Raider

The Raider is one of the unlockable medium classes in Tribes: Ascend. It can be unlocked for 280 Gold 18000 XP.

Description
The Raider is an all around useful class, but is best suited for both direct confrontation or running interference against enemy assets. Initially the Raider is equipped with the Arx Buster as a primary weapon, which fires bursts of 3 explosive sticky rounds per clip that are highly effective against stationary and slow targets and are incredibly well suited for Generator and Base Turret destruction (as well as the destruction of Technician deployables). They explode shortly after being stuck and allow the Raider sufficient time to escape their radius or detection by their intended target. The Grenade Launcher can be purchased as a primary and allows this class to reflect explosives around corners and to take out generators efficiently; rounds will explode on impact when hitting a hostile target or asset, otherwise they will bounce off surfaces for a short period of time before exploding.

Outdoors, the NJ4 SMG can be used to dispatch foes over medium range. The SMG's shots need to be lead slightly much like the Soldier's Assault Rifle to allow for the projectiles to intercept their target. Adding additional power this class' already exquisite weapon set are the defensive pack items: the Shield Pack and the Jammer Pack. The Shield pack allows the Raider to absorb incoming damage as deduction from his energy pool while draining energy over time when not absorbing damage. This allows the Raider to essentially count his energy pool as an addition to his health, and restore that portion of additional HP without having to duck out of battle to regenerate. The Jammer Pack allows the Raider to hide himself from enemy turrets and radar, and mask himself slightly from vision.

Skins
The Raider has the following skin(s) available:
 * Griever
 * Mercenary

Armor Upgrades
(15000 XP Mastery) (P) - Primary Slot (S) - Secondary Slot
 * 1) -25% Regeneration Delay
 * 2) +50 Health
 * 3) +25% Health Regen Rate
 * 4) +10 Energy
 * 5) +50 Health

Recommended Perks
Perk Slot 1


 * Bounty Hunter is probably the best choice, you will likely be doing a lot of killing, and thus will get quite a reward. A strong tool for team play, use these credits to upgrade your base, buy vehicles, and call in tactical strikes. Nothing else really compares for one of the most kill heavy classes in the game.
 * Safety Third is great for getting you extra EMP or Whiteout grenades, but should be taken with Egocentric to avoid them affecting yourself.
 * Looter is a good choice as well since destroying high level base assets will use a lot of ARX Buster or Grenade Launcher ammo and with the final upgrade you get twice as much from each ammo drop.

Perk Slot 2


 * Potential Energy is basically free propulsion when you have the shield pack. Use your own weapons as well as others' to move around the map easily.


 * Survivalist is also amazing, being constantly in the fray means that the bonus health and bonus energy (for your shield pack) is much appreciated.
 * Egocentric is good if you like Whiteout grenades and EMP's but don't like them effecting you.

Video Guides
Beginner Raider Guide by Zeromethanol (DoubleCrossGaming)

Raider Class For Beginners by GrouchyGus