Mastering the Bandit in Risk of Rain 2 requires a solid grasp of high-risk positioning and precise skill execution. As a swift and sneaky survivor, this character relies heavily on hitting enemies from behind to trigger guaranteed critical strikes. Achieving long-term survival during lengthy runs depends on selecting complementary items that maximize this burst-damage playstyle.
Understanding the Bandit Core Skill Loadout
The foundation of any successful Bandit run lies in leveraging the passive ability known as Backstab. Positioning yourself directly behind bosses or minor monsters ensures that every single attack registers as a critical hit. This mechanic eliminates the absolute necessity of stacking early-game critical strike glasses, allowing you to prioritize alternative utility items.
For primary damage options, players can choose between the traditional shotgun blast or rifle variants depending on personal preference. Utilizing the Smoke Bomb utility skill grants temporary invisibility and stunning mobility to reposition safely during chaotic encounters. The choice between Lights Out and Desperado as your reset ability heavily influences how you approach mid-game scaling.
The Best Items for Scaling Damage and Mobility
To amplify your innate critical strike capabilities, items that trigger powerful secondary effects on crit are highly valuable. Harvester Scythes provide reliable healing sustain whenever you land a successful backstab on an opponent. Additionally, Predatory Instincts increases your attack speed drastically, allowing you to reload your primary weapon much faster.
Mobility remains a critical factor when attempting to circle around faster threats or massive teleporter bosses. Stacking items like Goat Hooves and Hopoo Feathers ensures you maintain the agility needed to escape dangerous area-of-effect hazards. Crowbars are exceptionally useful for increasing the initial burst damage of your signature finishing maneuvers.
Advanced Gameplay Strategy for High Difficulty Runs
Success with the Bandit hinges on maintaining a continuous loop of ability resets during large combat waves. Timing your final special skill to secure a killing blow immediately refreshes all remaining cooldowns for maximum efficiency. This tactic allows you to chain together smoke bombs and structural stabs without experiencing dangerous delays.
When playing in a multiplayer squad, communication is vital to prevent teammates from accidentally stealing your reset targets. Focus your attention on flanking high-health targets while your allies manage the frontal aggression of oncoming hordes. Consistently shifting your position prevents the AI from tracking your movements effectively through late-game stages.
