Soldiering...

**Consultant** · 05-13-08, 03:37 PM

What makes a good Soldier?

Somebody asked me this a few days ago after I went on one of my rampages and I've been thinking about it on and off since then...

This question assumes a key fact, it assumes that I know because I am a good Soldier...Personally, I think I have a lot to learn but I'll share what I know.

Mistakes I see:
1. Aiming at the enemy.

Sounds silly, but the most common mistake I see is people aiming at their enemy from any distance greater than 10 feet or so. The key thing that makes a soldier devastating is anticipation. Shoot that rocket where you THINK they will be based on their direction and speed. You have to lead a heavy a lot shorter distance than you have to lead a scout or a pyro because of their speed.

When an enemy is jumping or falling or is launched into the air, use your rocket launcher to shoot where they are going to land, as they land there.

2. Go Skeet-Shooting.

Airborne enemies are a tempting target for the rocket launcher but unless you are one of the truly elite soldiers of the game, you will find yourself wasting rockets on airborne foes. For that reason, i suggest getting familiar with your Q button and quick switching between rocket launcher and shotty. When you see an enemy sailing through the air, bust out the shotty and throw some lead their way. You have to lead less and can do significant damage to them while they are generally pretty harmless up there.

3. Don't die

Again, sounds dumb, but it's far better to fall back at 1/3 health and get a health pack or a medic to back you up than it is to charge in and hope for a lucky crit. Also, the longer you live, the more chance you have of getting crits so living = good for more reasons than one.

4. Not rocket jumping.

Rocket jumping is an ability of soldiers designed to add depth to the class and make them more dynamic. you owe it to yourself and your team to learn this skill. To do it, look down and simultaneously press duck, jump and shoot. It takes a little practice but it can be the key difference in say, defending the spires on Badlands or taking the final cap point on Gravelpit. Flat out, LEARN TO ROCKET JUMP! No excuses.

that's all for now, i have to get out of here. I'll add more later.

**Ficet99** · 05-13-08, 03:46 PM

That sums it up pretty well

I really have never seen it good to base a good soldier on what he can do, but he can do for his team. Tell us master what makes a soldier a good team player?

I see something backing up the heavies and hitting the targets they maybe have trouble hitting or getting rid of campers. Nothing makes a camping sniper (Joe) (Just kidding

) move faster than a rocket flying at him a leisurely pace

**Tractorpull** · 05-13-08, 03:55 PM

Soldiers are the most versatile class in TF2. They are strong, and deal damage second only to a heavy. And while they are slower than most, they are very mobile once you add rocket jumping into the mix.

Nothing screws up a rush like a soldier rocket jumping over a house or up to a ledge right amongst the enemy.

**Gonzo0100** · 05-13-08, 03:55 PM

ALWAYS RELOAD! NOTHING more annoying than ubering a soldier that realizes after 1 rocket e needs to reload...... I ahve done it, and had it done to me soooo many times. If you fire one rocket, just reload! You can fire during if needed, so it doesn't hinder your firing ability, but if you have time, thats one more rocket!

**FragRaptor** · 05-13-08, 04:02 PM

I see an article in the future, add some pics, and maybe some more to this and make it into an article and post it up on the article forums. :9

**_BuRn_** · 05-13-08, 04:50 PM

5. Failing to use the rockets blowback to control eniemy movement.

Exp: Shoot a pyros feet when they rush to stop em in their tracks.

**enf** · 05-13-08, 05:18 PM

4a.
Only using rocket jumping to gain access to higher places.

This is also an effective method to mess with the mindset of the enemy who is looking to pick off the typical slow-moving soldier that is walking around the corner. You can get 2-3 rockets off before the enemy is correctly reaiming at you. Ask spaz, he's a freakin expert at it... Just remember to keep #3 in mind if you do this since it does reduce your health...

**Jibbidy** · 05-13-08, 07:02 PM

1. What Gonzo said about reloading. Very important this, and I fail at it.
2. Personally, I never shoot rockets directly at enemies. I shoot toes. Splash damage is your friend!
3. You shouldn't ever have problems with other soldiers if you have the high ground, or with heavies if you've got a corner.
4. You have a shotgun too. I fail to remember this.

Some people don't crouch when they rocket jump and there's nothing wrong with that, but it does help. Also, simply hitting jump+crouch+fire at the same time doesn't work for me. My jumps are three consecutive movements. Jump, then crouch, then fire. Preferably at or before the top of my jump. Once you've mastered high jumps, start practicing long jumps. Some arcane mating of jump, crouch, and firing behind you as opposed to straight down. Whatever works for you.

In any case, whatever way you do it, practice makes perfect.

I do suggest you take all my advice with a barrel of salt; I'm a poor soldier.

edited for clarity!

**Silent_Crow** · 05-13-08, 07:23 PM

What separates the elite soldiers from only good ones is their rocket jumping. The best soldiers like Yaug and spaz (Where have they been

!) are the best examples. If a soldier holds the high ground, he can out gun any class including enemy soldiers easily. Even if that high ground is temporary like that from just rocket jumping in the open.

Thats what it comes down to for me at least.

**Graverunner** · 05-13-08, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by Gonzo0100

ALWAYS RELOAD! NOTHING more annoying than ubering a soldier that realizes after 1 rocket e needs to reload...... I ahve done it, and had it done to me soooo many times. If you fire one rocket, just reload! You can fire during if needed, so it doesn't hinder your firing ability, but if you have time, thats one more rocket!

that should be the medics job though, the soldier is busy pushing back the enemy, and he is primarily using his rockets. You need to communicate that you want to uber him before you come even close, and again when he's rushing.
Soldiers are not waiting around for your uber,or at least they shouldn't be.