Camping
| “ | You camped da whole time for DIS?!
Click to listen
— The Scout
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” |
Camping is the term for tactics employed by players that largely involve waiting for enemies to come within a certain area. Often the camper will be poised in an advantageous position, and may continually return to the position after killing an enemy. Players that continally camp will rarely leave the location, and will not actively seek out opponents outside of the area.
Many consider camping a legitimate strategy, as they themselves are rarely placed in danger and can effectively prevent movement of enemy forces. The majoiry of players, however, consider camping a frustrating tactic that ruins overall enjoyment of the game for others; victims of camping rarely have time to adapt and counter the sudden attack, making it seem an unfair battle. As such, camping is largely frowned upon.
The gameplay in Team Fortress 2 requires teamwork and coordination, whereas camping if often conducted by a single player. Therefore should a player decide to camp, their lack of participation in the team such as acquiring objectives will often result in a loss for the offending side.
Tactics that Constitute Camping
- Waiting at an enemy Teleporter exit or respawn area until someone comes through in hopes of catching them off guard. Trapping people in spawn using camping tactics is often known as spawn camping. This can be done by a variety of classes, often Demomen placing sticky bombs around the spawn exit, Pyros spraying fire at the doorway or Engineers who manage to build Sentry Guns facing the door. The camping can be broken through the use of ÜberCharges.
- Demomen laying sticky traps in low traffic areas and waiting for long periods. Flanking the offending Demoman, possibly with a Scout, can dissuade him from further camping in the area.
- Turtling
Things that Do Not Constitute Camping
- Snipers staying in one position. Often a Sniper will chose the location due to high traffic, and in order to successfully build their charge meter with their Sniper Rifle. Should the Sniper be waiting in a location of little or no importance, then this may be considered camping.
- Demomen staying behind their sticky bomb carpets in strategic locations.
