Deep Rock Galactic: What You Need To Know About Playing The Driller Class
Deep Rock Galactic is a game about mining. So why wouldn't you choose the Driller? Surprisingly, it's one of the most underutilized classes — and that could be because many are unsure how it plays.
The biggest problem the Driller has is that it doesn't sound fun. In the 1 to 4 player co-op shooter, Gunners have a gun, Engineers have a turret, and Scouts play support. But the Driller can absolutely mow down walls very fast — and deals a lot of area of effect damage to control mobs.
Deep Rock Galactic's Driller class is all about mobility — you'll be zipping directly through walls without care, cutting stairways within seconds, and burrowing away from enemies. You'll also be sending your friends careening toward their deaths, more often than not in the beginning.
In Deep Rock Galactic, the goal is always to get the mission done. The Driller makes any mission much faster. But it's also a class that has a pretty high skill floor. If you're not careful, the Driller ends up hurting more than helping. So, here's what you need to know about playing an underappreciated class in one of 2020's best games.
Playing the Driller is about map awareness
There are a few things to keep in mind when playing as a Driller in Deep Rock Galactic. First of all, be careful with that drill. Using your drill can easily confuse your other teammates. You start drilling around, and they're going to assume that you know what you're drilling toward. At the beginning of the game, you also have a limited amount of fuel. Use the drill wisely and upgrade it at every chance.
Think about the map — and how it has to change. You, more than anyone else, have the ability to radically change the map. Before you start drilling, consider where there should be slopes, stairs, and passageways. You're the architect of the Deep Rock Galactic world.
Also, you should always have an exit strategy. Drillers aren't just useful during the mission; they're also useful once the mission ends. When your team needs to book it, it's time to scout out ahead, giving them a path directly toward the drop pod.
The Driller's loadout is all about team support
Make sure to choose your weapons based on area of effect (AoE) damage and suppression. As a Driller, your goal is AoE damage. Upgrade your weapons and grenades based on suppression — some players suggest to focus on things like gas grenades. The flamethrower sets people on fire — perfect for killing a lot of tiny mobs at once. The Cryo Cannon, meanwhile, stops enemies in their tracks, and is perfect for crowd control.
Select the right perks to keep everyone alive. For the Driller, many players feel that the best perk is often going to be "Field Medic." You have a lot of mobility, which also means you can save your team members when they fall down a gigantic hole that they absolutely should have seen.
Be a team player and fill when needed. Life isn't all about drilling. Because the Driller is a utility class, there are going to be times that you need to fill in for different roles. Be as aware as possible about what your other teammates are doing, even if they did just split the party and run off into the great unknown.