Community Demoman strategy

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Ka-BOOM!
“
Not one of ya's going to survive this!
Click to listen
— The Demoman just before detonating his stickybombs
 ”

One of the most powerful and versatile classes in the game, the Demoman can provide outstanding offensive and defensive support. Utilizing his Grenade or Sticky Launchers, the Demoman is able to attack without a line of sight to his target. While intended to be a defensive class with his ability to lay Stickybomb traps, the Demoman is also arguably the most effective melee class due to the long range of his melee attacks and the ability to perform charged dashes. Like the Soldier, the Demoman is also capable of performing explosive jumps, and can reach objectives well in advance of other classes once the jumps have been mastered. The Demoman is a rewarding class to learn but challenging and difficult to master, and is an ideal class for objective oriented players.

Quick tips

  • Strive to place Stickybombs on places that are not obvious to enemy players; if the Stickybombs are in plain sight of the enemy, they will have an opportunity to destroy the bombs before you can detonate them.
  • When fleeing, leave Stickybombs in your wake; you may be able to kill pursuers with properly timed detonations. Another advantage to this strategy is that pursuers may also pause to destroy the Stickybombs or choose an alternate route, giving one more time to escape to safety.
  • One distinct advantage the Demoman has over alternate classes is the ability to deliver damage where others cannot easily reach; try bouncing Grenades around corners, through windows, and onto battlements.
  • When defending a key target, try placing Stickybombs onto obscure areas of the objective and retreating to cover. One can then wait for an alert that the area is being captured, then detonate the Stickybombs in order to neutralize the enemy threat.
  • As a Demoman (especially when playing defensively), one should search for areas of the map that would make ideal Stickybomb traps for unsuspecting enemy players. Maintaining a safe distance from the trap, while keeping a clear view of it, would be an ideal scenario.
  • When aiming at a distant target, it may be more advantageous to skip Grenades across the ground rather than lobbing them through the sky.
  • The Demoman is one of the most effective Melee classes, with advantages including longer ranged melee weapons and charged dashing capabilities. However, in order to utilize these advantages effectively, one must try to employ ambush tactics in order to launch surprise attacks on enemy players.
  • Use Grenades and Stickybombs to disrupt enemy tactics, such as Heavy/Medic pairs, by using explosions to push the Medic away from the Heavy so each can be killed more easily. One can also use a large number of Stickybombs and detonate all of them at once to kill one or both targets.
  • Mastering Demoman Jumps, also called sticky jumps, can allow players to easily propel themselves behind enemy lines and take out unsuspecting players from either the rear or above.
  • The Demoman is the only class without hitscan weapons, meaning that most classes (especially Snipers or Scouts) have a high advantage over you at long distances.
  • Never underestimate the knockback potential of your explosives! A Scout under the effects of Bonk! Atomic Punch can be easily thrown into the air with a well-timed explosion, thus wasting his brief window of invincibility and leaving him wide open for the rest of the team. Do note that resourceful Scouts will abuse this knockback and propel themselves behind your lines, on a Control Point, or even next to your Medic. Watch out for this and use this brutal power with care.

Roles

  • The Demoman has two major roles:

Defense

Defense is the traditional role a Demoman will play, and is well suited to the class.

  • One of the more basic defensive strategies a Demoman will employ is placing well hidden Stickybombs on or near key strategic points on a map. When enemy players approach the target, a properly timed detonation can severely injure or kill passing enemies, and even if the stickies are spotted, they can delay and slow enemy pushes toward an objective.
  • Setting up Stickybomb traps in unexpected places are critical to their success. Hiding them behind escape routes and spamming grenades can make the enemy retreat and trap them during their retreat.
  • A Demoman is able to defend a lot of ground and multiple entry points through skilled use of Stickies and Grenades by setting up sticky traps and utilizing grenade spam in confined or narrow spaces. This strategy can be further extended with the use of the Scottish Resistance, allowing for multiple areas to be guarded simultaneously.
  • Maintaining pressure on choke points is another core Demoman defensive strategy. Once the enemy team begins to push through a chokepoint, a Demoman can singlehandedly obstruct any enemy progress by covering the area with Stickybombs and spamming Grenades at incoming opponents.
  • A Demoman can use Stickybombs to split apart or disrupt pushes and isolate enemies to allow for easy pickings.
  • The Demoman is effective at assisting Engineers fight off enemy Spies. Your attacks won't harm friendly buildings, so place one or two Stickybombs near a building, then wait nearby. When an Engineer says "Spy sapping my [building]," or if an Engineer just destroyed a Sapper, detonate the bombs to kill the Spy in case he is still there, then return to place more. You can also use the Scottish Resistance sticky bombs to protect friendly buildings from attacking Demoman sticky bombs.
  • Because the Stickybombs on the Scottish Resistance take a longer time to arm, it is better suited for defensive play.

Offense

  • When your team's progress is denied by a strong Engineer nest, switch to an offensive role to punch through their defenses. Along with the Spy and the Pyro, the Demoman is a team's best hope in clearing enemy Sentry Guns and Heavies.
  • The Demoman has one of the highest damage outputs, and when using both the Stickybomb and Grenade Launchers, a Demoman can clear out an entire Engineer nest, as well as enemies and other obstructions. This proves particularly effective when used with Medic ÜberCharges, allowing for an entire team to move forward.
  • Stickybombs are a very useful weapon, as their short detonation time, combined with their damage and splash range, can destroy enemy pushes and break stalemates. Multiple stickies can be used to take down slower and larger targets such as the Heavy.
  • Being a support Demoman is slightly harder than concentrating on offense or defense alone. A Demoman can lay down spam to hold enemies back, and also utilizing Stickybombs. This allows Demomen to hold ground for other teammates to advance forward.
  • Using a Demoknight set (generally seen as one of the shield weapons paired with a sword-based melee weapon) typically sets a Demoman to being more of a 1-v-1 oriented class, as single targets will be surprised and confused by charges. During large firefights and battles, Demoknights do not fare well as their longer range damage output is reduced, making Demomen more vulnerable to long-range damage.

Aerials

  • Aerial kills (commonly known as "Airshots") are one of the Demoman's specialties. When an enemy is launched into the air, a Demoman with good prediction skills can score a direct hit with his Grenade Launcher and kill the helpless enemy. While aerials are possible with the Stickybomb Launcher, it is not recommended due to damage falloff and the arming time.

Demoman Jumps

Grenade Jumping

  • For smaller jumps or when having a group of stickies already deployed elsewhere, it can be beneficial to use Grenade Jumping. This inflicts slightly less damage, and placed stickies are left undetonated. YouTube video on various grenade jumps.
  • Note that grenade jumps are less practical than Stickybomb jumps in situations where enemies may be nearby due to the fact that one must wait for the grenade to explode with the stock Grenade Launcher. However, Grenade Jumping is a very viable tactic with the Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen equipped, and it can easily catch people off guard when they find a Targe-equipped Demoman in an unexpected place.
    • Note that grenade jumping is easier with the Loose Cannon and Iron Bomber as for the former of the two, by overcharging the shot, the projectile's timer will run out, causing a point-blank detonation that allows for controlled grenade jumps, and for the latter, because the projectiles stay almost completely stationary until detonation, and self-damage is slightly reduced as opposed to self-damage from normal grenades.

