Difference between revisions of "Basic Scout strategy"

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(Undo edit by SnowCanary (Talk) (364562) With CC they drop two. The point is that its downsides are negligible in Medieval mode)
(Going through and cleaning up language, redundant entries, and so forth. Most of the new entries were rather good!)
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The [[Scout]] is a short-range, high speed, and fragile class with the ability to [[double jump]].  He captures [[Control Points]] and [[Payload]] carts at double speed (If 1 Scout is capturing a point or pushing the cart, it counts as 2 people capturing or pushing).
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The [[Scout]] is a short-range, high speed fragile class with the ability to [[double jump]].  He counts as two players while capturing [[Control Points]] and [[Payload]] carts.
  
 
His role is to flank rapidly, dodge wildly, and kill enemies with his high damage [[Scattergun]].
 
His role is to flank rapidly, dodge wildly, and kill enemies with his high damage [[Scattergun]].
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==General==
 
==General==
  
*You are ''the fastest'' class in the game, and double-jumping allows you to cross complex terrain in unusual and confusing ways.  Don't be predictable - stay on the move.
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*You are the fastest class in the game, and double-jumping allows you to cross complex terrain in unusual and confusing ways.  Don't be predictable - stay on the move.
  
*The Scout excels in one-to-one combat to an extent. Enemies that have trailed away from their teammates are excellent for the Scout. However, you should still be cautious as most classes can out damage you no matter what at close ranges. Always try to sneak up on them.
+
*The Scout excels in one-on-one combat. With practice, his natural fragility can be mitigated, and his extreme damage and mobility give him the edge over most enemies.
  
*Unlike the majority of classes, you are easily able to escape from [[knock back]]. Double jump immediately after being pushed to pass over your opponent's head; or change direction completely and escape.
+
*Unlike the majority of classes, you are easily able to escape from [[knock back]]. Double jump immediately after being pushed to pass over your opponent's head or change direction completely.
  
*The [[Sentry Gun]] is one of your most dangerous foes. Destroy it by [[cornering]], firing from a distance or using [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] to get past it - but don't be surprised if you must avoid it completely until a teammate can assist you.
+
*The [[Sentry Gun]] is one of your most dangerous foes. Destroy it by [[cornering]], firing at it from a distance, or using [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] to get past it - but don't be surprised if you must avoid it completely until a teammate can assist you.
  
 
*The double jump can save you from [[fall damage]]. Simply jump just before you hit the ground, or jump to a nearby ledge as you're falling.
 
*The double jump can save you from [[fall damage]]. Simply jump just before you hit the ground, or jump to a nearby ledge as you're falling.
  
*You can double jump after being airblasted.
+
*If you have caught an enemy off guard, wait until you are close before shooting. At very short ranges the Scattergun does over a hundred damage - two shots can often kill an opponent before he has time to react.
  
*If you have caught an enemy off guard, wait until you are closer before shooting. At very short ranges the Scattergun does over a hundred damage - two shots can often kill an opponent before he has time to react.
+
*If you a meet a slower teammate who has taken the enemy [[Intelligence]], consider asking him to drop it (Default key: 'L') so you can carry it back.
 
 
*If you a meet a slower teammate who has taken the enemy [[Intelligence]], consider asking him to drop it (Default key: 'L') so you can carry it back more quickly.
 
  
 
*Your fast speed allows you to provoke enemies. Keep your distance when an opponent uses close range weapons, then charge in for the kill when he switches to long range.
 
*Your fast speed allows you to provoke enemies. Keep your distance when an opponent uses close range weapons, then charge in for the kill when he switches to long range.
  
*You are fast, but have low health and [[Medic]]s aren't always available. Remember where to find health packs on each map and pick them up whenever you need them.
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*You have low health, and [[Medic]]s aren't always available. Remember where to find health packs on each map and pick them up whenever you need them.
  
