What does “W+1” mean with respect to the Pyro

team-fortress-2terminologytf2-pyro

There's a more or less subtle reference I'm missing in comics 79, 87 and 131 (pictured below) of Nerf Now!.

What is it about?

Comic pane from Nerf-Now. Heavy saves Pyro from wall of bullets, and quotes "W+1"

[…] There are moments w + 1 is very effective and I dare to say, fun. However, there is a time and a place for everything, and going head-first on half-enemy team isn't one of these times. […]

Best Answer

I've not heard of W+1 specifically, but the more common W+M1 refers to holding W and the primary mouse button (typically with the primary weapon) to run forward spewing fire. They seem to mean the same thing according to the photo notes on #79 and #87, on the W+1 speech bubbles.

It's a common offensive strategy effective with ÜberCharges, but also one that's stereotypically associated with new/bad players (or players new to the Pyro).

You may hear W+M1 in other FPS games too.