Speedrunning Tips
Speedrunning Outriders demands a highly optimized build and a deep understanding of encounter mechanics to minimize time spent in combat and traversal. The core principle is efficiency: every action must serve the purpose of reaching the end of an objective as quickly as possible. This often involves prioritizing builds that excel at burst damage and rapid enemy elimination, such as a Pyromancer build focused on iting large groups of enemies with Thermal Bomb and then detonating them with abilities like Overheat. Similarly, a Trickster build that leverages mobility skills like Temporal Slice and Twisted Rounds to quickly close distances and dispatch targets is ideal. Weapon choice is also critical; weapons with high fire rates and damage per second, such as assault rifles or submachine guns, are generally preferred over slower-firing, high-damage weapons like sniper rifles, unless a specific boss encounter necessitates it. Mods that enhance damage against elite enemies or grant bonus damage after using a skill are also highly valuable for speedrunning.
Navigating the environment efficiently is as important as combat prowess. Speedrunners will learn optimal routes through levels, identifying shortcuts and avoiding unnecessary engagements. This includes understanding enemy patrol patterns and knowing when to sprint past them rather than engaging. For example, in areas like the Deadrock Pass, speedrunners might learn to bypass certain enemy patrols by utilizing cover and timing their movements precisely. Certain abilities can also aid in traversal; a Trickster's ability to teleport short distances can be used to bypass obstacles or quickly reach objectives. The game's mechanics for fast travel and mission restarts are also utilized to their fullest. Players will often restart missions if a run goes poorly early on, rather than trying to salvage a slow run. Understanding which Expeditions are inherently faster to complete, such as those with fewer objectives or more linear layouts, is also a key strategy. For instance, Expeditions like The Stargrave, with its relatively contained areas and high enemy density, can be prime candidates for speedrunning once optimized.
Beyond build and route optimization, speedrunners must master the game's core mechanics to execute actions flawlessly. This includes perfect dodging, precise aiming, and efficient ability usage. Minimizing downtime between engagements is crucial; this means chaining abilities together seamlessly and ensuring that weapon reloads are timed to occur during brief lulls in combat or while traversing. Understanding enemy weaknesses and resistances allows for the quickest elimination of threats. For example, knowing that certain enemies are vulnerable to fire damage means a Pyromancer can quickly dispatch them with their abilities, saving valuable time. The game's loot system also plays a role, as speedrunners will aim to acquire specific gear and mods that further enhance their chosen build's speed and damage output. This might involve targeting specific legendary items or farming for gear with desirable stats like cooldown reduction or weapon damage bonuses. The ultimate goal is to achieve the fastest possible completion times for specific missions and Expeditions, pushing the boundaries of what is considered efficient gameplay in Outriders.