 
==Weapon Specific Tips==
 
==Weapon Specific Tips==
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===[[Scattergun]]===
 
===[[Scattergun]]===
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Scattergun|icon-size=100x100px}}  
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Scattergun|icon-size=100x100px}}  
*While using your Scattergun, don't rely on your mouse alone to track foes. Use your movement to keep the opponent centered on your screen, firing when your cross-hairs and opponent match up. This allows you to focus on moving efficiently and erratically, making you harder to hit, while at the same time making your aim smoother and more accurate via prediction.
+
*While using your Scattergun, don't rely on your mouse alone to track foes. Use your movement to keep the opponent centered on your screen, firing whenever your cross-hairs and opponent match up. This allows you to focus on moving efficiently and erratically, making you harder to hit, while at the same time making your aim smoother and more accurate via prediction.
  
*The Scattergun can be used to kill an enemy [[Medic]] with an unactivated [[ÜberCharge]] before he is aware of your presence. Two point blank shots will normally kill him, while 3-4 at medium range will do the same job.
+
*The Scattergun can be used to kill an enemy [[Medic]] with an unactivated [[ÜberCharge]] before he is aware of your presence. Two or three point blank shots will normally do the job.
  
 
*Over time, the Scattergun has much higher damage potential than the [[Force-A-Nature]].  In short bursts, however, the [[Force-A-Nature]] beats the Scattergun.
 
*Over time, the Scattergun has much higher damage potential than the [[Force-A-Nature]].  In short bursts, however, the [[Force-A-Nature]] beats the Scattergun.
  
*As with the [[Shotgun]], the Scattergun has increased bullet spread over a longer distance. Instead of wasting your primary ammunition; try switching to your [[Pistol]] for taking out long-range enemies.  
+
*Like the [[Shotgun]], the Scattergun has a wide spread. Instead of wasting your primary ammunition at range, try switching to your [[Pistol]].
  
 
===[[Force-A-Nature]]===
 
===[[Force-A-Nature]]===
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Force-A-Nature|icon-size=100x100px}}  
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Force-A-Nature|icon-size=100x100px}}  
*The Force-A-Nature has very high burst damage but can not sustain that damage over time. Engage foes in shorter fights, so that your constant reloading doesn't place you at a disadvantage. This makes the Force-A-Nature a very good hit-and-run weapon.
+
*The Force-A-Nature deals excellent burst damage but can't sustain it over time. It's better used as a hit-and-run weapon.
  
*If you plan on using the Force-A-Nature, you should probably bring the [[Pistol]] as well. The Force-A-Nature's small clip size means that without the Pistol, you will be essentially weaponless for the two seconds after you fire both shots.
+
*If you plan on using the Force-A-Nature, you should probably bring the [[Pistol]] as well. The Force-A-Nature's small clip size means that without the Pistol, you will be essentially weaponless for two seconds after you fire both shots.
  
*[[Force Jumps]] and [[Triple Jumps]] allow you to reach unusual positions and dodge even more erratically than the double jump allows.
+
*[[Force Jumps]] and [[Triple Jumps]] allow you to reach unusual positions and dodge even more erratically than double jumping allows.
  
 
*Use the Force-A-Nature's [[Knock back]] ability to your advantage. An enemy launched into the air is generally predictable, so your second shot can reliably hit your target.  Fire the second shot as soon as possible to deal maximum damage.
 
*Use the Force-A-Nature's [[Knock back]] ability to your advantage. An enemy launched into the air is generally predictable, so your second shot can reliably hit your target.  Fire the second shot as soon as possible to deal maximum damage.
  
*It's sometimes better to fire the remaining shot in a half-empty Force-A-Nature rather than reload manually, as the shell is lost either way. You may hit a cloaked or disguised [[Spy]].
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*It's sometimes better to fire the remaining shot in a half-empty Force-A-Nature rather than reload manually, as the shell is lost either way. You may hit something.
  
 
===[[Shortstop]]===
 
===[[Shortstop]]===
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*Halfway between a [[Pistol]] and a [[Shotgun]], the Shortstop deals less damage up close, but it reliably deals excellent damage at range.
 
*Halfway between a [[Pistol]] and a [[Shotgun]], the Shortstop deals less damage up close, but it reliably deals excellent damage at range.
  
*The [[Critical hits]] from this weapon are devastating.  It generates them like a [[Pistol]], so if you fire one critical in a clip, the rest of the clip is guaranteed to be Crits as well.
+
*The [[Critical hits]] from this weapon are devastating.  It generates them like a [[Pistol]], so if you fire one critical in a clip, the rest of the clip is guaranteed to crit as well.
  
