Scout

Learn how to dominate as the Scout in TF2! Master speed, double jumps, and close-range combat to cap points, push carts, and outmaneuver enemies.

Alright, let's talk about the Scout in Team Fortress 2. This guy is seriously a blast to play – he's super fast, a tiny target, and just generally a pain to hit. You get 125 HP, which isn't a lot, but man, the speed and the double jump? Unbeatable! Just be ready to hate Sentries and Pyros who pop out of nowhere, and Heavies with those random crits. Even with all that speed and being hard to hit, you're not invincible. The biggest tip I can give you is to not just rush in blindly. It's tempting, I know, but taking a moment to think before you dive in can make you the MVP of your team instead of a one-man wrecking crew.

Your main gig as a Scout isn't always about racking up kills. Your real job is to, well, scout! You're amazing at capturing points and pushing the cart, doing it twice as fast as anyone else. Also, keep an eye out for enemy Spies trying to sneak around. Your Scattergun hits like a truck up close – a good 'meatshot' can do 85-105 damage, and three of those can take down a Heavy. Imagine what all six shots could do if you catch someone off guard! Don't feel like you always need to be the center of attention; sometimes being a bit sneaky, like a Spy, and attacking from behind is way more effective.

That double jump is your best friend. Whichever way you're moving when you jump dictates your mid-air direction. This means you can instantly change direction, even 180 degrees, to totally mess with enemies, especially Snipers who are trying to predict your movement. This is called strafing, and if you can aim while doing it, you'll be unstoppable.

If you see a slower teammate carrying the enemy Intelligence, ask them to drop it (default key: 'L') so you can haul it back faster. If they don't, try to draw fire away from them by harassing the enemy elsewhere. Or, hey, let them get taken out, grab the intel yourself, and maybe give your 'friend' a taunt (default key: G) when you get back to base.

A full team of Scouts can try a 'Scout rush,' but it's super risky. Even a few Scouts working together is great, though, as you can buy time for your slower teammates. If the enemy team is stacked with Heavies and Sentries, it's tough unless some Scouts use Bonk! Atomic Punch. Bonk is awesome for distracting enemies and Sentries. One classic move is for a Bonk!-ing Scout to draw the Sentry's fire while a teammate zips in to destroy it. It doesn't always work, but it often does. Don't forget your other weapons, though – the Pistol and Crit-a-Cola are no joke either!

Remember, you run faster backward than most classes run forward. So, when you need to bail, turn around and keep firing! It's a great way to get in a few extra shots while retreating.

Generally, Scouts shine more on larger maps with more players. Even on a packed 32-player server in a tight spot like Dustbowl, you can be super useful on offense or defense. Just like Spies, though, you don't want too many Scouts on your team.

Never go head-on. Your speed is for flanking, attacking quickly from the side or behind, and getting out before they can even react. You can go down fast from stray rockets or grenades, let alone a direct hit. Don't sweat it if you don't get the kill; dealing 120 damage to a Soldier might be all your teammate needs to finish them off, and you'll still get an assist!