The Phlogistinator: Why it doesn't need the hate

From what I have experienced, the Phlogistinator is the punching bag for a lot of haters in the TF2 community. However, people do not seem to realize what it actually is meant to do. In this guide I will clarify any misconceptions people have of probably one of the best guns in the game.

Some Misconceptions

For many people, the Phlogistinator (Phlog for short) has been at the center of much hate for the pyro class. Here's a few things I've heard (these are not word for word im just paraphrasing):

"All you have to do is W+M1 with that and you'll get to the top of the leaderboard"
"It's such a cheap weapon on such a cheap class"
"It's too overpowered"
"It just sucks compared to the other flamethrowers"

Although I understand where these people's opinions are coming from, it doesn't make sense why more people don't use it. For one thing, many beginning players or people who do not play pyro do not understand that pyro is not meant for charging head-on into the open. He is meant to take alternate routes and ambush the enemy. For further clarification, let's look at what the Phlog actually does.

What does the Phlog do?

See that gun on the screenshot? That's the gun in discussion here. For starters, the Phlog does 10% less direct damage than the default flamethrower and backburner; this means it takes slightly longer for it to kill a target, especially enemy pyros (not that I recommend using a flame weapon on a pyro). Also, it lacks an airblast, which means you cannot perform tasks like extinguishing teammates or deflecting projectiles. Also, it does not get random crits (but seriously when does that ever happen on a flamethrower hahahaha). The upside is that if one deals out enough fire damage, a small meter labed "mmmph" will glow bright red. When the player right clicks or taunts, the Phlog gains crits for 10 seconds, and the player's health fully regenerates. This is where a lot of hate for the Phlog comes from. Too many people think that the Phlog's mmph crits make it extremely overpowered. Although it may seem that way, that is the primary purpose of the Phlog: do a bit of damage then mow down (or melt down) the enemy team. It is similar to the Kritzkrieg's ubercharge.

Consider the Following

The thing about the Phlog is that although it may seem overpowered with the 10 second crits, it comes at a heavy price. Pyros using this weapon are required to completely change their playstyle. You can no longer W+M1 your way through the map with a backburner; you must carefully consider the map's alternate routes and what classes are on the other team. I think the main reason people hate this weapon is simply they do not know its true purpose. So consider this: the next time you see a pyro running around with the Phlog, don't hate on them for killing you. And if the Phlog pyro is on your team, their crit boost may just save many lives.


Thanks for reading, and I hope to see a lot more Phlogistinators used! Feel free to comment if I may have missed any aspects!

EDITS:
3/23/15: Over 400 viewers? Thanks guys!

[Jasper]

While you have valid points, and you are pointing out it's rightful function, it is still used in poor ways by the players. They'll still W+M1 their way around, as they don't get the strategy behind it. However, the lack of an airblast really makes this weapon not suitable for fighting alongside a team, which lots of pyros avoid anyway. While it has strong perks, its design still encourages W+M1 playstyles, even if that is not the correct way to use it.

[babybel wax ball]

"you can no longer W+M1 your way though the map"

is this a joke?

[erinthecute]

Except it's much more effective at WM1'ing your way to victory than it should be. It doesn't make you "take alternate routes" or think tactically. You just spam flames at a couple of peope, run away, wait for afterburn to take care of them, repeat until mmph is filled, then kill half the enemy team with crits and momentary invuln. It's the worst kind of overpowered - an easy to get, boring, bland ability which neither party can have fun with.

[ElectricCrusadeBoogaloo]

Phlog is love, Phlog is life

[Theone614777]

im using it right now!

[le juge]

This is a good point, but i still will not use it.

[Blasbo Bibbins]

The phlog and the backburner teach you how to pyro properly.

It's an ambush class, so ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ well ambush. Go forth and tell those haters how it's done.

[Pornetheus Testiculon]

Thankyou for realizing the true purpose of the Phlog. I salute your sir.

[Shattered Lloyd]

phlog is still the bain of skilled players everywhere

[ΔVikingΔ]

I personaly don't hate pyros but I hate the airblast so could sombody plz make a guide on how and why it is there?