*The Shortstop draws from the same ammunition reserve as the Pistol. Pairing these two weapons will drain your ammo reserve quickly. Instead, bring along a [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]] or a [[Crit-a-Cola]].
+
*The Shortstop draws from the same ammunition reserve as the Pistol. Pairing these two weapons will drain your ammo reserve quickly. Instead, consider using [[Bonk! Atomic Punch]], [[Mad Milk]] or [[Crit-a-Cola]] with it.
  
 
*The Shortstop reloads rapidly, allowing consistent damage over time.
 
*The Shortstop reloads rapidly, allowing consistent damage over time.
 
*The Shortstop is the best way to take enemies out at a short to medium range. It would be better to circle your enemy at a short to medium range, while firing your Shortstop.
 
  
 
===[[Pistol]] / [[Lugermorph]]===
 
===[[Pistol]] / [[Lugermorph]]===
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===[[Bonk! Atomic Punch]]===
 
===[[Bonk! Atomic Punch]]===
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Bonk! Atomic Punch|icon-size=100x100px}}  
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Bonk! Atomic Punch|icon-size=100x100px}}  
*Bonk! is a highly situational utility item.
+
*Bonk! is a situational but effective utility item.
  
 
*Use Bonk! for dodging around things you would normally run away from, such as [[Sentry Gun]]s, [[Heavy]]-[[Medic]] pairs, or large groups of enemies.
 
*Use Bonk! for dodging around things you would normally run away from, such as [[Sentry Gun]]s, [[Heavy]]-[[Medic]] pairs, or large groups of enemies.
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*Bonk! is useful to push through sticky traps to attack the [[Demoman]].
 
*Bonk! is useful to push through sticky traps to attack the [[Demoman]].
  
*Bonk! can be used as a temporary [[ÜberCharge]] for taking out Sentry Guns, providing a distraction while your teammates attack. This tactic is of particular use on low population servers or on Arena, where ÜberCharges can be quite rare or lengthy to build up.
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*Bonk! can be used as a temporary [[ÜberCharge]] for distracting Sentry Guns.
  
 
*Use Bonk! for passing through the enemy team to reach the enemy spawn.  You can then destroy [[Teleporter]] entrances and pick off fragile foes.
 
*Use Bonk! for passing through the enemy team to reach the enemy spawn.  You can then destroy [[Teleporter]] entrances and pick off fragile foes.
  
*Bonk! can be used to reset an intelligence return countdown, or to keep a Payload cart from moving backwards if it's being heavily defended.
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*Bonk! can be used to easily pick up intelligence in the field, or to keep a Payload cart from moving backwards if it's being heavily defended.
  
 
*Use Bonk! to escape otherwise lethal situations.
 
*Use Bonk! to escape otherwise lethal situations.
  
*Bonk! can also be used sometimes to block enemies from certain areas, such as small openings and even be used to body block Ubercharged enemies.
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*Bonk! can also be used sometimes to block enemies from passing through small openings or navigating tight hallways.
  
 
===[[Crit-a-Cola]]===
 
===[[Crit-a-Cola]]===
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Crit-a-Cola|icon-size=100x100px}}  
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Crit-a-Cola|icon-size=100x100px}}  
*At point-blank range, one blast from the [[Scattergun]] or [[Force-A-Nature]], with the Mini-Crit buff, is capable of killing any low health class.
+
*At point-blank range, one mini-crit from the [[Scattergun]] or [[Force-A-Nature]] will kill any low health class. Drink it when you can surprise your foes.
 
 
*Mini-Crits don't suffer from damage falloff, so your primary weapon can remain useful at a longer range.
 
  
*Crit-a-Cola meshes well with the [[Shortstop]], as it is made for longer-range engagements; this keeps the Scout relatively safer, while enabling him to deal excellent damage at range, often enough to kill tougher classes outright.
+
*Mini-Crits don't suffer from damage falloff, so your primary weapon can deal fair damage at range.
  
