Death Run

Death Run is a mod based off the Versus Saxton Hale gamemode, which strongly involves teamwork and fast thinking.

Gameplay

The objective in this game mode is to survive traps triggered by the opposite team. In most Death Run dedicated servers, the Red team consists of the "Runners" and the lone member of the Blu team is the "Activator". The runners must run through an obstacle course which is filled with traps[1] which are activated by either Saxton Hale or Billy the Doll from the "SAW" movie series. The activator is usually placed on the other side of a wall, which is specially made for him to see the runners while preventing the runners to see the activator. On the activator's side there are buttons to trigger the various traps and a platform which allows him to catch up with experienced players rushing the map[2]. On the activator's side, there is a narrow hallway with many traps which usually blend into the map, usually tricking players inexperienced with Death Run. There are also platforming sections which rely on jumping quick and not falling off, causing he player to die or lose his health quickly upon contact with a floor or water which lies below the map.

Endings

At the end of most Death Run maps, the remaining runners enter a room which allows them to choose one out of three endings:

• Minigame- The surviving runners and the activator are transported into separate area of the map where a game is played. If the runners complete the objective given, either the activator will be killed or the team consisting of the runners instantly wins.
• Humiliation- The remaining runners are teleported into a room where the activator is helplessly trapped. The runners are usually given a set of buttons which trigger traps that instantly kill the activator, similar to the traps throughout the map.
• Instant Win- The player is teleported into the activator's side and the runners instantly win. Between rounds, teammates are able to attack and possibly kill the activator, depending on his amount of health.
  • It is recommended to choose Instant Win if you are the last one alive or there is a small amount of players left.

Death Run Strategy

• Pay attention to sprays throughout the map, for most experienced players use sprays to mark both breakable floors and traps which are impossible to escape from.
• Many maps have breakable floors to prevent rushing, so always be careful when walking through normal looking walkways. It is reccomended to hit the floor with a weapon to avoid mistakes.
• Always look for easter eggs, which are usually very well hidden and require skill to access.
• Both Bonk! Atomic Punch and Übercharge allow you to survive crushing traps and a few exploding traps, but watch out for knockback and traps that drain health.
• Most maps have a "Deathwall"' which is unstoppable and can kill you on contact. Try to finish the map as fast as you can to avoid death.
• Many maps have a section with passageways, which only one is safe to pass. Always wait for somebody to show you the door to prevent using invalid advice.
• Most servers disable all primary and secondary weapons that can inflict damage. Try to equip melee weapons that increase your speed to rush through traps.
• It is recommended to equip a Sandvich or Dalokohs Bar/Fishcake while playing as a Heavy to restore health if using the Gloves of Running Urgently. This is also helpful for surviving traps that drain health.
• As a Medic you can heal a player stuck in an enclosed trap by using the Amputator.
• As a Demoman, take advantage of the Chargin' Targe to speed through long traps other classes wouldn't be fast enough to pass. However, you must be extra careful about breakable floors and holes when charging
• As a Spy, you can use your Invisibility Watch/Enthusiast's Timepiece to rush the map. You can also use your Dead Ringer's explosive damage resistance to survive traps other classes normally wouldn't.
• As a Soldier, use your Escape Plan to travel faster through the map, but watch out for falling damage. It is also recommended as well to equip a Buff Banner to slow down in platforming sections.