Community Payload strategy

File:Plbadwater.jpg

Badwater Basin

Payload strategy.

General strategy

• A good Defending team sets up their defenses on more than just near the first Capture Point, while still defending the cart as well. Setting up at one single location is never a good idea, as a single entity can take out the whole makeshift "Base", while spreading out too much won't do any better, as this might lead to stretches where there isn't any defense to halt the process of Blu.
• Remember that working as a cohesive unit produces results on either team, both Attacking and Defending. A single Heavy-Medic pair on either team can instantly halt or speed up the cart's process, depending on their side.
• On some stages, there are locations on the Cart's path where leaving the Cart will make it fall back to a certain point due to hills. This means that Blu will need to work together even more at these points, as leaving the cart for a mere second can almost bring the Cart back to the bottom.
• Even though Team strategy is almost required on this Gametype, that doesn't mean trying to go in as one class can produce results. However, constantly attempting will only hinder your team.

Class-specific strategy

 Scout

• Scouts are much more effective on Offense, as they count as two entities when pushing the Cart. They are good on Payload for leading pushes or as last-ditch efforts, pushing the Cart sometimes far enough to get bonus time or to win the round.
• While not nearly as effective, Scouts can be good for Defense as well. using Mad Milk, they can heal teammates so there isn't a frantic scramble by Red to get Health kits.
• Bonk! isn't much use for Defense or Offense, but it can still be used to draw the other team away from the Cart, or to help deal with Sentries near it.
• Using the Sandman, Scouts can also help by stunning enemies, though it won't help with much else.
• Scouts can also rush in as soon as the round begins, pushing through the still-preparing enemis and making routes for their team.

 Pyro

• With the Backburner equipped, try and outflank the attacking team and come at them from behind. This works well in the earlier stages of a game and can kill or cause tremendous damage to multiple opponents at once.
• Hiding beside the attacking team's spawn can sometimes allow you to get the jump on and kill unaware players.

 Demoman

• While defending, place sticky bombs around the Payload. The opposing team's progress will be completely halted until they dare to approach the sticky-laden cart.

 Heavy

• To catch up with the bomb cart while spinning up your primary weapon, stand in front of the cart and it will move forward, healing you even thought the cart is pushing you. Note that to receive ammo, you have to go towards the end of the cart. (This strategy is not recommended for pl_frontier)
• The Heavy is very important for mounting or repelling attacks, but it is also very useful to have a Heavy push the cart and check for spies. Consider taking a medic with you and clearing the path before the payload beforehand, when Sentry nests have not yet been set up.

 Sniper

• Using Jarate on the Payload will often allow you to spread it's effect to multiple players at once, easing you and your teammates' efforts in killing them.

 Spy

• While the attacking team is pushing the cart, use the Your Eternal Reward to backstab the player positioned the furthest to the rear. This will allow you to disguise as them and momentarily take their place as you target and kill some of the more dangerous classes, easing up your teammates' efforts in halting any further advancement.