Cannon Jumping

  • Similarly to the Beggar's Bazooka, overcharging the Loose Cannon causes an explosion directly in front of the player. By charging a cannonball for a full second, the detonation allows for an easily timed, much stronger jump at a greater health cost.
  • Since cannonballs can be immediately detonated, it allows for rocket jumping without surfaces. Additionally, since the cannonballs launch Demoman with the force of a multiple-Stickybomb explosion, it allows him to clear large distances much faster.
  • As cannon jumping allows for the mobility of stickybomb jumping, equipping an alternative secondary weapon is a viable option. By equipping the Chargin Targe, Splendid Screen or the Tide Turner, it's possible to choose a Demoknight loadout whilst keeping a useful jumping ability.

Stickybomb Jumping

  • Sticky jumping is also similar to rocket jumping. It allows a player to jump much higher at the cost of more health (45-114 excluding fall damage). To do this, lay a Stickybomb on the ground, run over it, crouch-jump, and then detonate the bomb. As when rocket jumping, crouching in mid-air before setting off the sticky will propel the player with even more force. Multiple stickies can be used for an even greater effect, at the cost of a higher amount of self damage.
  • Your angle to the Stickybomb when it is detonated determines your flight path. You can adjust when to detonate your Stickybombs to adjust your trajectory to be either more vertical or horizontal.
  • The Stickybomb Launcher can be replaced by the Sticky Jumper, which will remove all self damage when sticky jumping, allowing much farther and higher jumps. However, fall damage must still be taken into account.

Scottish Resistance

  • When sticky jumping with the Scottish Resistance, any stickies directly under the Demoman will be detonated when the alternate fire is activated, so long as there are no other stickies in the reticule. However, jumps with a lot of forward momentum are difficult to achieve with the Scottish Resistance unless the Stickybomb being used for the jump is being directly looked at -- essentially, the player will be facing away from the direction they wish to go when the bomb is detonated. This can take some practice to get used to.

Charge jumping(Trimping)

  • Charge jumps, or "Trimping" as it is called, can be performed by doing a charge with the Chargin Targe, Splendid Screen or Tide Turner in mid air while moving toward a sloped surface. This burst of speed will propel the player to great distances since the slope will typically point upwards. This is often executed by jumping while looking at a slope, and charging right before hitting the ground.
  • The Tide Turner's full turning mobility greatly extends the viability of Trimping. This is because charge turning whilst airborne will increase the speed of the charge, allowing jumps to have more distance. This also allows slopes that would previously fail to work to be jump-able, if the player jumps and turns towards the slope in order to gain sufficient speed to slide on it. The turning ability also allows the player to strafe around obstructions mid-jump without requiring to end the charge first, allowing for less restrictive and easier jumps. Much like the Loose Cannon, the Tide Turner allows players to choose a Demoknight loadout while having a very useful mobility option.
  • Depending on the map and slope, charge jumps (especially using the Tide Turner) may cover more ground than other jumps would, whilst retaining all health besides fall damage. This is even more apparent when multiple slopes are used for the jump.

Weapon-specific

Main article: Demoman weapons

Primary

Grenade Launcher + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Grenade Launcher
Stock
Grenade Launcher 		Killicon grenade launcher.png 4 16 84-123 22-64 42-74 270-330
Festive Grenade Launcher
Uncrate
Festive Grenade Launcher 		Killicon grenade launcher.png
Australium Grenade Launcher
Advanced+ Mann Up Reward
Australium Grenade Launcher 		Killicon grenade launcher.png

The Default Grenade Launcher is an easy-to-use weapon for the inexperienced and a deadly tool of destruction in the hands of an experienced player. It launches arcing/bouncing grenades that deal 100 damage at any range if they hit the target directly; if not a direct hit, these grenades will instead fall to the ground and explode, dealing 60 damage or less to any nearby enemies, after 2.28 seconds of exiting the Launcher. These grenades can damage multiple enemies at once and have travel time. The Default Grenade Launcher holds 4 of these grenades in a clip and has to reload each grenade individually once they are used; it holds 16 grenades in reserve. Variants of the Default Grenade Launcher share its basic properties, but also have their own special abilities and downsides added on as attributes.

  • Grenades explode on contact with an enemy, provided they have not touched anything first.
  • Grenades are used as an area denial tool when the Stickybomb Launcher or Scottish Resistance have no stickies loaded, or either the Sticky Jumper, or any of the Shields are equipped. The 2.28 second timer on grenades can deter enemies from advancing forward, and therefore, grenades contribute greatly to spam.
    • If BLU is trapped at their spawn point by RED and a resupply cabinet exists in BLU's spawn in a direct line of sight to the exit of the spawn point (e.g. Badwater Basin, Dust Bowl stage one) a BLU Demoman may stand next to that resupply cabinet and fire an endless stream of grenades out of spawn to try to break RED's defense.
  • Grenades may be shot around corners by bouncing them off walls, props, and carts at an angle.
  • Grenades spin when fired, which causes them to bounce unpredictably. This allows grenades to bounce around corners and randomly move after they have made surface contact.
  • Grenades launch slightly to the right of the cross-hair, so lead to the left to compensate. This is especially important for dealing with faster classes such as Pyros and Scouts, especially at closer ranges.
  • Keep in mind that it is very easy to avoid grenades at long and even medium range. Because of the grenade's low speed, enemies have a lot of time to react.
  • High angle fire at long distances can help to hit enemies behind cover and flush Engineer nests out.
  • If an enemy is about to run away, try to block his predicted escape route with some grenades. If the enemy's health is low enough to have them hesitate at running into the grenades, attempt to go for the kill.
  • The Grenade Launcher's large splash damage radius is useful against large groups of enemies in small, confined spaces.

Loch-n-Load

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Self Damage Critical
Loch-n-Load
Craft
Loch-n-Load 		Killicon loch-n-load.png 3 16 100 38-61 300

The Loch-n-Load is a Grenade Launcher that does 20% more damage to Buildings and has 25% faster projectiles. This all comes at the cost of 25% less splash range for its grenades, 1 less ammo in a clip (3), and bombs that shatter harmlessly on contact with the world.

