Class Focus: Bounty Hunter

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Rattataki, Zabrak, Chiss, Cyborg
• Starting World: Hutta
• Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealer, Ranged Tank
• Weaponry: Blaster, Flamethrower, Wrist Rockets
• Armor: Heavy Armor
• Ship: D5-Mantis
• Famous Bounty Hunters: Boba Fett, IG-88, Dengar, Bossk, Steve Blum

Summary

Armed with the best weaponry and armor available on the black market, as long as the price is right the Bounty Hunter will take on any mark. Freelancers by nature Bounty Hunters aren’t usually picky about where their next paycheck comes from, but the Empire seems to be paying the most for their services. Once a price is put on a mark’s head it isn’t a matter of if but when the Bounty Hunter will make an appearance. No mark is too difficult, Smuggler, Trooper or even Jedi; the Bounty Hunter has the skills and equipment to take them down. Although mostly independent Bounty Hunters belong to an ancient brotherhood and co-operation to take down a tough mark is not unheard of. Experts with blasters and always carrying a few tricks up their sleeves with the latest in gadgets and firepower, the Bounty Hunter is a fearsome foe in combat and a nightmare to those that find themselves wanted by the Empire.

Lore

Like the Jedi and the Sith, Bounty Hunters are a Star Wars archetype that can be found playing prominent roles throughout the entirety of Star Wars canon, no matter the era. Arguably the most famous, Boba Fett, was notorious for both his skill and his working relationship with Darth Vader and the Empire. Of course the Old Republic has its fair share of famous Bounty Hunters, HK-47 the cynical assassin droid that accompanied Revan has played the role of Bounty Hunter on occasion. Of course the Exile’s companions Mira and Hanharr were also famous Bounty Hunters from the crime filled world of Nar Shaddaa. In the current era of the Galactic Cold War the Bounty Hunters Braden and Shae Vizla have risen to prominence the former being introduced in the “Threat of Peace” comics and the latter making her stunning appearance in the “Deceived” cinematic trailer.

Although the Bounty Hunter’s primary role is bringing in those that have prices on their heads, the pay is what concerns them the most so it is not unusual to see them working in the capacity of a bodyguard or even a regular foot soldier if the pay is right. Bounty Hunters officially try maintain neutrality in times of war and conflict, but their allegiance lies to the credits and the “evil” side usually has a larger willingness to hire underworld agents to do their bidding. Due to the competitive nature of their craft Bounty Hunter’s tend to have more rivals than comrades, but it isn’t completely out of the ordinary for Bounty Hunters to work together or with a team. Whether hired by individuals or Empires as long as the credits keep rolling in, Bounty Hunters will continue to bring down their marks.

Class Specializations

Powertech

The Powertech primarily uses his top of the line armor, gadgets, energy shields and flamethrower to absorb massive amounts of damage and is capable of being an extremely sturdy tank. The Shield Tech skill-tree boosts the Bounty Hunter’s defensive capabilities allowing him to absorb a much larger amount of damage. An increased use and effectiveness of the Powertech’s offensive gadgets is provided by the Advanced Prototype skill-tree turning him into a great mid-range damage dealer.

Mercenary

The Mercenary is focused on dealing heavy amounts of damage at range and providing healing to increase the survivability of both himself and his cohorts. The damage and capability of the Bounty Hunter’s rockets and blasters are increased through the Arsenal skill-tree granting him the ability to take down his foes quickly. The Bodyguard skill-tree provides the Mercenary with some ranged healing and defensive capabilities for himself and anyone else who happens to be on the same payroll.

The Firebug skill-tree focuses on increasing the damage of the Bounty Hunter’s ranged attacks, from their blaster pistols to their flamethrowers and even tossing in a thermal detonator for good measure. If one thing can be guaranteed the Bounty Hunter will never run out of options in the heat of battle.

Is this the class for you?

If ranged combat with a mix of blasters, flamethrowers and acrobatic use of jetpacks and rockets sounds like your kind of murderous buffet then Bounty Hunter definitely sounds like the perfect match for you. The Bounty Hunter can fit the role of a ranged damage dealer or a tank so you do have some versatility in what type of group role you want to play, there is even a bit of a healing option for you should you choose the Mercenary advanced class. From a story and role-playing standpoint the Bounty Hunter’s role should be clear, you’ll be sent on missions requiring you to capture or kill persons of particular interest to your employer. However, the most heavily emphasized point in all of BioWare’s games is choice, will you follow your orders to the letter or will you opt to do things your way. Does your honor reside in completing your mission or do you strive to live by a personal set of moral guidelines. With the ability to tank, deal ranged damage quickly and even heal much like the variety of his arsenal the Bounty Hunter has a lot of choices, what kind of hunter will you become?

Links

Bounty Hunter Holonet Page
Bounty Hunter Class Trailer
Bounty Hunter Character Progression