Hey there, Killing Floor 2 (KF2) enthusiasts! Ever feel like you're getting swarmed by Zeds and need a reliable way to clear them out? Look no further, because the Commando class is your go-to for sustained damage and crowd control. This guide will dive deep into the commando's skills, equipping you with the knowledge to dominate the battlefield and lead your team to victory. We'll break down the best perks, skill choices, and strategies to make you a Zed-killing machine. So, grab your favorite assault rifle, and let's get started!

Understanding the Commando: The Core Concepts

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of skills, let's understand the Commando's role. The Commando is a mid-range specialist designed for dealing consistent damage and supporting the team. Think of them as the backbone of your squad, keeping the pressure on the Zeds while other classes focus on specialized tasks. They excel at taking down trash Zeds (the smaller, more numerous enemies) and providing constant fire support. The Commando's main weapons are assault rifles, offering a variety of firing modes and damage types. Knowing your role and mastering your weapons is crucial to success.

Here's what makes the Commando shine:

• Sustained Damage: The Commando is all about consistent damage output, keeping the Zeds at bay. Unlike classes with burst damage, the Commando keeps shooting and clearing the hordes.
• Crowd Control: The Commando has skills that increase their firepower, allowing them to effectively kill multiple Zeds.
• Team Support: The Commando can spot and mark enemies for teammates and can also increase the damage output for the team. This allows the team to eliminate the Zeds faster and survive longer.
• Versatility: Commandos can handle many situations, making them a reliable choice in any team composition.

Now, let's look at the Commando's core skills and how they affect the gameplay.

Diving into Commando Skills: Perks and Skill Choices

The Commando in Killing Floor 2 has a perk system that enhances their abilities. Each level unlocks a new perk, offering choices that let you tailor your playstyle. Let's break down each skill tier and discuss the best choices for maximizing your effectiveness.

Level 5 Skills

• Tactical Reload: Increases reload speed by 25%
• Impact: Increases weapon stumble power by 25%

Analysis: Tactical Reload is often the preferred choice here. A faster reload means more bullets downrange, which is essential for the Commando. Impact can be helpful for staggering Zeds, but the faster reload is generally more beneficial in most situations. Tactical reload allows the commando to shoot longer, dealing more damage to the Zeds.

Level 10 Skills

• Resupply: Receive 10% more ammo from ammo boxes.
• Prepared: Increases weapon switch speed by 50%

Analysis: Prepared allows players to switch weapons faster, which allows them to adapt to different situations. Resupply is very useful for long games as commandos depend on ammo to deal damage to the Zeds. Prepared is a good option if you have multiple weapons and want to switch between them quickly, which can be useful when dealing with different types of Zeds.

Level 15 Skills

• High Capacity Mags: Increases magazine size by 25%
• Armor Piercing Rounds: Increases weapon penetration power by 25%

Analysis: High Capacity Mags is the superior option, as it directly increases your damage output by allowing you to fire more rounds before reloading. Armor Piercing Rounds are useful for dealing with heavily armored Zeds, but High Capacity Mags are usually the better choice. Having High Capacity Mags ensures that you can take down the Zeds with a single magazine and without the need to reload frequently.

Level 20 Skills

• Hollow Point Rounds: Increases bullet damage by 20% against body parts.
• Sprinter: Increases weapon damage by 15% and increases movement speed by 5% when sprinting.

Analysis: Hollow Point Rounds is effective when using weapons that have low headshot multipliers, while Sprinter can be useful when you need to avoid the Zeds. Sprinter is the preferred choice, as it provides a general damage boost and helps with mobility. This is useful when you have to run away from the Zeds and also dealing more damage to them.

Level 25 Skills

• Large Magazine: Increases magazine size by 50%.
• Fleshpound: Increases damage by 20% on all Zeds.

Analysis: Large Magazine is the clear winner here, as it provides the most substantial damage increase. It lets you eliminate enemies more efficiently. Large Magazine helps the commando to take down the enemies quickly. This is essential for a Commando, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

The Best Skill Build for the Commando

Based on the above analysis, the optimal skill build for the Commando is generally:

• Level 5: Tactical Reload
• Level 10: Resupply
• Level 15: High Capacity Mags
• Level 20: Sprinter
• Level 25: Large Magazine

This build focuses on increasing the Commando's damage output, survivability, and ammo efficiency. This build is the most commonly used for commandos.

Weapon Choices: Arming Yourself for Success

The Commando has access to several assault rifles. Choosing the right weapon is vital to your effectiveness. Here are some top-tier weapon choices:

• AK-12: A versatile assault rifle, the AK-12 is a good all-around weapon. It's great for taking down both trash Zeds and medium-sized threats, thanks to its high damage and decent magazine size.
• FN FAL: This is a powerful, accurate, and high-damage rifle. It excels at taking down heavier Zeds, particularly when aiming for headshots. It has good recoil and damage, which helps the commando to deal a lot of damage.
• SCAR-H: The SCAR-H is another solid choice, offering high damage and accuracy. Its high recoil can be a challenge, but the damage output makes it worth it.
• HE Grenade Rifle: An excellent tool for crowd control. It can be used to take down multiple Zeds or even to get rid of the big Zeds.

Weapon Progression and Loadout Strategies

• Early Rounds: Start with the AK-12 or the SCAR-H. These are generally available and effective for early waves. Upgrade the weapon as you earn more dosh.
• Mid-Game: As you earn more dosh, consider adding the FN FAL or upgrading your AK-12 or SCAR-H. This gives you more options for dealing with heavier Zeds.
• Late Game: If you're struggling with crowd control, buy the HE Grenade Rifle. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your team.

Advanced Strategies: Mastering the Battlefield

Now that you know the skills and weapons, let's look at some advanced strategies to help you dominate as a Commando.

Positioning and Awareness

• Stay Mobile: Don't get stuck in one spot. Constant movement allows you to reposition when necessary and avoid being overwhelmed. Staying mobile is vital to your survival and performance.
• High Ground: Seek elevated positions to give yourself a better view of the battlefield and more control over engagements.
• Team Communication: Let your team know what you're seeing. Mark the enemies and let your teammates know the Zeds' location.

Combat Tactics

• Headshots are Key: Commandos benefit greatly from headshots. Aim for the head to maximize your damage output.
• Prioritize Targets: Focus on killing threats like Stalkers, Husks, and Bloats first, then turn your attention to the trash Zeds. This allows you and your team to be safe and survive more waves.
• Manage Ammo: Conserve your ammo, especially during the early rounds. Use your pistol when possible, and only use your primary weapon when necessary.

Teamwork and Support

• Spotting and Marking: Use the 'Q' key to spot and mark Zeds for your teammates. This helps everyone focus on the same threats.
• Communicate: Call out enemy types and locations to your team. Teamwork is essential for survival in Killing Floor 2.
• Coordinate: Coordinate with your team on which Zeds to prioritize and where to position. This helps everyone focus on the threats.

Conclusion: Becoming a Commando Master

Alright, guys! That covers the essentials for playing the Commando in Killing Floor 2. Remember, practice is key. Experiment with different weapons, skills, and tactics to find what works best for you. With the right skills and strategies, you'll be able to dominate the battlefield and lead your team to victory. Keep practicing, stay aware, and most importantly, have fun killing those Zeds! Good luck, and happy hunting!