  • The Loch-n-Load's extra damage to buildings is almost unnoticeable in most situations, however, it does allow you to destroy level 2 and 3 Buildings in 2 hits instead of 3.
  • The Loch-n-Load's extra projectile speed is one of its only redeeming attributes. Luckily, it is one of the best possible attributes to give to a Grenade Launcher.
    • This is because it makes it easier to land the ever-elusive direct grenade hits. It also gives you more range and less arc on the grenades.
    • The Loch-n-Load used to be an almost overpowered weapon with its increased damage to players, making it around equal to the Loose Cannon (both had more damage and more projectile speed). Now, it is mostly outshined by the Loose Cannon. Now, its only redeeming qualities over the Loose Cannon are its higher damage to buildings, longer range, 5% faster projectile speed, and easier-to-perform 100 damage direct hits.
    • The Loch-n-Load's increased shot velocity, means that the Loch-n-Load is a great weapon for tunnel fighting. It proves its worth in areas like the tunnels of Turbine and Hoodoo. The Loch-n-Load is especially useful for bigger and slower targets like the Heavy, who otherwise have a natural advantage in long, narrow tunnels.
    • A Demoman with a Loch-n-Load in any area where opponents are forced to enter through narrow areas, such as tunnels or chokepoints can wreak havoc, especially with critical hits or boosts. Combined with Stickybombs, the Demoman can deny access to chokepoints and, with some team support, will be very difficult to dislodge.
  • The downside of shattering grenades can be used to your advantage if an enemy Pyro is good with the airblast. Should the Pyro airblast the grenade but miss you and/or your teammates, the reflected grenade will shatter without any explosion whatsoever.
    • Deflecting these grenades is difficult in the first place, due to their fast movement speed and failure to rest on the ground, making this an excellent weapon against airblasting Pyros.
  • The Loch-n-Load has several downsides.
    • The Loch-n-Load's grenades shatter harmlessly on impact with the world, making them horrible at spam and area denial.
      • The lack of rollers means that you cannot block off areas as well as with other Grenade Launchers, and you also have a small disadvantage when fighting Buildings (but you also have an advantage at the same time).
      • The Loch-n-Load removes your ability to grenade jump, since the grenades only explode on impact with an enemy or enemy building. This means you will need to use sticky jumps to get to hard-to-reach areas.
    • The Loch-n-Load's grenades have a 25% smaller splash range, again, making it worse for spam and area denial, and also for attacking clusters of enemies/Buildings.
    • The Loch-n-Load's lack of 1 grenade means there is little room for error. You are also worse at crowd control.
      • This downside also increases the number of times you need to reload in the face of enemy aggression. It can be a good idea to switch to your Sticky Launcher of choice for extended battles, and switch to a suitable melee weapon rather than engage them at point blank.

Ali Baba's Wee Booties + reskins

Weapon Effect
Passive Effect
Ali Baba's Wee Booties
Craft
Ali Baba's Wee Booties

+25 maximum health on wearer.
+10% faster move speed on wearer. (Only if a shield is equipped simultaneously)
200% increase in turning control while charging.
Kills with melee weapons restore 25% of the charge meter.

Bootlegger
Craft
Bootlegger

The Ali Baba's Wee Booties/Bootlegger is a passive primary weapon that gives the Demoman 25 extra health at the cost of losing his Grenade Launcher. Used in conjunction with either the Chargin' Targe, the Splendid Screen or Tide Turner and a Melee weapon, you can become a melee-based offensive powerhouse; you gain 200% more charge turning control (triple), 25% charge meter restored on melee kill, and 10% increased movement speed. This comes at the cost of all of your ranged weapons.

  • The main problem with this strategy is the loss of all explosive/ranged weapons. An enemy who the Demoman normally dominates, the Engineer and his Buildings, suddenly becomes his worst nightmare. Because of this, it is necessary to plan your engagements and to avoid conflict when appropriate.
    • In Medieval Mode, the loss of ranged weaponry is no longer an issue.
  • The 10% boost the boots provide (assuming you also have a Shield equipped) allow you (at 103% speed) to pursue all classes except the Medic and Scout with any of your melee weapons except the Scotsman's Skullcutter. Your superior speed coupled with the resistances of your shield and the increased range of many of your melee weapons will give you a surprising edge against even many ranged opponents.
  • The extra health from the Ali Baba's Wee Booties can be useful for both Demomen and Demoknights.
  • The extra shield turning control and charge restoration don't match that of the Tide Turner, but they do allow the other two shields to become pseudo-Tide Turners.
  • Synergy
    • The Ali Baba's Wee Booties are great for boosting the abilities of any Demoknight, and some Demomen.
    • Together with the Eyelander and Splendid Screen, and with 4 heads (5 for max shield damage) or more, the Ali Baba's Booties will make you almost unstoppable. You will have 235 maximum health (2nd highest in-game), which is a whole 35 health more than a maximum health Soldier; you also get 350 max Overheal. You will also have 136% base movement speed (3rd highest in-game, behind Crit-a-Cola and Baby Face's Blaster Scouts), 3% more than the Default Scout; your shield charge is actually much faster than this, at 250% speed. Your Splendid Screen will also be dealing up to 128 damage shield bashes, killing Scouts, Snipers, Engineers, Spies or injured enemies in just one hit. You also have a melee weapon that deals 195 damage if used correctly in conjunction with a shield charge. You also turn 200% more effectively while charging, regain 25% charge and 15 health on melee kill (can get Overheal), have 20% resistance to both Fire and Explosives, have a default shield recharge time that is double of other shields, and can remove debuffs (Bleed, Jarate, Mad Milk, and Fire) by charging. Clearly, this is the most powerful possible Demoknight setup. The only problem is gaining the 5 heads in the first place, and staying alive. Once you die, all your health, speed and shield damage is lost.

Loose Cannon

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage
Splash Damage
(mid-air)
Splash Damage
(after bounce) 		Self Damage Critical
Loose Cannon
Craft
Loose Cannon 		Killicon loose cannon.png 4 16 57-77 22-64 11-32 56-104 202
Killicon loose cannon pushed.png

The Loose Cannon is a Grenade Launcher whose damage is dealt as a 50 damage Direct Hit and a 60 damage explosion that occurs soon afterward (instead of as a 100 damage Direct Hit). The cannonballs launched by the Loose Cannon explode in a maximum of 1 second (instead of 2.3) and can be charged to explode even earlier. The cannonballs also feature a 20% faster projectile speed, immense Knockback, and the ability to Double Donk foes; if the Direct Hit and explosion occur within half-a-second of each other, the explosion will be a mini-crit.

