Hood: Outlaws & Legends features a unique selection of characters from the legend of Robin Hood, but none are as iconic as the head bandit himself. Believed to be dead, the legendary hero Robin Hood returns, seeking revenge on those that oppress the people. Dressed in a ghastly hood and equipped with a sinister bow, Robin Hood — or simply the Ranger — leads his Merry Men against the state once more.
The Ranger is not only the first character players use in Hood: Outlaws & Legendsbut also the easiest one to use. However, that is not to discredit this character, as there is much more to this archer than most realize. Without a complete understanding of the Ranger, players are liable to sentencing the legendary thief to death a second time. By following these pro tips, players can use the Ranger to guarantee their team’s victory.
Updated April 6, 2022, by Christopher Anaya: Hood: Outlaws & Legends has continued providing fans with new content. In the past year, the game has introduced a new character, new maps, and new game modes that build upon the base product in unique ways. Moreover, Hood: Outlaws & Legends has worked tirelessly to improve the game, implementing various fixes, revamps, and features to enhance the players’ experience.
During this time, players have learned new ways to approach particular characters, such as the Ranger. While this character is mostly the same, some changes and developments have altered some aspects. The Ranger is still the ranged support character they were but now with some new things for players to consider. As such, there are additional elements that players should know when playing this character.
12 Practice With The Bow
The signature weapon of the Ranger is his dreadful longbow. It is the deadliest ranged weapon in Hood: Outlaws & Legends, as it can effortlessly dispatch enemies from a great distance. While it seems like a simple weapon, there are many things to consider when using the longbow. Unlike its mechanical counterpart, the crossbow, the longbow requires players to account for factors such as drawback, distance, and timing.
Before players jump into an online heist, they should utilize the game’s single-player training areas. The Hideout has a shooting range with various targets, allowing players to get a feel for ranged combat. Once they are comfortable with the longbow, players can test their skills in a training match. Eventually, players will understand how to use the longbow to its fullest, making them ready for an online heist.
11 Make Every Shot Count
Bows behave differently in every game, but all follow one common principle: the further the drawback, the more damage a bow will do. This idea is consistent with the longbow of the Ranger, except the damage scaling is far more unforgiving. Failing to drawback the longbow all the way will limit its damage-dealing potential. So much so that it will be ineffective against even the weakest opponents, such as the frail Hunter character.
Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting Hood: Outlaws And Legends
The Ranger needs to make every shot from his longbow count. With a limited arrow supply and laughable melee capabilities, the Hunter cannot be wasting an arrow. In particular situations, it is tempting to unleash a volley of arrows upon an enemy. However, the Hunter will benefit more from a well-placed and fully drawn back arrow. As such, players must learn to rely on one powerful shot rather than an onslaught of arrows.
10 Keep Ammo Close
While the story of Robin Hood is a fantastical tale, it never mentioned him having an endless quiver of arrows. Instead, the Ranger must be resourceful with his ammo and never miss a shot. While this sounds easy for a fabled archer, players will find it to be far more challenging. When the Ranger runs out of arrows, they are at the mercy of guards and enemy players alike.
To avoid this period of vulnerability, players should always ensure that there is an ammo box nearby. This way, if the Ranger runs out of arrows, they can quickly replenish their quiver and continue to snipe. In addition, players should attempt to learn the locations of various ammo boxes. If the Ranger is in a bind, they will have numerous areas to restock on arrows and return to the heist.
9 Use Your Ability Carefully
Every character in Hood: Outlaws & Legends has a unique ability fitting to their playstyle. While each characters’ ability is useful, the Ranger’s ability — Farsight — is by far the most devastating. By channeling the power of the forest, the Ranger can fire an explosive arrow capable of much destruction. Its overwhelming power can one-shot any opponent and even bring the Sheriff down for a while.
Farsight is a phenomenal ability, but it has two major drawbacks: the ability takes time to charge up and the explosion has a slight delay. So, while it is incredibly powerful, Farsight requires careful consideration and timing to use effectively. As such, players should learn when to use this powerful ability. Wasting it can be detrimental to the game, especially considering how beneficial it is.
8 Avoid Melee Combat
People may be surprised to see the legendary Robin Hood without a sword. This is because, in many depictions, he was a master of both the sword and the bow. Even so, in Hood: Outlaws & Legends, the Ranger uses the blunt of his longbow or arrows for melee attacks. This makes the Ranger the least combat-viable character in the game, leaving him susceptible to most enemies.
Despite this, players still try engaging in melee combat as the Ranger. Even if players utilize the Ranger’s melee perks, it will not be enough against the likes of the Brawler, the Mystic, and the Sellsword. Regardless of the situation, the Ranger should always depend on his longbow. By dodging attacks and gaining distance, the Ranger will be better able to defeat foes. This saves time and reduces the Ranger’s chance of being killed.
