Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

I discovered this bug/exploit, but I didn't think to get footage of it until after I had already used the exploit to get the "Brushback" achievement for myself. So I asked @TheAmazingFidget to help me out in getting footage of it in action. (Yes, that's me as the sniper in the video.)

Text of the "Brushback" achievement: "Stun 50 enemies while they are capturing a point or pushing the cart." wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Scout_achievements The tip the wiki offers is "When you see enemies trying to complete the respective map objectives, use the Sandman to lob balls at them. You can slow anyone on a point or cart, no matter who controls it or whether it is locked."
So, the intended method is to use the Sandman's ball to stun an enemy. Here's how you can reproduce this exploit:
1. Drink Bonk! Atomic Punch
2. Take damage from enemies.
3. Be on a control point or next to a payload cart when the invulnerability wears off.
4. The amount of damage you absorb will translate into how slow you are made to be once the invulnerability wears off; being stunned yourself counts as progress towards the achievement.

This exploit has existed since October 20, 2017, when the Jungle Inferno update was released. "Apply a slow effect to the player after phasing wears off, based on the amount of damage they absorbed. Speed decreased by -25% at low damage, to -50% at 200+ damage. Lasts 5 seconds."