give your teammates a chance at a successful capture.

Granary

• In general, fighting for point 3 can be tough if you don't have teammates to cover your back. While you can use the crates for cover, the narrow avenues and wide area can allow Snipers to pick you off at a distance, and Soldiers and Scouts can use the crates themselves to ambush you from above.

• The Heavy excels in attacking or defending points 2 and 4. With an extremely focused area indoors, a spun-up Heavy can be an unpleasant surprise to anyone moving on the point. Similarly, the close confines removes the range advantage of Snipers.
  • When traversing from point 3 to either points 2 or 4, it is recommended to use the garage area, as it provides cover against Snipers. Inversely, try to use the drop-down when traveling the opposite way to ambush enemies.
  • Spies are a common threat on Granary. Watch your back, since you will draw a lot of attention very quickly on those points, and they can use multiple avenues of approach to get behind you.
  • Take advantage of the two-level nature of the points to try to attack enemies from above. While it can take time to traverse the stairs, it can give you an element of surprise, as well as more choices for escape or continued advance.

• Control points 1 and 5 can be difficult for Heavies. When defending, Snipers can attack from the windows overlooking the point from points 2 or 4, so exit through the farther, left-side door if a Sniper is known to cover the area. The pipes can be used as cover against Snipers, as well as any other classes trying to use the height advantage against you.

• The map's natural choke points in the various inter-point areas are excellent areas for the Heavy to lay in suppressing fire, but your slow speed in turn makes it easier for you to be suppressed. Work with your team and take the initiative. If you're attacking while the enemy is still moving to engage you, you have a leg up on damage.

Well

• Try to traverse the open areas of this map as quickly as possible, as Snipers will often have an easy time killing you. If possible try to travel underwater or use the train cars as cover.

• The indoors areas of the various control points can constrict enemy movements and make them easier to kill with your Minigun. However, always be wary of potential avenues of enemy approach as they can

• Control points 2 and 4 are great for the Heavy as they are both indoors, and they offer good cover while still giving little room to move for the Heavy's opponents. In particular, try to attack from the second or third floors, as you can drop down from above to ambush enemies.

• One tactic that most people don't expect is a Heavy attacking from above points 1 and 5. In particular, when defending, you can drop down directly onto the point and hold off enemies fairly reliably. Whenever possible, try to use the elevated terrain to protect yourself against any Snipers at ground level.

• Don't underestimate the third floor approach between control points 1/5 and 2/4. It's a small space with very few exits, a considerable number of ammo and health pickups, and considerable cover from most of the areas of attack while providing a few good firing lines in return, and thus it allows a Heavy to hold it nearly single-handedly. Consider camping this spot if your team is being pressed from above. Spies love this area, however, so a little paranoia may not hurt.

Dustbowl

• Probably the best map for a Heavy as the congested areas and the Heavy's ability to lay down large volumes of fire into the choke points and other congested areas can help progress.

Offense

• Build up an ÜberCharge as soon as you can in the beginning of your push to make the defensive team crumble as soon as possible.
• Like the situation on defense, Spies absolutely love this level because the action is so intense that many players do not notice a single player behind them before it is too late.
• Focus your fire on Sentry Guns, entrenched Engineers, and Pyros first, as these are the biggest threats to you and your team. The Sentry Guns can lay waste to anyone attempting to get past, and Pyros can make your team retreat, giving the defenders a chance to push back.

Defense

• Be sure to use ÜberCharges in response to an overwhelming rush or the attacking team's ÜberCharge as well.
• While on the ready for the opposing team, continue to check your surroundings; a Heavy whose attention is on the spawn door is a tempting target for the Spy's Backstab.
• If defending Stage 2 Cap 2, have an Engineer build a Dispenser in the corner with the small medkit and ammo box. This allows the user to have a great defense spot on the control point, this also helps out the friendly Engineer as the user can easily take out Spies, and won't be prone to a backstab.
• At Stage 3, cap one, The Ledge is an extremely effective bunker to create a stronghold in. If you can team up with an Engineer, get him to build a Dispenser and Teleporter out of sight in the hallway. You are to act as his Sentry Gun. Once there, you will be able to hold this spot and greatly impede the attacking team even if the first point is capped. Your main priority if trapped in the Ledge after cap is to protect the Engineer and his buildings and disrupt attackers long enough for your team to reform a line behind you.
• On Stage 3, Cap two, there is a tunnel which from the bottom of the ravine under the cap to a spot just around the corner from Cap 1. This is usually used by attacking Spies to sneak behind enemy lines. However, if a Heavy can sneak through, he will come out directly behind most of the attacking team, and can do an enormous amount of damage to them before they realize what's happening. If the Heavy can get a fully-charged Medic to go with him, they can sometimes wipe out the entire attacking team in one fell swoop.

