Versus Saxton Hale

Master Versus Saxton Hale in Team Fortress 2. Learn survival tactics for mercs and aggressive strategies for Hale in this chaotic boss mode.

Versus Saxton Hale is a unique and chaotic game mode in Team Fortress 2 that pits a team of nine players as various mercs against a single, incredibly powerful player controlling the legendary Saxton Hale. This mode is a test of teamwork, strategy, and sheer survival for the mercs, while for Saxton Hale, it's about raw power and relentless aggression. Understanding the roles and abilities of both sides is key to experiencing the full, exhilarating chaos of this fan-favorite mode.

In Versus Saxton Hale, the objective for the mercs is to defeat Saxton Hale before he can destroy a series of objectives or before the timer runs out. Saxton Hale, on the other hand, aims to destroy these objectives or eliminate all the mercs. The game is played in rounds, with Saxton Hale's health and abilities scaling throughout the match. This creates an escalating challenge that requires the mercs to adapt their strategies as the game progresses.

The Mercenary Team's Objective

The nine mercs must work together to take down Saxton Hale. This requires a coordinated effort, as Hale is incredibly durable and deals massive damage.

• Damage Dealers: Classes like Soldier, Demoman, and Heavy are essential for outputting consistent damage. Their high burst damage can chip away at Hale's health.
• Support and Healing: The Medic is paramount. His UberCharges can provide temporary invincibility to a damage dealer, allowing them to unleash a torrent of attacks on Hale. Other support classes like the Pyro can help with crowd control if Hale gets too close or distract him.
• Mobility and Distraction: Scout and Spy can be used to harass Hale, drawing his attention away from the main group or attempting to flank him. However, a direct confrontation with Hale is usually fatal for these classes.
• Objective Defense: If Hale is targeting specific objectives (like payload carts or control points), classes like Engineer can set up defenses to slow him down.

Saxton Hale's Capabilities

Saxton Hale is a force of nature. His abilities include:

• Super Strength: Hale can punch with incredible force, capable of one-shotting most mercs.
• Leaping Attack: He can leap great distances to close the gap on fleeing mercs.
• Ground Pound: A powerful area-of-effect attack that can damage multiple mercs.
• Rage Meter: As Hale deals and takes damage, his "Rage" meter fills, unlocking more powerful attacks and increased speed.
• Invulnerability Phases: At certain health thresholds, Hale may enter temporary invulnerability phases, requiring mercs to focus on survival or repositioning.

Strategies for Mercs

• Stick Together: Lone wolves rarely survive. Coordinate your attacks and retreats.
• Prioritize Healing: Keep your Medics alive at all costs.
• UberCharge Management: Save UberCharges for when Hale is vulnerable or when you need to make a decisive push.
• Exploit Openings: When Hale is focused on one player or is recovering from an attack, unleash your damage.
• Map Awareness: Use the environment to your advantage. Lure Hale into chokepoints or areas where his movement is restricted.

Strategies for Saxton Hale

• Aggression is Key: Don't let the mercs set up defenses. Constantly pressure them.
• Target Medics: Eliminating the enemy Medic cripples their ability to sustain damage.
• Use Your Leap: Close the distance quickly to prevent mercs from escaping or setting up long-range attacks.
• Objective Focus: If there are objectives to destroy, prioritize them when mercs are distracted or low on health.
• Rage Management: Use your Rage abilities strategically to secure kills or break through defenses.

Versus Saxton Hale is a thrilling game mode that offers a unique asymmetrical challenge. Whether you're coordinating a desperate defense as a merc or unleashing unbridled fury as Saxton Hale himself, the experience is always action-packed and memorable.