  • For novice players, the 50% reduced direct damage can make the Loose Cannon feel much weaker than the other Grenade Launchers. However, don't be fooled; the Loose Cannon can actually deal 31 more damage per cannonball (~131) if successful Double Donks are achieved. As these Double Donks usually require good timing and aim to pull off, practice is necessary to get them consistently.
  • As well as being able to perform Double Donks, the Loose Cannon's charge meter has a variety of fiddly tricks that it can pull off.
    • One such trick is the ability to cause mid-air explosions (~40 damage each), similarly to the Detonator (a Pyro weapon). This can be useful for hitting fast-moving targets such as Scouts, or Pyros using Compression blast.
    • Another trick is the ability to perform very effective Grenade-jumps. There are two methods for doing this. The first is jumping and looking at the ground/wall as the cannonball explodes while it is still in the chamber (similar to an overload jump). Another method is to release the cannonball with less than half-a-second fuse time and to jump off that, like a regular Grenade-jump.
    • Yet another trick is the ability to hold down the fuse meter and let it explode while it is still in the chamber (Kamikaze), in order to damage nearby enemies. You will take around 60 damage from the explosion, but so will your foe. This can be a useful last resort, especially for fighting Scouts.
    • A fifth trick of this charge meter, is the ability to self-damage yourself by exploding the cannonball while it is in the chamber, in order to assist Medics wielding the Default Medi Gun or Kritzkrieg in building up ÜberCharges at the maximum rate. These weapons build up their ÜberCharges faster if the target has minimal Overheal or has low health. The Quick-Fix and Vaccinator can benefit from this also, however, their Overheal is actually stunted, so most of the time they are building up ÜberCharges at the maximum rate anyway.
  • The Loose Cannon's high Knockback is useful in a variety of situations.
    • The Knockback is powerful for a defensive Demoman wielding a Stickybomb Launcher variant. The Knockback can be used to push enemies into Sticky-traps (Stickybombs attached to surfaces).
    • Yet again, the Knockback is useful for a defensive Demoman, regardless of what secondary he is using. If being chased by a horde of enemies, the Knockback can be greatly useful for pushing them back, giving you time to escape.
    • The Knockback can also be used very aggressively, pushing enemies away from areas that you deem off-limits.
    • The Knockback can be used to push enemies into hazards or off cliffs (Environmental death).
  • The Loose Cannon's fast projectile speed may not be as impressive as the Loch-n-Load's (+20% instead of +25%), however, it is still higher than the other two Grenade Launcher variants. It can be useful in any situation.
    • On Offense, the faster projectile speed allows you to kill enemies faster and gives them less time to react.
    • On Defense, the faster projectile speed is helpful yet again; it can be used to keep up the pressure on advancing enemies.
    • The faster projectile speed also increases the range of the cannonballs (they are still short-ranged due to having extremely short fuse) and lessens the arc of the cannonballs.
  • The shorter fuse time of the Loose Cannon is great for making temporary traps for pursuing enemies to walk over.
  • Despite having many upsides and special abilities, the Loose Cannon does have some noticeable downsides.
    • The Loose Cannon requires a lot of practice for it to be effective at combat.
    • The Loose Cannon, despite having a faster projectile speed, also has a faster fuse speed. Although the faster fuse can be a good attribute, it is also bad because it decreases the range of the Loose Cannon's cannonballs (although the faster projectile speed increases the range slightly).
    • The Loose Cannon may be the most powerful at PVP (Player vs Player) but it is possibly the worst Grenade Launcher variant at PVB (Player vs Building). Double Donks don't work against Buildings, but the damage of each cannonball overall still matches that of the Default Grenade Launcher. However, when fighting buildings that are under guard by an Engineer, stronger burst damage is more important than weaker, sustained damage.
  • Synergy
    • Paired with the Scottish Resistance, this weapon is one of the pinnacle weapons in defense. Paired with several Sentry Guns, and Heavies positioned near Dispensers, with adequate Spy checking, this position is nearly impossible to break through and you will easily stop anything short of an Übercharge. The Loose Cannon's role here is long range support, knockback, and well-timed air detonations.
      • The knockback is especially useful here since you can fire Scottish Resistance Stickybombs behind enemies and knock them into the traps despite the Stickybombs' long arm time.
      • Even without directly hitting an enemy, you may still do so by scaring your enemies into retreating with a cannonball explosion in mid-air.
    • Paired with the Quickiebomb Launcher or Default Stickybomb Launcher, the Loose Cannon can be used very effectively on offense. The Knockback can be useful for pushing enemies back, which allows room for devastating damage from the Stickybomb Launcher.
    • Paired with any shield, the Loose Cannon can still do a lot of work. Being the highest damage-dealer, most effective at Grenade-jumping, and best for self-defence and creating temporary traps, the Loose Cannon is the obvious choice for any Hybrid Demoknight. The only trouble is running into any Sentry Guns.
    • Paired with the Sticky Jumper, the Loose Cannon offers similar utility to when it is paired with the shields. It can be combined with the Sticky Jumper to perform Air-jumps.

B.A.S.E. Jumper

Weapon Effect
Activation Active effect
B.A.S.E. Jumper
Craft
B.A.S.E. Jumper 		Press "Jump" in mid-air to deploy chute Decrease descend speed and acceleration

The B.A.S.E Jumper is a craftable Primary weapon for the Demoman. When Demoman is in mid air, he can activate it by pressing the jump key (default key: Spacebar) to activate a parachute, slowing and capping his vertical descent and allowing him to better control his ability to strafe. Pressing the jump key again will deactivate the parachute, allowing the Demoman to fall normally. The player can then reactivate the parachute in midair, as many times as they want. Players can attack with any of their weapons while the parachute is deployed.

  • The B.A.S.E Jumper is greatly situational, as many official maps have a lower ceiling when compared to custom maps, and made even less effective when used indoors. Nonetheless, its decreased descend speed allow the Demoman to cross wider chasms.
  • B.A.S.E Jumper can help extend a jump's duration.

Iron Bomber

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Iron Bomber
Craft
Iron Bomber 		Killicon iron bomber.png 4 16 84-123 20-58 38-67 243-297

The Iron Bomber fires grenades that have a 15% smaller blast radius except for the Demoman who fired it. In exchange, the grenades fired from this weapon have very little bounce and roll and the fuse time of the grenades is reduced by 30% (to 1.4 seconds). They will stay in the relative area of where they were launched. This makes it easier to hit enemies.

  • The Iron Bomber can be used as a form of 'pseudo Stickybomb Launcher' because the grenades do not move very much on fall and they have shorter fuse times. However, they do not have remote detonation.
  • Due to the nature of how the grenades stay in one place, this can help achieve airshots more easier.
  • This can also be a replacement of the Stickbomb Launchers for Sticky Jumping, if you're using a shield as a secondary, since the grenades don't move much and have shorter fuse times.
  • Instead of directly hitting your opponent with the grenades, scatter the grenades near your opponent to scare them off, and this can help the Demoman in fighting lone classes easier, such as the Scout.
  • This weapon can be used both offensively and defensively, use this in conjunction with the Scottish Resistance, for probably the best results.

Secondary

Stickybomb Launcher + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Stickybomb Launcher
Stock
Stickybomb Launcher 		Killicon stickybomb launcher.png 8 32 120 60-124 45-114 261
Festive Stickybomb Launcher
Uncrate
Festive Stickybomb Launcher 		Killicon stickybomb launcher.png
Item icon Rust Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher.png Item icon Blood Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher.png Item icon Silver Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher.png Item icon Gold Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher.png Item icon Carbonado Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher.png Item icon Diamond Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher.png

Botkiller Stickybomb Launcher

Killicon stickybomb launcher.png
Australium Stickybomb Launcher
Advanced+ Mann Up Reward
Australium Stickybomb Launcher 		Killicon stickybomb launcher.png

The Stickybomb is one of the defining features of Demoman play. Stickybombs are detonated by using your alternative fire (default key Mouse2), no matter which weapon is currently out.

Some basic pointers for planting Stickybombs are:

  • After planting Stickybombs around the intelligence or a control point, the Demoman is free to leave the area. Look at the Capture the Flag or Capture Point HUD elements, or listen for the announcements of "The enemy has taken our Intelligence" or "Our Control point is being captured" and detonate the Stickybombs. Make sure to keep an eye on the total number of fired stickies, as the enemy could be destroying them before stepping onto the point.
  • When guarding other strategic locations, place Stickybombs that are either out of sight until it's too late, or in well hidden/odd places (such as on ceilings, under stairs, above automatic doors, etc.). You can also place stickies directly on the objectives, where they will be hidden by them.
  • Never forget that Stickybombs can be launched across the visible distance of most open maps. Aim for windows, Sniper ledges, and other populated areas. When the trajectory is right, lob in a few bombs and detonate them to clear the room.
  • If Stickybombs are clustered too closely, enemy Pyros or Demomen can clear them away with a single shot. Demomen using the Scottish Resistance or Quickiebomb Launcher can destroy Stickybombs outright. To counter this, spread your stickies out across the area.
  • Don't stand still when placing a lot of stickies near objectives like the Payload cart or a control point. Doing so will make you susceptible to headshots, backstabs, and any other form of damage.
  • Place Stickybombs around Health packs if you feel like killing your enemies ironically.
    • However, this may not work well with small Health packs, due to being almost as small as the stickies themselves.
  • If it is too dangerous to pop out of cover to set Stickybombs onto a Sentry Gun, try shooting them as close to Sentry Gun as you can without revealing yourself. The splash damage will take out the Sentry Gun just fine, but it may require a few more stickies as an alert Engineer will be able to destroy them. The Scottish Resistance can counteract this problem with its increased rate-of-fire.
  • If an enemy is on a control point, wait a moment before detonating, as they may have seen the Stickybombs and might try to trick you into detonating too early.
  • Do not underestimate the power of air-detonated stickies. The ability to detonate stickies in midair allows one to attack with great precision for high damage.
  • To use stickies in an offensive battle, constantly launch stickies and detonate them as soon as possible. The constant flow of damage can add up very quickly, along with the fact that the Demoman may have an easier time laying them out in the heat of a battle in which they are not the only target. This method can be very effective, easily killing bigger classes such as Heavy/Medic combos.
    • Or, it is also possible to lay down a small carpet of stickies and then blast the enemies to pieces.
  • While holding down the detonate button will detonate stickies as soon as they are primed, it also prevents the sticky launcher from beginning to auto-reload, so it may be advisable simply to tap the detonate button repeatedly.
  • Holding down the fire key will charge your shots, enabling you to shoot stickies much farther then normal. This can be used to great effect when engaged by faraway enemies such as Snipers.

Chargin' Targe + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Damage Effect
Charge Damage Charge Speed Recharge Time Resistances
Chargin' Targe
Unlock
Chargin' Targe 		Killicon chargin' targe.png 50+10 per head (up to 5) 750 Hammer units/sec (638 Hammer units/sec with Scotsman's Skullcutter) 12 seconds (6 with Persian Persuader) 50% fire resistance and 30% explosive resistance.
Festive Chargin' Targe
Uncrate
Festive Chargin' Targe 		Killicon chargin' targe.png

The Chargin' Targe is an unlockable secondary for the Demoman that allow him to charge forward. It also grants him partial fire and explosive resistance and the ability of getting rid of debuffs. However, these benefits come at the cost of his Stickybomb Launcher.

  • The Chargin' Targe is a shield: just equipping it gives the Demoman resistance to both explosions and fire. A Demoman at full health (even with items that reduce health, such as the Eyelander) can survive a critical rocket if he has the Targe equipped.
  • Keep an eye on your Charge meter, as its color will tell you the effects of the Targe - white is recharging or charged, green is a recently-activated charge (less than 50% used), yellow means your next attack will be a Mini-crit, and red means that your next melee attack will be a full strength Critical hit. The red zone also means that colliding with an enemy will cause the Targe itself to inflict damage. (50 Damage + 10 damage for each head you have, up to 5 heads.)
    • You must be quick to react and time your attacks well, as the "red zone" will only be active during the last 25% of the charge.
    • Be aware that grenades will not Crit near the end of your charge.
  • Try to attack enemies that are unaware of your presence.
  • Charging down long hallways can force enemies back and give you an improved chance at getting a kill.
  • The shield bash at the end of a full charge of the Targe deals a good amount of damage; it is useful for finishing off targets you have already damaged.
  • The Force-A-Nature's knockback, the Flamethrower's compression blast, Sentry Guns, arrows, Natascha's speed reduction, and the explosive force of grenades, rockets, and Stickybombs will all interrupt your charge.
  • During a Charge, you move at 750 Hammer Units per second; two and a half times faster than the Engineer, Pyro, Spy, or Sniper, and 87.5% faster than the Scout. The charge also overrides the game's built-in cap for movement speeds, enabling you to move faster than any other character in the game, including a Scout with a fully-charged Boost meter for the Baby Face's Blaster. If you are in danger, you can use the charge to quickly escape from the battle and save your life. Just be aware that your lateral movement ability is severely reduced during a charge, so you may make yourself an easy target for an enemy with good aim.
  • In maps with areas of deep water, charging out by aiming in a vertical direction can surprise your enemy.
  • When you hit an enemy with a charge, a loud sound will play; right after that, you can hit the enemy with your melee weapon to get a Critical hit. This can kill most classes before they can react.

Scottish Resistance

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Scottish Resistance
Unlock
Scottish Resistance 		Killicon scottish resistance.png 8 36 120 60-124 45-114 261

The Scottish Resistance is an unlockable Stickybomb Launcher that is intended primarily for defensive play. It allows the user to detonate Stickybombs in groups, at a cost of reduced offensive potential.

  • The Scottish Resistance is far more effective for creating and managing Stickybomb traps than the normal sticky launcher because of the large number of bombs it can place and the ability to detonate individual groups of bombs.
  • Although primarily used for defense, the Scottish Resistance can still be an effective offensive weapon. Its fast rate of fire can be used in direct combat, but not in the same way as the normal Stickybomb Launcher. One tactic is to launch Stickybombs behind enemies and then attack using the Grenade Launcher. This can cause enemies to retreat, thereby causing them to move backwards through the newly-created sticky trap. This technique helps to offset the longer priming time of the Scottish Resistance. When under the effects of an ÜberCharge, the technique can be used just as effectively without using the Grenade Launcher, as enemies will often retreat when confronted by an ÜberCharged player. It's important to consider the speed of enemy players when using this technique, as the Stickybombs should be placed close behind slower classes such as the Soldier and the Heavy, but further behind faster classes such as the Scout. This will ensure that the Stickybombs have time to prime before the enemy reaches them.
    • Another offensive strategy made possible with the quick firing rate is to shoot a few Stickybombs right in front of an incoming Heavy or a Sentry Gun, as you can place 3 or 4 without taking too much damage. When using this strategy, watch your health so that you have enough to retreat and detonate the bombs.
  • When defending anywhere, especially places like tunnels, having 2-3 distinct groups of main bombs (2-4 per group) on the corner/doorway and 1-2 secondary groups (1-2 bombs) hidden along a retreat route can help you single-handily hold a position. Detonate individual main groups to take out incoming enemies, and if an enemy gets past, lure them into the secondary traps.
  • The longer arming time prevents the Scottish Resistance from being used to deal damage as quickly as the normal Sticky Launcher. It also is much harder to perform airbursts using the Scottish Resistance. While the bombs arm slower, the faster firing can be used to create "offensive" carpets. Instead of creating a trap and waiting for enemies to walk near it, it is possible to place bombs around enemy players quickly and then detonate once several stickies are out. This has the effect of rapidly denying enemies room to maneuver, and enemies in the area being carpeted will usually take at least some damage once the carpet is detonated. This technique works best in chokepoints.
    • Some enemies may panic as the area around them rapidly becomes covered in stickies, and cause them to either rush forward blindly (into a trap) or run away; if they charge, be prepared to hit them with your Grenade Launcher. This method of attack also works wonders against unaware opponents, since many players are oblivious to stickies being placed around them until it's too late.
  • While the Scottish Resistance does require the user to be looking in the general direction of the bombs they set, they do not have to have line of sight to the bombs in question. This allows you to be detonate them no matter what their location is on the map, provided the crosshair is fixated on the general area of your trap(s). This can prove invaluable if someone begins capturing a Control Point or takes the Intelligence while the rest of the team is preoccupied elsewhere.
  • Remember that the Scottish Resistance can destroy enemy Stickybombs.
    • You can use this to destroy enemy Stickybombs that are placed outside of your spawn, without risk of being harmed.
    • Another application is to place Stickybombs with the Scottish Resistance around friendly Engineer buildings, and detonate your stickies if an enemy Demoman attempts to destroy the buildings through Stickybombs. This will also prove useful against enemy Spies, as they will likely have their Sapper prepared to sap the buildings when you detonate.