Hydro

• Against strong defenses, an Übered Heavy can clear a way for the rest of the team to take the Control Points. Just watch out for Snipers at the more open Control Points, as they can end a Medic-Heavy rush quite easily.
• Attacking either of the last points through the vents can be a useful tactic for surprise and will work especially with other distractions going on, but be sure to use an ÜberCharge and not a Kritzkrieg when pushing, as there will likely be at least one Sentry Gun to destroy and once you drop out of the vents, you will not be able to escape without going through the main areas.

Gravel Pit

• An ideal map for the Heavy as his high health can get your team a foothold in heavily defended areas.
• Be sure to use the small areas on the Capture Points to your advantage, but make sure to have someone cover your flank as there are alternate entrances from both sides to take both points.
• Gravel Pit favors Snipers with its long sight lines and relatively limited amounts of cover at places. Counter this by taking an alternate route to hit the enemy. There is always more than one way to approach the other team.
• Point C is a double edged sword for Heavies. While the cramped space on the tower leading up to C and the point itself means their firepower can tear up opponents, the multiple angles of attack in C's direction makes it hard to defend on the point.
• Use the Minigun's knockback to push Soldiers, Übered or otherwise, out of their trajectory and away from Point C (this works especially well with Natascha also, as if they do happen to land they will be adequately pinned down).
• While difficult to pull off, a hilarious option for RED Heavies is to scale the rock 'pillar' on the right side of the left-hand exit from BLU spawn to A (the exit nearest the mining tunnel). Two tricky crouch-strafe jumps will allow him access to tunnel to spawn, where BLU can be warmly greeted by a large Russian man and his gun. Most teams don't see it coming, and throwing in a Kritzkrieg assuming the Medic can get up there makes this even more successful when pulled off correctly.

