Many people have tried the pyro and disliked it. Pyro was one of my least played classes, but I decided to work at it.
I think the class just needs a tiny tweak in either: health, movement speed, or flamethrower damage.
In mid-range and long-range combat you're the equivalent of an engineer. With just your single shotgun you will get demolished by any beefy class.
Where the Pyro really shines is CQC (Close quarters combat). Surprise and ambush are your best tactics for success. As the game tips say: corners are your friend. However, I would add to that and say ledges are as well.
General tactic: As you're in close you'll have your flamethrower and burning them up.. Staying AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE. Circle strafe around them, jump, and duck to confuse their aim. If you can get a second or two of flame in you'll want to back up (while jumping) and pull out your shotgun. This is good because often they'll have a bead on you by this time. It only takes one hit from a rocket, demoman shell, or scattergun to annihilate you. The distance may also continually confuse them as they'll still looking close.
The exceptions to this rule are: Heavies (because you're ****ing dead if he finds you), Spies (they might vanish and run away), and Snipers (because they go down quicker if you just flame them).
Try to engage enemies just after they've engaged with a buddy(ies) on your team. Their attention will not be on you and you'll be able to close the distance. A Pyro alone dies alone (easily).
Enemy Pyros won't light on fire, but your flamethrower will still do damage.
Other tactics:
- The corner hop out. As a player rounds a corner or enters a door start flaming their flanks/sides.
- The ledge drop down. Very effective way to surprise enemies you will often end up in a nice big group of them. The hardest part about this tactic is getting the hell away. Have an escape route planned beforehand. Light, retreat, and shotgun them.
- The flank. Easier than you might think to pull off. Many noobs won't check their 6 regularly, and you can run up behind a heavy/medic team or group and light their asses on fire.
Happy hunting! :flame:
P.S. I still haven't tried the flamethrower underwater... Can someone tell me what happens?
I think the class just needs a tiny tweak in either: health, movement speed, or flamethrower damage.
In mid-range and long-range combat you're the equivalent of an engineer. With just your single shotgun you will get demolished by any beefy class.
Where the Pyro really shines is CQC (Close quarters combat). Surprise and ambush are your best tactics for success. As the game tips say: corners are your friend. However, I would add to that and say ledges are as well.
General tactic: As you're in close you'll have your flamethrower and burning them up.. Staying AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE. Circle strafe around them, jump, and duck to confuse their aim. If you can get a second or two of flame in you'll want to back up (while jumping) and pull out your shotgun. This is good because often they'll have a bead on you by this time. It only takes one hit from a rocket, demoman shell, or scattergun to annihilate you. The distance may also continually confuse them as they'll still looking close.
The exceptions to this rule are: Heavies (because you're ****ing dead if he finds you), Spies (they might vanish and run away), and Snipers (because they go down quicker if you just flame them).
Try to engage enemies just after they've engaged with a buddy(ies) on your team. Their attention will not be on you and you'll be able to close the distance. A Pyro alone dies alone (easily).
Enemy Pyros won't light on fire, but your flamethrower will still do damage.
Other tactics:
- The corner hop out. As a player rounds a corner or enters a door start flaming their flanks/sides.
- The ledge drop down. Very effective way to surprise enemies you will often end up in a nice big group of them. The hardest part about this tactic is getting the hell away. Have an escape route planned beforehand. Light, retreat, and shotgun them.
- The flank. Easier than you might think to pull off. Many noobs won't check their 6 regularly, and you can run up behind a heavy/medic team or group and light their asses on fire.
Happy hunting! :flame:
P.S. I still haven't tried the flamethrower underwater... Can someone tell me what happens?