*Don't drink [[Crit-a-Cola]] while under the effects of a friendly Buff Banner, a [[Crit#Crit boost|Critical hit Boost]] or when facing an enemy covered in Jarate. Your Mini-Crits do not stack with Critical hits or other Mini-Crits, and weakening yourself with a Mini-Crit debuff is detrimental.
+
*Crit-a-Cola meshes well with the [[Shortstop]], as it is made for longer-range engagements.
  
*For the same reason, it won't hurt to use it when the enemy already has a Crit or Mini-Crit buff against you.
+
*Don't drink [[Crit-a-Cola]] while under the effects of a friendly Buff Banner, a [[Crit#Crit boost|Critical hit Boost]] or when facing an enemy covered in Jarate. Your Mini-Crits do not stack with Critical hits or other Mini-Crits.
  
*Be careful when going up against Snipers with the [[Bushwacka]] equipped, as they will Crit you during the effect of the [[Crit-a-Cola]].
+
*For the same reason, it won't hurt to use it when the enemy already has a Crit or Mini-Crit buff against you.  The penalties can't stack.
  
*Crit-a-Cola is useful when the enemy has not detected your presence, as you will be able to deal a high amount of damage without enemies being able to return mini-crits.
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*Be careful when going up against Snipers with the [[Bushwacka]] equipped, as they can Crit you outright.
  
 
===[[Mad Milk]]===
 
===[[Mad Milk]]===
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*Use the Bat to finish off a player that has been weakened by your [[Scattergun]].
 
*Use the Bat to finish off a player that has been weakened by your [[Scattergun]].
  
*Although the Bat has a high swing rate, randomly swinging at an enemy is not recommended. Try to time your hits for maximum damage.
+
*Track your enemy as if you were using a regular melee weapon. The Bat's rapid swings won't make up for poor play.
  
 
===[[Sandman]]===
 
===[[Sandman]]===
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*The [[Heavy]] is one of your best targets for the ball. He's slow and easy to hit, and the stun stops his incredibly high damage.  Remember, his [[Minigun]] will remain spun up while stunned, so be prepared when the stun wears off.
 
*The [[Heavy]] is one of your best targets for the ball. He's slow and easy to hit, and the stun stops his incredibly high damage.  Remember, his [[Minigun]] will remain spun up while stunned, so be prepared when the stun wears off.
  
*The Sandman's ball fires with an arc similar to the [[Flare Gun]]'s, however, the ball launches slightly above the crosshair - take this into account while aiming with the Sandman.
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*The Sandman's ball fires with an arc similar to the [[Flare Gun]]'s, however, the ball launches slightly above the crosshair - take this into account.
  
*Since equipping the Sandman reduces the Scout's max Health by 15, it is less advisable to use the Sandman if your intent is to be in close-quarters fights using your Scattergun. Use the Sandman in coordination with teammates as to draw fire away from yourself.
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*The Sandman reduces your Health by 15.  Play to your strengths and work with your teammates, or switch away from the weapon.
  
*Be aware that enemy Pyros can use their compression blast to reflect your baseball to stun you or your teammates.
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*Be aware that enemy Pyros can use their compression blast to reflect your baseball.  It can even stun you or your teammates.
  
 
===[[Holy Mackerel]]===
 
===[[Holy Mackerel]]===
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{{Icon weapon|weapon=Candy Cane|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Candy Cane|icon-size=100x100px}}
  
*The Candy Cane is most appropriate for [[Medieval Mode]], where explosives are rare.
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*The Candy Cane is best used in [[Medieval Mode]], where explosives are rare.
  
*You don't need to kill with the Candy Cane to get the health pack. So long as you have it, any weapon (Assists included) will cause an enemy to drop a Health pack upon death.
+
*You don't need to kill the enemy with the Candy Cane to get the health pack. So long as you're carrying it, any kill or assist you score will cause the pack to drop.
  
*This weapon is good for [[Spy-checking]] [[Dead Ringer]] Spies, because when a Spy activates the Dead Ringer they don't drop a Health pack.
+
*The health pack dropped from the Candy Cane can be a lifesaver after beating an enemy Pyro.
 
 
*The health pack dropped from the Candy Cane can be a lifesaver after having a close, but victorious, encounter with an enemy Pyro.
 
