Hood: Outlaws & Legends features a unique selection of characters from the tale of Robin Hood, but none are as iconic as the man himself. Thought to have been dead the legendary hero returns to bring wrath upon the people's oppressors. Donned in a ghastly hood and wielding a sinister bow Robin Hood - the Ranger - leads his renowned band of thieves once more.

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The Ranger is the first character players are introduced to in Hood: Outlaws & Legends and he is often regarded as the easiest class to use. However, there is much more to the seemingly simple sniper than most players realize. Without a complete understanding of the Ranger's features or playstyle, players are prone to sentencing the fabled thief to death a second time. Fortunately, there are numerous ways for players to make the most of the Ranger so they may lead their team to victory.

10 Practice With Your Bow

The Ranger's signature weapon is his dreadful longbow. It is the deadliest ranged weapon in the game that can dispatch enemies from nearly any distance. While it seems simple enough to use there are many factors for players to consider. Unlike the crossbow, the longbow requires players to drawback, account for distance, and time their shots carefully. It is a troublesome process that requires extensive practice.

Before players jump into an online heist, they should utilize the games training areas. The Hideout has a shooting range with various targets and training matches that provide a feel for ranged combat. While each is far different from an actual heist, they grant players an idea of the longbow's capabilities. Players will obtain a feel for the longbow and be able to use it much more effectively than they would before.

9 Drawback All The Way

Bows in video games function differently but each follows one common principle: the further players drawback the more damage they do. This idea is consistent with the Ranger's longbow except the damage scaling is considerably unforgiving. Any arrow launched without full drawback deals negligible damage.

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The Ranger needs to make each shot count. With a limited arrow supply and laughable melee proficiency, the Hunter cannot risk loosing an ineffective arrow. While it may seem necessary to unleash a flurry of shots, especially in combat, the Hunter will benefit greatly from one charged and precise arrow. With a little patience and practice, players can one-shot nearly every opponent.

8 Keep Ammo Close By

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 difficult. 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.

7 Use Your Ability Carefully

Every character in Hood: Outlaws & Legends has a unique ability fitting to their playstyle. While each character's ability is useful the Ranger's ability Farsight is by far one of the most devastating. By channeling the forest's power, the Ranger can fire an explosive arrow. Its overwhelming power can one-shot any opponent and even bring the Sheriff down to his knees.

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Farsight is a phenomenal ability but it has two major drawbacks. Firstly. the ability takes a considerable amount of time to charge up. Secondly, the arrow's explosion has a slight delay before it is set off. So, while it is incredibly powerful it requires careful consideration and timing to use effectively. Wasting it on one guard/player or misfiring can be detrimental to the game considering how useful it is.

6 Never Engage In Melee Combat

People may be surprised to see the legendary Robin Hood without a sword. This is because in a few depictions he was a master of both the sword and the bow. Nevertheless, in Hood: Outlaws & Legends the Ranger uses the blunt of his longbow or arrows for melee attacks. Obviously, this makes the Ranger one of the least combat viable characters in the game.

Despite this players may still try and engage in melee combat which is a grievous mistake. Even if players utilize the Ranger's melee perks it will not be enough against the likes of the Brawler or the Mystic. Regardless of the situation, the Ranger should always resort to using his longbow. By dodging attacks and gaining distance the Ranger can easily take a shot at an enemy's head. This saves them time and reduces the Ranger's chance of being killed.

5 Retreat & Attack

Typically retreating from enemies is seen as cowardly, but it is smart in a world of thieves and tyrants. Falling back should be the Ranger's first move in battle. As stated before, the Ranger does not do well in close-quarters combat. So, the most effective approach is for players to gain distance and use their longbow.

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While it is easier said than done the Ranger does have gear useful for escaping. The Ranger's Flash can temporarily blind enemies and allow a seamless retreat. By the time the opponents have regained 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 is the best way to eliminate oncoming foes.

4 Support From Afar

Hood: Outlaws & Legends rewards players for working together. Team members that know their role will flourish while those that do not will suffer. This is especially true for the Ranger who must be played a specific way. Regardless of what the game's trailers present the Ranger will not lead teammates into battle. In fact, the Ranger should stray away from the group and support 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 trait Scout can mark enemies for prolonged periods offering teammates an advantage. Keeping the Ranger close by limits his potential and reduces him to cannon fodder.

3 Obtain The High Ground

It is well-known by the populous that the high ground provides a significant advantage. This is especially true for ranged attackers such as the Ranger. Higher areas of the game offer the Ranger an expansive view of his surroundings. From these positions, the Ranger can mark objectives, mark targets, and snipe unsuspecting enemies.

While every map is different each offers tall buildings or land for the Ranger to use. Some areas are easily accessed while others require a shortcut or rope to get to. It is important for players to know where these locations are and how to reach them. High areas can provide the Ranger advantageous positions during critical moments of the game like the winching stage.

2 Change Sniping Positions

Camping is a term used to describe players that kill enemies from one dominant location. While it may benefit a skilled Call of Duty player the same is not true for the Ranger in Hood: Outlaws & Legends. If the Ranger's location is discovered it is easy for any character to quickly dispatch them. This is why players should work to alternate positions as frequently as possible.

Changing location constantly decreases the chance of being spotted. This allows the Ranger to live longer and provide supporting fire to his team. In addition, if the Ranger continues hindering opponents they may spend time looking for him. As long as the Ranger moves frequently they will be unable to catch him and as a result waste time.

1 Stay Away From Late Game Fights

Hood: Outlaws & Legends has three different objectives that shift the stealth-based game into a chaotic king of the hill match. Early and midgame rewards players that maintain secrecy while late game favors aggression. While both 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 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.

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