Part 15

Master Casbah's single respawn point and Murderball's unique gameplay with these Team Fortress Classic strategies for every class.

Casbah

Casbah is a unique main map in Team Fortress Classic featuring only one (1) respawn point for each team. Exiting this respawn requires traversing a long, open passageway that can become a deadly bottleneck. Skilled opponents can establish defenses at the end of this hallway, preventing your team from exiting while they capture objectives. Casbah is also the only main map that is not a mirror image of itself, which, along with the single respawn point, are considered fundamental flaws by some.

Scout

Enemy defenses on Casbah can be formidable. It is best to have a teammate eliminate (SGs) (Sentry Guns), but do what you must. Once you acquire the flag, the optimal strategy is to use a concussion grenade jump onto the balcony, then proceed to safety.

Sniper

The prime sniping location on Casbah is the middle area, near your base's exit. Other advantageous positions include the windows above your base or the enemy base, or the balcony situated above the enemy base.

Soldier

Soldiers are effective on both offense and defense. Avoid attempting to capture objectives unless the opposing team has a weak defense. Soldiers are particularly valuable in the upper tunnel connecting the two bases; a few Soldiers guarding this area can significantly impede enemy progress. Another effective position is directly outside the tunnels leading to the respective bases.

Medic

Focus on capturing objectives on Casbah. This map is well-suited for concussion grenade jumps. However, be cautious as Casbah is also a good map for SGs (Sentry Guns).

Demoman

Casbah offers numerous opportunities for pipe bomb traps. The most effective location is on top of your own flag. When an enemy grabs the flag, detonate the pipe bomb and repeat the process.

Murderball

Murderball is a map that does NOT come with the original Team Fortress Classic package and must be downloaded separately. Despite this, it has gained significant popularity in Team Fortress Classic circles.

Scout

On Murderball, avoid attacking unless absolutely necessary. A superior strategy involves roaming the center of the map; staying in one spot significantly increases your chances of being killed. When the ball is dropped and appears in the center, prepare a concussion grenade, grab the ball, and use a concussion grenade jump to reach the safety of your base. Recommended hiding spots for the ball include UNDER the ramp, behind the boxes in your health room, inside the elevator (by continuously moving up and down), in the side tunnel leading to your base, on the ledge near the main entrance across from the lower elevator, and within enemy bases (you will still score points, though this is dangerous).

Sniper

The primary role for Snipers on Murderball is to eliminate opposing players who grab the ball once it has been dropped. Position yourself on a friendly balcony and engage targets. If an enemy secures the ball within your base, guard any of the three entry points: the side passage, the main passage, and the balcony itself (accessible via rocket jumps and concussion grenades). Alternative Sniper positions include another team's balcony, behind the wall in front of your base, or in the corners on the exterior of the map.

Soldier

A Soldier's main objective on Murderball should be to attack the player carrying the ball. Charge directly at the ball carrier and attempt to eliminate them, even if it results in your own suicide. Remember that you can rocket jump onto an enemy team's balcony. Familiarize yourself with good hiding places and check them first. If your team possesses the ball, you can either defend your base or patrol the area outside your base, harassing opponents before they can enter. This strategy is less effective against teams with skilled Snipers (though, as of this writing, the author has not played on a server that permits Snipers on Murderball).

Demoman

The Demoman is most effective on defense in Murderball due to the utility of pipe bombs. Three excellent locations for placing pipe bombs are the main entrance to your base, the side entrance, and the center of the map where the ball spawns. When targeting the center, observe from a safe distance and detonate the pipe bomb if an enemy acquires the ball. If you choose to attack, throw a scatter grenade into known hiding spots; you might get lucky. Additionally, the Demoman is a viable class for grabbing the ball, possessing decent armor and speed. It is risky, but you can also perform a pipe bomb jump to propel yourself towards your base.

Medic

Similar to the Scout, understanding Murderball's good hiding places is crucial. The Medic is also a strong choice for carrying the ball. Unlike the Scout, the Medic can also be an effective attacker. Infections (using the Syringe Gun) are moderately effective on this map, but since a class with lower armor is more likely to possess the ball, your Grenades and S.Shotgun (Shotgun) can often quickly eliminate the ball carrier. Along these lines, the S.Nailgun (Nailgun) can also deal with the inevitable SGs (Sentry Guns) found in enemy bases.

HW Guy

The Heavy Weapons Guy is effective on both attack and defense in Murderball, but do not expect to carry the ball frequently.

Pyro

The Pyro is quite capable on Murderball. Once the ball is dropped, especially if friendly fire (FF) is disabled, use any available means to set the center of the map ablaze. This creates significant confusion, and since players often sustain injuries while contesting the ball, the residual damage from fire can sometimes be fatal. When on defense, utilize your grenades and Incendiary Cannon to set your base entrances on fire as often as possible, as fire will again sow confusion among attackers.

Engineer

The Engineer is a defensive staple on Murderball. Recommended locations for building SGs (Sentry Guns) include: the ledge by the side entrance (facing forward towards the main door), within the side tunnel itself (though less effective), in the side area near the main entrance (ascend a ladder to build there), inside your health room, and on the upper floor of your building. SGs are...