Pyro strategy
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Weapon Specific
Flamethrower
The flamethrower is a close quarters weapon with a very short range. It is devastating at point blank range and sets fire to all classes except other pyros. Medics, dispensers and water will put out flames. It is also very useful for destroying buildings - sentries built near a corner can be destroyed without exposing the pyro to its firing circle, and sentries built at a bad angle to an entrance can be rushed and destroyed by the pyro without the pyro being significantly damaged.
Shotgun
The shotgun is the secondary weapon of the pyro and is used when the enemy is out of range of the pyro's flamethrower. It can also be used against enemy pyroes as the flamethrower does not ignite them, although it still does significant damage at closer range.
- The shotgun is an excellent weapon to follow up from an attack with a flamethrower. It allows you grant yourself more of a distance (Against soldiers, whom will destroy you with rockets if you're close) and allows you to finish off more opponents.
Fire axe
The fire axe is the melee weapon of the pyro and is usually infrequently used given that the pyro's primary and secondary weapons also excel at close range. When used its effect is much more likely to be passed off as a stray bullet (from behind) than being attacked by the flamethrower (from behind) is. To this end It can be used to knock down a target's health before attacking with the flamethrower.
Spy-checking
Spy-checking is the principal purpose of the pyro. Any disguised or cloaked spy will be lit on fire by the pyro's flamethrower and thus become obvious to other team members. The pyro should therefore shoot a small burst of fire on any team member that has not indicated their true allegiance. A Pyro should try to stand next to a dispenser that's near a sentry gun to stop any Spies from sapping it.
Map-specific
2Fort
- When playing as RED you can catch a glimpse of the attackers as they cross the bridge. Hiding in the battlements and jumping down to flank a wave of attackers is a very effective way of disorientating and breaking the assault.
- You can also hide in the metal grill room and drop down behind the enemy as they pass through.
- If the sewers are unguarded, a Pyro can use them to get into the enemy base, head to the exits and roast anyone coming from the battlements.
- Pyros are also useful for ambushing enemies coming from the sewers.
Granary
- The control points are prime Pyro targets on this map. Try to enter these areas via the central channels and Strafe through the Control point and out the other side.
- Run past the health pick ups and repeat the Strafing run.
- Sentry gun emplacements can be attacked from round the corner or if you feel suicidal start the Flamethrower and turn the corner and face the gun directly.
- On defense the same tactics as above apply but with the point being you are defending the point.
- Also on defense defend those Sentry guns from the inevitable Spies. Get your Engineer to place a convenient Dispenser and you need never move an inch while the Sentry gun takes care of all the attackers.
Gravel Pit
- Take the road less travelled. There is almost always more than one way to a given point on the map, so check which way the majority of the team is going, and go the other route. This will go a long way to setting the Pyro up as an effective Flanker.
Well
- Use underwater passages to reach the enemy side of CP3, ambushing them. The bridges will provide you cover. Swim under one and hold SPACE so the character won't drown continuously. Players rarely go underwater so nobody will notice you. Even Scouts and Spies tend to swim straight to the CP3 without looking at their surroundings. From here you have a vast choice of ambushes that you can concentrate on. You can head to CP3 and strike the other team from the back, as well as hide within CP2 as nobody expects an enemy down there.Alternatively you can stay under the bridge and wait for an incoming enemy. Players rarely look back so whenever one runs past the bridge, it's your chance to get behind him and roast him, before he realises what hit him.
Dustbowl
- While Defending Stage 2 Cap 1, the defending Pyro can stand to the left of the attackers' spawn point and catch them off guard here. There is no health and ammo for the Pyro in this area so unless you've got a Medic healing you, it's best to leave if you are too wounded. Remember: Spawn Killing is not accepted among many players and can result in a bad reputation for that player.
- While defending Stage 2 Cap 1, guard the capture building and burn anyone who comes in. This is an excellent place for Pyros because it's got a large med kit, a medium med kit, a large ammo pack, and a medium ammo pack.
- While defending Stage 2 Cap 2, stand on top of the wooden walkway over the entrances and drop down on enemy forces.
- When defending Stage 3 Cap 2, watch the house that is to the left of your spawn. Prevent Engineers from building up there and be sure to kill any enemies that bunch up in there.
- While defending Stage 3 Cap 2, stand on the ledge above the exit to the underground tunnel on your right and drop down when enemies come out.
Hydro
- A complex map but the numerous choke points and stairwells make ideal spots for an ambush.
- A particularly useful spot is underneath the stairs as your flames can go through the steps. This is particularly effective against Demomen who launch a full clip of grenades and then descend the steps thinking they are safe.
See also
