The Commando serves as the baseline survivor in Risk of Rain 2, offering a balanced kit that excels when paired with the right items. While his starting abilities appear simple, scaling his high attack speed turns him into a devastating threat during late-game stages. Understanding how to prioritize on-hit items and master movement mechanics allows players to unleash the full potential of this versatile character.
Best On-Hit and Attack Speed Items
Because Commando fires rapidly, stacking items that trigger effects on hit is the most effective strategy for building his loadout. Items such as the Soldier's Syringe drastically increase his rate of fire, allowing abilities like Double Tap and Suppressive Fire to proc secondary effects continuously. Stacking Tri-Tip Daggers ensures constant bleed damage, while the AtG Missile Mk. 1 and Ukulele provide vital area-of-effect clear that Commando naturally lacks.
Critical hit items also play a major role in maximizing Commando's damage output over long runs. Combining Lens-Maker's Glasses with Predatory Instincts and Harvester's Scythe creates a powerful feedback loop of attack speed and continuous healing. Additionally, obtaining a Backup Magazine provides extra charges for Phase Blast, delivering incredible single-target burst against boss encounters.
Essential Mobility and Survival Upgrades
Surviving high difficulties with Commando requires a primary focus on mobility, as his default kit lacks intrinsic passive movement. Items like Paul's Goat Hoof and Energy Drink are crucial for maintaining distance from elite monsters and boss projectiles. Obtaining a Hopoo Feather provides extra mid-air jumps, giving players greater vertical freedom when dodging grounded hazards.
Defensive items like Tougher Times and Oddly Shaped Opal significantly increase survivability during chaotic stage transitions. For health recovery, Harvester's Scythe paired with critical strikes is generally preferred over Leeching Seed due to higher overall healing scaling. Cautious Slug and Topaz Brooch also offer excellent baseline protection during the early loops of a run.
Gameplay Strategies and Skill Combinations
Mastering Commando involves managing primary attack accuracy and capitalizing on ability cancels during combat. Double Tap loses accuracy with sustained firing, but weaving in Phase Blast or Tactical Slide instantly resets the reticle for pinpoint precision. Using Tactical Slide or Tactical Dive right before hitting the ground cancels fall damage completely, allowing for safe vertical navigation.
Unlocking alternate skills like Phase Blast and Tactical Slide drastically improves Commando's close-range combat efficiency. Phase Blast fires a powerful spread of shotgun pellets that individually trigger on-hit effects, drastically melting close targets. Players can also throw Frag Grenades directly at the ground to control bounce trajectory and eliminate clustered enemy groups easily.
