Team Fortress 2 (TF2) remains a fan-favorite even 15+ years after launch, thanks to its nine unique TF2 characters. Each class offers distinct playstyles, divided into Offense, Defense, and Support roles.
Whether you’re new or a veteran, this guide covers everything—from abilities to TF2 character ages and backstories.
All TF2 Characters Comparison
| Character | Class | Role | Health | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scout | Offense | Flanker | 125 | Fastest |
| Soldier | Offense | All-Rounder | 200 | Medium |
| Pyro | Offense | Ambush | 175 | Medium |
| Demoman | Defense | Area Denial | 175 | Medium |
| Heavy | Defense | Tank | 300 | Slowest |
| Engineer | Defense | Builder | 125 | Medium |
| Medic | Support | Healer | 150 | Medium |
| Sniper | Support | Long-Range | 125 | Medium |
| Spy | Support | Saboteur | 125 | Medium |
Offense Classes
The offense classes are focused on pushing the front lines and dealing damage quickly. These classes rely on speed and damage output to engage enemies directly.
1. Scout
As its name suggests, this class excels at scouting the enemy team. The Scout in TF2 has relatively low hit points but compensates with his speed. This is the fastest class in the game.
The Scout can be extremely annoying to deal with against units with a poor fire rate, such as the Sniper and the Demoman. But he tends to be poorly equipped to deal with the Soldier and the Heavy.
2. Soldier
This is probably the most well-rounded class in TF2. Other classes excel at something but are bad at something else. The Soldier can do everything that’s needed: offense, defense, etc. He has excellent health and excellent damage. His speed is not phenomenal, but it’s not terrible, either. In the right hands, this class will wreak havoc.
The Soldier’s main weapon is the Rocket Launcher, which he can use to TF2 rocket jump.
Related: TF2 Soldier Guide
3. Pyro
The Pyro is perfect for close-range combat against targets that don’t move very fast but are a bit dodgy. For example, the Spy.
The Pyro class can deal enormous amounts of AoE damage and only needs a few seconds to burn a target from full HP completely.
Related: TF2 Pyro Guide
Defense Classes
Defense classes are specialists in the area of denial and holding ground. These characters use traps, high health, or firepower to prevent enemies from advancing.
4. Demoman
Demoman is the class you should play when your goal is to create massive explosions and blow up. Be careful not to pick it against slippery targets because you’ll be highly ineffective against them.
Related: TF2 Demoman Guide
5. Heavy
The Heavy is an absolute beast if you don’t mind the slow movement speed. It deals massive amounts of damage in all directions and can withstand several times the damage that would kill other classes.
The Heavy works well in combination with a Medic who can sustain his HP. This combo can significantly increase the duration of his life and is one of the main front-line strategies used in TF2.
6. Engineer
This very unusual class can be utilized with great success if you know what you’re doing and if your team can keep the enemy busy until you build your devices.
The Engineer is ineffective in high-paced games where you get attacked every 30 seconds. But if the rest of your team can gain some ground, you can fortify certain positions by creating powerful weapons in TF2 that can kill everything in their range.
Related: TF2 Engineer Guide
Support Classes
Support classes play critical roles in maintaining the team’s strength and disrupting the enemy. They may not directly engage in combat but are essential for team survival and success.
7. Medic
This is one of the best TF2 classes for duos. If you have a friend who wants to create one of the best combos in the game, picking the Medic is a great idea. Make sure you’re always linked to another player and that your synchronization is good. And you will have a lot of fun.
This is an essential class in many cases, and at least one person on your team will need to play it.
8. Sniper
The Sniper is an excellent choice for those who like to sit back and play their own game without getting too involved in the heat of battle. If your aim is good, you will love playing Sniper. One headshot will kill just about anyone, and it’s quite addictive to shoot target after target on certain maps.
The rifles available to the Sniper are fun to play, offering him a wide range of buffs. However, remember that each modified rifle comes with a series of debuffs.
The Sniper can kill an entire team if your aim is flawless. No other class can achieve such a spectacular feat.
9. Spy
Everyone hates to play against this class because of its toolkit. You can find yourself with a Spy next to you without any clue that he’s there. And his weapons can kill fast if you allow him to use them on you.
In particular, classes like the Sniper have serious weaknesses against the Spy. So try to avoid picking them when the other team is Spy heavy.
The Spy will let you get behind enemy lines and is one of the best classes for assassinating key static targets with low HP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Valve Corporation. It features nine unique classes, each with its abilities and playstyles, making for a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience.
There are nine classes in TF2: Scout, Soldier, Pyro, Demoman, Heavy, Engineer, Medic, Sniper, and Spy.
Each has a unique origin (e.g., Heavy from Russia, Scout from Boston).
The Soldier is often recommended for new players due to its versatility, balance of health and damage, and straightforward mechanics.
The Medic’s primary role is to heal and support teammates. The Medic can also deploy an ÜberCharge to make teammates invulnerable, which can be crucial in turning the tide of battle.
The Spy can disguise himself as an enemy team member, allowing him to infiltrate and sabotage the enemy team. Disguises can be maintained as long as the Spy doesn’t take damage or perform certain actions.
The Pyro excels in close combat with its Flamethrower, which can quickly eliminate enemies at close range.
Choosing the best class depends on your preferred playstyle. If you enjoy fast-paced, high-mobility gameplay, the Scout might be ideal. For strategic, long-range play, the Sniper is a good choice. Experimenting with different classes will help you find the best fit.
Soldier or Heavy, forgiving health, and straightforward weapons.
Ages range from Scout (23) to Spy (50).
