Bandit is one of the most dynamic and rewarding survivors to play in Risk of Rain 2 due to his unique backstab mechanic and skill reset capability. Mastering this character requires understanding how to synergize his built-in critical hits with the right item build. Choosing the proper items will scale your damage into the late game and ensure your survival against aggressive monster hordes.
Prioritizing Damage and Critical Synergies
Since Bandit gains guaranteed critical strikes when attacking enemies from behind, stacking items that leverage these crits is incredibly effective. The legendary boss item Shatterspleen is widely considered an absolute top priority for this survivor. It causes every critical hit to inflict bleed, while also making bleeding targets explode upon death to clear out massive groups instantly.
In addition to boss items, common items like Lens-Maker's Glasses remain highly valuable to ensure critical consistency from any angle. Items like Predatory Instincts and Harvester's Scythes also reward your constant critical output with increased attack speed and reliable health sustain. Balancing these choices helps maintain your momentum during extended combat encounters.
Enhancing Burst Damage and Resets
Bandit relies heavily on delivering massive burst damage with his revolver skills to trigger ability resets upon a killing blow. Stacking Crowbars early in your run is an excellent strategy to help one-shot weaker enemies right away. This allows you to immediately reset your cooldowns using Lights Out or stack damage indefinitely using Desperado.
Kjaro's and Runald's Bands are also essential green items that trigger highly destructive elemental blasts from heavy burst attacks. These items seamlessly complement your primary rotation and ensure that elite targets melt quickly under your pressure. Focusing on heavy initial damage ensures your survivability remains high in difficult stages.
Utility and Mobility Options
Movement speed is critical for Bandit because positioning yourself behind enemies is required to maximize his mechanical kit. Items like Paul's Goat Hoof and Energy Drink allow you to quickly maneuver into the blind spots of dangerous bosses. Staying mobile also assists in dodging incoming projectiles while your smoke screen is on cooldown.
Backup Magazines are another great utility choice that grants additional charges of your secondary serrated dagger or kukri throw. This allows you to apply consistent hemorrhage debuffs to larger targets without breaking your offensive pacing. Combining speed and status management transforms the survivor into an unstoppable force.
