The selection screen gives a basic overview of the strengths of the playstyle of the classes, but the truth is that there are multiple building routes for each. For example, the Pyromancer can be equipped as a tank, while the Devastator can be specified as DPS. To help you with this critical choice, we'll give you a more detailed overview of the available classes so that you can confidently select a class without any unwanted surprises.
Which class should you choose?
As noted above, there are four classes to choose from and they can be upgraded in different ways to adhere to specific playstyles. Whichever class you choose, Outriders is a game that thrives on aggressive play. Health is restored through kills instead of staying in cover, motionless, while waiting for regeneration to kick in. Class selection primarily focuses on elemental type and ideal engagement distance related to offensive play loop. With that in mind, let's review the courses.
Devastating
The Devastator is where most tanks will gravitate. Players comfortable standing a spitting distance from their enemies, pushing the front line forward, will feel at home here. The Devastator holds its own and fits within arm's length of its target. This is relatively easy thanks to a class trait that grants 25% max health, 30% armor bonus, and 24% health recovery for each enemy killed at close range.
Their narrow prowess is amplified by their affinity for earthly powers. The Devastator can bend the earth to its will, impaling enemies and creating armor of stone. It doesn't take much for this class to traverse hostiles like an unstoppable boulder.
The class can be further increased thanks to its sub-levels: winner, guardian and seismic. Everyone changes the class by giving it more concentration. Vanquisher amplifies weapon damage; Warden builds health and stamina; and Seismic Shifter strengthens these earthly capabilities. Players are not locked into a single subclass. So dive into each, if you like, or specialize in a particular area.
Filou
The Trickster shares a common DNA with the Devastator in that he also enjoys being on the front lines. The difference is that the Trickster is not a ball sponge like its tanky sibling. The name of the game here is hit-and-run. The Trickster comes closer and closer, but it pulls away quickly. This is what makes the Trickster a high handling class. Bound Class Trait provides up to 15% damage mitigation while shields are active, as well as 20% health / 12% shield regeneration for victims at close range.
As if the Trickster weren't fast enough as it is, class powers revolve around space and time. Using these abilities, such as Temporal Slice and Slow Trap, will temporarily reduce the movement of the affected enemy in a crawl. Needless to say, anyone affected by this type of slowdown will make easy targets. A Trickster-Devastator group combo would certainly break up opponents easily.
The Trickster subclasses are Master of Space, Harbinger, and Assassin. Master of Space is the standard DPS route, offering damage increases for assault weapons and shotguns, in particular. Harbinger helps transform the Trickster into a more resilient guerrilla. Finally, the Assassin amplifies spatial and temporal powers to bring enemy fighters to their knees.
Pyromancien
The Pyromancer sits comfortably between the other classes, as the only “midrange” class listed. This option is a perfect blend of mid to long range combat with a conjuring touch. Class Traits grant the Pyromancer 15% Max Health, 10% Potency, and 24% Healing for each enemy killed.
The conjuring nature of the class is all about the fire. Burn down baddies to a crisp with an array of flame-based abilities. Fire can be thrown on the ground in front of the player or penetrate the ammunition of the equipped weapon. Either way, anything on reception is sure to be in a burning pain.
Ruler of Ashes, Scorcher, and Tempest complete the available subclasses. Ruler of Ashes increases these damage numbers by reducing the effectiveness of enemy armor while unlocking upgrades in the Assault, Sniper, and Handgun categories. Scorcher brings warmth by fanning the flames of these fire-based abilities. Tempest distributes durability bonuses as well as invaluable range for these higher difficulty races.
Technomancien
The Technomancer can allow Lone Wolves to deal damage during solo runs, but they offer plenty of support options for team play. With the most powerful healing abilities of the four classes, the Technomancer can maintain himself and support the team through the most trying encounters. The Class Trait imbues the player with 7,5% long-range weapon damage, 15% skill leech, and 15% weapon life leech.
The Technomancer has access to toxic abilities and gadgets, creating deadly combinations between the two. Summonable miniguns and rocket launchers sit alongside poisonous turrets and imbued bullets. Enemies will be hit from all angles, but the Technomancer won't distribute it up close. This class of support best serves balls from a distance. Technomancers can acquire the strongest Sniper Rifle buff available in the game, granting a massive 40% damage increase for the long-range weapon type. This is 20% higher than the Pyromancer, the second closest option to sniper proficiency.
The subclasses present are: Pestilence, Tech Shaman and Demolisher. Pestilence houses the aforementioned 40% sniper buff, making it the way to go for long-range shooters. Tech Shaman boosts gadgets for additional sources of damage inflicted on the terrain. Demolisher rebuilds the class somewhat into a close range spec, generating resistances and melee buffs.
Now that you know how each class can be developed, jump on Enoch and take on alien enemies using your objective.