A Deadly Defender Joins Hood’s Outlaws for Season One: Samhain

Eidaa is a nimble and deadly sales sword arriving in Sherwood for the start of season one in Hood: Outlaws and Legends. His journey from design to play began in 2019 when we started defining the characters and play styles we wanted to support in our medieval multiplayer heist game. When we started the process of editing the classes that we absolutely needed for launch, Ranger, Hunter, Fighter, and Mystic offered the most diverse gameplay, but the concept of developing a character that specialized in defense and area control was on. the top of our list for when the opportunity arises. At the time, the vague vision we had in mind was for a trapper or engineer class, and our overall goal was to support some sort of swordsmanship, as this felt like a great fit for the fantasy of the game, but it was something we avoided at launch in our efforts to offer a less familiar representation of medieval weapons.

Studying the streams

With live play, we were able to see how players were using the different classes and better understand what was missing. We paid particular attention to how the teams defended each other while carrying the treasure, and also how they tried to intercept the opposing team at the choke points leading to the extraction zone. The explosives thrown by John (Brawler) are effective at controlling an area, but require precise timing and generally hit a single player rather than a gang running as a pack. To offer more meaningful area control, we explored various booby traps (mines, caltrops, spike pits), but ultimately pinpointing that style of trap was a major concern. If a hazard is hidden and there is no game mode to locate and disarm it, it can feel unfair when you take damage from it. This type of mechanic also has the potential to dramatically slow down the pace of the game, something we were cautious about, as the game mechanics during the extraction phase are balanced in favor of action and excitement.

The gear is lava

The solution we chose for Eidaa’s deployable team was a tar grenade. Eidaa deploys this in the same way that any other team grenade is prepared and used, and the visual feedback from the molten lava-like liquid is perceptible to allies and enemies alike. The area of ​​effect and duration is generous enough to provide excellent area control. As with all other items of equipment, it can be upgraded with a variety of different perks to improve its effectiveness.

We also made a change to the way the Eidaa trait works. The other Outlaws have Passive Traits (head-on kills, raised rake doors, prolonged marking, faster stamina regeneration), but Eidaa has an Active Trait, in which an input is required. The trait is called Resupply, and it does just that. Visiting any empty gearbox, Eidaa can press an entry to immediately replenish her stock, providing vital items for her allies or even herself.

Ave Maria Shield

One of the most skillful and satisfying moments to achieve Hood is the long distance headshot of “Ave Maria” on an enemy player while they are lifting the treasure with a winch. Until now, there has never been an obvious or effective counterattack to this (aside from shooting the sniper with his own ranger), but Eidaa’s ultimate ability, the Bulwark, provides a chance to save his teammates as they head towards the victory. Once charged, Eidaa can deploy a large energy shield that acts as a temporary barrier to incoming missiles and explosives. It won’t last long and can be destroyed after taking damage, but if timed correctly it makes Eidaa the perfect defender in one of the most critical phases of the game. It’s still possible for friendly players to shoot through the shield while defending the target, and while the ability is active, Eidaa also benefits from increased movement speed to further enhance her defensive capabilities. This is an essential benefit, as you will need to get closer and closer to make the best use of Eidaa’s unique fighting style …

The hybrid warrior

In another break with existing classes, Eidaa is best described as a hybrid melee fighter. Our two current melee characters (John and Tooke) use a block and parry to defend against incoming attacks, and our two ranged characters (Robin and Marianne) use an evasion to escape danger. Eidaa uses both an evasion and a parry to escape and counterattack. This is a huge difference in fighting style and it may take a while for experienced players to adjust, but it’s designed that way to back up your offensive attacks – a quick barrage of sword strikes and slashes.

While Eidaa may not have the large amount of damage from John’s hammer or Tooke’s flail, he is agile enough to leave his opponents stunned and cut to ribbons in a head-to-head encounter. Its curved blade can flow gracefully between cuts from its light attack or unleash a spinning attack with its heavy. He can also use an overhead strike to deal severe damage. Just remember to keep an eye out for the stamina gauge as she is a much sleeker fighter than current tank-shaped fighters.

Strength in numbers

With speed on his side and an arsenal of exciting new abilities, Eidaa is an exciting addition in terms of team synergy. But he’s far from a lone wolf, and works best in tandem with the other Outlaws who have the skills to complement his playstyle and create opportunities to capitalize on his defensive capabilities. In the State Heist (PvE) and Outlaw Heist (PvPvE) game modes, a variety of classes will always have the upper hand, and running in packs is still the best tactic for success.

Form follows fun

As with all Outlaws, Eidaa had a hectic life before landing on the shores of medieval England and joining the gang at their hideout in the woods. Eidaa’s backstory will be revealed in collectible tapesties that are unlocked by completing Heists. We researched and created backstories and gameplay mechanics for many of the classic characters from the Robin Hood legends, but with Eidaa we wanted to create our own addition to those tales and not be limited by legacy. Our vision of the agile sword fighter with the tactical elements of an engineer is absolutely realized in Eidaa and we can’t wait to see her unique skill set embrace by the community.

Hood: Outlaws and Legends is now available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X | S. Get the Year 1 Editionincluding the base game and Year 1 Battle Pass bundle, for access to three premium Battle Passes, launching after the initial free season, for a year of exclusive cosmetics!