Badwater Basin

• Due to the long sightlines going from the BLU spawn to the other side of the first area, it is best as a Heavy to back up friendly charges or wait until the coast is clear as enemy Snipers are likely to pick you off from down the hill or the tunnel. That said, if you have a Medic with an ÜberCharge ready you can use it to push round corners being guarded by Sentry Guns, being careful to avoid any Spies or airblasting Pyros trying to stop you and also staying out of sight for as long as possible.
• On defense, a Heavy can guard the tunnel and other enclosed areas like the main point fairly well, being able to drop down from the cliffs to surprise enemies pushing the cart and if needed push them back with a Kritzkrieg to clear out the tunnel and cliffs.
• It is important to know where the BLU Snipers are when on defense and hide accordingly, as some areas that are good for ambushing or jumping down from may be easy to snipe from the BLU spawn.
• The second point area's main corridor with the cart tracks is a no-go zone for attacking Heavies until it is clear of Sentry Guns, Snipers and Spies (unless you have an ÜberCharge ready to push with).
• Snipers are likely to congregate around the corner and zoom in over the concrete fence, and most Sentry Guns will be positioned on the roof to the left, making it difficult to concentrate on both potentially deadly threats.
• If you go up the stairs in the left building, you can easily access the roof and destroy the enemy Sentry Guns (even without an Über, as the corner can be used for edging). Once this is done and you have control of the roof, rain bullets down on RED players as they try to seize it again and provide a good distraction while the cart is pushed.
• On RED you can push back the enemy team through the main corridor with the help of your team mates and temporarily scare away any BLU Snipers trying to take out your team's Snipers (assuming you can get close enough). Be aware if you do this that often a Sentry Gun will be placed around the corner to the first point, as a means of holding their front line. In this situation, you will need an ÜberCharge or a fellow Soldier or Demoman to deal with it.
• When trying to retake the roof, be very careful while going up both sets of stairs as there may be a Spy lying in wait to foil your plans. If there are enemies on the roof, be sure to kill any airblasting Pyros, Spies or Sandman using Scouts first, as all of these can stop you in your tracks and put an end to your actions fast.
• In a worst case scenario on defense, you can jump down from the roof onto the cart to stop it reaching the second point. This is a fantastic means of blocking the capture due to the Heavy's good staying power and ambush potential, but be warned that without backup you will likely die soon after.
• On offense you will need an ÜberCharge to do any significant damage at the third point area, as many of the Sentry Guns will be positioned behind corners and the open space makes you an easy target for rockets, grenades and stickies. As such, you will be less likely to lead team charges in place of a Demoman or Pyro for Sentry Gun destruction.
• While waiting for a charge, try to hold the ground you've covered and keep it a safe area for any Medics or Engineers, such as the courtyard in the dip with the Maximum Health and Ammo kits. When doing this, watch out for Spies and other enemies dropping down from the balcony, along with any projectiles being fired diagonally at the Health and Ammo from around the corner.
• The third point is great for defending Heavies as there are many places you can effectively drop down on hiding BLU players and ambush them. This is especially useful when trying to prevent Übers from being built, though the courtyard may have a Sentry Gun and Teleporter waiting if an Engineer is left there for too long.
• The corridors provide good alternate routes to push back the BLU team also, and if you can use them to sneak behind the BLU team with an ÜberCharge or Kritzkrieg, you can wipe out anybody attempting to push forward and even as a result push the entire BLU front lines back to the second point. In the event of this, try not to push too far forward or you may be separated from your team mates and easily disposed of.
• The last point is a very difficult place for Heavies to attack on their own or without a Medic as there are so many open spaces that you will likely be sniped/stabbed/exploded before you can do a good amount of damage. To combat this, only run in when you are sure there are other people doing the same, and watch your back when doing so as the ramp chokepoint is a very good place for Spies to stab people and retreat.
• Try not to stand at the top of the ramp when pushing as you are an easy target for Spies and Snipers and the distance between you and where your enemies will be (the bottom of the ramp) is far enough to render your primary weapon ineffective. that said, if you have a Kritzkrieg to charge with you can deal with any enemies out in the open from the ramp, overhang or windows and still have a good chance of surviving if you are cautious.
• The RED team's Sentry Guns will almost always be found underneath the overhangs that are usually out of sight from the BLU team. To deal with these, drop down from the left overhang or windows on the right to instantly start firing on the Sentry Gun and hopefully take the Engineer by surprise. In the likely chance of there being multiple Sentry Guns, try to get closer to each Sentry Gun to kill it quickly then move onto the next one, or the Minigun's falloff will be ineffective when firing from the middle of the area.
• Don't go around the top left courtyard on your own as it is a very common spot for Spies to lie in wait and may creep up behind you when you try accessing the main point area from the small flight of stairs. If there is an Engineer on your team building, stay there with him for a moment to protect his buildings from Soldiers, Demomen or Spies coming from either of the doors.
• When trying to defend the last point as a Heavy, push up the ramp with ÜberCharges to destroy any defenses the BLU team may have built to prevent you pushing them back. If you have a Kritzkrieg, this tactic will also work well but you will need to move quickly as when the enemy team sees you they will run and hide around the corner at the third point.
• When the BLU team pushes the final point, try hiding in one of the many corners or shadows so that you can surprise any cart pushers or people looking the other way. Alternatively, ask for a Medic to hold an Über until they push so you can counter Über at the appropriate time.
• If you are standing next to an Engineer's Dispenser or are just watching the area, stay spun up for enemies trying to drop down to the ground floor from the windows or overhang, and also to instantly Spy-check anybody running out in the open.

Gorge

• The initial yard and point bridge of Gorge are fairly open and have long sight lines, making Heavies on either team difficult to play and mostly ineffective. That said, with the right ambush tactics and knowledge of the map's numerous hiding spots, you can support your team well and allow them to make the necessary pushes.
• The area between the first and last points is fantastic for Heavies on either team, as the tight corridors make their miniguns incredibly useful (stopping enemies from trying to escape death by strafing) and the upper walkways allow you to jump down and surprise any enemy pushes or bases that have been set up. Be cautious though, as on BLU you may become separated from your teammates and lose any backup you might need, and on RED straying too far from the point may leave it open for backcapping.

