When looking to improve one’s skills in Team Fortress 2, there are a number of areas that can be focused upon. A few of the classes in the game, such as the Sniper, have a very specific skill set that is quite unique.
However, other classes have areas of concentration that overlap with alternate classes. The Soldier is one of those classes and complements almost every other one as skills that are relevant will translate. This means that working on your Soldier is a great way to get better in general. Here’s how to do it.
Reloading Rockets
This concept is all about timing. Choose the right time to reload and everything flows smoothly. Choose the wrong time and the rocket you need to save your life just won’t be ready.
- When defending, back away from hot zones after three rockets. Use your last as a deterrent.
- When attacking, find cover to reload instead of staying in combat.
- Use your teammates as a way to find time.
Damage Per Second
An effective soldier needs to put out as much damage in as little time as possible. There are a few ways to accomplish this.
- Use your shotgun as much as possible.
- Keep firing and keep reloading.
- Only retreat when necessary.
Splash Damage
One of the more important concepts when playing as a soldier is the ability to take advantage of the rocket launcher’s splash damage feature.
- Aim at the feet to ensure you still do damage if you miss slightly.
- Use walls when people are running close to them.
- Anticipate which direction they may break toward and close them down.
Predictive Shots
This is perhaps the most challenging aspect of Soldier play. By predicting where a person is running, a good Soldier will aim for where they are going to be, maximizing damage.
- Think about the speed of your opponent.
- Where might they be running toward?
- Develop a clear understanding of each map’s geography.
Retreating
A good Soldier will understand when they are defeated. In many of the game types, knowing when to retreat, heal and come back fighting at full strength could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
- Keep an eye on that health meter.
- Don't run head-long into superior numbers.
- Use the terrain to its best advantage when running.
With these tips in mind, Soldier play becomes far more rewarding. Using these tips will enable point scores to go up, as well as opponent gibs! Not only will the player discover that they are more effective as a Solider, but they will improve in other classes as well.
Aim with a Scout’s Force of Nature or Scattergun will improve, thanks to work with the Shotgun. One’s ability to predict enemy movements will help with planning the trajectory of Demoman bombs and timely reloading is a concept that applies to almost every class.
