Sunderfolkblends the gameplay mechanics of traditional tabletop RPGs with the couch co-op experience of party games. Of course, both of these major inspirations are created for collaborative play, andSunderfolkis no different. Although players have the option to embark on a single-player campaign, the game places a large emphasis on bringing a full party of friends along for the ride.
Game Rant spoke with severalmembers of theSunderfolkdevelopment team, who shared information about the game’s class system as a whole, before delving into more detail about each individual class. Character designer Xavier Gordon spoke more about the reason for usingD&Dclasses as inspiration, suggesting that players should find many of the game’s classes easily recognizable. This makes the game more accessible for longtime fans of TTRPGs, as they may be able to find what role suits them best at a glance.
Sunderfolk Classes Explained: The Ranger
Sunderfolkis heavilyinspired by games likeDungeons and Dragons, and nowhere does this show stronger than in the game’s classes.Sunderfolksupports parties of up to four players, with six playable classes to choose from: The Berserker, The Arcanist, The Pyromancer, The Ranger, The Rogue, and The Bard. Two players can’t choose the same class, which makes party composition an important conversation to have. Each class was designed with a unique player fantasy in mind, and a specific role to fulfill. The Ranger stands out as one of the most versatile among the bunch.
Of course, the Ranger shares a name withDungeons and Dragons' own Ranger class, but Gordon named the Ranger as just one example of an established class thatSunderfolkpurposefully puts a spin on. The intention is to simply make each class more well-suited toSunderfolk’s specific gameplay experience, encouraging collaborative discussion among each member of the party.
Gordon clearly stated that the Ranger has the potential to fill a number of roles, but affirmed that it has its specialties like any other class. For example, the Ranger’s focus on marksmanship is a vital part of its combat style that isn’t shared by any other class. To summarize the role of the ranger, Gordon stated the following:
“Do you want to snipe your foes from across the battlefield, splitting the bullseye down the middle? Are you at one with nature and want to twist its roots to snare your enemies? Are you the strategist in your party who loves it when a plan comes together?”
Ranger Abilities
Ranger Fate Deck
The Fate Deck is how Sunderfolk manages risk and reward with each attack, as players could pull buffs or penalties. However, each deck is customizable in ways that players can unlock more detailed builds as they played. For the Ranger, some examples include empowering the Ranger’s debuffs, expanding its Vine capabilities, or utilizing cards that play into your range for bonus damage.
Ranger Ultimate
The Ranger’s Ultimate, Snipe, clears a powerful enemy off the map. It allows the Ranger to move 3 hexes and unleash a powerful single-target attack that stacks any Strength buffs with the player’s passive ability.
Sunderfolk’s Ranger Class Allows Players to Double as a Strategist
Playing the role of a strategist should be enticing to many players; in fact, it speaks to the broaderutility the Ranger can provideto its party members. When wanting to attack enemies themselves, the Ranger relies on high single-target damage, but if players lean into it as support, the Ranger brings even more value to the table.
The Ranger is capable of activating debuffs on enemies and even laying out traps for them to fall into. This allows a Ranger to tee up their party members for strategic positioning or even bigger damage. Gordon compares the Ranger to the Arcanist, stating that both classes are allowed to pack a punch since they require some pretty careful planning in order to stay alive, let alone have an impact. Despite the potential intimidation players could feel from a complex kit, Gordon said,
“They have an approachable kit, but have the greatest effect when wielded by a strategic player who can consistently activate their passive by staying back from enemies and utilize their unique supportive abilities by manipulating the map.”
Just likeany other class inSunderfolk, the Ranger isn’t meant to feel inaccessible. New players can try out the Ranger if it catches their interest without feeling like they can’t keep up with the rest of the party. Alternatively, a player with more know-how and more experience under their belt can get the most out of the Ranger, and become invaluable as both a damage dealer and a support class.
