The Squig Herder: Goblin Master of Pet-Assisted Mayhem

The Squig Herder in Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning is a unique ranged DPS class with a pet, bringing a chaotic yet effective style of combat to the Destruction side. Recognizing their own lack of fortitude, these clever Goblins rely on a diverse pack of Squigs to do the hard work, while they safely pepper their enemies with arrows. Though they can control only one Squig at a time, their vast “arsenal” of Squig types makes them valuable in nearly any RVR situation.

RVR Strengths: Versatile Pet-Powered Offense

• Pet-Centric Versatility: The Squig Herder’s strength lies in their ability to adapt by choosing the right Squig for the job. Different Squigs offer various benefits (e.g., extra critical, extra range, defenses), allowing the Herder to tailor their playstyle. This focus on pets provides a unique tactical layer to their RVR presence.
• Three Specializations for Diverse RVR Roles: The Squig Herder’s three main specializations offer distinct playstyles:
  • Long-Range Single-Target (Bow) Spec: Excels at precision damage from a distance. This spec is good for defending keeps and forts, where the Squig Herder can position themselves on high, protected positions to pick off specific high-value targets like enemy healers, ranged DPS, or siege engines. This spec offers excellent single-target damage, though with low mobility.
  • Melee AoE (Squig Lure/Melee Squig) Spec: This unique spec allows the Squig Herder and their pet to attack both single targets and multiple enemies with the same efficiency. This is notably the only spec a warband will accept, as its AoE capabilities are crucial for large-scale engagements. This spec boasts good AoE with great mobility (Pounce), making them versatile in the thick of things.
  • Ranged Medium Range (Kiting/Burst) Spec: This specialization focuses on burst damage and kiting, enabling the Squig Herder to maintain distance while dealing significant damage. This spec emphasizes mobility and hit-and-run tactics.
• Highly Adaptable in RVR: The Squig Herder is a welcome addition across all aspects of RVR:
  • Solo and Group RVR: Their inherent flexibility and pet utility make them good as solo and in groups for general RVR (PVP). A solo Squig Herder can leverage their pet for distraction and damage while maintaining range.
  • Smaller Group Fights: All three builds can be fine-tuned with the right modifications to excel in smaller group fights (duos, 6-mans, scenarios), offering tailored damage, control, and pet utility depending on the group’s needs.
  • Keep/Fort Defender: Regardless of spec, the Squig Herder’s ranged capabilities and control (especially the AoE spec) make them a strong choice for static defense.

RVR Challenges: Pet Management and Niche Selection

• Pet Management (“Pets can get annoying”): While integral, managing the pet effectively can be a challenge. Correct pet choice, positioning, and understanding its abilities are crucial. If the pet becomes a burden (e.g., getting stuck, dying quickly), the Squig Herder’s overall effectiveness can suffer.
• Warband Specialization: While Squig Herders get a few spots in warbands, it’s almost exclusively as the AoE melee spec. This means that players favoring the ranged single-target or kiting specs might find limited demand in large-scale organized play.
• Vulnerability Without Pet: If their Squig is incapacitated or on cooldown, the Herder’s individual power drops significantly, making them more vulnerable, particularly in melee.

The Squig Herder in RVR: The Opportunistic Predator

The Squig Herder in Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning is a chaotic yet effective ranged DPS, leveraging its unique array of Squig companions to adapt to any RVR challenge. Whether sniping from a distance, unleashing a flurry of AoE in melee, or kiting foes with powerful bursts, the Squig Herder’s versatility and pet-assisted combat make them a valuable and often underestimated asset across all RVR aspects. They are the opportunistic predators of the Destruction side, always ready to unleash their Squig-powered mayhem.