Best Soldier Rocket Launcher in TF2

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In Team Fortress 2, the Soldier is one of the most iconic and powerful classes, known for his explosive mobility and high damage potential. Central to his loadout is the rocket launcher, which defines his playstyle and effectiveness in battle.

With several rocket launchers to choose from, players often ask: Which is the best rocket launcher for Soldier?

Let’s analyze each rocket launcher available to Soldier, breaking down their pros and cons to help you choose the best one for your preferred playstyle.

🚀 Stock Rocket Launcher

TF2 Soldier Stock Rocket Launcher

This Soldier Rocket Launcher is considered the gold standard.

✅ Pros

  • Balanced damage (up to 90 splash, 112 direct hit).
  • Fast reload and firing speed.
  • No downsides.
  • Ideal for rocket jumping.

❌ Cons

  • ⚠️ No special abilities—outclassed in specific niches.

📜 Overview

The Stock Rocket Launcher is one of the most well-rounded weapons in the game. It’s reliable in both offense and defense, excellent for juggling enemies, and perfect for rocket jumping. Its consistent performance makes it ideal for new players and competitive veterans alike. If you’re unsure what to pick, Stock is never a bad choice.

🎯 Direct Hit

TF2 Soldier Direct Hit

This TF2 Soldier Rocket Launcher is great if you prefer precision over power.

✅ Pros

  • 25% faster projectile speed.
  • 25% more damage on direct hits (up to 138).
  • Mini-crits airborne enemies.
  • Excellent against flying or jumping targets (e.g., Scouts, Demomen, Soldiers).

❌ Cons

  • 70% less splash damage radius.
  • Requires high accuracy.
  • Bad against groups or hidden enemies.

📜 Overview

The Direct Hit is a high-risk, high-reward weapon. It punishes poor aim but rewards precision with devastating power. Skilled players can delete opponents quickly, especially in mid-air, but miss your shots and you’re left with nothing. Ideal for duelists or players with excellent aim.

🩺 Black Box

TF2 Soldier Black Box

If you prefer increased sustainability, Black Box is an excellent choice.

✅ Pros

  • Heals 20 HP per rocket that deals damage.
  • Great for staying alive without relying on Medics.

❌ Cons

  • One less rocket in the clip (3 instead of 4).
  • Slower burst damage potential.
  • Poor in prolonged fights without time to reload.

📜 Overview

The Black Box is perfect for survivability-focused Soldiers, especially in pubs or when roaming alone. It helps sustain health in long engagements but limits your ability to finish off multiple targets quickly. Best paired with banners like the Concheror for durability-focused loadouts.

🕊️ Liberty Launcher

TF2 Soldier Liberty Launcher

For extra mobility and ease of use, this Soldier Rocket Launcher is great.

✅ Pros

  • 40% faster rocket speed.
  • 25% less self-damage.
  • Easier rocket jumping.
  • Great for newer players or mobile playstyles.

❌ Cons

  • 25% less damage.
  • Weaker kill potential overall.

📜 Overview

The Liberty Launcher is ideal for new players learning rocket jumping or players who want more mobility. It trades damage for speed and self-sustain. It’s forgiving but not particularly deadly, so it’s rarely used at higher levels of play.

🤖 Cow Mangler 5000

TF2 Soldier Cow Mangler 5000

This is the Soldier’s sci-fi Swiss Army Knife.

✅ Pros

  • Infinite ammo (no need for resupply).
  • Can charge a shot to mini-crit and disable buildings for 4 seconds.
  • Great utility and damage at long range.

❌ Cons

  • Cannot deal critical hits.
  • Does reduced damage to buildings.
  • Charge shot requires a wind-up and precise timing.

📜 Overview

The Cow Mangler is a utility-heavy weapon that shines in disrupting Engineer nests and extended skirmishes. Its charge shot is versatile and fun to use. However, its lack of crits and weakness to buildings makes it situational. A strong pick in specific maps and modes but not an all-rounder.

💥 Beggar’s Bazooka

TF2 Soldier Beggar’s Bazooka

If you prefer chaos and carnage in your TF2 games, pick this Rocket Launcher as your main Soldier weapon.

✅ Pros

  • Can load up to 3 rockets at once for burst damage.
  • Fires extremely fast in salvo.
  • Can easily juggle or surprise enemies.

❌ Cons

  • Can misfire (explosion in your face if overcharged).
  • Less control over firing.
  • Inaccurate rocket trajectory.
  • Cannot collect ammo from dispensers or pickups unless reloading is interrupted.

📜 Overview

The Beggar’s Bazooka is an aggressive, chaotic option that rewards surprise attacks but punishes lack of control. It’s great for wiping out groups or bombarding choke points, but it can be frustrating in precision-based combat. Best for aggressive or kamikaze-style players who enjoy unpredictability.

🪂 Rocket Jumper

TF2 Soldier Rocket Jumper

This TF2 Rocket Launcher is ideal for those who prefer increased mobility at the expense of everything else.

✅ Pros

  • No self-damage.
  • Ideal for learning rocket jumping.
  • Pairs well with Market Gardener.

❌ Cons

  • Cannot deal damage.
  • Useless in combat.

📜 Overview

This is not a combat weapon. It’s a training tool or gimmick pick for advanced movement. Used by jump map players or Market Gardener meme loadouts. Don’t bring this into a serious match unless you have a plan.

🏁 Final Verdict: Which TF2 Rocket Launcher is Best for the Soldier Class?

TF2 Soldier

It depends on your playstyle:

  • 🎯 Best All-Rounder: Stock Rocket Launcher – Consistent, powerful, and flexible.
  • 👑 Best for Aim Gods: Direct Hit – Devastating if you’re accurate.
  • 💉 Best for Survivability: Black Box – Stay alive longer, especially without a Medic.
  • 🪂 Best for Mobility Learners: Liberty Launcher or Rocket Jumper.
  • 🔧 Best for Utility: Cow Mangler 5000 – Infinite ammo and anti-building capabilities.
  • 💥 Best for Burst Damage: Beggar’s Bazooka – Overwhelm enemies with a rocket salvo.

🏆 Ultimately, the Stock Rocket Launcher remains king due to its balance and reliability. But each alternative has its place in TF2’s rich tactical sandbox.

FAQs

Which rocket launcher is best for beginners?

The Stock Rocket Launcher is ideal for beginners. It has no downsides, solid damage, and is great for learning rocket jumping and enemy juggling.

What’s the highest damage rocket launcher?

The Direct Hit deals the highest direct damage, up to 138 on a critical hit. It’s best in the hands of highly accurate players.

Which launcher helps with survivability?

The Black Box lets you regain 15 HP per hit, making it perfect for solo play or when you don’t have a Medic nearby.

Is the Cow Mangler 5000 viable in competitive?

Yes, but with limits. It has infinite ammo and disables buildings, but can’t deal crits or damage Sentry Guns effectively. Use wisely.

Which rocket launcher is best for rocket jumping?

The Rocket Jumper is the safest tool for practicing rocket jumps. It deals no damage to enemies or yourself, perfect for mobility training.

Can I use Beggar’s Bazooka effectively in casual play?

Absolutely. Its burst damage is strong in casual matches, but the misfire risk and slow reload make it risky in high-skill lobbies.

What’s the most versatile rocket launcher overall?

The Stock Rocket Launcher. It balances damage, speed, and reliability, making it effective in nearly all TF2 scenarios.

Posted by
William Westerlund

William is an author, editor, and an avid gamer with over 10.000 hours in CS:GO (Counter-Strike 2). He also enjoys playing Rust, Dota 2, and TF2 but never became a top 1% player in any of those games.

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