XCOM 2 - Ranger Class - Skill Tree Breakdown - Preview Gameplay

[@ChristopherOdd]

Hey everyone, annotations will be up shortly! Also, I tried a bit of a new stylistic approach from he previous video. What are your thoughts?

[@WhoKnowsJuno]

+Christopher Odd It occurred to me while I made my recruitment entry form I forgot to add armour specs and I forgot which video you showed the armours and stuff,I don't know if you have even seen my Entry but even what I pit down was pretty vague...Can I get directed to the video please 😁

[@pepecitorasta645]

+ChristopherOdd Thanks for bringin it up

[@leostarrs-cunningham8576]

looks great man. mucho thanko!

[@tdsdave]

+ChristopherOdd @ 6:36 behind the ranger as she kills the sec is a soldier that I'm sure has been modeled as pissing himself ( either fear or the actual wet version )?

[@tdsdave]

Xenomorph768 Ah that makes sense thanks, lol, It just looked like a 2 year old desperate for the toilet.

[@penguincoalition4207]

Run n' gun was one of my favorites from enemy unknown/within. It's always fun to run right up to an enemy and shoot him while your gun is clipped through his body. :)

[@commandercritic9036]

I watched your avenger defence mission before this video, I'm still flipping out over that amazing reaper chain you did.

[@Kefkaownsall]

so the trees are mgs2 Raiden or metal gear rising Raiden

[@sebbro9432]

That's... actually correct

[@MrShagification]

+Kefkaownsall In before the MGS character mods.

[@corvo2696]

+Kefkaownsall Rising Raiden all the way, who needs stealth when you can cut metal gears in half.

[@Kefkaownsall]

+Hawke ZeroX surprisingly early game phantom is much better since it allows concelment during VIP missions

[@Phwop]

I'm going to start sending people your way for these character build videos, which are excellent, keep them up... the editing is worth it!

[@funkophone]

Absolutely loving these videos you're doing for Xcom 2. Also, major kudos for going so in depth.

[@skulblaka965]

This whole class is goddamn absurd and I love it, holy shit.

[@Jewus19]

that thumbnail....ANGER KILLTREE xD

[@kodiak_qp614]

Love your videos. Cannot wait to see your other classes expecially specialist. Also that kull zone u use on the Avenger defense was a skill I will fall in love with. Extra mag's with a scope. Thx for the vids n keep them coming.

[@StrikeNoir105E]

*Rules of Nature Intensifies*

[@Dino01__]

+StrikeNoir105E Do you even science, bro

[@uristboatmurdered6051]

+StrikeNoir105E Show me a good time, Sectoid!

[@VincentHarold]

+StrikeNoir105E Aliens are cruel, Jack. And i'm very in touch with my inner alien.

[@anedgygundampilot2235]

Cyborg Ninja Class mod with Cyborg Body mod

[@metalcollection1]

I'm really glad you made those perks videos. Some people complain that 2K&Firaxis revealed too much and there will be no surprises in the game but I'm a practical man and would like to plan my builds accordingly. Thanks, Odd

[@Xysionite]

Thanks Chris. My initial opinion is that the Assault side seems more useful since most of the skills are more proactive. Untouchable and Shadowstep seem very, very strong. Reaper looks great to clear up after a grenade or to take out annoying squishies. I would take Impacable over Bladestorm since killing an enemy allows a hasty retreat to better cover. Always good to have a back up plan. All in all great skills but I would favour all the Assault except Implacable.

[@Fletch85uk]

Hi Chris, great videos on Xcom 2, my most anticipated game in a while. I look forward to your next ones so keep them coming! Two questions: 1) can slash attacks from reaper be used more than once on the same enemy? 2) is there a next phase in weapons and armor from what you have shown us so far (equivalent to the titan armor/plasma weapons from Xcom enemy unknown)? Thanks and have subbed!

[@ChristopherOdd]

+Fletch Hi Fletch, 1) You have to kill the target to continue "reaping" 2) There are more phases but the campaign in the preview build isn't long enough to get there.

[@RSATT01]

+ChristopherOdd Couldn't you lower the build/research times in the .ini files to get them? Or has Firaxis said to keep them secret?

