Well, I thought I might try writing one of these here class guides. Here's goes nothing...
DEMOMAN
Table of Contents
Section [1]: Stats/Load-out Overview
Section [2]: Weapons Analysis
Section [3]: Offensive/Defensive Tips
Section [4]: Credits
Section 1: Stats/Load-out Overview
Stats
Health: 90
Armor: 120
Speed: Medium
Weapons
Crowbar
Shotgun
Grenade Launcher
Pipebomb Launcher
Detpack
Frag Grenade 2 (max of 4)
MIRV Grenade 2 (max of 4)
Section 2: Weapon Analysis
Slot 1
Crowbar
Your basic bashing tool. You should never, ever have to use this. Ever. It's only useful for humiliation purposes, and even in that department it phails because it's just so damn weak. Stay the hell away from this.
Slot 2
Shotgun
Not a bad weapon, but not a great one either. Just point it at what you don't like and fire away. Generally, you should stay away from using this weapon, as all your other weapons basically make this obsolete (For example, if an enemy is too close, use your Grenade Launcher (GL). If they're further away, use your Pipebomb Launcher (PL). This should really only be used to finish off an already weakened enemy, or against scouts (who can avoid your grenades with ease).
Slot 4
Grenade Launcher
A pathetic weapon in the hands of a n00b, and deadly in the hands of an expert. This weapon fires blue grenades that will explode after a few seconds, or if they hit an enemy directly. Great for spamming narrow choke points. Also works well if an enemy is close to you, as you can nail them with this gun, which will cause decent damage as well as sending them flying. Only use this for regular combat if you know what the fuck you're doing, or if the enemy gets in too close to use the Pipebomb Launcher. Otherwise, choose the smarter alternative...
Slot 5
Pipebomb Launcher
The staple of the Demoman. This gun fires grellow (that's right, GRELLOW) pipebombs. The pipebombs are remotely detonated through the use of the "Secondary Attack" key (MOUSE2 by default). However, there is a catch: The pipebombs can only be detonated AFTER they stop glowing red (which takes a second or two).
This means that this weapon should really only be used at a medium distance. However, if you can use the map's geometry effectively, you can essentially detonate the bombs even if a person is right next to you. For example, if you ricochet them off the ground/wall/ceiling, they won't go as far, hence you can detonate them closer to you to hurt the enemy.
However, this weapon has it's defensive uses too. Using the PL, you can lay down a maximum of 8 pipebombs at a time (if you try to lay a 9th one, the first pipebomb you fired will explode to make room for the new one. If you try to lay a 10th one, then the second pipebomb you fired will explode to make room for the new one, etc). If you position these somewhere important, say a choke-point, or around the flag, you can instantly kill ANYONE (HW's too!) who dares try and cross them.
The weapon has yet another use: Pipebomb jumping. Pipebomb jumping is very simple:
Quote:
1) Lay down 1 or 2 pipebombs (depending on how far/high you need to go).
2) Run, jump + detonate your pipebomb(s) to go flying.
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This will allow you to reach areas that you otherwise couldn't. Use it wisely however, as this takes off a considerable amount of health/armor!
Two final, very important notes about pipebombs:
1) If you die, all your pipebombs will explode. DON'T DIE!
2) EMP grenades will detonate all pipebombs in the blast radius. KEEP ENGINEERS THE HELL AWAY FROM YOU/YOUR PIPEBOMBS.
Slot 6
Detpack
The granddaddy of all explosives! This timed explosive will instantly kill anyone caught in the blast radius. You can set a detpack at preset increments of 5, 10, 20, and 50 seconds, or you can set the timer to whatever you like (between 5 - 60 seconds) in console (detpack ## in console, where ## represents time). However, the main use of this weapon is to open map-specific passageways/shortcuts (such as the water access on ff_well), though it can be used as a weapon in a pinch (set it in the enemy yard and watch them go kaboom!).
There are a few catches to this awesome weapon, though. First of all, it takes a few seconds to actually set, meaning that you are vulnerable while setting one down. If you get killed, you can say bye-bye detpack, too. Second, Detpacks can be diffused by scouts, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your Detpack after you have set it (preferably from a safe distance). Finally, as previously stated, you can only set the timer between 5 - 60 seconds, so no instant explosions or ridiculously long timers.
Grenades
Frag grenade
Your standard issue fraggin' grenade. Pull the pin, throw it at the enemy, and watch them go flying across the room. A very effective
combo can be pulled off using a frag+pipebomb:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by GhOsT
Prime a grenade so it'll go off when it reaches your target. When you throw the grenade, launch a pipebomb with it. The grenade and pipebomb should be moving together at this point. If done correctly, when the combo reaches your target, you detonate the pipebomb and the grenade explodes at the same time, dealing massive damage.
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This is usually sufficient to take down most enemies, or at least severely injure them, letting you finish them off in the manner of your choosing.