Sticky Jumper

Weapon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Sticky Jumper
Craft
Sticky Jumper 		8 72 N/A N/A N/A N/A

The Sticky Jumper is a craftable sticky launcher that allows you to create Stickbombs that deal no damage, allowing you to jump without losing health. Though it is very useful for practicing Sticky jumping, there are also some situational uses in real matches.

  • The Sticky Jumper is incapable of dealing damage to enemies, so it cannot be used to launch enemies. Keep this in mind when using it.
  • Using the Sticky Jumper with the Pain Train can make be an effective method for point capturing. However, the Pain Train will make you vulnerable to bullets. It's best to use this combo against unguarded points or right after the previous point was captured.
  • Due to the 100% reduction on self-damage, Demomen can perform multibomb Sticky Jumps without the need of a Medic. This can be used as a hasty retreat method or as a means to get behind enemy lines.
  • In open Arena maps, the Sticky Jumper allows you to propel yourself and land behind the enemy team at the beginning of a round, when all players are packed together. This allows you to surprise them and perhaps even get the First Blood buff to deal even greater damage.
  • While the Sticky Jumper allows you to sticky jump without taking self-damage, don't forget that you still receive damage from falling.
  • Since the Sticky Jumper replaces your Stickybomb Launchers and Shields, you should bring with you a Grenade Launcher and a Melee weapon that doesn't rely too much on using a shield to be effective.
    • However, the Sticky Jumper replaces the function of a shield to get within melee range, so the Eyelander and Scotsman's Skullcutter can be surprisingly effective.
  • Don't use the Sticky Jumper just for getting to your destination; if you're being overrun by a powerful threat, quickly sticky jump away back to safety.
  • The Sticky Jumper can also be used to cut off the enemy's transportation and supply. Simply sticky jump to their spawn and destroy their Teleporters and Dispensers with your Grenade Launcher or Melee weapon.
  • You cannot carry the Intelligence in CTF games, or the Australium in Special Delivery when using this weapon. Keep this in mind.
    • However, Medics healing you with a Quick-Fix will also gain any velocity applied to you from sticky jumping. This allows the Medic to sticky jump alongside you, and they are able to carry the Intelligence while doing so.

Splendid Screen

Weapon Kill Icon Damage Effect
Charge Damage Charge Speed Recharge Time Resistances
Splendid Screen
Craft
Splendid Screen 		Killicon splendid screen.png 85+17 per head (up to 5) 750 Hammer units/sec (638 Hammer units/sec with Scotsman's Skullcutter) 6 20% fire resistance and 20% explosive resistance.
  • The Splendid Screen, at the cost of less fire and explosive resistance than the Chargin' Targe, is capable of doing more bash damage and recharges 50% faster
  • The Eyelander also pairs well with the Splendid Screen as the increased charge damage from having more heads offered by the former stacks with the increased charge impact damage from the latter.
    • With 5+ heads, the Splendid Screen will deal 170 damage on impact; enough to kill 5 out of 9 non-overhealed classes, and bring 3 more into critical health. If combined with a critical melee swing, this will kill all but overhealed Heavies.
  • The Splendid Screen has a "hidden advantage" over other shields; its damage is great enough to cause an airblast-like knock back effect, use this to your advantage when faced against similar Demomen wielding a different shield.
    • The shield knockback can cause an enemy charging Demoman to lose his charging Crits.
  • Keep in mind that because the Screen offers less fire and explosive resistance than the Targe; it will still be somewhat easy for Pyros, Soldiers, and other Demomen to do away with you if you're not careful.

Tide Turner

Weapon Kill Icon Damage Effect
Charge Damage Charge Speed Recharge Time Resistances
Tide Turner
Craft
Tide Turner 		Killicon tide turner.png 50+10 per head (up to 5) 750 Hammer units/sec (638 Hammer units/sec with Scotsman's Skullcutter) 12 seconds (3 if you score a kill a melee kill during the recharging) 15% fire resistance and 15% explosive resistance.
  • The Tide Turner trades off the resistance of the Chargin' Targe for full turning control while charging and the ability to refill 75% of the charge meter if a melee kill is made whilst the shield is recharging.
  • After charging, be sure to make a melee kill to partially refill your charge.
    • If done properly, it is possible to rampage through enemy lines if each charge "ends with" a melee kill.
  • Because of the full turning control, it is not suggested to use Ali Baba's Wee Booties with the Tide Turner if you only use them for the turning ability.
  • Taking damage while charging will cause your charge meter to deplete faster. For this reason, it is preferrable to charge into enemy players from behind to catch them unaware.

Quickiebomb Launcher

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Base Damage Splash Damage Self Damage Critical
Quickiebomb Launcher
Craft
Quickiebomb Launcher 		Killicon quickiebomb launcher.png 4 24 102 51-105 38-97 222
  • The Quickiebomb Launcher allows Demomen to fire bombs, that are armed 0.2 seconds faster, also it has a 70% increased charge rate and based on charge, the damage can be increased up to 35% of default damage, and its able to destroy enemy stick bombs like the Scottish Resistance can, however these stats, come with the cost of -50% clip size (4 instead of 8) and 15% less damage when uncharged.
  • Thanks to the 0.2 seconds faster bomb arm time, which makes the bombs get armed in about half a second, this weapon is very good at not only "quick in-combat detonations", but also airbursts.
  • The 70% faster charging, that makes it so the charge fills in only about a second, compared to "the regular" 4 seconds, and the damage increase based on charge, make the Quickiebomb Launcher better than excellent at "stick sniping"
    • Thus because of the attributes, this weapon can be a massive threat against Snipers, if one manages to lob in a couple full charge bombs, enemies will be blown to smithereens without much of an issue.
      • Note that one needs to have the enemy not knowing that they are there, otherwise the enemies may retreat and/or destroy the bombs, but if they don't, then they'll be blown up.
  • Due to the fact that the weapon has only half the clip size of other sticky launchers, it can be difficult to keep pressure against enemies, but if the planned usage of the weapon doesn't include "mass spamming" of the weapon, then it may not be an issue.

Melee

Bottle + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Bottle
Stock
Bottle 		Killicon bottle.png 0.8 seconds 65 195
Frying Pan
Promotional
Frying Pan 		Killicon frying pan.png
Saxxy
Promotional
Saxxy 		Killicon saxxy.png
Conscientious Objector
Craft
Conscientious Objector 		Killicon conscientious objector.png
Scottish Handshake
Craft
Scottish Handshake 		Killicon scottish handshake.png
Freedom Staff
Promotional/Craft
Freedom Staff 		Killicon freedom staff.png
Bat Outta Hell
Drop
Bat Outta Hell 		Killicon bat outta hell.png
Ham Shank
Drop
Ham Shank 		Killicon ham shank.png
Necro Smasher
Achievement
Necro Smasher 		Killicon necro smasher.png
Crossing Guard
Uncrate
Crossing Guard 		Killicon crossing guard.png

The Demoman's Melee weapon, a Bottle of Scrumpy, is valuable as an emergency fall-back, and is the only type of weapon you can use in close-combat without injuring yourself.

