Why Play Pathfinder?
Pathfinder is the ultimate support Legend for teams that value information and mobility. His scan provides constant intel while his grappling hook enables incredible positioning. He's perfect for players who want to scout ahead and set up their team for success.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Constant enemy position awareness with Survey Beacon
- Unparalleled mobility with Grappling Hook
- Team utility with Zipline Gun
- Excels at vertical gameplay and map control
- Rewards map knowledge and positioning
Weaknesses
- Low damage output without proper positioning
- Vulnerable while ziplining or grappling
- Requires good aim for effective grappling
- Can be countered by area denial abilities
- Ultimate has moderate charge time
Grappling Hook Master Class
Basic Techniques
- Conservative Grapple: Aim slightly above your target for controlled, short-range movement
- Power Grapple: Aim high and release at the peak for maximum distance and speed
- Combat Grapple: Use during fights to quickly change angles or escape
- Zipline Creation: Grapple between two points to create temporary ziplines
Advanced Techniques
- Momentum Cancel: Release grapple mid-flight to redirect momentum
- Wall Bounce: Grapple to walls for quick direction changes
- Enemy Phase: Grapple through enemies for surprising flanks
- Vertical Escape: Use buildings and terrain for quick elevation changes
Gameplay Strategies by Phase
Early Game (First 5 Minutes)
Use your scan to gather information on enemy positions while looting efficiently with your grappling hook.
- Position on high ground to maximize scan coverage
- Use grappling hook for quick loot runs between buildings
- Share scan information with your team constantly
- Save ziplines for when you find good positioning
- Help your team avoid early fights by providing intel
Mid Game (5-10 Minutes)
Start being more aggressive with positioning and begin creating ziplines for your team.
- Use ziplines to create vertical advantages for your team
- Grapple to contest zones and provide covering fire
- Coordinate with team to set up crossfires using your scan
- Use grappling hook to quickly rotate between objectives
- Position to control chokepoints with your mobility
Late Game (Final Circle)
Your mobility and intel become crucial in close-quarters combat.
- Use ziplines for emergency escapes and repositioning
- Grapple aggressively to create angles and flanks
- Scan constantly to track enemy movements in tight spaces
- Use verticality to your advantage in building combat
- Provide covering fire while teammates push
Best Weapon Loadouts for Pathfinder
S-Tier Loadouts
- G7 Scout + Mozambique: Excellent hip-fire accuracy with strong secondary
- R-99 SMG + P2020: High mobility weapons that match your playstyle
- Triple Take + Wingman: Good for poke damage and close-range fights
A-Tier Loadouts
- Rampage LMG + RE-45: Strong in positions where you can control space
- Alternator SMG + Mastiff: Versatile close-range options
- Flatline BR + Peacekeeper: Balanced for various ranges
Best Legend Synergies
Perfect Combinations
- Pathfinder + Wraith: Grappling + phasing creates unmatched mobility
- Pathfinder + Bloodhound: Dual scanning creates perfect reconnaissance
- Pathfinder + Lifeline: Ziplines + drone healing for aggressive rotations
- Pathfinder + Octane: Stim + grapple creates ridiculous speed
Strong Combinations
- Pathfinder + Bangalore: Smoke + ziplines for controlled pushes
- Pathfinder + Gibraltar: Dome shield + ziplines for team protection
- Pathfinder + Caustic: Gas + positioning for area control
Counter Strategies: Dealing with Pathfinder
Pathfinder is powerful but predictable once you understand his patterns:
- Area Denial: Use Wattson fences or Caustic gas to limit his zipline placement
- Anti-Air Tactics: Shoot him while he's ziplining or grappling
- Voice Discipline: Avoid giving away positions through his scan
- Crossfire Setup: Position to catch him when he lands from grapples
- Ultimate Disruption: Destroy ziplines once placed to limit team mobility
Zipline Tactics and Strategies
Offensive Ziplines
- Create surprise attack angles over enemy positions
- Use for quick flanks during active firefights
- Position ziplines for vertical dominance
- Coordinate with team for synchronized attacks
Defensive Ziplines
- Create escape routes from compromised positions
- Allow quick repositioning during rotations
- Enable vertical separation from threats
- Provide covering fire positions
Utility Ziplines
- Connect distant loot locations for faster collection
- Create shortcuts across large maps
- Enable faster circle rotations
- Help teammates navigate difficult terrain
Survey Beacon Mastery
The Survey Beacon is Pathfinder's most powerful ability when used correctly:
- Pre-Fight Intel: Scan before engagements to know enemy positions
- Zone Control: Use scan to control large areas and prevent ambushes
- Team Coordination: Share scan information constantly with voice comms
- Rotation Planning: Use scan to plan safe movement routes
- Final Circle Control: Scan tight spaces to track enemy movements
Map-Specific Strategies
Olympus
- Ziplines are perfect for the vertical cityscape
- Use grappling hook for quick building-to-building movement
- Scan from high positions for maximum coverage
- Create zipline networks for team transportation
World's Edge
- Grappling hook excels in the mountainous terrain
- Use ziplines to cross large distances quickly
- Position on peaks for superior scanning coverage
- Lava can be used for aggressive grappling plays
Storm Point
- Ziplines work perfectly with the jungle canopy
- Use grappling for quick river crossings
- Scan is crucial in the dense vegetation
- Create aerial ziplines for ambush positions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't waste ziplines on unnecessary positions
- Avoid grappling into obvious crossfires
- Don't ignore your scan - always be gathering intel
- Position carefully when ziplining - you're vulnerable mid-air
- Learn zipline angles to avoid getting stuck
- Don't grapple too conservatively - use the full range
Pathfinder in Ranked Play
Pathfinder performs exceptionally well in ranked due to his information advantage and team utility. Focus on positioning and information sharing rather than individual combat.
Ranked Tips
- Always communicate scan information to your team
- Practice zipline placements for optimal team positioning
- Learn to grapple at maximum efficiency
- Position for information advantage over damage
- Coordinate ultimate usage with team strategies
Final Thoughts
Pathfinder is a Legend that rewards smart positioning and team play. His combination of reconnaissance and mobility makes him invaluable for coordinated squads. While he has a support-oriented playstyle, mastering Pathfinder will give your team a significant tactical advantage in any situation.
Remember: Pathfinder isn't about being the star player - he's about making his team better through information and utility. The most successful Pathfinders are those who put their team's success above personal glory.