Soldier

Learn how to rocket jump, aim effectively, and utilize your secondary and melee weapons as the Soldier in Team Fortress 2. Dominate the battlefield!

Alright, let's talk about the Soldier in Team Fortress 2. He's a heavier class, sure, but don't let that fool you – he's got more mobility than you'd think, mostly thanks to his rocket jump. This move alone can make him faster than pretty much anyone else, except maybe the Demoman with his sticky jumps. Just remember, rocket jumping costs you health, so it's not always the best move if you're already low.

You've only got four rockets to fire at a time, so make 'em count! Missing all four can leave you in a real bind. Even with 200 HP and the ability to rocket jump, you're not invincible. Be smart about your shots and your positioning.

Getting the high ground is your best friend for landing rockets. And here's a pro tip: aim for the feet! If you hit their legs directly, they'll take full damage. Even if you miss, the splash damage can still hurt them. Sometimes, a quick rocket jump to gain temporary height is exactly what you need. Maps like Granary's mid-section are perfect for rocket jumping to higher areas you couldn't normally reach, giving you a sweet advantage.

If you're on PC, I highly recommend practicing your rocket jumping on custom maps. If you don't know how to find them, don't hesitate to ask around on the TF2 boards – someone will point you in the right direction.

Having a Medic buddy is awesome, but don't hog them! Make sure those four rockets you fire are actually doing something useful. The real difference between a good Soldier and a bad one? Hitting your shots. It's that simple.

Oh, and a quick reminder: don't forget about your other weapons, especially when you're out of rockets. Your shotgun is super useful, and the Gunboats aren't always a replacement. If you're facing groups, you'll definitely need that shotgun to back yourself up. And if you can get your hands on the Equalizer, grab it! It's arguably the best melee weapon in the game. Plus, it has a neat trick: if you need to get to mid-game fast, you can damage yourself with rockets, switch to the Equalizer to get a speed boost, grab the nearest health pack, and be in the fight quicker than just running there normally.