Kaboom! A Comprehensive Guide to Exploding in Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2, the iconic class-based shooter, offers a plethora of ways to eliminate your opponents, from precise sniper shots to devastating rocket barrages. However, one of the more… unique… methods involves exploding. Yes, you read that right. Self-detonation, while not always the most strategically sound option, can be a hilarious and sometimes surprisingly effective tactic in the right circumstances. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various ways you can achieve explosive self-destruction in Team Fortress 2, covering specific weapons, game modes, and even some advanced strategies. Get ready to embrace the chaos!

I. The Demoman: A Walking Arsenal of Explosions

The Demoman is arguably the king of controlled explosions, and naturally, his arsenal provides multiple avenues for spectacular self-destruction. Let’s explore his explosive options:

A. Stickybomb Launcher: The Sticky Situation

The Stickybomb Launcher is the Demoman’s signature weapon, and it’s perfectly suited for both offensive and… well, suicidal maneuvers. Here’s how to use it to become a human bomb:

1. Placement is Key: Unlike grenades that bounce, Stickybombs adhere to almost any surface. This allows you to strategically place them on walls, ceilings, or even directly on yourself (though this requires some precision and a healthy disregard for your own well-being).
2. Detonation Time: Stickybombs have a short arming time before they can be detonated. Be mindful of this, as attempting to detonate too early will result in a fizzle and wasted explosives.
3. The “Sticky Jump”: This is the most common and practical application of explosive self-harm with the Stickybomb Launcher. To Sticky Jump:
• Jump into the air.
• Place one or two Stickybombs beneath you.
• Detonate them simultaneously.

The resulting explosion will launch you high into the air, allowing you to reach otherwise inaccessible areas or quickly traverse the map. However, it also deals significant self-damage. The amount of damage you take depends on several factors, including:

• Distance from the explosion: The closer you are, the more damage you take.
• Number of Stickybombs: Using more Stickybombs results in a more powerful jump but also greater self-damage.
• Damage Resistance: Certain items or effects can reduce the damage you take from your own Stickybombs (more on this later).
4. The “Suicide Bomb”: This is a less practical but often hilarious tactic. To become a human Stickybomb, simply cover yourself in Stickybombs and run towards the enemy. Detonate them when you’re close enough to inflict maximum damage (and likely take yourself out in the process). This strategy works best against stationary targets like sentry nests or groups of unsuspecting enemies.
5. Advanced Sticky Jumping: Mastering Sticky Jumping takes practice. Here are some advanced techniques:
• Double Sticky Jump: Place two pairs of Stickybombs beneath you, detonating the first pair and then immediately detonating the second pair for an even higher jump. This requires precise timing.
• Directional Sticky Jump: Place Stickybombs slightly to one side of you to propel yourself in a specific direction. This is useful for navigating tight spaces or dodging enemy fire.
• Wall Sticky Jump: Place Stickybombs on a wall and then jump towards the wall, detonating the bombs as you make contact to launch yourself upwards and forwards.

B. Grenade Launcher: Bouncing Bets

The Grenade Launcher fires grenades that bounce and explode after a set amount of time or upon direct impact with an enemy. While less precise than the Stickybomb Launcher, it can still be used for self-detonation.

1. Direct Impact: The most straightforward way to explode with the Grenade Launcher is to fire a grenade directly at your feet. The explosion will damage you, but it can also be used to propel you slightly upwards. This is rarely a good strategy but can be useful in very specific situations.
2. Corner Grenades: Bouncing grenades around corners can be used to flush out enemies, but it can also backfire spectacularly if the grenade bounces back towards you. Pay attention to the grenade’s trajectory and be prepared to move out of the way (or embrace the explosion).
3. Timing is Crucial: Grenades have a fuse timer, so you need to anticipate when they will explode. This makes self-detonation with the Grenade Launcher less reliable than with the Stickybomb Launcher.

C. Loose Cannon: Double Donk! (and Self-Inflicted Pain)

The Loose Cannon is a unique grenade launcher that fires cannonballs. These cannonballs can be “double-donked,” meaning they bounce off a surface and then hit an enemy. However, they also have a unique feature: they can be manually detonated in mid-air, or will explode automatically after a short fuse. This mechanic opens up some interesting (and painful) possibilities for self-detonation.

1. Mid-Air Detonation: Fire a cannonball into the air and then manually detonate it while you are close to it. This is similar to a Sticky Jump, but with less control over the direction and power of the explosion.
2. Close-Range Shots: Firing a cannonball at very close range can result in a self-detonation if you’re not careful. The cannonball will explode shortly after firing, giving you little time to escape the blast radius.
3. Overloading: The Loose Cannon can be overloaded by holding down the fire button. This increases the cannonball’s damage and blast radius, but it also makes it more dangerous to use at close range. Overloading and then firing at your feet is a surefire way to end up as a pile of gibs.