MIRV Grenade
The granddaddy of all grenades, this baby is four frag grenades in one! Basically, it acts like a regular grenade (at first). However, after the initial explosion, 4 mini-grenades are thrown out in a small area, dealing massive damage to anyone caught in the blast(s). These are excellent for taking down Sentry Guns, because even if the engineer repairs the them after the first blast, the next 4 blasts will take out the Sentry Gun in one hit (and the engineer foolhardy enough to stand near and try and repair it). These also work great for taking down HW's, a large group of defenders, and for causing (a very short) area denial.
Section 3: Tips
OFFENSIVE TIPS
USE THE PIPEBOMB LAUNCHER FOR MOST SITUATIONS
Unless you're some kind of super-pro that can hit the enemy consistently with the Grenade Launcher, the enemy is too close for you to use your PL, or if you have to spam a narrow passageway, STICK THE PIPEBOMB LAUNCHER! It is far more effective.
IF YOU SEE A SENTRY GUN, THROW A MIRV
Takes SG's out in one hit. 'Nuff said.
USE THE MAP GEOMETRY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!
Ricochet grenades off walls/floors/ceilings/whatever. Do whatever it takes to get that grenade to explode on the enemy. Even shooting it ahead of you, off a wall (As ridiculous as it may seem) really helps when it comes to getting that pipebomb to explode as close to the enemy as possible. Also remember that downhill = Good, Uphill = BAD BAD BAD. Grenades are absolutely useless when trying to shoot up a hill. Try to lure the enemy somewhere where you have the advantage, or just run the fuck away.
GET IN CLOSE, BUT NOT TOO CLOSE
The ideal distance for a Demoman is mid-long range. Anything further will be too far for your grenades to reach, and anything closer will damage yourself, or won't allow your bombs enough time to detonate.
DETPACKS ARE STILL USEFUL OUTSIDE OF OPENING PASSAGEWAYS
Setting a detpack in the enemy yard/just before the gates open is can be surprisingly effective, but requires a lot of luck. Try it out, but don't rely on it too much.
PIPEBOMB JUMPING
Pipejumping is a great way to get across the map quickly, or to reach an area that you otherwise couldn't. If you utilize this trick to it's fullest potential, you can easily fly across the map and cap the flag in record time. However, be warned that Pipejumping takes a large chunk of health and armor, so use it carefully. Also, don't try to pipejump with low hp/armor. You may survive the initial blast, but you also have to survive the fall too!
DEFENSIVE TIPS
PIPEBOMB TRAPS
Demomen are VERY useful on defense! Being a Demoman on defense is all about utilizing your pipebombs. Lay down 7-8 of them in a key position (main entrance, flag), and anyone who goes over them, dies. Excellent for defending key areas. However, it's important to remember that while you have your pipes out, you can't use your PL without detonating the trap too. So, the only (ideal) solution is to switch over to your blue pipes to defend yourself in case anything goes wrong. Remember, lay down some Grellow pipes for traps, and cover your ass with the blue pipes!
GRENADE SPAM, HO!
While many people will question your skill (and possibly your sexual orientation) for doing this, grenade spam is very simple and effective in certain situations. All you do is simply fire your blue pipes and toss grenades repeatedly into a specific area, causing a constant wall of explosions that will keep the enemy away. Ideally, you want a NARROW passageway (such as the starting gates on dustbowl) for maximum effectiveness.
WATCH FOR SPIES!
Spies are now deadlier than ever now that they can cloak and have improved disguises. If one gets behind you, he'll kill you instantly, which in turn, will detonate your pipebombs. When defending a position, have your back to the wall so that he won't be able to stick is knife into it! Also, be aware of your "teammates". If you notice one who seems to be sitting there with his thumb up his ass, give him a friendly "nudge" with your shotgun. If he loses health, switch over to the GL and fire away, or throw him a little "present".
WATCH FOR ENGINEERS/EMPS!
Yet another threat to your traps: Engineers. Engineers can throw EMP grenades which will instantly detonate all your pipebombs (as well as kill you if you are caught in the blast). Fortunately, enemy Engineers in your base are a rarity, but be warned if you come across one!
Section 4: Credits
<insert super-kickass credits song>
Skanky Butterpuss - For stickying this thread, and making an "important change"
Camphlobactor - Pipejumping/detpack advice and criticism.
fishBurger - More detpack advice!
Industrial - More criticism and shotgun advice
GhOsT - For his awesome pipe+frag combo, Offensive/Defensive tips, and more criticism.
You - For reading this guide and playing Demoman. Cause he pwns.
gizmofo - Pointing out I had the incorrect slots for a few weapons. Thanks!
50 other people I'd like to name, but ran out of money/time/patience
Well, that wraps it up for this guide. If you have any suggestions/criticism, feel free to post them here!
(PS: Yo, sticky FTW, right?!)