Rocket jumping

Use the knockback from your own rocket explosion to launch the Soldier higher or farther than a normal jump.

Also called: Rocket jump, Blast jumping

The Soldier fires at the ground during a crouch jump and uses the explosion to land on a higher platform. Source: Nate Fox: Basic Rocket Jumping Tutorial at 1:32.

How it works

  1. Build a little forward speed and aim the launcher at the ground behind you.
  2. Jump, crouch, and fire at nearly the same time.
  3. After takeoff, steer with a side-movement key and matching mouse movement instead of holding forward.
Use it when
You need to reach high ground, cross a gap, enter from an unexpected angle, or escape quickly.
Watch for
Rocket jumps cost health and may add fall damage. Firing too early or too far from the explosion produces weak lift.
Practice
Use the Rocket Jumper or a jump-training map and repeat one short jump until the takeoff timing is consistent.