II. The Soldier: Rocket-Powered Self-Destruction

While not as specialized in explosions as the Demoman, the Soldier’s Rocket Launcher provides a potent means of self-propelled (and self-damaging) mayhem.

A. Rocket Jumping: Soaring Through the Skies (and Taking Damage)

Rocket Jumping is a core mechanic for the Soldier, allowing him to reach high ground and quickly traverse the map. However, it comes at the cost of significant self-damage.

1. The Basic Rocket Jump: This is the foundation of all Rocket Jumping techniques. To perform a basic Rocket Jump:
• Crouch.
• Look down slightly.
• Fire a rocket at your feet.
• Jump simultaneously with firing the rocket.

The explosion will propel you upwards and forwards. The key is to time the jump correctly so that you are launched into the air by the rocket’s blast. The closer you are to the explosion, the higher you will jump, but also the more damage you will take.

2. Advanced Rocket Jumping Techniques: Mastering Rocket Jumping involves learning a variety of advanced techniques, including:
• Wall Rocket Jump: Fire a rocket at a wall while jumping to propel yourself upwards and away from the wall. This is useful for scaling walls and reaching high platforms.
• Corner Rocket Jump: Similar to the Wall Rocket Jump, but performed in a corner to maximize the launch angle.
• Double Rocket Jump: Fire two rockets in quick succession to achieve an even higher jump. This requires precise timing and a high tolerance for self-damage.
• Sync Jumping: Coordinating rocket jumps with a teammate to reach even greater heights or traverse longer distances.
3. Damage Mitigation: While Rocket Jumping inevitably results in self-damage, there are ways to mitigate the impact:
• Health Packs: Collecting health packs before or after a Rocket Jump can help offset the damage.
• The Gunboats: This secondary weapon reduces the self-damage taken from rocket jumps by 60%. This is essential for Soldiers who rely heavily on Rocket Jumping.
• Medics: A Medic can heal you during or after a Rocket Jump to minimize the damage.
• Overheal: Being overhealed by a Medic provides a buffer of extra health, allowing you to survive more extreme Rocket Jumps.

B. Direct Hits: Point-Blank Explosions

Firing a rocket at point-blank range is a quick way to inflict massive damage… to yourself. While not a recommended tactic, it can be used as a desperate measure in close-quarters combat.

1. Desperation Tactic: If an enemy is right in your face and you’re out of other options, firing a rocket directly at them (and yourself) can be a viable last resort. The resulting explosion will likely kill both of you, but at least you’ll take them down with you.
2. Environmental Hazards: Be mindful of environmental hazards like water or ledges. Firing a rocket at close range near water can send you flying into the water, where you’ll be vulnerable to enemy fire. Firing a rocket near a ledge can send you plummeting to your death.

III. The Scout: Force-A-Nature and a Whole Lot of Bad Decisions

The Scout isn’t known for explosions. He’s all about speed and flanking. However, with a little creativity (and a willingness to make questionable choices), he can achieve a form of explosive self-destruction.

A. The Force-A-Nature: Repulsion and Risky Maneuvers

The Force-A-Nature’s primary gimmick is its ability to knock back both enemies and the Scout himself. This recoil can be used for mobility, but it can also be used for… less strategic purposes.

1. Environmental Kills: The most common (and arguably only viable) way for the Scout to explode is via environmental kills. The Force-A-Nature’s knockback can be used to push yourself off cliffs, into pits, or into other environmental hazards. This requires precise aiming and a good understanding of the map’s layout.
2. Double Jumping and Knockback: Combining the Force-A-Nature’s knockback with the Scout’s double jump can allow you to reach otherwise inaccessible areas, but it can also send you flying into dangerous territory. Be careful not to overshoot your target and end up falling to your death.
3. Close-Range Combat: Using the Force-A-Nature at very close range can be risky. The knockback can send you flying backwards into enemy fire or into environmental hazards.

IV. Other Classes and Explosive Potential

While the Demoman, Soldier, and Scout are the primary classes associated with explosive self-destruction, other classes can also achieve similar results under specific circumstances.

A. The Pyro: Detonator and Scorch Shot Shenanigans

The Pyro’s Detonator and Scorch Shot can be used to ignite himself, leading to a fiery demise. While not a direct explosion, the resulting afterburn can be just as deadly.

1. Self-Ignition: The Detonator and Scorch Shot can be used to ignite yourself by firing them at close range. This is particularly effective against enemies who are also on fire, as the afterburn damage will stack.
2. Environmental Hazards: Setting yourself on fire near explosive barrels or propane tanks can trigger a chain reaction, leading to a larger explosion that can damage or kill nearby enemies (and yourself).