Attack

• The first yard will be a very difficult place for a Heavy to charge in solo, as all of the spawn doors act as chokepoints your team must go through while being fired into by any projectile using classes such as the Soldier or Demoman. Because of this, do not go out unless you either have a Medic with a normal ÜberCharge ready (in which case, ask the Medic to use it sooner than later to avoid the risk of losing it), or when you are confident that your team have distracted the enemies guarding the spawn doors and feel you can back them up effectively.
• Watch out for Snipers hiding on the top walkways or Spies tucked in the gaps between the crates next to your spawn doors. These two classes are a Heavy's strongest counter, and will make quick work of you if you aren't careful.
• Attacking the first point area is another job for an Ubercharged Heavy, as it is a good place for defending Spies and Snipers to headshot/backstab you as you come over the hill or onto the bridge and there will likely be a Sentry Gun or two stationed on the other side of the point. Once again, use an ÜberCharge, or risk backing your team up without a charge/with a Kritzkrieg (which is not very effective on this point anyway, as the RED team have a large amount of cover to hide behind).
• If you are feeling adventurous, move along the far left walkway to ambush the RED team from the left garage. This can work surprisingly well with a Kritzkrieg, as you will be able to clean out any enemies behind the typical pieces of cover and maybe even destroy a Sentry Gun if it is initially facing toward the point. However, be careful when doing this, as you are very vulnerable to Snipers and you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of RED players hiding in the left side,
• Make good use of the walkways overlooking the corridors to the last point; should the enemy team attempt to push you back to the first point, you can pin them down with your Minigun (preferably Natascha) and cut their faster classes off from any reinforcements.
• Do not try to attack the last point from the uppermost walkway. This is because your Minigun's effective range is insufficient for damaging enemies around or on the point, and you become a big target for Soldiers, Demomen or Snipers aiming up there. Instead, try standing in the small corner room with the health kit. Here you can prevent any high flying classes from accessing the upper corridors, holding your team's front line down well.
• You can move along the left corridor and across to the far left room if you are subtle enough, and from here you can access the main RED Sniper deck as well as their secondary spawn door. Don't stay here too long though, as you can be easily killed should the RED team know you are hiding there.
• When attacking the very last point, once again only rush in at the front if you have an ÜberCharge, and be sure to look in every corner on both the top and bottom levels in case a sneaky Sentry Gun has been placed to wear down your team's push. Once the main defenses are Destroyed, stay on the point aiming up between the middle and right doorways in case of RED players trying to stop the cap.
• When charging in, also make sure there are no Spies lying in wait around the corner or behind the crates in the hall adjacent to the point. Now would be the worst time for your Medic to lose his target, so be vigilant.

Defense

• Defending this point as a Heavy will also be somewhat troublesome, as the wideness of the map makes any non-Critical Minigun spray useless when firing across, you are almost always visible from at least one of the BLU spawn doors (unless hiding right behind cover) and it is a popular point for BLU Spies to come from behind on. To stop the BLU team for long enough, stand right near one of their doors with a Kritzkrieg or ÜberCharge ready to stifle any potential pushes, and defend the Medics on your team (as they will be saving their ÜberCharges or Kritzkriegs for countering the BLU team's).
• Despite the long distance from one side of the map to the other, standing in the top right windows with a Kritzkrieg Medic can ambush the BLU team well enough to cripple any charges they themselves attempt to build up. The lack of damage falloff and high damage a Critical Minigun has will mow down anybody too close to the windows, and discourage long range targets (even Snipers, who can only take a two or three Critical bullets at long range before dying).
• Because of the open space and the chokepoint at the BLU side of the bridge, do not try running in to the interior area without a Medic as you will die very fast and can be headshot from the first yard (through the doorways) should an approaching Sniper spot you. Instead, try sneaking around the sides and unleashing a Kritzkrieg on the unsuspecting BLU team for an easy ambush (though watch out for any Sentry Guns put up the stop the RED team pushing in).
• Though difficult, try accessing the upper walkways from the BLU team's side (via the numerous stairwells). This denies them a potential area to set up a base and also keeps their front line pushed back, wasting their time and so hindering their progress toward capturing the point.
• Use the various props and pieces of cover in the hallways to your advantage; hiding behind the crates while spun up and around the edges of corners will let the BLU team pass by unaware of your presence, giving you an easier time of ambushing and ruining their plans.
• If the BLU team makes a successful push onto the last point, do NOT stand above the point in the middle. This area is the main focus of any BLU Snipers standing in the opposite hall. Instead, attack from the sides and if possible, under the overhang where Sentry Guns are put to stop the enemy seeing you until they jump onto the point themselves.
• It is not worth trying to get behind the BLU team, as they have too many alternate routes to the point. This also decreases the number of RED players around the point, making it much harder to defend for those remaining.

