How do I play as the Spy in Team Fortress 2?
Summary
Q.How do I play as the Spy in Team Fortress 2?
A.Play Spy by using cloak and disguise to slip behind enemy lines, backstabbing distracted targets for instant kills, and sapping Engineer buildings—while avoiding Pyros and staying opportunistic.
More info
Play Spy by focusing on three core tools: cloaking (use an invisibility watch), disguising as enemy classes, and landing backstabs with your knife. Your role is assassination and disruption—uncloak behind targets or while out of sight, choose a believable disguise, and stab distracted or high-value targets (Medics, Engineers). You also carry a Revolver for ranged fights and a Sapper to disable enemy buildings. See the Spy class overview for mechanics and role basics (Spy class overview).
Support your play with concrete tactics and item choices: use different watches (Invisibility Watch, Cloak and Dagger, Dead Ringer) depending on whether you need mobility, long cloaking, or faked death; the Your Eternal Reward and other knives change how disguises and backstabs behave; and sap sentries before engaging Engineers. Practical tips:
- Uncloak behind cover or in noisy areas to avoid detection.
- Pick disguises that fit the situation and act like that class to avoid suspicion.
- Always expect Spy-checking Pyros—avoid long exposure.
For detailed rules (disguise timing, backstab angles, and weapon specifics) consult the Disguise and Backstab pages and the Basic Spy strategy guide (Disguise mechanics, Backstab mechanics, Basic Spy strategy).