[@Wordgoblin]

Ranger will easily be my favorite class in Xcom2, much like the assault in EU. I wish that instead of using a sword, it had been a combat knife for a bit more of a gritty, savage style of CQC. My "issue" with the sword as it appears now is that it would be more of a chopping sword (just look how big and heavy it is), and less of a slashing sword, which the ability names and sound effects would lead one to believe. While I can't complain too much about realism in a game about aliens who've taken over the planet, I think having a large knife for piercing vital spots (would have been a great research/upgrade) would have been more interesting. On the other hand: awesome modded class would be a street samurai from Shadowrun.

[@TheRedAzuki]

+Wordgoblin I prefer the Sword. Makes me think of Jack Churchill. In fact, that will be my first blade-focused ranger.

[@reefleschmeek4226]

Just wanna say that I love the effort you're putting into all these videos. Keep it up!

[@jcbvickers]

Awesome job on this series, Chris. You really outdid yourself on these. I can feel your hype!

[@steph_man372]

Bladestorm is like Close Combat Specialist, not Close and Personal. C&P was moving into a range of 4 of an enemy and getting a free shot while CCS was shooting at enemies moving into 4 tiles of you.

[@ZorrroUK]

I think I preferred the dropdown list of the skills with a highlight on which one you are talking about like the last video, but I do still like the details popping in from the side. Nice breakdown video dude.

[@PowernapSystem]

How exactly does Implacable work? It triggers immediately after getting a kill? Does it work with the two-move slash, or Run and Gun? How does Implacable and Reaper work together, if at all? If you use Rapid Fire while Concealed, do both shots get the Shadowstrike bonuses, or just the first? Shadowstep + Run and Gun + Implacable + Untouchable = Potentially OP Scout? Could still use Blademaster and Reaper for multi-finish encounters, sweep up what the grenadier doesn't kill.

[@bestkidsk9507]

Man when I saw Yennefer Vengerberg on a top of your character I was so enjoyed that someone is naming characters like me :D

[@MrMeddyman]

So happy you can get skills from other classes in the vanilla game. Playing a marathon game of XCOM with randomized skill trees was so much fun in the original. Run and gun heavies and Snipers with Sentinel ftw

[@CrowMercury]

I have to be honest, I have a problem with one time bonuses and the fact my Ranger would "detach" from the squad once conceal is broken because his own conceal. So I think I would go full Blademaster because if it combines with Reaper, you can seriously become a godlike unit.

[@ariochiv]

These are really well done. I look forward the rest.

[@Nocforweb3]

Thank you soooooo much for doing these and dong them this way - I am so eager for this game, already building teams in my head, and it helps so much to see what the skills will be. Yay!

[@sirbrainwaves1268]

These videos are incredibly informative and interesting! This game just keeps getting better with each video! Keep up the good work Odd!

[@stevefox4432]

at a glance read the top left as 'anger kill tree' which also kind of works.

[@face112]

Pleasure watching! Thank you!

[@phillipemeritz8385]

+ChristopherOdd Two mechanics questions about the Ranger. 1) Does the Hunter's Instincts upgrade also add +3 damage to sword attacks? and 2) Would a move and slash retain concealment and therefore benefit from Shadow Strike or does it drop as soon as you move in vision? I think it would be so cool to have the first attack be a charging slash out of the shadows

[@AJ5TAR]

Finally a video that demonstrates and explains the abilities 🙏

[@Seedmember]

Firstly, very nice video. It's very informative and well presented. Questions: 1) How is xp handled in the new game? Do all troopers get xp for a kill or does it all go to the killer? 2) How do you rate the class vs heavy melee dudes like Berserkers (and cryssalids if they are in the game)? Is it viable to try to go face to face against them or would it be better to stay at range? 3) How does the Reaper skill scale with game difficulty? Do the alien hp go up when you increase difficulty? And is so are there ways to increase the damage accordingly? Comments: I don't like how the game handles the camera on shooting. It jumps between shooter and target too much. The Reaper skill seems nice to empty the map from mooks, but if the xp goes to the killer isn't it a bit counterproductive when you try to level up rookies?

