Outriders , a new co-operative third-person shooter from Square Enix, has finally arrived today (1 April).
After the launch of its demo earlier this year proved unexpectedly popular, Outriders established itself as a game to watch in what has been a generally slow start to the gaming calendar.
The game is available now on PC, Stadia, PS4, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X and S consoles.
Outriders features four character classes, each of which brings their own distinct playstyle advantages.
The campaign begins with a prologue mission, in which humans arrive on a doomed colonisation mission to the planet Enoch. Shortly after arriving, you are imbued with a set of superpowers, the nature of which you can choose yourself.
You’re unable to change your character class once set, though you will be able to adapt your character to best suit your preferred way of playing.
You’ll still be able to choose from the same variety of weapons – including shotguns, submachine guns and sniper rifles – though the effectiveness of weapons can be affected by character class.
Here’s a guide to the different classes available in Outriders, to help you decide which to pick...
Technomancer
The Technomancer class specialises in long-range combat, and is ideal for co-operative play. They are able to heal themselves, as well as their teammates, and have the use of gadgets.
Because it is a support class, we don’t largely recommend the Technomancer for solo play, and the focus on interruptive long-range combat can miss out some of what makes Outriders’ action so engaging.
But the gadgets are fun, and some Technomancer abilities, such as Fixing Wave, can prove a lifesaver – literally.
Pyromancer
Characters in the Pyromancer class can attack from mid-range, and use fire as a means of damaging opponents and generating status effects.
Juggling the various powers mid-battle can be a little fiddly, so, like the Technomancer, this is probably a class best suited to co-operative play, when other players can back you up and buy you time.
Trickster
The Trickster class takes a little more skill to master but ultimately can be a lot of fun to use.
Nimble and deadly at close range, Trickers work best using cunning hit-and-run tactics, and their power to manipulate time – especially with the crucial Slow Time ability – makes them a great, inventive asset in any battle.
Devastator
A traditional “tank” character choice, the Devastator is a great bullet sponge, able to be plonked down in the thick of the action without the need for subtlety.
Up close, they’re able to deal considerable damage. Depending on how you develop your class tree throughout the game, you can tailor the character to be more attacking or more defensive – either an unstoppable force, or an immovable object.
Outriders is out now.
