User:Warmonger256/Rambo Sniper Build

Are you good in sniping, yet you want to join the others in close combat as well? Hate pistols? Tired of being told that snipers are only good at long range? Want to prove them wrong?

If your answer to the questions above is in the affirmative, then this build is for you!

= Explanation =

The Rambo Sniper Build allows the player to snipe enemies at medium to long range while still being able to fight in close quarters, thanks to his Bloodwing.

Pros

 * Efficient on all ranges (short, medium and long)
 * Effective against mobs (because of Bird of Prey)
 * You can support teammates at close range.
 * You can solo pretty well.
 * You can use your Bloodwing as an alternate healing source, so you can save backpack space instead of buying First Aid.

Cons

 * Without Smirk, your team doesn't benefit much from you.
 * Difficult to level up without using weapons other than Snipers
 * Good semi auto rifles are hard to come by

= Skills =

Skills Build Guide
5 - Bloodwing. Self-explanatory.

6-10 - Caliber. An absolute necessity.

11-15 - Swift Strike. Need to beef up your little bird.

16-20 - Killer. Being faster has its advantages.

20-23 - Carrion Call. It should help you use your Bloodwing more often, more useful when paired with a good Sniper Mod. We'll not max it for a while since it's not really worth it.

24-28 - Out for Blood. Health? On mah Bloodwing?

29-34 - Bird of Prey. Your full Bloodwing potential is released, and it can now kill groups of baddies.

35-39 - Trespass. Shields are no problem, plus you get a little bonus on the way.

40-44 - Deadly. More crit means more kill.

45-49 - Fast Hands. Even with a semi-auto sniper rifle, even faster reload is useful.

50 - Carrion Call. Go and celebrate.

Skills you don't really need (or are optional)
Focus - you can add some into this if you want, to maximize your Sniper COM. However, this really isn't necessary once you have at least lvl 10 proficiency with Sniper Rifles.

Smirk - useful only if you play in coop. I play solo most of the time, so it's up to you if you need to add this skill.

Loaded - you already have Fast Hands, and semi auto rifles can reload quite quickly.

Swipe and Ransack - your COMs and build does not call for any of these.

Aerial Strike - can augment your Bird of Prey pretty well, but it needs a Hunter COM to increase its efficiency.

Gun Crazy and Hair Trigger - I thought you were using rifles, not pistols.

= Equipment =

Slot 1
A good sniper rifle, preferably semi-automatic. Best choice would be the Hyperion Invader, since it augements your Carrion Call well. Another choice would be the S&S Orion, as its special ricocheting shrapnel effect can clear out mobs. Other good choices would be the Maliwan Volcano, Vladof Surkov, Torgue Cobra, or any other good fast sniper rifle.

Slot 2
A backup sniper rifle. Prerably something with an element of your choice.

Slot 3
A revolver to serve as your savior when you are fighting for your life. Find something powerful and can reload quick.

Slot 4
An SMG of your choice to fight against Rakk.

Grenades
You won't be needing a Transfusion grenade, since your Bloodwing can heal you up quicker than a lifestealing grenade. A longbow grenade would be excellent, however, you can try others you may like.

Shields
Get something an Anshin if you want to spend less time cowering in cover, or a Pangolin if you want to spend more time in the crossfire (at the expense of more time cowering in cover).

Class MOD
Recommended REQUIRED is either a purple Sniper COM (preferably with ammo regen) so that you can unleash the full potential of your rifle and reduce your Bloodwing cooldown, or a purple Ranger COM so that your Bloodwing can attack more targets with overpowered Bird of Prey.

= Strategy =

Starting Out (Levels 1-25)
When you step off the bus and be tormented by the very talkative yellow Claptrap doorman, you take with you a very shitty sniper rifle, which is only effective if you manage to score a critical hit. Aim for the heads of the bandits and familiarize yourself with how Sniping works. Remember that even Sniper rifles can miss, if you're not careful.

When you meet the Skags, they are not prime targets for your Sniper Rifle unless they expose their mouths as they roar. Keep a spare weapon for close combat ready, such as The Clipper or a shotgun to take care of Skags. Use your Bloodwing often.

When you finish TK's missions, you will receive a semi-auto rifle. Equip that immediately, and feed your old sniper to the skags (although it would be better to sell it to Marcus instead). You will notice that it's much easier to use than the other rifle. Kill Bone Head, then proceed with the story. Pick up another semi auto rifle if it's better than what you have. Emphasize on damage, rather than accuracy.

Getting stronger (Levels 26-50)
Once you reach level 26, you should have a powerful sniper rifle already, with Carrion Call to keep your Bloodwing running. When you get Bird of Prey, keep throwing your Bloodwing so that you can masturbate snipe enemies that are too far away while your bird does most of the work at close range. Do the second playthrough, and level up until you reach 50.

= Secret Armory of General Knoxx Build =