[@ChristopherOdd]

+Seedmember 1) I don't have a definitive answer to your first question, so I'll leave that to the professionals. 2) Face to face with ARMOR, maybe. Range is probably best more often. 3) Alien HP goes up with difficulty yes. And there will be some late game enemies with a TON of HP.

[@egoborder3203]

hey these videos are a big help, even 160 hours into my campaign. Thanks!

[@EpiCMan17]

Ranger build that worked for me was to get everything from assault except bladestorm and either rapid fire or reaper. Both of my rangers are like this (one with reaper and one with rapid fire) and they absolutely devastate the battlefield.

[@StickmenBattles]

Great video, and this was the next class I wanted to see the most. I'd just like to point out that Run and Gun used to require your post-dash action to be shooting or overwatching in Enemy Unknown/Within, while XCOM 2 seems to allow ANY action afterwards. I subscribed after I watched you Psi-Op video and your current EW game, and I'm looking forward to what you put out next.

[@andrewelder2739]

Commander Odd, could you elaborate on "Run and Gun"? In EU/EW, the soldier could ONLY shoot after moving. It looked like the description here says "take an action after dashing". Does that mean throwing a grenade or the like would be possible? Would this stack with Implacable as well? Same question for "Untouchable"; if you get a kill and have Implacable, would both be effective simultaneously? I assume so, but wanted to be sure one wouldn't be cancelled out by the other.

[@MsKeylas]

+Andrew Elder I am sure both would work.

[@andrewelder2739]

+Andrew Elder I've since confirmed that Run and Gun DOES allow any action to be taken; shoot, reload, throw grenade, etc.

[@FrontlinerDelta]

+Andrew Elder Nice catch. That'll make run and gun even more useful, used it a lot in EU but now, damn. That's gonna be great.

[@Walsh2571]

I don't think people were worried about a sword since a mech fist was already implemented in Enemy Within - although that had more utility.

[@parkerdixon-word6295]

Wonderful to see that they realized how powerful Rapid Fire is and put it up against an actually good skill this time around.

[@SiDucky1708]

Enjoyed the video a lot thanks dude

[@UlfredTag]

Great skill tree videos!

[@theta682pl]

tye ranger is actually my favourite class closely followed by the sharp shooter and then the demolitionist

[@lucyseverine9907]

Name: Skulduggery 'Skullman' Pleasant Nationality: United Kingdom Voice: UK, whichever is smoothest Attitude: Intense, probably Props: Dress Hat, Dark Sunglasses, Skull Bandana Arms: 2 Legs: 2 Torso: 1 Armour Paint: Dots, Black and Grey (as much like a suit as possible) Weapon Paint: Hex, flame red Race: Caucasian, as white as possible Face: E Eyes: Black Hair: Bald, no facial hair Tattoos: Death Sleeve, both arms, bone white Scars: None Story: Skulduggery Pleasant is used to war- and he is very, very used to rage. However, the death of his apprentice, and the destruction of the magical underworld at the hands of the psychic invasion has driven him to new heights indeed. But it is not in this charismatic skeleton's nature to lie down and submit to anyone... N.B.: Skulduggery Pleasant (from the novel series) uses magic, so would be closest thematically as a Psionic user. I'd love to see him in this series, instead of the far more boring me :P

[@guohaozhang4648]

like the effort you put into the videos. Good job!!

[@Zhoomz]

Dash and Slash? You mad genius.

[@nathanmitchell7663]

One thing I want to be clarified is that Bladestorm works on Vipers that try to constrict you, which has useful applications. However, the amount of times I have used Hit & Run or Close Encounters on Long War, I can't deny how useful Implacable is.

[@raydeftereos]

Cool vid - Thanks Christopher. I am really enjoying the breakdown of the skill trees. A question on shadowstep, is this a passive ability that is always active? - or do you have to activate it (and is there a cooldown?)

[@Tarem1990]

Love it! thanks for Skill videos.

[@orrthehunter]

I feel like most people will miss out on making a Shotgun themed Ranger due to the sword. While the tree for Rangers provide plenty of things for sword combat, it also provides opportunity for a shotgun build as well.

