What are some good tactics to use on DeGroot Keep?

Question

I'm struggling on DeGroot Keep. Are there any specific strategies to win rounds consistently?

Answer

There are certain builds that are clearly better on this map than others.

Scout

Secondary

All your drink items can be used as Secondary items. Mad Milk is likely your best choice here, followed by Bonk! Atomic Punch. Crit-a-Cola's downside is too great to recommend using it.

Melee

Sandman and Wrap Assassin projectiles still work. Just keep in mind that Sandman has lower health and Wrap Assassin has lower DPS.
Also, Boston Basher/Three Rune Blade works well if you can consistently hit enemies.

Soldier

Secondary

Melee

The Soldier is one of the weaker classes in Medieval. If you do choose to go Soldier, I recommend the Equalizer or Disciplinary Action. The Disciplinary Action can be used to move Heavies to the front line more quickly than the other team expects.

Pyro

Melee

Consider using the Powerjack (restores health on kill), Back Scratcher (does more damage and heals more from health kits), or Sharpened Volcano Fragment (sets people on fire).

Demoman

Demoman is easily one of the more powerful classes in Medieval mode.

Primary

The Chargin' Targe and Splendid Screen are both good choices, but I would recommend the Splendid Screen, as a swing immediately after hitting someone with the shield is still a crit.

Secondary

You should use the Ali Baba's Wee Booties or Bootlegger. They have identical effects.

Melee

Eyelander/HHHH/Nessie's Nine Iron can be good once you start getting heads. Half-Zoitichi is the best choice unless all the other demos are also using it. Persian Persuader recharges your charge meter twice as fast.

Ullapool Caber is an option, but it makes you a 1-hit wonder.

Note: The Demoman on BLU can jump the castle wall with a charge up one of the hills in front of the castle.

Heavy

Consider working with a Disciplinary Action Soldier to surprise the enemy.

Secondary

The Sandvich or Steak Sandvich should be equipped. Most people seem to prefer the latter, but don't forget the standard sandvich can heal half your HP oif you throw it and grab it, with no downtime.

Melee

The KGB truly shines in this mode and is by far your best choice.
The Warrior's Spirit is good to team up with the Buffalo Steak Sandvich. The Holiday Punch may give you an unforeseen advantage... this item is too new to tell, though.

Engineer

Don't bother with Engineer.

Medic

Primary

Crusader's Crossbow is one of two ways to heal people in this mode. Use it. Remember that enemy Spies health meters won't change if you shoot them (it actually hurt them).

Melee

The Amputator was created specifically for this game mode. It's one of two ways to heal people. Make sure that your back is to a wall before taunting to heal, or you're an open target for Spies. Preferably, try to remain out of Snipers' sight, too... just remember that Snipers don't have zoom scopes in this mode.

The Solemn Vow is also useful, because you can see enemies health with it and let your teammates know.

Sniper

Sniper is easily one of the more powerful classes in Medieval mode.

Primary

The Huntsman. It's one of two ranged weapons that can be used, and by far the more damaging of the two. Huntsman arrows can be set on fire from the various torches on the map (RED battlements and BLU hill).

Secondary

Razorback is your main bet, as it blocks one backstab from an enemy Spy. Darwin's Danger Shield is also an option, but it likely isn't going to help you versus a charging Demoman or Spy (your main two opponents to watch for.

Melee

The Tribalman's Shiv does bleed damage to these pesky Spies that will try to sneak up behind you.
The Shahanshah will cause you to do 25% more damage when below 50% health.

Spy

Spy is easily one of the more powerful classes in Medieval mode.

PDA

The Dead Ringer is a surprisingly useful choice on this map. Just make sure you aren't seen/heard when you decloak.

The other cloaking devices are also pretty good, particularly when paired with the YER.

Melee

Silent Stabs are very important on this map, moreso than most others because you'll be moving between points.

Your Eternal Reward is your main option on defense. The point have little hidden areas to the sides. Use them to hide and then backstab the other team when they arrive. You can also get behind enemy lines and take out their snipers.

Spy-cicle may also be good, but the giant ice statues you leave behind are an obvious warning to the other team.

The YER and Dead Ringer make a fantastic combo on this map. Here's a replay of me getting 15 backstabs in one round on Degroot Keep

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