Steel

General

• The multitude of pathways renders flanking a very effective tactic, both for you to use, and to be used against you. Always watch your back for Scouts and Spies that may be using these paths to get behind you.
• There is Health close to almost every point, find out where they are and stay near them to keep yourself healthy.

Offense

Point A

• There is a long, straight sight line to your main spawn exit door. Snipers will almost always be watching it closely for you. Only move forward if you have your team to cover you or if you are certain the area is clear.
• If you take the main spawn door, remember that you are fighting uphill, so Soldiers and Demomen will have an advantage. They also have several walls that they can hide behind to wear down your health.
• The secondary pathway over the cliff may be your best bet in many circumstances, as it brings your Minigun into close range where it excels. Keep an eye out for any Sentry Guns that may be below you as you pass over, as they may launch you into the sky.

Point B

• Take note of the medium health pack and ammo in the small alcove on the right as you approach the point. This is a good spot to retreat to if under enemy fire.
• Consider moving over top of the buildings on the left as you approach the point, as this path isn't often taken and can allow you to surprise enemy Heavies who may be defending.
• The side route that takes you to the an elevated platform across from the point is not necessarily a good place for a Heavy, as you are open to Snipers and the enemy is often too far away for your guns to do much damage.

Point C

• There are two paths to take to get to C from B, the cliff path and the inside path. The cliff path puts you above the enemy, but you are open to enemy Snipers, Soldiers and Demomen. The inside path gets you a bit closer before the enemy can see you, allowing for easier ÜberCharges and attacks.
• Taking the exposed stairway up onto the point could be a bad idea, as you are easy to see and wide open to enemy attacks. Consider using the enclosed stairway instead to get the jump on your enemies.

Point D

• This point is a long way away for the slow Heavy. Ask your friendly Engineers to set up a Teleporter between A and D or at C so that you can get to the front line faster.
• Again, there are two paths to take, from C or from A. The path from A is shorter, but you are attacking the enemy head-on. The path from C is longer, but you can get behind the enemy team. Be aware that this path takes you past the RED spawn, so be careful for enemy players leaving through that door.

Point E

• With your large amount of health, enemies will be tempted to try and blast you into the pit with explosives or Compression blasts instead of simply killing you. Stay near the center of the point and focus on enemy Pyros that may be rushing towards you.
• Crouch while revved to avoid being knocked off the point by an explosion.
• If D is captured, the enemy cannot spawn and go directly to E, they have to pass through D or C first. This is where they will attack from, so watch your sides.

Egypt

• Overall, Egypt is not a Heavy friendly map. The very open environment and bright scenery make the Heavy even more of an easy target then before, and the long distances between points make traversing the map without a Teleporter somewhat dangerous, as well as slow.
• As such, try to keep to the darker corridors and less obvious routes to the next area. Otherwise, you may be in the prime spot for being sniped, thus forcing you to walk all the way to the front lines again upon respawn.