[@fainez]

loving these videos. gotta get me to launch

[@edmaneiro]

Wow! Nice job on the video edit! :o

[@reecelawson3382]

God I love these videos! I think I have watched them all. Can't wait for Xcom2

[@adamwhite4858]

Awesome vids man thanks

[@michaelfreeman3189]

Omg, this class seems amazing. I haven't seen the other classes just yet but I really feel like having my main being this class.

[@UnknownRex]

Well made man, like them much!

[@pocketbomb8081]

Anyone else read this as Anger - Kill Tree? Sounds like a badass metal band/song lol.

[@suicidewafflez]

Close and Personal / Squad Sight were the two most OP abilities in Xcom: EU. I've killed over 6 enemies in one turn using Close and Personal. I guess having it in melee range now makes in more balance.

[@Faleg]

Great video, thanks!

[@stevenrawlings3866]

Love the videos. Can't wait for February. If you could, think you could toss in an Xcom soldier for me on your current playthrough? Gunslinger Sniper, Seamus "Cap'n" McGrath, UK male voice of your choice. Make him look as close to a pirate/criminal as possible. Bio: Unable to make ends meet in the slums of Ireland, McGrath turned to the unorthodox trade of piracy. After getting captured by ADVENT, he quickly escaped. Seeing no alternatives as a wanted man, McGrath joined the resistance against ADVENT

[@ReaperGrimm5594]

So they turned the Maniac with a Shotgun into a freaking Assassin.

[@chrisdixon892]

I don't know if it was different then but melee attacks (if you have blade master) don't miss regardless (refering to reaper skill)

[@paulo1ftw]

Damn, this class looks fun. I hope reaper doesn't reduce the damage of shotgun attacks too, just melee ones - the pairing of reaper + implacable looks insane. For me it's got to be: Phantom --> Shadowstrike --> Conceal --> Implacable --> Untouchable --> Reaper. Early game scout + priority target assassin, late game cleaner after grenade softening up with reaper slashes on low hp targets + implacable for that last shotgun / run away kill. Untouchable + conceal to help them survive when you inevitably activate one more pod than you meant to...

[@DerLoladin]

+Paul Anderson You're gonna run into issues later on without Blademaster on Reaper.

[@ineptwatcher]

Wouldn't ranger be more fitting for Ciri and Psi for Yen ;) Either way good video.

[@Zer0SumGame]

+Isengrim R Psi is stupid expensive. I'm surprised he had enough time in the three months the press build offers to get the supplies, do the research, build the lab, train Raph, build the gear, and level him up to max level.

[@tavisshipp2225]

+Ian Hopkins he cheated by increasing the timescale to show off op soldiers

[@EpiCMan17]

+AnAutisticTeen the gear shown on psi op in this video are the very basic. The psi amp shown here was the very basic one.

[@TheAdditionalPylons]

Lightning reflexes returns in xcom2 via the advanced warfare center and can be awarded randomly to any soldier. Pretty useless when awarded to a shadowstep ranger though.

[@namu5583]

Ranger is really powerful. They are basically a ninja.

[@sanzuriver2959]

Wondering about 3 thing on the Captain rank skills: 1. Does Blade Storm trigger before or after the enemy attack in melee range? (If it's after then ignore #2) 2. If the enemy is not a melee type, but starts the turn within melee range of the Ranger. Does Blade Storm trigger if the enemy try to move out of melee range? 3. Does Implacable work if the kill is done through a grenade? Knowing these 3 things will affect the hybrid build decisions quite a bit.

[@outlawstar15a2]

+Sanzu River Probably some super dense futuristic carbon fiber material. With a little sci fi high frequency tech thrown in.

[@sanzuriver2959]

+outlawstar15a2 Wrong person. XD

[@MeldinX2]

+Sanzu River 1.It triggers before the enemy is able to attack and if the enemy dies from it then he won't be able to attack anymore. 2. I think it does i'm not sure. I think Bladestorm only triggers once. 3. Again i think it does but not 100% sure.

[@BobbyBlaster]

Great video! I'm a new subscriber! Do you know if the Shadowstrike bonus applies to both Rapid fire shots like it did with cloaking in XCOM:EU/EW? Because that would be pretty powerful.

