There are 9 combat classes in Team Fortress 2. They are the Scout, the Soldier, the Pyro, the Demoman, the Heavy, the Medic, the Engineer, the Sniper and the Spy. Each of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. While some excel at taking damage or capturing points, others are best at particular ranges. The Pyro is the undisputed champion at close range. Here's how to maximize that benefit to rake in points and win matches!
Ambushing
The Pyro's flamethrower does considerable damage at short range. To make the most of this, the Pyro has to get as close as possible. Of course, if a Pyro is simply to run towards the enemy, they will be picked off or killed quite quickly. Only a foolish player would allow the most powerful short-range class to get close to them. A player can get close without rushing by ambushing.
- Hide behind corners in defensive locations.
- Wait until opponents have run past, then attack from behind. This becomes particularily effective when using the Backburner, which always crits from behind.
A patient Pyro can hold off an entire team at important bottlenecks. The critical thing to remember is that if the enemy knows you are there, they won't come rushing in. Don't reveal yourself until the time is right.
Air Blasting
The Pyro has two choices for a primary weapon. Either the regular flamethrower or the Backburner. The Backburner crits from behind, but to gain that ability, it gives up the compression blast. This is a shot of air, activated via the alternate fire button. This is very useful for the Pyro and should not be overlooked.
- Will reflect soldier rockets and demoman grenades back at their senders.
- Can knock enemy players back, pushing them off of points or away from a cart.
- Can extinguish flames on allied players.
The compression blast is perhaps most useful when opposing medics are using their ubercharge ability. By getting close and using it, the Pyro can throw the medic and their patient into the air, negating their ability to attack. This is quite dangerous, as the enemy pair are invulnerable, but can be very useful if they are engaged with other members of your team.
Flare Gun / Shotgunning
The secondary weapon for a Pyro is either the Flare Gun or the Shotgun. The Flare Gun will light oppoenents at a distance and the Shotgun is a standard gun that does more damage at short range than at long. The choice is down to the player.
- Flare gun provides a long range complement to the short ranged flamethrower.
- Flare gun can annoy snipers, keeping them from firing on allies.
- Flare gun can set up attacks from the Axetinguisher.
- Shotgun is perfect for finishing off opponents just out of range.
Although the Flare gun is definitely fun to use, the Shotgun will likely be used far more often. A standard Pyro tactic is to stay in combat long enough to set a few people on fire, then retreat to a safe distance. The Shotgun provides the perfect way to continue to add damage while running back.
The Axetinguisher
The axetinguisher is a huge upgrade over the regular axe. Featuring a guaranteed critical hit against any target on fire, it can be a great way to finish a close-quarters battle.
- Used as a secondary to the Flamethrower in close-quarters or when out of ammo.
- Can be used with the Flare gun as an effective combo for rushing.
Of all the classes in Team Fortress 2, the Pyro can be the most satisfying to play well. It is very gratifying to sneak up behind a group of enemies and kill them all before they really have a chance to resist. Be sure to think about an approach strategy and never rely upon simply running in. Good luck!