7 Stay Out Of Sight
Hood: Outlaws & Legends favors those that lie low, especially weaker characters like the Ranger. Without any powerful melee attacks, the Ranger should avoid confrontation with enemies and stay out of sight. Hiding in bushes or keeping to secluded areas will allow the Ranger to do so.
In addition to staying alive, being hidden will allow the Ranger to get the jump on enemies. They can use their longbow to pick off opponents from afar. Alternatively, the Ranger can assassinate unsuspecting enemies, which is beneficial to those that can pull it off. So, unless players are left with no choice, they must keep to the shadows when playing as the Ranger.
6 Fallback & Attack
Typically, retreating from enemies is seen as cowardly, but it is smart in a world of thieves and tyrants, especially for the Ranger. When faced with an enemy, falling back should be the Ranger’s first move in battle. As stated before, the Ranger does perform well in close-quarters melee combat. So, the most effective approach is for players to gain distance and use their longbow.
Doing so is easy as the Ranger possesses gear that allows him to make a quick and successful escape. The Ranger’s Flash can temporarily blind enemies, granting him the opportunity to make a seamless retreat. By the time opponents regain their vision, the Ranger will already be in a position to pick them off one by one. While this method may not always work, it proves to be the most effective way to eliminate oncoming foes.
5 Support From Afar
Hood: Outlaws & Legends rewards players for working together. Team members that cooperate will flourish, while those that do not will suffer. This is especially true for the Ranger, who must play a supportive role in heists. Regardless of what the game suggests, the Ranger will not lead teammates into battle. Instead, the Ranger functions better when he strays away from the group and supports them from afar.
While it may seem counterproductive to teamwork, the Ranger provides much-needed coverage to allies. By staying away, the Ranger can observe incoming threats and take them out beforehand. Moreover, the Ranger’s Scout trait can mark enemies for prolonged periods, offering teammates an advantage against opponents. Keeping the Ranger close by limits his potential and reduces him to cannon fodder.
4 Find A Vantage Point
It is well-known by most that the high ground provides a significant advantage in battles. This is especially true for ranged attackers such as the Ranger. Vantage points offer the Ranger an expansive view of his surroundings. From these positions, the Ranger can seek out objectives, mark points of interest, and provide covering fire for teammates, getting the jump on unsuspecting enemies.
While every map is different, each offers a vantage point for the Ranger to take advantage of. Some areas are easily accessible, while others require some time and effort to reach. Players need to know where these locations are and how to reach them. Vantage points are advantageous positions that will aid the Ranger during key moments of the game, like the winching stage.
3 Keep Moving
Camping is a term used to describe players that kill enemies from a distant location. While this often proves beneficial, some risks come with it. If the Ranger’s location is discovered, enemies can focus their efforts on dispatching him. Should the Ranger fall, they must wait to respawn, which proves to be costly. This is why players should alternate positions and keep moving.
In doing so, the chance of being spotted and dealt with decreases significantly. This allows the Ranger to live longer and provide supporting fire to his team. In addition, if the Ranger continues hindering opponents, they will fall behind and likely lose the match. As long as the Ranger moves frequently, enemies will likely not be able to catch him and, as a result, waste time.
2 Avoid Carrying The Chest
The Ranger is an effective archer and support, but they are lacking in other areas, specifically their strength. They are not as strong as the Brawler and the Mystic, who can handle laborious tasks with remarkable ease. As such, objectives that require great strength are unsuitable for the Ranger. These tasks include using the winch and especially carrying the chest.
Weaker characters cannot effectively carry the chest, especially the Ranger. Should the Ranger carry the chest, they will move very slowly and become susceptible to enemy attacks. Moreover, the Ranger proves to be more useful as a distant attacker. Unless the situation calls for it, the Ranger should avoid carrying the chest and designate that labor to more powerful characters.
1 Be Cautious During Late Game Fights
Hood: Outlaws & Legends has three different objectives that transform it from a stealth-based game into a chaotic king of the hill match. Earlier stages of the game reward players for being sneaky, while the late game favors aggression and direct assaults. While the Mystic and the Brawler thrive in this stage, other characters struggle. The Ranger is not suited for late games close-quarter combat, and he should stay away at all costs.
The Ranger’s absence from battle allows him to provide support from a suitable position. Players should maintain a distance that allows them to use the winch, if necessary, while favoring the Ranger’s sniping capability. This keeps the Ranger present in the late game without diminishing him to a meat shield. In addition, the Ranger can pick off enemy players that are winching to buy his team much-needed time.
