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The Hunter character in Brotato can be quite challenging to master, often causing frustration until you discover effective strategies. Fortunately, once you grasp the right techniques, winning becomes much easier.
Like any spud, Hunter has multiple playstyles, but the one outlined here is the quickest and simplest. This build is effective for conquering Danger 5 in both Crash Zone and the Abyss.
The Optimal Hunter Build
Here are some excellent items to consider for this Hunter build:
| Bandana | Projectiles pierce through one additional target; -10% Damage |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin | +15% Piercing Damage; Can’t exceed base damage; -2% Damage |
| Sharp Bullet | Projectiles pierce through one additional target; -20% Piercing Damage; -5% Damage; -3 Knockback |
| Banner | +20 Range; +10% Attack Speed; -5 Knockback |
| Sunglasses | +10% Critical Chance; -1 Armor |
| Ricochet | Your projectiles gain one bounce; -25% Damage |
| Small Magazine | +2 Ranged Damage; +10% Attack Speed; -6% Damage |
| Cyclops Worm | +12% Damage; -12 Range |
| Glasses | +20 Range |
The Hunter has some intriguing advantages and drawbacks. Right off the bat, he starts with +100 Range, plus +1% Damage for every 10 points of Range. This means you start with a 10% Damage boost before firing a single shot. Additionally, your Critical Chance is enhanced by 25%. However, there is a significant trade-off: he cannot harvest at all and his Max HP is reduced by 33%.
Key stats to focus on with Hunter include:
- Critical Chance
- Range
- Speed
- Luck
- Max HP
- Attack Speed
Since Hunter thrives on range, it’s best to use ranged weapons like Crossbows. While melee weapons can cover more area, they often come with longer cooldown times.
Equipping yourself with 6 Crossbows transforms you into a powerful enemy-slaying force, as these weapons strongly benefit from Critical Chance. Critical hits allow the Crossbow to pierce through multiple foes. By leveling these weapons quickly or acquiring a Cursed version, you could pierce even more enemies.
Be aware that while this piercing crit setup is impressive, it may not be as efficient as using explosive weapons like the Shredder or Rocket Launcher, so you might find that eliminating enemies takes longer than anticipated.
Range is a clear priority since it boosts your Damage percentage and allows you to eliminate enemies off-screen. However, do not overly prioritize Range. For instance, if you get a +12 damage boost, it’s worth taking, as achieving 120 Range to equal that number can be challenging.
Focus on boosting Luck and Speed early in the game. Luck increases the quality of items you find and offers more healing items. As your Luck grows, be sure to grab consumable healing items like Weird Food or Lemonade. Speed enhances your ability to dodge attacks and collect dropped resources. With 25+ Speed, you can easily evade bosses if direct confrontation seems too risky.
While Hunter has lowered Max HP, it’s a crucial stat to invest in. Grab it whenever you can; if you come across a +3 or +4 Armor during level up, don’t hesitate to take it. This addition can significantly enhance the existing +3 Armor from having six Crossbows.
Lastly, don’t overlook Attack Speed. Depending on RNG, you might have varying amounts, but aim for at least 50 Attack Speed. Since you won’t be using area damage weapons, quick firing is essential to handle waves of alien enemies.
Tips for Playing as the Crossbow Hunter
With the Crossbow build outlined here, you’ll need to be cautious while maneuvering. The Hunter’s limited Max HP will become more apparent as the game advances, particularly against Danger 5 foes (and bosses), who pack a punch. Therefore, securing Speed is vital.
With a Speed of 20 or higher, you can effectively outpace hordes, including the speediest bosses, gaining precious moments to eliminate enemies with your formidable critical hits. If you manage to secure decent Dodge (30+), you can maneuver closer to your enemies to collect valuable resources, but avoid making this a habit, as you’re still quite vulnerable.
When facing bosses, try to keep your distance rather than engaging directly. Instead, maintain your distance, allowing your piercing attacks to reach them and swiftly chip away at their health.