  
 
===[[Boston Basher]]===
 
===[[Boston Basher]]===
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Boston Basher|icon-size=100x100px}}
 
{{Icon weapon|weapon=Boston Basher|icon-size=100x100px}}
*Hit an unaware opponent once and then use ranged weapons to best avoid damaging yourself. If the opponent is a low-health class such as the Sniper or Spy, you can usually finish them off with just the Basher.
+
*Hit an unaware opponent once and then use ranged weapons.  Trying to finish them off with the Basher is a surefire way to accidentally hit yourself.
 
 
*Try not to hold down the fire button in case you swing more times than it is necessary to kill an enemy.
 
  
 
*Swinging the Basher around wildly is extremely hazardous to your health. Don't use it against opponents who are aware of you.
 
*Swinging the Basher around wildly is extremely hazardous to your health. Don't use it against opponents who are aware of you.
  
*You can use the Basher to damage yourself to easily allow a [[Medic]] to fill their [[ÜberCharge]].
+
*You can use the Basher to damage yourself and help a [[Medic]] fill their [[ÜberCharge]].
  
 
*The Basher can be an effective tool for tracking down [[Dead Ringer]] Spies, especially in [[Medieval Mode]].
 
*The Basher can be an effective tool for tracking down [[Dead Ringer]] Spies, especially in [[Medieval Mode]].
  
*The Basher can propel you higher in the air at the cost of roughly 1/4 your health over the bleed duration.
+
*The Basher's self-damage can knock you higher into the air at the cost of roughly 1/4 your health.
  
*Since the basher causes you to bleed when missing at swings, it is better to use it on slow targets at close range like a [[Heavy]], faster classes are harder to hit.
+
*Be prepared to find a Health pack or Medic if you hit yourself. Sticking to the fight while bleeding is often suicide.
 
 
*It is best to know the locations of health kits in each level in order to be better prepared if you hit yourself.
 
  
 
===[[Sun-on-a-Stick]]===
 
===[[Sun-on-a-Stick]]===
 
{{item icon|Sun-On-A-Stick|100px}}
 
{{item icon|Sun-On-A-Stick|100px}}
*Try to work with a friendly Pyro to hit enemies after they are ignited.
+
*Work with a friendly Pyro to hit enemies after they are ignited.
 +
 
 +
*In Medieval mode, team up with a Pyro carrying the Sharpened Volcano Fragment.  Your one two-punch will be very effective.
  
*Chase down burning opponents before they can reach a health kit. As their priority is usually to reach the health kit, they will likely be weakened and might not even attack you.
+
*Chase down burning opponents before they can reach a health pack. They'll sometimes concentrate on reaching the health and won't see you coming.
  
 
===[[Item sets#Scout|The Special Delivery]]===
 
===[[Item sets#Scout|The Special Delivery]]===

Revision as of 23:45, 19 February 2011

The Scout is a short-range, high speed fragile class with the ability to double jump. He counts as two players while capturing Control Points and Payload carts.

His role is to flank rapidly, dodge wildly, and kill enemies with his high damage Scattergun.

General

  • You are the fastest class in the game, and double-jumping allows you to cross complex terrain in unusual and confusing ways. Don't be predictable - stay on the move.
  • The Scout excels in one-on-one combat. With practice, his natural fragility can be mitigated, and his extreme damage and mobility give him the edge over most enemies.
  • Unlike the majority of classes, you are easily able to escape from knock back. Double jump immediately after being pushed to pass over your opponent's head or change direction completely.
  • The Sentry Gun is one of your most dangerous foes. Destroy it by cornering, firing at it from a distance, or using Bonk! Atomic Punch to get past it - but don't be surprised if you must avoid it completely until a teammate can assist you.
  • The double jump can save you from fall damage. Simply jump just before you hit the ground, or jump to a nearby ledge as you're falling.
  • If you have caught an enemy off guard, wait until you are close before shooting. At very short ranges the Scattergun does over a hundred damage - two shots can often kill an opponent before he has time to react.
  • If you a meet a slower teammate who has taken the enemy Intelligence, consider asking him to drop it (Default key: 'L') so you can carry it back.
  • Your fast speed allows you to provoke enemies. Keep your distance when an opponent uses close range weapons, then charge in for the kill when he switches to long range.
  • You have low health, and Medics aren't always available. Remember where to find health packs on each map and pick them up whenever you need them.

