Understanding the Operator and Drone Tech
The Operator is an evasive, frontline commander introduced in the Alloyed Collective expansion for Risk of Rain 2. Unlike other survivors, the Operator’s strength lies in his ability to command drones as a force multiplier. You begin every stage with two drones, which you can choose from three types: Gunner, Healing, or Transport.
These are not standard map-found drones; they are customized units that automatically repair when downed and cannot be scrapped. A key strategic element is that the drone currently queued for your secondary ability will hover at your side. According to community reports, these drones will follow you into all Hidden Realms, ensuring your kit remains consistent regardless of the environment.
Ability Loadouts and Combat Strategy
The Operator’s kit is designed for high mobility and drone-based burst damage. Choosing the right loadout can significantly impact your survival on higher difficulties.
Secondary Skills: ADMIN-OVERRIDE vs. CMD-SWARM
- ADMIN-OVERRIDE (Default): Commands a drone to activate its unique skill. This is generally preferred for its versatility. Each drone type provides a different effect—for instance, the Transport drone can stun enemies, while the Gunner drone provides extra firepower.
- CMD-SWARM (Alternate): Allows you to paint targets for your drones to ram into, dealing 450% damage. Critical strikes ignite enemies. While powerful, many players find the default secondary more flexible for proc-based builds.
Utility and Special Skills
- Ascent Protocol (Utility): This is your primary movement tool. It lifts you into the air for a controlled fall. You can reactivate it to leap to another drone. It is highly recommended to prioritize this over the shield-based alternate utility, as movement is key to survival in Risk of Rain 2.
- Ejection Core (Special): Launches a drone to knock enemies into the air, applying "Nano-Bugged." This debuff increases damage taken from skills by 100%. Players often use this to set up massive damage windows by knocking enemies up and then unleashing secondary ability charges.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Damage
To get the most out of the Operator, you need to lean into his identity as a "proc survivor." Because your drones inherit your items when using their special abilities, stacking items like Bleed, Ukulele, or ATG Missile Mk. 1 will multiply your damage output exponentially.
Movement and Positioning
- Aerial Combat: Use Ejection Core to gain height while in the air. This can reset your descent speed if you are using Ascent Protocol, allowing you to stay airborne for extended periods.
- Drone Management: Always purchase drones found on stages. The more drones you have, the more charges you can store for your secondary skills. Being able to chain 11 secondary activations in a row can delete bosses in seconds.
- Item Synergies: Items that benefit from sprinting, such as Little Disciple, are top-tier for the Operator because he is considered "sprinting" while gliding with Ascent Protocol.
FAQ: Unlocking Alternate Skills
How do I unlock the alternate skills for the Operator?
According to community discussions, unlocking these requires specific combat challenges.
- Ricochet Skill: You must achieve four kills of different enemy types within a single ricochet shot. Players suggest using the base pistol on Stage 1 to soften enemies and grouping them together.
- Taunt Bomb Skill: You need to keep an Elder Lemurian airborne for ten seconds. A popular strategy involves using Primordial Cube to hold them up or using Ejection Core combined with Ascent Protocol to juggle them in the air while they are Nano-Bugged.
Note: Using a loadout with two Transport drones and stacking Backup Magazines can make the juggling process much easier.