Attack

• The first point of the first stage is very difficult for a Heavy to move around in without a Medic, as either of the spawn doors will be inundated with projectile spam, Sniper sights or be well within the range of any RED Sentry Guns. Therefore, an ÜberCharge will be needed to clear out the area effectively.
• When exiting either of the spawn doors, be careful of any enemies or Spies hiding around the pillars next to each door. These shadowed areas are good hiding spots, and should not be ignored.
• A Heavy can push around the right ramp to destroy any Sentry Guns effectively (especially with a charge) and block any RED reinforcements. When doing so, make sure to pick up the maximum health and ammo kits that readily spawn in a nearby alcove.
• On the point itself, make sure you crouch in a corner or behind a pillar while capturing so you aren't picked off by enemy Snipers from the far left or right (remember, you are likely to be their first target if spotted).
• The last area's main door is a poor place for a Heavy to charge in through even with an ÜberCharge, as the raised nature of it mean you can be airblasted or knocked back down your side of the stairs and your charge will not last long enough to dispose of any Sentry Guns around the corner.
• The left tunnels, though, are a very logical place for Heavies to strike from, as the darkness keeps them hidden for long enough before they can jump out in ambush, and when spun up the only revealing factor as to your presence will be the noise.
• Accompanying a push onto the point and standing in the RED team's blind spot as they come out of their spawn will let you surprise them as your team continues capturing. In the worst case scenario that the point is cleared by Critical explosives or a Spy, you will then be able to finish off the capture by jumping onto the point.
• The first point of the second stage is very Sniper friendly, making the two right doors (which enemies can fire and aim into easily) a no-go zone for Heavies. Your best option would be to go through the far left door and then around the left building to come up onto the point via the ramp, but watch out for Spies or Sentry Guns near the point.
• As soon as the first point is captured, you can rush to the last with your team and if the RED team has no defenses set up yet, you might be able to capture the point. If you stand on the side toward the enemy spawn and impede their progress with your Minigun (this works especially well with Natascha due to the slowdown quality it has), you can also buy time for your team while they capture.
• Otherwise, only move into the last point area when your team is pushing or you have a Medic with a charge ready healing you. If it is a normal ÜberCharge, go through the top right one way gate to attack any Sentry Guns the BLU team have and then proceed to their spawn as necessary, and when it is a Kritzkrieg come through the far left entrance, firing from long range (as the distance's subsequent damage falloff is ignored by the Crits).
• The first area of the last point is less harsh on attacking Heavies with Medics, but it can still hold some problems. Namely, both spawn doors are at the lowest point of the map and require you to ascend rapidly to reach the point. This means that if you go out into the open to climb up, you are subject to being Sniped or Backstabbed very easily. That said, there is an alternative route up that works well with Heavies, the dark and steep stairwell that comes out not far from the point.
• When using the stairway to advance to the point, be sure to spin up as you are coming out into the open and gun down anybody in the immediate area. If you want to stay hidden from enemies on the point, jump down and hide around either the right or left corners, but be careful as they may hear your gun spinning.
• If you are charged with a Kritzkrieg at the top of the stairs, stay on top of the ledge and keep the enemies at bay with long range Crits. This will clear the point of any RED players, and whittle down Sentry Guns from afar (though the Crits will not affect the Sentry Gun so much, they may scare the Engineer away).
• When pushing the final point, only run out of the right and middle entrances if you are either Ubercharged or backing up players who have already run in. This reduces the chance of you being targeted by enemy Snipers or Spies, and should give you enough time to hide behind the central monument (yet allowing you to fire around the corner at the enemy spawn area).
• Alternatively, hide in the top left one way gate and jump down to surprise any enemies in the near courtyard. This route is also good for charging into to deploy ÜberCharges from, but is vulnerable to sniping and airblasting backwards down the stairs.
• While your team is capturing the point, try to hide up towards where the RED Snipers usually stand, in the shadowed window area. Should your team fail to capture the point, you can either keep enemy Snipers at bay, or rush down to finish off the capture and win the game.

