Anti-Pyro strategy

“

Go home, lassie, MEN are fightin' here! Click to listen — The Demoman

”

The Pyro is a huge threat at close range. Keeping your distance can make the fight much easier.

General

• Keeping your distance will negate much of the Pyro's strength.
• Use Weapon Heckling to effectively deal with some Pyros.
• Pyros are most successful when they ambush their opponents. If you see them coming and are prepared, you'll most likely kill them first.

Weapon Specific

A list of useful tidbits about the Pyro's tools, and how to counter them.

Flamethrower

Compression blast

• Pyros will often panic when confronted by a Soldier or Demoman. Fire your rockets or grenades immediately after the airblast for a guaranteed hit.
• As a Soldier, do not fire your rockets straight at the enemy Pyro. This makes it easier for him to both aim and reflect the rocket. Aim near the Pyro and use splash damage instead.

Backburner

• The Backburner lacks the Compression Blast ability. Don't hesitate with your shots.
• Attack Backburner-wielding Pyros from the front to cancel out the weapon's Critical hit buff.

Degreaser

• The Degreaser is deadly with the Axtinguisher. Try to avoid areas where the Pyro can corner you with the airblast.

Shotgun

Flare Gun

Fire Axe

Axtinguisher

• If you are not on fire, the Axtinguisher is easy to overcome in a melee fight due to reduced damage against non-burning enemies.
• However, if you are on fire, stay away from Pyros with this weapon.

Homewrecker

• The Homewrecker does decreased damage to players, making it less effective as a melee weapon.

Powerjack

Back Scratcher

The Gas Jockey's Gear

• The Pyro has 10% bullet vulnerability using this set. Use the Pistol to harass him from range.

See also

• Pyro strategy
• Community Pyro strategy
• Pyro match-ups
• Team strategy