Weapon Specific Tips

Scattergun

Item icon Scattergun.png

  • While using your Scattergun, don't rely on your mouse alone to track foes. Use your movement to keep the opponent centered on your screen, firing whenever your cross-hairs and opponent match up. This allows you to focus on moving efficiently and erratically, making you harder to hit, while at the same time making your aim smoother and more accurate via prediction.
  • The Scattergun can be used to kill an enemy Medic with an unactivated ÜberCharge before he is aware of your presence. Two or three point blank shots will normally do the job.
  • Over time, the Scattergun has much higher damage potential than the Force-A-Nature. In short bursts, however, the Force-A-Nature beats the Scattergun.
  • Like the Shotgun, the Scattergun has a wide spread. Instead of wasting your primary ammunition at range, try switching to your Pistol.

Force-A-Nature

Item icon Force-A-Nature.png

  • The Force-A-Nature deals excellent burst damage but can't sustain it over time. It's better used as a hit-and-run weapon.
  • If you plan on using the Force-A-Nature, you should probably bring the Pistol as well. The Force-A-Nature's small clip size means that without the Pistol, you will be essentially weaponless for two seconds after you fire both shots.
  • Force Jumps and Triple Jumps allow you to reach unusual positions and dodge even more erratically than double jumping allows.
  • Use the Force-A-Nature's Knock back ability to your advantage. An enemy launched into the air is generally predictable, so your second shot can reliably hit your target. Fire the second shot as soon as possible to deal maximum damage.
  • It's sometimes better to fire the remaining shot in a half-empty Force-A-Nature rather than reload manually, as the shell is lost either way. You may hit something.

Shortstop

Item icon Shortstop.png

  • Halfway between a Pistol and a Shotgun, the Shortstop deals less damage up close, but it reliably deals excellent damage at range.
  • The Critical hits from this weapon are devastating. It generates them like a Pistol, so if you fire one critical in a clip, the rest of the clip is guaranteed to crit as well.
  • The Shortstop draws from the same ammunition reserve as the Pistol. Pairing these two weapons will drain your ammo reserve quickly. Instead, consider using Bonk! Atomic Punch, Mad Milk or Crit-a-Cola with it.
  • The Shortstop reloads rapidly, allowing consistent damage over time.

Pistol / Lugermorph

Item icon Pistol.png Item icon Lugermorph.png

  • One of the Pistol's primary uses is to finish off wounded targets.
  • The Pistol reloads much faster than the Scattergun. When both weapons are empty, reloading the Pistol first will have you firing much sooner.
  • Pistol criticals are deadly. If you happen to get first blood in Arena, switch to your Pistol as it can take any class down in one clip, including most overhealed enemies.
  • Though the Scattergun trumps it at short ranges, at medium to long ranges your Pistol is an excellent option for dealing consistent damage.

Bonk! Atomic Punch

Item icon Bonk! Atomic Punch.png

  • Bonk! is a situational but effective utility item.
  • Use Bonk! for dodging around things you would normally run away from, such as Sentry Guns, Heavy-Medic pairs, or large groups of enemies.
  • Bonk! is useful to push through sticky traps to attack the Demoman.
  • Bonk! can be used as a temporary ÜberCharge for distracting Sentry Guns.
  • Use Bonk! for passing through the enemy team to reach the enemy spawn. You can then destroy Teleporter entrances and pick off fragile foes.
  • Bonk! can be used to easily pick up intelligence in the field, or to keep a Payload cart from moving backwards if it's being heavily defended.
  • Use Bonk! to escape otherwise lethal situations.
  • Bonk! can also be used sometimes to block enemies from passing through small openings or navigating tight hallways.