B. The Heavy: Natascha and Incidental Explosions

The Heavy isn’t known for his mobility or explosive power. However, he can sometimes find himself caught in enemy explosions or pushed into environmental hazards by the knockback from weapons like the Natascha. While not intentional self-destruction, it can still lead to a similar outcome.

C. The Engineer: Sentry Gun Explosions (Accidental, of Course)

Engineers rarely intentionally explode, but their sentry guns can sometimes be caught in enemy explosions, leading to a chain reaction that takes out the Engineer as well. This is usually the result of poor sentry placement or a coordinated enemy attack.

D. The Medic: Kritzkrieg and Explosive Suicide Runs

While the Medic lacks any direct explosive weaponry, the Kritzkrieg’s ability to grant guaranteed critical hits can be used to empower a teammate with explosive weapons, leading to a suicidal attack run. The Medic may not be the one pulling the trigger, but he’s enabling the explosive mayhem.

E. The Sniper and Spy: Purely Incidental

The Sniper and Spy are the least likely classes to engage in explosive self-destruction. Their primary roles rely on stealth and precision, and they generally avoid close-quarters combat where explosions are more common. However, they can still be caught in enemy explosions or pushed into environmental hazards under specific circumstances.

V. Game Modes and Explosive Opportunities

Certain game modes in Team Fortress 2 provide more opportunities for explosive self-destruction than others.

A. Payload: Cart Explosions and Strategic Sacrifices

The Payload game mode, where one team escorts a bomb-laden cart to the enemy base, offers unique opportunities for explosive plays. The cart itself is a giant bomb, and detonating it near enemies (and yourself) can be a viable strategy.

B. Capture the Flag: Risky Flag Captures and Explosive Escapes

In Capture the Flag, players can use explosive jumps to quickly reach the enemy flag, but they risk taking significant damage in the process. They can also use explosions to clear a path for their teammates or to create a diversion while they escape with the flag.

C. King of the Hill: Contesting Control Points with Explosions

King of the Hill encourages close-quarters combat around a central control point, making it a prime location for explosive plays. Players can use grenades, rockets, and stickybombs to clear the point or to prevent the enemy from capturing it.

D. Special Delivery: Explosive Deliveries and Last-Second Sacrifices

In Special Delivery, players must deliver a briefcase to a rocket that launches it. The rocket blast radius is huge so if an enemy is on the pad, suiciding with explosives on the point guarantees the payload launch.

VI. Strategies and Considerations

Exploding in Team Fortress 2 is rarely the most strategic option, but it can be effective under specific circumstances. Here are some strategies and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Know Your Limits: Understanding the damage you can inflict on yourself with various weapons and techniques is crucial. Don’t attempt a Rocket Jump or Sticky Jump that you know you can’t survive.
2. Environmental Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings. Be mindful of environmental hazards like ledges, water, and explosive barrels.
3. Teamwork: Coordinate your explosive plays with your teammates. A Medic can heal you after a Rocket Jump, or a teammate can provide cover while you set up a Stickybomb trap.
4. Risk vs. Reward: Weigh the risks and rewards of each explosive maneuver. Is the potential benefit worth the self-damage?
5. Surprise Element: Explosions can be most effective when they catch the enemy off guard. Use flanking routes and unexpected angles to surprise your opponents.
6. Embrace the Chaos: Ultimately, exploding in Team Fortress 2 is about having fun. Don’t take it too seriously, and enjoy the chaos that ensues.

VII. Loadout Considerations for Explosive Plays

Your loadout can significantly impact your ability to effectively explode in Team Fortress 2. Here are some key considerations for each class:

A. Demoman Loadout

• Primary: Stickybomb Launcher (essential for Sticky Jumping and Stickybomb traps)
• Secondary: Grenade Launcher (for area denial and close-quarters combat) or Loose Cannon (for more unpredictable explosions)
• Melee: Any (melee weapon choice is less critical for explosive Demoman)

B. Soldier Loadout

• Primary: Rocket Launcher (essential for Rocket Jumping)
• Secondary: Gunboats (reduces self-damage from Rocket Jumping) or Shotgun (for close-quarters combat)
• Melee: Escape Plan/Equalizer (for increased mobility at low health)

C. Scout Loadout

• Primary: Force-A-Nature (for knockback and environmental kills)
• Secondary: Any (secondary weapon choice is less critical for explosive Scout)
• Melee: Any (melee weapon choice is less critical for explosive Scout)

VIII. Conclusion: Go Out With a Bang!

Exploding in Team Fortress 2 is a risky but rewarding tactic. Whether you’re Sticky Jumping across the map as a Demoman, Rocket Jumping to capture the flag as a Soldier, or pushing yourself off a cliff with the Force-A-Nature as a Scout, there are plenty of ways to achieve explosive self-destruction. Just remember to know your limits, be aware of your surroundings, and embrace the chaos. Now go out there and make some explosions!