Allen said:
team fortress 2
any tips on how to not be completely incompetent as a soldier?
1. Practice. This applies to every class, of course.
2. Aim at where your target will be, not where your target is. Your rockets are one of the slowest moving projectiles in the game, and you only get four per clip, so you can't afford to miss too often.
3. At first, don't try to go for direct rocket hits, especially if your opponent is facing you and can dodge your rockets. Try to use splash damage to hurt your opponent, by aiming at the ground or at nearby walls. If you're engaged in a close-range encounter, jump up and shoot at the ground. Later, as you get better and more accustomed to rocket flight, you can try to direct your rockets directly onto your opponent, eventually leading to the holy grail of soldiering, airshots.
4. Learn to rocket jump. One of the soldier's greatest advantages over other classes is his aerial mobility. Rocket jumping allows you to reach higher areas your opponents can't get to. It also allows you to get above opponents and rain rockets downwards, which helps with the "shoot at the ground and hope for splash damage" strategy.
5. Remember you have a shotgun and a shovel too. The shotgun's an excellent weapon, even at longer ranges. If you're engaging an opponent at a range where he can dodge your rockets, pull out your shotgun.
6. Related to 5, try to learn how much damage is needed to kill each class. For example, if you manage to catch a scout with some significant splash damage from one rocket, pull out your shotgun and finish him off. A heavy, on the other hand, will probably require you to empty all four rockets on him before you switch to the shotty.
7. Related to 6, know the strengths and weaknesses of each class, as well as the nuances of each map. If you're up against a pyro with a flamethrower, chances are your rockets will be airblasted back. If you're crossing a wide open area, look for the sniper on the other side. (Or, better yet, shoot him)
8. You are one of the best possible targets for a kritzkreig medic. If a medic kritzes you, make sure you make each rocket count. They'll all hurt, trust me.
Generally speaking, soldiers are the "jack of all trades, master of none" class. Their rocket damage is overshadowed by demomen grenades and stickies. Heavies have more health and a bigger gun. Also, soldiers are the second slowest class in the game. However, every competitive team always runs at least one soldier, which should tell you how useful they are.