Defense

• This map is better for defending Heavies as they will have the height advantage on vertically advancing maps, and ready access to any number of the hiding spots available for ambushes and the like.
• The first point of the first stage is good if you have a Kritzkrieg as you can fire directly into the enemy spawn from long range and deal massive damage to anybody trying to come out. Otherwise though, the risk of being sniped is quite high, so stay behind the left corner, the point, or on the point itself and wait for enemies to come into your field of view.
• The last point's dark surrounding tunnels provide a good spot to ambush and push back BLU players, but be careful of any Sentry Guns set up around there.
• When the BLU team makes a push for the last point, hide in a corner with a Medic if possible, and wait until any Übers they used have worn off. Then, run in and block the point to stop the cap while also killing many enemies.
• The first area of the second point is Sniper friendly as mentioned before, so try to keep to the far right area to cut the BLU team off or around the bridge/pillar area to attack them from above. Waiting here at the start of the round may not be a good idea though, as the BLU team are likely to push out with an ÜberCharge (though if a Medic healing you has one ready, stay and ask him to use it when they charge in).
• The high stairs leading up to the point are ideal places to pick off any ascending enemies, as they are wide open and offer little escape aside from dropping back down into the open yard. When peering over the edge to find these enemies, however, be careful of Snipers aiming up at you from inside the BLU spawn doors.
• Use the high ground to your advantage, dropping down on unsuspecting enemies to kill them quickly. This strategy works especially well if you have the K.G.B. and can spot a weakened enemy to hit, as you can earn some Crits to slaughter anybody too close with.
• The point itself is difficult to defend without actually standing on it as it is so enclosed. It is for this reason that if the point is rushed and any defensive Sentry Guns are destroyed, you should retreat to the last point area.
• You can flank the BLU team as they try to set up a base at the first point by going through the right passage, being rarely used due to how dangerous it can be for BLU players. If you can, organize an ÜberCharge to do this with, as it is very likely they will have a Sentry Gun with Teleporters set up.
• Defending the last stage's first point is tricky as the enemies come from very low spawn doors in comparison with how high the point is. As such, only go down to kill enemies when you have support or a Medic, as it will not be worth the risky trek back up the hill if you only kill one or two people.
• This point favors attacking Snipers somewhat as they can get into relatively safe positions and aim directly at the point. Therefore, try to stay behind cover when you know of an enemy Sniper's presence, and flank them quietly if possible.]
• The raised area connecting the bridges is a good place to stand as a defensive Heavy as you can crouch below the edge of the brick wall (making you somewhat safe from Snipers) and fire slightly up at the point to surprise any enemies trying to make a stealthy capture.
• The last point is very Heavy friendly in comparison with anywhere else on this map, as there are few doors for the BLU team to snipe out of, and there is a lot of cover to hide behind in case of an enemy push. Some good examples are the central monument's pillars, behind the wall above the point and to the far right behind the cliff.
• When clearing out the areas between the first and last points, don't forget that there is a one way gate on the upper right with health and ammo kits. If you can get behind the BLU team and take this area, it is a vital asset for limiting the BLU team's movements.

Pipeline

General

• The cart is your friend. Stay behind it and shoot over top of it for cover as well as health and ammo.
• Keep an eye out for Snipers, they have an easy shot on you while you are pushing the cart. Crouch behind the cart to stay out of sight.
• A well-timed Kritzkrieg on the enemy cart can easily wipe out anyone defending it.

Section 1

• Snipers near the enemy spawn are your main threat; take the side routes to surprise them.
• ÜberCharge with a Medic to remove Sentry Guns placed by the cart or to hold the enemy team at their spawn while your team moves the cart

Section 2

• The main hallway is free of obstacles, making it harder for enemies to surprise you, but easier for them to headshot you or attack you from a distance
• Watch out for enemy Spies dropping down from behind you by your base, the side routes make it easy for them to flank you.
• Utilize these side routes to get behind the enemy, surprising them by their spawn, relieving some pressure on your team.

Section 3

• The wide-open area favors Snipers and Soldiers, stay near cover so you aren't overwhelmed.
• Hide behind the cart while it is moving up the hills and watch both in front and behind you, those are the only directions anyone can get close to you from.

Turbine

• Overall, Turbine is a great map for the Heavy. The map is small and has plenty of blockades around, meaning that enemies will have a hard time trying to avoid your Minigun.
• If you plan on using the vents a lot, Natascha is essential. Catch enemies off guard and simply gun them down. They'll have no place to dodge and the slowdown will make escape almost impossible.
• Since there are no areas where your completely safe for enemy fire, think carefully before you eat a Sandvich or a Dalokohs Bar.
• If you feel like messing around, you can try and taunt kill in the vents. They are around the taunt's maximum length and can save you some ammo.
• Be careful when out in the middle area. Whilst the blockades will stop most enemies, Scouts, Spies and Pyros can easily take you out with a surprise attack from behind, so stay alert.
• You can camp outside the enemy shutters, wait for an enemy to come out, and give them a hail of bullets. It's best done when right in the corner so Spies can't backstab you and so you'll be able to see the whole central area.

See also

• Team strategy