I’ve recently gotten my G in the eGO clan, which means I’m an admin now! w00t! As eGO is dedicated to running clean, fun, lets-play-the-freaking-game-and-leave-the-crap-out servers, I added them to my server list, and played there exclusively (except for crazy game modes, or something silly… exclusive for serious play, let’s say). I’ve had tons of time playing TF2, and I see new people making the same mistakes over and over and over again. I’ve been planning to write a set of tips for every class, to give a boost to the n00b just starting out, so they don’t have to make so many painful mistakes.
Mistakes are a good way to learn a game; however, in a team based game, making SOME types of mistakes can pitch the whole team into painful oblivion.
So, to start out, here’s a few generic hints that will work for all classes:
Don’t Nudge Engies, Snipers, or Spies
Snipers have to hold their ground and try to keep perfectly still; only a fully charged headshot will kill for sure, and those ain’t easy to pull off. Running through a sniper will cause them to scoot, perhaps screwing around with his aim. And if he had a headshot lined up, he will hate you. Forever.
Engies who are building/repairing/turtling need to stay within wrench range of the building they are working on. When two characters occupy the same space, the game “shoves” both out of the way. More than once I’ve been “shoved” away from my equipment, causing me to miss a critical whack to keep my sentry alive. This also causes forever hate. The worst example was a sniper who wanted to camp a crack between two crates. I had already set up a level 3 sentry gun and a dispenser in optimal positions to use the crates as cover, but still be effective. The sniper charged into his camping hole anyway, shoving my character out of whack range, and into the open. My Engie was sniped, my equipment was slowly blasted apart while I watched… and Mr. Jerkface sniper didn’t even get a single kill through his crack. Thanks alot!
Spies actually deserve their own tip:
Don’t Take a Spy’s Hiding Spot
Spies have limited amount of Cloak; once it’s empty, they have to wait forever for it to recharge. I’ve had it happen many times that a fellow teammate runs up and tries to “share” a hiding spot with a poor spy.
First off, two characters are more obvious than one.
Second off, it’s totally obvious when a RED sniper is sharing a hidey-hole with a BLU pyro that something is amiss.
All this can get Mr. Spy killed. Please be considerate!
Don’t Bunch Up The Defense
Wow, too many times I’ve been on a team that places two sentry guns, three heavies, and four pyros all in one spot, all firing one way. While this can work for a while, it leaves your flanks and back undefended. When guarding the Intelligence, it’s important to cover all angles of attack.
But, also, this ruins one of the best defenses: multiple angles of fire. When bunched up, you can only make one cone of damage, and if a uber comes in, you’re all easy pickin’s.
If, however, you spread your defense around and fire INTO the defended position, not only does the incoming team have to make multiple targets, but they’re also taking fire from all directions.
