Pyro's Flamethrower (Airblast Mode)
Turn the enemy's fire back on them with a single, silent gust of compressed air.
The Pyro's flamethrower is a dual-purpose tool of terror and protection, best known for its secondary function: the airblast. While primarily designed to engulf enemies in roaring infernos, this mechanic allows the Pyro to manipulate the battlefield with surprising finesse. By holding the alternate fire button, the weapon emits a concentrated vortex of compressed air capable of reflecting projectiles, extinguishing flames, and even pushing back opponents without dealing direct damage.
- user
- Pyro
- class_role
- Defense/Support
- primary_function
- Incendiary attack
- secondary_function
- Projectile reflection and crowd control
- affiliation
- Mann Co. (Red or Blue Team)
- distinctive_feature
- Compressed air vortex
Lore & Background
The ability to reflect projectiles like rockets and grenades has turned the Pyro into a nightmare for heavy-hitting specialists like the Soldier and Demoman. This capability implies a deep understanding of aerodynamics and timing, allowing the Pyro to turn an enemy's greatest strength against them in an instant. Furthermore, the capacity to extinguish flames on allies or enemies adds a layer of mercy—or perhaps a cruel joke—to their arsenal, deciding who burns and who survives based on a whim.
In Their Own Story
The battlefield was a haze of smoke and screaming metal as a rocket arced high into the sky, destined for the Sniper's nest. The Pyro stood frozen in the crossfire, mask gleaming under the orange glow of burning crates. Just as the projectile reached its apex, the Pyro raised their arm. A sudden, invisible force erupted from the nozzle, catching the spinning missile mid-air. With a deafening *whoosh*, the rocket reversed course, spiraling back toward the Soldier who had fired it. The explosion that followed was silent to the Pyro's ears, accompanied only by a muffled, triumphant giggle.
Reader's Guide
The airblast is activated by holding the alternate fire button while aiming with the flamethrower or any other equipped weapon. This creates a cone of compressed air that pushes back enemies and extinguishes flames on contact. Its most critical function is reflecting projectiles. Rockets, grenades, arrows, and even sticky bombs can be caught in the blast wave and sent flying back toward their origin. Timing is essential; users must aim slightly ahead of incoming projectiles to ensure a successful reflection. Strategically, the airblast allows Pyros to protect teammates from splash damage or clear paths through enemy fire. It also serves as an offensive tool by pushing enemies off cliffs or into hazards. However, it consumes no fuel but requires precise aiming and reaction speed.
Did You Know?
- The airblast can reflect almost any projectile-based attack in the game, including those from the Sniper's primary weapon.
- Using the airblast on a burning enemy will extinguish them instantly, preventing further damage over time.
- The Pyro is one of the few classes capable of saving teammates from being killed by their own explosions using this mechanic.
More in Weapons & Gear
Elsewhere in the Team Fortress 2 universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record