[TF2] How to play koth_bagel (Map Review)

Summary

In this strategic gameplay guide, the focus is on 'Koth Bagel,' a new competitive map in the game. The map features a fast point capture mechanism, necessitating mindful capping to avoid delaying team spawns. It offers ample cover, promoting a defensive playstyle. The guide covers various class roles, emphasizing the importance of flanking, healing, and coordinating pushes. It also touches on the map's layout, including flank rooms, health pack locations, and high ground control, providing tips for each class to maximize their effectiveness in the fast-paced, chaotic battles of Koth Bagel.

Takeaways

• 🏆 KOTH Bagel is a competitive map with a fast point cap, leading to frequent changes in control and requiring careful play to avoid delaying team spawns.
• 🔄 The map features a central cover area, often referred to as the 'nipple' or 'cylinder', which provides significant protection for players and is key for blocking or stealing the point.
• 🩹 Healing is crucial on KOTH Bagel, with Scouts often needing support to deny cap time and maintain control of the point.
• 💣 Soldiers have limited aggression options due to fewer landing spots, and are advised to spam and hold side lanes rather than constantly bombing the point.
• 🗺️ The map has three lanes (left, point, and right), and communication is key for coordinating pushes and flanks, with unique calls for each flank room to avoid confusion.
• 🚨 Flank routes are highly effective for surprise attacks, as players often focus on the point, leaving the sides vulnerable to being overwhelmed.
• 🔝 High ground control is advantageous for Scouts, who can intimidate enemies and block cap time from an elevated position.
• 🧲 Demomen should focus on carpeting the point with sticky traps, which can be particularly deadly when combined with sinking stickies to catch enemies off guard.
• 🚨 Forward holding is viable but requires careful positioning, especially for Medics, to avoid being trapped and overwhelmed by the fast spawns on offense.
• 🛑 Uber pushes are common and should be coordinated with clear calls on which side of the point to push, to avoid splitting the team and getting picked off.
• 🤺 The main area can be underutilized but offers opportunities for Soldiers to deal significant damage with upward rockets and splash damage.

Q & A

What makes KOTH Bagel different from other KOTH maps like Viaduct and Clear Cut?

KOTH Bagel has a fast point cap compared to Viaduct and Clear Cut, which leads to more frequent changes in point possession. It also features a lot of cover, especially around the central area, and plays differently due to its unique layout and strategic elements.

Why is it important to be mindful of the point cap speed on KOTH Bagel?

The fast cap speed on KOTH Bagel means the point can change hands rapidly. Players need to avoid accidentally capping and delaying their team's spawns, while also being ready to steal the point from the enemy if they are too passive.

How does the central area of KOTH Bagel provide cover and strategic advantages?

The central area of KOTH Bagel, referred to as a cylinder or tube, offers a lot of cover. Players can stand there to edge cap or block enemy caps, as opponents would have to expose themselves significantly to hit them.

What role does the Soldier class play on KOTH Bagel, and how does it differ from other maps?

On KOTH Bagel, Soldiers are less about constant aggression and more about spamming and holding side lanes. They don't have many great spots to land like on other maps, so they tend to be more independent, with health packs available for them to manage on their own.

How should teams communicate about the flank rooms in KOTH Bagel to avoid confusion?

Teams should establish unique calls for the left and right flank rooms regardless of whether they are on the red or blue team. This helps maintain clear communication about positions and strategies without getting confused by the symmetrical geometry of the map.

What is a common strategy for the Demoman class on KOTH Bagel?

Demomen should focus on controlling the right lane of the point to force the enemy to play on the side where Soldiers can hit them. Carpeting the map with stickies is also a common strategy, as it can catch enemies off guard and secure instant kills.

How can flank routes be utilized effectively on KOTH Bagel?

Flank routes on KOTH Bagel can be incredibly effective if pushed, as enemies are often focused on the point and won't see flankers coming. Soldiers and Scouts can use these routes to get behind the enemy and hit them with rockets or airblasts.

What are some key considerations for Medics when retreating on an Uber disadvantage on KOTH Bagel?

Medics should be mindful of positioning near exits during an Uber disadvantage, as the map's layout can make retreat difficult. They should use cover effectively and be ready to quickly move to avoid being cut off or caught by the enemy.

How can the Scout class take advantage of high ground on KOTH Bagel?

Scouts can climb up to the high ground on the point to intimidate enemies, block their cap time, and deny airborne aggression. This position provides good visibility and opportunities to harass the enemy from above.

What is the significance of Medi packs on KOTH Bagel, and how can they be used strategically?

Medi packs are abundant on KOTH Bagel and are crucial for Soldiers to maintain their health and continue dealing damage. They allow for more independent play and are a key resource for sustaining fights and holding positions.

Why is forward holding a viable strategy on KOTH Bagel, and what are its key elements?

Forward holding is viable on KOTH Bagel due to the map's choke points and the speed of enemy spawns. The key is having both Soldiers alive with full health to spam rockets in the choke point, while the Demoman sets up traps and the Medic provides necessary support.

What are some tips for breaking a forward hold on KOTH Bagel?

Teams can try rotating players to the wider side of the choke point, using the Sniper class for wide peeking, or even taking aggressive Ubers through the main area. It's also beneficial to be sneaky and use the flank routes to catch the defenders off guard.