[@ChristopherOdd]

+BobbyBlaster Hmm, good question. I don't think I'd have a way of testing it because you don't see the % to hit on the second attack. You have to be under concealment, and I imagine concealment breaks after the first shot.

[@BobbyBlaster]

+ChristopherOdd Yeah it looks like there's a pause between both shots. So I'm guessing the devs learned from EU/EW... :P

[@narf0339]

for rapid fire, if you dont need to move, fire a normal shot 1st, it wont end your turn as ranger, then only use rapid fire, so u can fire 3 times in a turn, do not use rapid fire when you still have 2 actions, cause it will end your turn.

[@pinie111]

Does implacable stack with reaper ? As in you get to double move after the first kill, or some other way ?

[@ChristopherOdd]

+pinie111 It wouldn't stack with extra moves, no.

[@pinie111]

ChristopherOdd So pairing those abilities would be a waste then :( too bad i saw myself running them all over laying waste to the aliens.

[@exomancer3632]

+pinie111 You could use implacable to kill an enemy at distance then slash an enemy that's already in range, then use reaper to kill some more, but how often will you be able to do that?

[@pinie111]

***** No implacable only allows you to move so no attacks. you could move then shoot then move again but that would be it.

[@exomancer3632]

+pinie111 Oh... well that's too bad.

[@PoVisko]

Ha! I also had Yennefer as a soldier. :D Mine was Specialist though.

[@klo45pl]

Run and gun has changed previously it gave u a shot after dashing now it gives you and action

[@nocktowl5831]

What if you brought an entire squad of rangers all trained with Phantom and Conceal, doing a hit and run tactic. I wonder how the AI would react to it

[@Ganke2]

Hey Chris, love your coverage of xcom 2, super hyped for release in the next few weeks. can a ranger who's in concealment carry an unconscious ally to the evac point? Does this break the concealment?

[@CaptainBipto]

Would I benefit from having a team of Rangers, skilled for say Retaliation missions? With skills focused towards an aggressive, fast moving, fast firing team. With Phantom, Shadowstep, Run and Gun, Implacable, Untouchable, and Rapid Fire. Then have Flashbangs, and med kits on them. I could probably just go with four Rangers, a Sharpshooter Sniper, and a Specialist Combat Medic in the team. Ninja Assassin Ranger - Phantom, Shadowstrike, Conceal, Bladestorm, Untouchable, Reaper. Have Flashbangs, and Smoke Grenades.

[@srg08]

Trick question.. Can you stack these two weapons upgrades on the same weapon: auto-relauder and the expanded magazine??

[@computer__eyez]

@Hammerin' Hank lmao!! 4 years later... late. At least us iPad players know, XCOM 2 the collection released for us a few days ago. So thank you Hank.

[@DoubleTapDudes]

Anger Kill Tree. lol

[@Emp6ft10in]

I like to use "conceal" in the middle of a mission and then run ahead to get a line of sight on enemies while my troops are a safe distance away and then let my specialists and snipers mess them up.

[@primarchstar2087]

I hope the Sniper gets Disabling shot. I remember the times I did that to a berserker who was point blank next to one of my assaults. All he (berserker) could do was just run around or stand there. I also used it for those hi damage output enemies.

[@Smilley85]

+Rainier Catabijan Disabling Shot works on Zerkers? I never knew!

[@primarchstar2087]

In EU at least

[@iptf]

Does Run&Gun allow you to use items after dashing? I didn't see any icons in the bar greyed out because of it. I thought I saw a selectable icon with x1 next to it. Maybe that's conceal or something.

[@OuPoot999]

So... Reaper is In The Zone for a sword? Awesome...

[@FiendMatadorSlayerOfNoobs]

*Before seeing ranger* "Ugh...X-com 2...lets see how they fuck this up." *Sees Ranger has a sword* "10/10 Game of the year! Give now!"

