The Trollider is a highly recognizable and popular subclass within the Team Fortress 2 community, combining elements of "trolling" with the Soldier class. Players often adopt this playstyle for its unique challenge and the satisfaction of humorous, unexpected eliminations. The name itself is a portmanteau of "Troll" and "Soldier," reflecting its blend of playful antagonism and the Soldier's aerial mobility.
The core of Trollider gameplay revolves around advanced Rocket Jumping techniques to navigate maps and surprise opponents. This specialized loadout aims to remove direct combat effectiveness in favor of extreme mobility and high-reward, high-risk melee attacks.
Essential items for a Trollider loadout include:
- Market Gardener: This melee weapon is fundamental to the Trollider. It grants critical hits while the wielder is airborne, provided they are not blast jumping. This encourages precise aerial maneuvers to land devastating shovel strikes against unsuspecting enemies.
- Rocket Jumper: An absolute necessity, this primary weapon deals no damage to players but allows the Soldier to perform rocket jumps without taking any self-damage. This enables unlimited and fearless Rocket Jumping, making it the primary mode of transportation for a Trollider.
Additionally, a third item is often chosen to complement the playstyle:
- Mantreads: These boots reduce fall damage and deal damage to enemies by landing on them from a height. This offers an alternative method of aerial attack and can further enhance a Trollider's mobility by negating fall damage from high jumps.
- B.A.S.E. Jumper: This deployable parachute allows the user to control their descent, extending airtime and providing more precise aiming opportunities for Market Gardener strikes or aerial stomps.
Mastering the Trollider requires a significant amount of skill, precision, and knowledge of Rocket Jumping mechanics. Players who successfully pilot the Trollider demonstrate exceptional aerial control and strategic thinking to execute their aerial assaults.