  • The Bottle should be used in the same way as most other melee weapons: when enemies are too close or too fast to hit with a Grenade (or if you don't have time to reload the Grenade Launcher).

Eyelander + reskins

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Healing
Point Blank Critical From Kill
Eyelander
Unlock
Eyelander 		Killicon eyelander.png 0.8 seconds 65 195 15
Australium Eyelander
Advanced+ Mann Up Reward
Australium Eyelander 		Killicon eyelander.png
Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker
Craft
Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker 		Killicon horseless headless horsemann's headtaker.png
Nessie's Nine Iron
Craft
Nessie's Nine Iron 		Killicon nessie's nine iron.png

The Eyelander is an unlockable melee weapon that gives you extended melee range, and also allowing you to become stronger with each melee kill you earn. It has the downside of -25 base health.

  • It is a good idea to use the Eyelander with one of the shields. However, a Demoman with 4 decapitations and a Sticky Launcher is a massive threat. Head count is not reset until death, so a Demoman can use the Chargin' Targe until he accumulates 4 heads, then return to a resupply cabinet and switch to the Stickybomb Launcher of his choice. With over 200 HP and the second fastest run speed in the game, an Eyelander Demoman using the Sticky Launcher can be a very powerful enemy and one to avoid at all costs, especially if he has a Medic.
    • Another option would be to switch to the Splendid Screen. With 5 heads, your charge bash will do 170 damage, enough to kill 5 out of the 9 classes, and your follow-up Crit melee swing will do a total of 365 damage, enough to kill anything besides an overhealed Heavy.
    • The Sticky Jumper can also pair well with the Eyelander. Although getting the first two heads are difficult due to your slow speed and lack of a charge, once you have several, your high speed allows you to fly over obstacles and take enemies by surprise. Your initial heads can be taken from either slow classes you weakened with your Grenade Launcher, or unaware Snipers or Spies.
  • The Eyelander has a very long range for a melee weapon. Get comfortable with its area of effect and take this into account when going for a critical charge.
  • Time your charges correctly with the Splendid Screen if you have the Eyelander. The high charge damage can deprive you of claiming your enemy's head.
  • If possible, weaken the enemy with the Grenade Launcher first before killing him with the Eyelander.
  • Be aware that the Eyelander 'hits' near the beginning of the swing animation, rather than at the middle. Keep this in mind so you don't accidentally 'under-shoot' an attack, especially when using the sword in conjunction with the Chargin' Targe.
  • Decapitating an enemy Demoman who also has the Eyelander equipped allows you to steal any heads he has accumulated.
  • Without any heads, sticky jumping becomes a much more risky endeavor. If you intend to utilize sticky jumping, it may be wise to equip a different melee weapon or use the Sticky Jumper.
  • Inattentive Snipers are an excellent target for Eyelander-wielding Demomen seeking to collect heads, as it will take only two successful hits to decapitate a Sniper, three if they are wielding the Darwin's Danger Shield.
    • The Decapitation taunt kill is useful here if the said Sniper isn't paying attention and no one is nearby, resulting in a realiable one hit kill.

Pain Train

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Pain Train
Craft
Pain Train 		Killicon pain train.png 0.8 seconds 65 195

The Pain Train is a craftable melee weapon that enables you to cap points twice as fast, at the cost of 10% increased bullet vulnerability.

  • The Pain Train is situational. It's best used on Capture Point and Payload, especially when the enemy defenses are about to fall or when your team needs to close the distance on a Payload Race. It can also prove extremely handy on King of the Hill maps, but it is useless in Capture the Flag or when defending on an Attack/Defend Control Point map. Equip another melee weapon instead.
  • You should not equip the Pain Train if you are having trouble with Heavies and Scouts, as the increased bullet damage makes these already annoying enemies nearly impossible to beat in some situations. If you're using the Chargin' Targe as well, Pyros and Soldiers might forgo their primary weapons for the Shotgun to kill you faster.
  • The Pain Train is also effective for back-capping, as it gives the Demoman a Scout's capturing capabilities. This works well with the Chargin' Targe for getting to an enemy point fast, and Stickybomb jumping for wide open/raised points (like Badlands 2nd and 4th capture points, or Gravel Pit C). The weakness to bullets it grants makes Scouts, Heavies and Snipers all the more dangerous for you, so it's best to keep alert when attempting to do this and use stickies and grenades to lock down the point's entrances.
  • The Pain Train is useful in Medieval Mode when attacking, due to the fact that bullet-based weapons are not allowed. Note, however, that shield bashes count as bullet damage.

Scotsman's Skullcutter

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Effect
Point Blank Critical Move Speed
Scotsman's Skullcutter
Craft
Scotsman's Skullcutter 		Killicon scotsman's skullcutter.png 0.8 seconds 78 234 280 Hammer units/sec

The Scotsman's Skullcutter is a craftable melee weapon that increases the Demoman's melee damage and range at the cost of movement speed. Unlike most other non-stock melee weapons for the Demoman, the Skullcutter can inflict crits randomly.

  • The Skullcutter finds good applications when a Demoman is also using a shield or when holding down an area, such as the Intelligence room of a CTF map.
  • When combined with the guaranteed critical hit of the Chargin' Targe or the Splendid Screen, the Skullcutter is capable of killing almost any class in a single blow.
  • Due to the charge speed being reduced with this weapon, try to attack unsuspecting enemies so that they cannot dodge your charge.
  • Sticky jumps can help a Demoman with the Skullcutter into combat range, though this is very risky unless you are using the Sticky Jumper.
  • Thanks to the recent patch that makes this weapon debuff your speed solely while the weapon is active, and the fact that it does more damage than the Bottle and can still inflict random crits, this weapon can almost be seen as a direct upgrade to the Bottle, provided you use it as a sidearm to your explosive weapons. In tight spaces you should still be able to maneuver into a position where your increased range will allow you to damage your opponent, so if you're not dedicated to melee combat you could find this weapon very handy.

Ullapool Caber

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Explosion Total Self-Damage Critical
Ullapool Caber
Craft
Ullapool Caber 		Killicon ullapool caber.png 0.8 seconds 55 75 110 52-55 330
Killicon ullapool caber explode.png 0.8 seconds 55 N/A 35 0 105

The Ullapool Caber is a melee weapon that explodes on contact with an enemy or the world. The downside of this effect is a large amount of self damage and the inability to explode again, unless you visit a Resupply locker.

