In XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, the Reapers bring a whole new level of tactical versatility, and among them, Elena Dragunova the Outrider is a standout. Stealthy, deadly, and incredibly useful for both reconnaissance and assassination, building your Outrider effectively can provide your squad with a decisive edge. From long-range shots while concealed to setting up devastating claymores, the right build turns the Outrider into a silent game-changer. Choosing the right skills and understanding how to maximize her effectiveness is key to using this hero class to its fullest potential.
Understanding the Outrider’s Role
Stealth and Scout Excellence
The Outrider excels in stealth-based gameplay. Her ability to remain concealed after attacking (with the right abilities) sets her apart from standard soldiers. She can scout enemy positions, lay traps, and pick off isolated enemies without alerting the entire map. Unlike most XCOM units, she thrives in asymmetrical engagements, moving undetected and choosing when and where to strike.
Special Class Traits
- Shadow: Begins each mission concealed and can return to concealment with specific skills.
- Claymore: A remote-detonated explosive that does not break concealment when planted.
- Silent Killer: A passive that can prevent attacks from revealing her position.
Best Outrider Build Strategy
Build Focus: Shadow Operative
This build focuses on maximizing stealth, information gathering, and executing high-value targets without detection. The key to success lies in being unpredictable and using the environment to control the fight before it even begins.
Recommended Ability Path
- Level 1 Remote Start: This is the core of the Outrider’s toolkit. It allows her to blow up environmental objects for massive damage, especially effective when enemies cluster near explosive barrels or cars.
- Level 2 Target Definition: Marking enemies for the rest of the squad even when she is concealed improves team coordination significantly. You always know where the threats are.
- Level 3 Blood Trail: Adds bonus damage to enemies already injured. This pairs well with Remote Start or follow-up attacks from allies.
- Level 4 Sting: A free shot that does not break concealment. Perfect for softening up enemies or executing low-HP targets without giving up stealth.
- Level 5 Silent Killer: Grants a chance to stay in concealment after a kill. This dramatically extends her usefulness throughout a mission.
- Level 6 Homing Mine: An upgrade to the Claymore that attaches to a target and explodes with any damage taken. Great for setting up instant kills without detection.
- Level 7 Banish: Unleashes a chain of attacks on a single target using every round in the magazine. Excellent for boss enemies like the Chosen or Gatekeepers when stealth is no longer a concern.
Alternative Talents Worth Considering
Shrapnel
If you use Claymore frequently, Shrapnel increases its damage, making it more lethal, especially when detonated alongside Remote Start. This is great for explosive ambush builds where you focus on area damage.
Soul Harvest
Stacks critical hit chance with every kill, which works well if your Outrider breaks stealth often. It synergizes with Banish for late-game execution tactics.
Needle
Makes melee weapons ignore armor, which can be situationally useful but doesn’t align with the sniper-based combat style most players use for Outriders.
Outrider Equipment Tips
Primary Weapon: Vektor Rifle
This sniper-like weapon offers high precision and is made even more powerful with weapon upgrades. The Vektor Rifle has low ammo but deals strong damage, especially when paired with crit-enhancing mods or abilities like Banish.
Ammo Upgrades
- Dragon Rounds: Adds burning damage over time, great for finishing off targets who survive the initial hit.
- Tracer Rounds: Boosts aim, helping guarantee accuracy on high-priority targets while concealed.
- Talon Rounds: Boost critical hit chance, enhancing burst potential when used with Banish.
Utility Items
Because the Outrider doesn’t typically use grenades, consider utility items that boost survivability or effectiveness. The Mimic Beacon can serve as a distraction in case stealth is broken. Alternatively, Mind Shields protect against mental attacks, which is helpful against psionic enemies or the Warlock Chosen.
How to Use the Outrider in Missions
Early Game Recon
At the beginning of missions, use your Outrider to scout ahead without breaking concealment. Identify enemy patrols and alert zones. With Target Definition, you’ll be able to track enemies through fog-of-war, making positioning for the rest of your squad much easier.
Mid-Mission Ambush
When enemies gather near environmental hazards, Remote Start can eliminate entire groups without triggering combat. Follow up with Claymore or Homing Mine for surgical strikes. Sting is perfect for precision shots while remaining undetected.
Late-Game Cleanup
Once the stealth aspect is less critical, especially in missions involving the Chosen or boss-level enemies, unleash Banish with full ammo to take down a target in one devastating burst. Pair this with skills like Blood Trail and Soul Harvest for maximum damage output.
Pairing with Other Units
Outriders work well with snipers and rangers. Use the Outrider to scout positions and relay data to sharpshooters. Rangers can finish off enemies exposed by her abilities. Specialists with Aid Protocol can protect her in rare moments when she’s revealed. Skirmishers can also combo with her explosions for heavy frontline pressure while she operates in the back.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Excellent scouting and information gathering.
- Ability to eliminate targets without alerting enemies.
- Flexible playstyle: stealth or high damage burst.
- Unique skills that don’t require breaking concealment.
Weaknesses
- Low ammo capacity limits extended firefights.
- Lower survivability if caught out of position.
- Requires careful planning to stay effective throughout the mission.
Best Mission Types for the Outrider
Chosen Hunts
When hunting the Chosen, the Outrider’s stealth and recon abilities give you the upper hand. Banish becomes extremely useful when combined with coordinated squad attacks to take them down before they can escape.
Sabotage and Extraction Missions
Outriders can move quickly and unseen, making them perfect for sabotaging objectives and then returning to extraction zones without engaging in extended combat.
Retaliation Missions
Use the Outrider to scout for civilians and enemy positions, enabling faster rescue efforts and helping minimize civilian losses. Her ability to attack from concealment makes it easier to neutralize key threats like Faceless before they can strike.
Mastering the Outrider in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen comes down to stealth, planning, and explosive precision. By investing in abilities like Remote Start, Silent Killer, and Banish, you turn this Reaper hero into a one-woman army capable of clearing rooms and eliminating bosses. Whether she’s laying traps or executing ambushes, the Outrider build offers unique advantages that elevate your tactical options. With the right strategy and equipment, Elena Dragunova can become one of the most valuable assets in your resistance fight against the alien occupation.