Team Fortress 2 'Heavy Weapons Guy' Tips
How to Play the Machine-Gun Wielding Russian in TF2
May 23, 2009
Any TF2 round will likely consist of a mix of defensive and offensive play. Teams must move toward their objectives while ensuring their opponents do not encroach upon their territory. This goes for both red and blue when playing. The Heavy is a fantastic class for mixing aggression and defense. He can switch from one role to the other quite quickly and has the tools to do so.
Similar to the Sniper, the Heavy needs a certain type of skill set to be successful with. The following concepts, while no means a complete strategy, should help to ensure that the machine-gun keeps spinning and the points keep climbing.
The Jump
The Heavy's main weapon (Either Sascha or Natascha) has a "warm-up" period, in which no bullets can be fired. One way to make the most of this time, is to spend it in the air.
- As you are approaching a corner with enemies, prepare yourself.
- Jump and start the gun spinning.
- The character should be strafing as they jump, allowing a full range of vision on whatever is around the target.
- By the time the Heavy hits the ground, he should be firing.
Using Dispensers and Sentries
One of the Heavy's achievements is to kill enemies while standing next to a dispenser. There's a very good reason for this.
- Heavies churn through ammunition quite quickly. Having a source is of the utmost importance.
- Heavies can help to hit spies as they approach. With so much ammo...why not?
- Usually, Engineers will set dispensers close to sentries. This provides support to the Heavy and the Heavy can help maximize the strategic advantage of that spot.
- They are a source of health.
Find a Medic Friend
A Medic is a great friend to have. The Heavy has a large character model, which makes him a prime target on the battlefield. He's going to be taking a lot of hits, so having a Medic on hand to help can make a huge difference.
- Protect your Medic. Stand in front of him if you can.
- Be aware of which gun (Medigun or Kritzkrieg) is being used on you. They have their own uses!
- When Ubercharged, be sure to push forward. The aforementioned model size is intimidating.
- Be prepared to retreat when it is appropriate. The Heavy does no good when waiting to respawn!
Range of Heavy Weapons
The Heavy weapons are far more effective at close range. Because of this, when playing as a Heavy, one must ensure that they are as close as possible.
- Don't be afraid to take the long way to the battle if it will get you closer to the front lines.
- Ambushing advancing troops is a great way to repel an attack.
- Use the jumping strategy listed above to get close.
- Try not to suicide-run. It's rarely a viable strategy.
The Heavy is one of the easier classes to pick up and play. Beginners will find it easier to score points with a Heavy than with a Spy, for example. With a powerful primary weapon, just like the Soldier, the Heavy has to point and shoot. With so much health backing him up, making the right strategic choices is all that is really needed to be an effective Heavy.
Apply these tips and players are likely to find themselves staying alive for longer, gaining more points and killing more enemies!
