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 Targe gives the Demoman blast and fire resistance. Use a weapon with a different form of attack. The Charge effect can be cancelled or delayed by using weapons with Stun, Slowdown and/or Knockback.

Trap Weapons

Weapon	Anti Demoman Strategy
Stickies can be destroyed with most weapons. Take them out from a safe distance to avoid being killed. 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. The Stickybomb Launcher has a lengthy reload time. Attack the Demoman when he's empty.
Scottish Resistance	The Scottish Resistance is not suited for direct combat. Pressure the Demoman, but 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 meleeing the Demoman.
Bottle / Frying Pan	Demomen may use the Bottle or Frying Pan as a weapon of last resort at close range. Since the Demoman's speed is below average, back up while attacking him when he is chasing you down with this weapon.
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 makes the Demoman much slower, making him an easier target.
Claidheamh Mòr	Because this weapon's only advantage is increased charge duration, once he charges, he is only a little stronger than an Eyelander Demoman with no heads.
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 make the Demoman miss and hit a wall. He will either die or severely injure himself. This weapon can easily take out or severely damage most classes, if you encounter a Demoman attempting to use this weapon against you, try to avoid getting in melee range. 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 standing in a straight line to a Demoman using this set-up.