  • The Caber is generally a last-resort weapon, one best used to take an enemy down with you. One critical Direct Hit will kill any class from base health except an overhealed Heavy.
  • The explosion will launch you particularly high in the air. It's quite possible to use this, either on its own or in conjunction with a Stickybomb jump, to reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
    • This functions especially well on DeGroot Keep, allowing you to jump up to the battlements atop the castle. This is useful for killing especially annoying Snipers, as most of them will find attacks at melee range a surprise.
  • If you find yourself falling off a cliff or getting pushed into a death pit, this weapon can be used to blast yourself back into the playing field—with a little luck.
  • After the Caber explodes, the weapon will still function as a melee weapon, but does far less damage than other melee weapons, such as the Bottle.
  • This is a powerful Spy checking weapon, as it will explode instantly if you make contact with a Spy. However, its explosion also affects you greatly, so make sure to use it in a place where you can be healed. Try to do this in the safety of your base or where a Dispenser is nearby. However, bear in mind that the Dead Ringer invalidates its benefits and severely weakens you, leaving you with a drastically less powerful weapon and making it easier for the Spy to kill you or escape.
  • This weapon can be very useful for enemies that run away in a melee battle and don't let you hit them with the grenade: because the grenade explodes if you hit any hard surface with it, you can strike the floor or a wall and the resulting explosion will hit them in a very large range. For weaker classes (such as Engineers), the explosion alone will greatly damage if not outright kill them if they're in range.
  • This weapon is very useful for suicidal picking, as you could sticky jump or charge into an important target (like an enemy Medic) and kill him with it. Be wary of your health if you survive, as the combined sticky jump, explosion, and fall damage will leave you with very little health, if any.
  • The Ullapool Caber is even more effective with the Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen. With a Critical boost, the Caber can inflict more damage in one hit than any other melee weapon and kill any class in one shot, unless you're facing an overhealed Heavy.
  • The Caber is also good when used with the Sticky Jumper. You can sticky jump behind enemy lines without any damage taken other than fall damage, then sneak up behind the enemy to inflict a large amount of damage.
  • Using the B.A.S.E. Jumper, the Sticky Jumper and this weapon together allows you to sticky jump and then use the parachute to slow your descent and land a hit on your target without too much difficulty.
    • You could then use the self-knockback from the explosion to activate another parachute and fly to a health kit or even back to spawn if you are close enough.

Claidheamh Mòr

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Claidheamh Mòr
Craft
Claidheamh Mòr 		Killicon claidheamh mòr.png 0.8 seconds 65 195

The Claidheamh Mòr is a sword melee weapon that provided a kill restores 25 health and refills 25% of your charge meter. This is at the cost of a 15% damage vulnerability while active and no random critical hits.

  • Equipping the Chargin' Targe, Splendid Screen or Tide Turner allows you to get the full benefit of using the weapon.
  • The Claidheamh Mòr is an attractive melee to equip should you not want to commit to melee in your playstyle. Although the bonuses are fairly minor, you are not required to have any of the shields to fully make use of the sword, such as the Eyelander.
  • Having the Ali Baba's Wee Booties or Bootlegger equipped with any shield restricts you to the Claidheamh Mòr, meaning you will always have a 15% damage vulnerability. This combination of weapons may be better suited with a different sword that has a larger reward for kills made.

Half-Zatoichi

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Healing
Point Blank Critical From Kill
Half-Zatoichi
Promotional/Craft
Half-Zatoichi 		Killicon half-zatoichi.png 0.8 seconds 65 195/Instant 175 (200 with Ali Baba's Wee Booties)

The Half-Zatoichi is a sword melee weapon that restores 50% of the Demoman's max health on kill and is capable of overhealing. The Half-Zatoichi can be holstered with no penalty if a kill has been scored, but will inflict 50 damage if it has not done so. If the player is below 50 health points, the weapon can not be holstered until the player gets a kill. Random critical hits are impossible to achieve with this sword.

  • Ambush and kill weakened enemies with the Half-Zatoichi for an easy health refill.
  • Be prepared to score a kill with the Zatoichi when you pull it out, losing 50 HP may be detrimental depending on the situation.
    • On defense, this is less of an issue, as a friendly Engineer is more likely to have a Dispenser set up to negate the damage taken.
  • The Half-Zatoichi has good synergy with the Chargin' Targe and the Splendid Screen. The shields can be used even with the Half-Zatoichi drawn, enabling you to easily approach or flee.
  • Be aware of enemies who are also using the Half-Zatoichi. If they hit you once, you die. However, you can do the same to them!
    • Due to the instant kill mechanic, you can also use Half-Zatoichi as a counter to charging Demomen using a Half-Zatoichi, even if you don't have a Chargin' Targe or Splendid Screen of your own.
    • Prioritize other Half-Zatoichi wielders in battle, either for a quick kill and health boost or simply to protect yourself from their one-hit kills.
  • This weapon is very useful in Medieval Mode. As you are only allowed to use melee weapons anyway, the Zatoichi's drawback has no effect.

Persian Persuader

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage Shield Charge
Point Blank Critical From Engineer Toolboxes From Small Ammo Boxes From Medium Ammo Boxes From Large Ammo Boxes
Persian Persuader
Craft
Persian Persuader 		Killicon persian persuader.png 0.8 seconds 65 195 100% 20.5% 50% 100%

The Persian Persuader is a melee weapon for the Demoman that allows him to use ammo packs as a source for shield charge and gains 20% charge with every hit landed with the weapon. However, he is incapable of regaining ammo if the charge meter is not full, also, both primary and secondary weapons will have their maximum amount of ammo carried decreased by 80%.

  • A highly offensive melee weapon, the Persian Persuader allows you to regain shield charge by picking up ammo and hitting enemies. Keep in mind, however, you cannot benefit from random critical hits and the bonus is invalid without a shield equipped.
  • Note that you do not need to be using the Persian Persuader while you pick up ammo to regain charge. Consequently, you will never regain ammo unless if your charge meter is full.
    • With this weapon, be aware that you can rampage around for a longer period of time, but you may eventually need to return to your base in order to get resupplied.
  • Always be aware of how much ammo you have, especially on defense. You don't want to run out of explosives as you begin a fight or the enemy team begins a push.
  • Consider using either Ali Baba's Wee Booties or the Bootlegger as well as one of the shields to completely eliminate the need for ammo and thus maximize the effects of this weapon.

Taunt Attacks

Decapitation

Kill Icon Weapon Damage Duration Details
Decapitation
Barbarian Swing 		Killicon barbarian swing.png Eyelander
Half-Zatoichi
Claidheamh Mòr
Persian Persuader
Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker
Nessie's Nine Iron 		500 5 seconds With a twirl behind his back, leading to a horizontal slash to the neck, the Demoman beheads anyone unfortunate to be in his path. The Demoman concludes his short swipe by bringing his blade back and wiping down its length with his fingers. Adds one head to the counter if using the Eyelander, Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker, or Nessie's Nine Iron.
  • This taunt kill can be used to kill enemies with one hit. It can be used for very distracted enemies, such as Snipers looking down scopes or Engineers working on their buildings, but like most taunt kills, leaves you vulnerable during the animation.
  • If you catch up to a Heavy about to eat a Sandvich, it's a better idea to use the Decapitation taunt rather than start wailing on them with the Eyelander, as they will out-heal the damage and proceed to kill you.
  • While this is a long taunt, it is nearly silent until it finishes, and you can attempt it several times on the same target - provided they don't hear the sword swooshes when you do it.

Weapon combinations

See also

Basic strategy
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
v • d • e
Community strategy
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
Class match-ups
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
Anti-class strategy
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
Official tips
Leaderboard class scout.png · Leaderboard class soldier.png · Leaderboard class pyro.png · Leaderboard class demoman.png · Leaderboard class heavy.png · Leaderboard class engineer.png · Leaderboard class medic.png · Leaderboard class sniper.png · Leaderboard class spy.png
v • d • e
Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman
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