Where would fantasy games be without the rogue class? For every large, stoic, honourable warrior kind of character, there is always someone with a robe and a knife, just waiting to strike from the shadows. In the realm of Loop Hero, rogues shine brightly even when they are not paired with other classes. Due to their adaptability, they have the ability to shift the momentum of a fight to their advantage. The more you restore the game world, the more memories your hero will recover. Eventually, they will remember the arts of stealth, stealing, and dual-wielding as the enigmatic Rogue class.
Unlocking the Rogue
The Rogue is typically the second class you unlock, as it can be accessed fairly early in the game. From the campfire, you'll need to build the Field Kitchen followed by the Refuge. After this, a cutscene will reveal new memories, allowing you to select the Rogue from the Expedition screen. Unlike the Warrior and Necromancer, the Rogue has distinct interactions with enemies and how they receive equipment. Despite lacking the resilience of the Warrior and the magical prowess of the Necromancer, the Rogue excels in their ability to quickly carve through enemies, provided you build them wisely.
Rogue Stats and Abilities
The Rogue class is inherently offensive, boasting some of the highest damage output available in Loop Hero. This high damage output is attributed to two Critical stats: Chance and Damage. The Rogue starts with a base chance to hit an enemy for 140 percent of their current damage stat. Other primary stats include Attack Speed, Evasion, and a starting Vampirism stat of 5 percent.
Equipment Slots
The Rogue begins with four equipment slots: two for weapons, one for armor, and one for boots. By upgrading the Arsenal, an additional Amulet slot becomes available, providing further passive bonuses. The Rogue's method of collecting equipment is also unique. Instead of obtaining gear directly from defeated monsters like the Warrior and Necromancer, the Rogue earns Trophies. These Trophies are exchanged for a randomized assortment of gear upon reaching the Campsite. Cards, however, are still gained normally from slain enemies.
Stat Prioritization for Rogues
Since the Rogue undertakes most of their journey solo, it is crucial to focus on stats that enable quick fights. Early in the game, prioritize equipment that boosts Attack Speed and Damage. This strategy is excellent for swiftly dealing with weak early-game enemies, allowing you to accumulate Trophies and experience points for new traits. Enhancing the counter stat can cause additional damage when the Rogue takes hits.
As you progress and add new cards, your focus should transition to defensive stats. Although the Rogue can gain boosts in Health and some Defense, Evasion remains their most potent defensive tactic. Specialized equipment can increase the Rogue's Evasion rate up to 75 percent, making them nearly untouchable in both one-on-one and group battles.
Traits for Optimal Rogue Builds
Upon constructing the Gymnasium, the Rogue gains access to various traits. Below are the most beneficial traits to consider for an effective Rogue build:
Surveyor
A common trait that allows the Rogue to heal (0.5 x Loop #) for every non-road tile adjacent to the tile they traverse.
Blissful Ignorance
This trait grants you a full set of Oblivion cards to clear undesirable tiles and becomes more valuable as you advance through the game loops.
Child of the Forest
This trait provides a 75 percent chance for a Rat Wolf to join you in battle, giving you an additional ally.
Lethal Weakness
Offers a 0.5 percent chance to strike for 1000 percent damage whenever the Rogue loses 10 percent of their maximum health.
Smoke Screen
Enables the Rogue to evade all attacks for a brief duration of two seconds anytime they lose 20 percent of their maximum health.
Omicron’s Technique
Under this trait, the Rogue can revive with full health upon succumbing to death, providing a pivotal second chance in battles.
Lightning Fast
Grants a 20 percent chance for the Rogue to unleash a three-hit combo, with each hit dealing 50 percent damage.
Utilizing Cards and Trophies
The Rogue’s progression largely depends on the effective use of cards and Trophies. As you gather more Trophies and cards, consider creating a balanced approach between offense and defense. Early on, prioritize offensive capabilities to rack up Trophies quickly. However, as enemies become more challenging, shift to defensive strategies to ensure the Rogue's survival in prolonged encounters. Managing this balance is critical for sustaining the Rogue's efficiency throughout the game.
Conclusion
The Rogue in Loop Hero is a versatile and potent class that excels in offense but requires strategic planning to mitigate their weaknesses in defense and recovery. By focusing on the right stats, traits, and equipment, you can effectively navigate through the game's challenges and restore the world piece by piece. With traits that provide both offensive and defensive benefits, the Rogue can transform from a fragile shadow into a formidable warrior of the loop. Embrace the journey and master the art of stealth, speed, and evasion with the Rogue class in Loop Hero.