[@NaxxB]

1.Can you run and gun, kill after dashing, and then gain extra move with implacable? 2.Can you rapid fire, after run and gun? The skills are poorely explained(combination of skills isn`t obvious, and has to be tested before use), plus you can`t see them before you unlock them, bad design(not user friendly)

[@madmax9242]

Nice Witcher reference

[@RVR121]

The new classes for the game are just monsters plus it is making it hard for me to decide what my core "anything and everything" squad choice will be D:

[@Flotsome]

Ranger - Ninja with a gun essentially

[@danmanthedog]

I got to ask that ogre looking alien has the most shit ton of health ever!

[@PoppyGaming43]

I'll nickname my stealth assault Rengar and my reaper assault Master Yi.

[@TheRedAzuki]

+ChristopherOdd Do the Sword count as flanking for the damage bonus of the special bonus? (The one you can buy)

[@markslards3400]

Why would anyone doubt the power sword it's super deadly in apocalypse

[@pieceofplastic2052]

whoa, at 7:49, you were controlling the movement pathing on your unit! how do you do it?

[@MrCringedragon]

on PC: ctl + click to route

[@Coolhead34]

On console: hold a

[@Coolhead34]

Or if you using controller on pc

[@skyekross]

rapid fire + that weapon attachment that guarantees damage = screw accuracy lol :D

[@MIXDJ3000]

Hey ChristopherOdd What Skill tree do you recommend if I were to use a ranger with an assault rifle as a weapon

[@alex-qy4bl]

+MIXDJ3000 I think the Scout skill path would work best IMO.

[@ChristopherOdd]

+AleӿX Absolutely.

[@dragonkingofthestars]

+MIXDJ3000 on the other hand, the asault skill may be more useful. You already got range with the rifle why not cover close combat with some leet katana skills so your not stuck trying to shot gun enemy's from across the map, and you can do some real damage up close with the blade.

[@alex-qy4bl]

dragonkingofthestars He wanted an assault rifle build, not a shotgun/sword build.

[@dragonkingofthestars]

AleӿX agreed, I'm saying that a few sword skills world work wonders with a rifle since the rifle can shoot targets out of sword range, while a sword can do good damage up close. The rifle covers for the sword lack of range, and with some skills the sword can do more damage up close, hence the recommendation: they cover for each other.

[@fjkladsj3424]

@ChristopherOdd: If a Ranger with the Phantom Perk takes part in an Overwatch ambush (while the squad is concealed) and thereby shoots an enemy, will the Ranger be revealed in the process?

[@MagnaSonic3000]

Rangers must be really good at Phantom Pain.

[@Kristaliorn]

thanks odd!

[@cptncutleg]

Why does the thumbnail say "Anger kill tree?"

[@purplehawk2271]

Drad read the highlighted yellow letter

[@cptncutleg]

@@purplehawk2271 that explains a lot, but I prefer my own reading as an idea

[@purplehawk2271]

Drad lmao I didn’t expect you to reply. how’s life been in the 4 years since you’ve made this comment?

[@cptncutleg]

@@purplehawk2271 Not bad. Got married, got a new job and moved into our first owned property. Doing pretty well ^_^

[@purplehawk2271]

Drad nice.

[@Phwop]

I very much enjoyed your video and all the work you put into it. Thank you. I'm an XCOM modder and Let's Play'er as well and I was curious if you'd be interested in doing some collaborative work to stay on top of the mod scene as it evolves?

[@rosenvitae]

I just got into this game now. Played EU with Training Roulette (which I loved, since I could just pick abilities on the fly instead of needing to research the classes, which I'm doing now). One thing in this video has me asking now; at 3:13 I see the ranger's pathfinding automatically avoiding detection, ho do you do that? I find myself having to waypoint around, costing me several tiles of movement. (Note to self: Gotta have me one of those Japanese Reaper Rangers).

[@firstmatepegboot2589]

looks like full assault for me. and carry a rifle instead of shotgun. solo (hopefully) maybe not with the snake constrictors.. we'll see

[@JackSpackProductions]

I'm so freaking hyped

[@darksilver9593]

at 1:59 i can see the sword is glowing in the same orange as your armor colour.. is that just a reflection, or can you actualy put a "glowing" effect of choicen colour on your actual sword?

[@SavageDragon999]

Yennefer of Vengerberg... I see what you did there

[@hugmonger]

Can you use Reaper with Implacable? Run in, reap some dudes up, get a free move afterwards.