The Ranger class in XCOM 2 is a frontline powerhouse—combining high mobility, lethal close-quarters damage, and tactical versatility. When built correctly, a Ranger can become the backbone of your squad, excelling in scouting, flanking, and assassinating key targets. This guide walks you through the best ability choices, gear loadouts, and gameplay strategies to unlock your Ranger’s full potential.

---

Best Ranger Abilities (Scout + Assault Hybrid Build)

1. Phantom vs. Blade Master

• Recommended: Phantom
  Phantom grants your Ranger permanent concealment—even in missions where the rest of your squad begins revealed. This turns your Ranger into an effective forward scout, allowing for safer exploration, ambush setups, and mission control.

2. Shadow Strike vs. Shadow Step

• Recommended: Shadow Step
  Shadow Step prevents your Ranger from triggering overwatch fire when moving, which is vital for safe aggression. Shadow Strike is useful in niche ambush scenarios, but Shadow Step shines more consistently across missions.

3. Run and Gun vs. Conceal

• Recommended: Run and Gun
  A game-changing ability, Run and Gun allows you to dash and still fire your weapon. This is perfect for rushing high-value targets and maximizing your Ranger’s damage in critical moments.

4. Implacable vs. Bladestorm

• Recommended: Implacable
  Implacable grants a free movement point after your Ranger secures a kill. It allows you to reposition or retreat after executing a target—especially powerful when paired with Untouchable, letting you dive in and escape without taking damage.

5. Untouchable
After a successful kill, the next attack against your Ranger automatically misses. Combine this with Implacable for aggressive plays that are also safe—drawing fire or acting as a pseudo mimic beacon without risking the soldier.

6. Rapid Fire
Delivers two back-to-back shots at the same target (with an aim penalty), making it an excellent finisher against high-HP enemies. When paired with Talon Rounds, this ability can delete even the most durable threats.

---

Gear Loadout: Maximize Mobility and Damage

1. PCS: Speed (Mobility)
A Superior Speed PCS (+3 movement) lets your Ranger reach targets faster, set up flanks, and make the most of Run and Gun. With additional bonuses from the Guerrilla Tactics School, this can climb to +4—greatly enhancing your battlefield control.

2. Utility Items

• Talon Rounds: The best ammo for a crit-focused Ranger. They significantly increase critical hit damage and chance—ideal for close-range shotguns.
• Mimic Beacon: A powerful distraction tool. Since Rangers are often close to the action, they’re in the best position to throw it and save your squad during overwhelming enemy waves.

3. Weapon Mods

• Laser Sight: Increases critical chance, especially effective at close range—pairs perfectly with Talon Rounds and shotguns.
• Expanded Magazine: Ensures your Ranger can use Rapid Fire and still have enough ammo left to stay combat-effective without constant reloading.

---

Tactical Tips for Effective Ranger Play

• Scout First, Strike Later: Use Phantom to scout ahead, locate pods, and set up ideal engagements before initiating combat.
• Delete Key Targets: Run and Gun + Rapid Fire + Talon Rounds = one-shoting Sectoids, Officers, and even Mutons.
• Combo Abilities Intelligently:
  • Implacable allows you to retreat to cover after a kill.
  • Untouchable guarantees you’ll survive at least one attack—ideal for aggressive flanks.
• Field Two Rangers: Doubling up on Rangers gives your team enormous frontline pressure. Just be sure both are equipped with critical gear (especially Talon Rounds and Mimic Beacons).
• Exploit Elevation: On rare occasions when you get high ground, your shotgun damage and crit rate will increase further—don’t overlook this advantage in urban or interior missions.

---

Conclusion

The Ranger is one of the most reliable and lethal classes in XCOM 2 when properly built. With the right abilities, gear, and a calculated playstyle, your Ranger will lead the charge, eliminate key threats, and carry your team through the toughest encounters. The synergy between mobility, burst damage, and survivability makes the Ranger an essential part of any well-rounded squad.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow Commanders and check out our other class builds. For more XCOM 2tactics, subscribe to our channel. Good luck—and keep your blade sharp!