Crit-a-Cola

Item icon Crit-a-Cola.png

  • At point-blank range, one mini-crit from the Scattergun or Force-A-Nature will kill any low health class. Drink it when you can surprise your foes.
  • Mini-Crits don't suffer from damage falloff, so your primary weapon can deal fair damage at range.
  • Crit-a-Cola meshes well with the Shortstop, as it is made for longer-range engagements.
  • Don't drink Crit-a-Cola while under the effects of a friendly Buff Banner, a Critical hit Boost or when facing an enemy covered in Jarate. Your Mini-Crits do not stack with Critical hits or other Mini-Crits.
  • For the same reason, it won't hurt to use it when the enemy already has a Crit or Mini-Crit buff against you. The penalties can't stack.
  • Be careful when going up against Snipers with the Bushwacka equipped, as they can Crit you outright.

Mad Milk

Item icon Mad Milk.png

  • Mad Milk makes fighting bulky classes such as Heavies easier, as your continuous damage will help you tank some of their firepower.
  • Mad Milk is also a great supplement for an offensive (or defensive) push, allowing attackers to replenish their health quickly.
  • It also gives you some of the benefits of Jarate: extinguishing teammates or yourself, or revealing a cloaked Spy.
  • Mad Milk is hard to notice on an affected person's HUD (a small white drop next to the health icon). If you can cover someone in milk in the middle of an assault or push, it is unlikely they will notice and could put themselves into a situation that will greatly benefit your teammates.

Bat

Item icon Bat.png

  • Use the Bat to finish off a player that has been weakened by your Scattergun.
  • Track your enemy as if you were using a regular melee weapon. The Bat's rapid swings won't make up for poor play.

Sandman

Item icon Sandman.png

  • The Sandman's stun ball slows the target and prevents them from using their weapons. The duration of the effect increases with the distance between you and your target.
  • The Heavy is one of your best targets for the ball. He's slow and easy to hit, and the stun stops his incredibly high damage. Remember, his Minigun will remain spun up while stunned, so be prepared when the stun wears off.
  • The Sandman's ball fires with an arc similar to the Flare Gun's, however, the ball launches slightly above the crosshair - take this into account.
  • The Sandman reduces your Health by 15. Play to your strengths and work with your teammates, or switch away from the weapon.
  • Be aware that enemy Pyros can use their compression blast to reflect your baseball. It can even stun you or your teammates.

Holy Mackerel

Item icon Holy Mackerel.png

  • The Holy Mackerel is exactly like the Bat, except it announces each blow in the kill feed. Use the Bat if you want to remain off the board. Use the Holy Mackerel if you want the attention.
  • Hits on disguised Spies do not display in the kill feed.
  • A hit that triggers a feign death will be displayed as a hit, instead of a kill. This is a good way to know if a Spy was using the Dead Ringer.

Candy Cane

Item icon Candy Cane.png

  • The Candy Cane is best used in Medieval Mode, where explosives are rare.
  • You don't need to kill the enemy with the Candy Cane to get the health pack. So long as you're carrying it, any kill or assist you score will cause the pack to drop.
  • The health pack dropped from the Candy Cane can be a lifesaver after beating an enemy Pyro.

Boston Basher

Item icon Boston Basher.png

  • Hit an unaware opponent once and then use ranged weapons. Trying to finish them off with the Basher is a surefire way to accidentally hit yourself.
  • Swinging the Basher around wildly is extremely hazardous to your health. Don't use it against opponents who are aware of you.
  • You can use the Basher to damage yourself and help a Medic fill their ÜberCharge.
  • The Basher's self-damage can knock you higher into the air at the cost of roughly 1/4 your health.
  • Be prepared to find a Health pack or Medic if you hit yourself. Sticking to the fight while bleeding is often suicide.

Sun-on-a-Stick

Sun-On-A-Stick

  • Work with a friendly Pyro to hit enemies after they are ignited.
  • In Medieval mode, team up with a Pyro carrying the Sharpened Volcano Fragment. Your one two-punch will be very effective.
  • Chase down burning opponents before they can reach a health pack. They'll sometimes concentrate on reaching the health and won't see you coming.

The Special Delivery

Shortstop Mad Milk Holy Mackeral Milkman

  • The +25 health this loadout gives you is helpful against other Scouts, afterburn, and wayward explosives.
  • Remember that your only ranged weapon will be the Shortstop.

See also