Chainsaw

[Surkov]

After taking a look through previous threads about the chainsaw I noted there's plenty of talk about it's stats, but nothing really on when to use it.
Since hitting level 6 Berserker Ive become used to keeping and carrying the chainsaw through an entire match but, I'm still struggling to determine when is the best time to use it.
Generally I will carry a machete, axe, and chainsaw, Using the machete to lop off the heads of specimens up to stalker, switching to the axe when dealing with bloats and above, and occasionally using the chainsaw to hold a defensive position with my team. The trouble is that I am quite frequently torn to bits when using the chainsaw, I have no idea what it's ideal use is but am quite fond of the idea of an "automatic knife" and am unwilling to part with it.
So how many people use the chainsaw? When do you use it? And why?

[Bill Nye The Science Spy]

i see some people that use the chainsaw using the katana also for scrakes and also an MP7 for some healing. I really cant help you in when to use it though because im a horrible zerker

[potemkinhr]

The chainsaw is a little tricky weapon to use, you don't get the speed bonus with which you can't kite nicely, with it working you sometimes don't hear zeds from behind, when continuously using primary fire part of your field of view is blocked.
I find myself selling it after wave 1 and just buying a katana. You have mobility, precision and attack speed with it.

[poosh]

Chainsaw can be used in some maps, when zerker acts like a "cork in bottleneck". But it requires constant present of medic behind and works up to fleshies (excluding).

[Surkov]

Originally Posted by poosh

Chainsaw can be used in some maps, when zerker acts like a "cork in bottleneck". But it requires constant present of medic behind and works up to fleshies (excluding).

Well damn, that's far more situational than I expected. Is there any time you can use it effectively without absolutely needing a medic

[potemkinhr]

Well, it's great after wave 1 so you can buy the Katana AND the Axe
If I use it, I use it around corners so the zeds don't charge, and it tears their heads off as they walk around the corner.
It would see much greater use if it had an Area of effect attack that could decap multiple zeds around you with secondary fire.
As it is now it's just heavy and reduces your mobility.

[Baron]

Originally Posted by Surkov

Well damn, that's far more situational than I expected. Is there any time you can use it effectively without absolutely needing a medic

Let me start by saying that I never play Berserker. I got it to level 2, so I understand the basics, but all this is pure conjecture.

I think it's meant to be a game-changer. Katana/Axe/LAR gets samey after awhile. Without the Zerker speed bonus, the game requires a more finely-tuned sense of your surroundings, and better timing for the slower swing. It's actually quite alright for dealing with Scrakes; at higher Berserker levels, you can even stun them, and that's when a lot of Berserkers are going to want a change of pace.

Also, it's the iron-clad kill-the Patty-every-time guarantee.