The best specialists in Expeditions: A MudRunner Game

Here are the best specialists in Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, according to me, so you know who the best person for the job is and why.

While Expeditions: A MudRunner Game has things in common with SnowRunner, hiring staff is not one of them. Each person has unique bonuses that can really change how you approach a challenge – or simply buy you more time before you end up stranded.

There really are many ways to skin a cat, as the not-so-feline-friendly expression goes. However, I think my best specialists list is a great introduction that can help you survive to the endgame.

Specialists can be hired when you go into an expedition under the ‘Expedition Setup’ menu. Certain expeditions require a specialist so you will soon become acquainted with the process. Subscribe to the Tribe for more Expeditions and SnowRunner goodness.

Michelle Redrock (Mechanic)

Michelle Redrock might be the owner of a fancy red headscarf, but she is not afraid to get down and dirty in Expeditions. If by dirty you mean reducing repair consumption by 30 per cent and reducing truck damage by 15 per cent.

It is her last bonus, however, that is especially useful when doing longer tasks or exploring a map for the first time. When in use, at a cost of 1,400 per hire, she reduces fuel consumption by a useful 15 per cent. Over a long expedition this fuel saving can be invaluable.

To unlock her, complete the expedition ‘Where Trucks Dare Not to Tread’. You also unlock the Khan 39 Marshall and a reinforced bumper for the Loadstar 1700. Also known as Loady McLoadFace.

Mitch Goodman (Jaeger)

Not to be confused with the foul tasting spirit that dives into a certain wing-providing energy drink, Jaeger Mitch Goodman is as useful as he is keen on backpacks. The shortcut marking and +10m scouting zone bonuses are not to be sniffed at, but it is the third bonus that matters.

For sticky situations or when rescuing trucks such as the chonky Tatra Force T815-7, his 10 per cent winch range and 30 per cent winch power bonuses really can make life easier and open up the door to using smaller trucks.

To unlock Mitch Goodman, complete the expedition ‘Proof of Strength’ in the Wahweap Bay. UAD IV tyres for the Tatra 805 are also part of the prize.

Dmytro Koval (Mechanic)

Another graduate of the university of headwear, Dmytro Koval is a useful mechanic. A bonus 30 per cent armour for each expedition is the weak link when compared with his other two bonuses, a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and the ability to repair anywhere.

By that it means you have access to base repair duties remotely, allowing you to cruise around each map and keep your parts in good shape.

He costs 800 credits to use and is unlocked by completing the expedition ‘Right Person for Right Job’. You will probably want to do this as the other prize is the ANK MK38 Civilian.

Anwar Farsi (Hydrologist)

He may have a glorious head of hair, but in terms of usefulness he is a bit of a damp squib. Unless, that is, you want your engine to never suffer damage when in water, as his bonus is a 100 per cent reduction to engine damage in water. Fords are also marked for easier river crossings.

Admittedly, Anwar Farsi is a niche specialist. However, water crossings can be both brutal and essential in Expeditions. You could also argue fellow hydrologist Dayaana Tumusova is a more versatile alternative, but I rather like the engine damage peace of mind.

Anwar Farsi can be unlocked by completing one of two expeditions: ‘In Order to Preserve’ or ‘Prologue’. The former also unlocks the warehouse module so I would prioritise that.

Akane Ishida (Operator)

Now, some say Akane Ishida barely survived the surgery to have a GoPro camera attached to her forehead. All I know is that her unrivalled bonus to drone range, drone height and ability to mark airdrops on the map can come in mighty handy. Especially when scouting and looking for the best routes.

Akane Ishida is also cheaper to use than other Operators. Complete either ‘Stonefaced’ in the SlipRock Swamps or ‘Squatters Rights’ in the Grand Canyon of Arizona to unlock her. Either way, you get the warehouse module.

Lance Silva (Operator)

Next on my best specialists for Expeditions list, we have Lance Silva. Sunglasses aficionado by night and drone operator by day, he is a great choice for expeditions where you plan to use the cargo drone base building.

For it allows you to not just receive items from afar but also trade between your truck and base remotely. So you can swap-in items you now need or have run out of. Or send back treasures you find along the way.

Like Akane Ishida, he also marks airdrops on the map and increases the drone range by a useful albeit less generous 50 metres. So you can spend less time banging into invisible boundaries as you uncover the terrain below.

Lance Silva can be unlocked by completing ‘Shooting Wild’ in the Grand Canyon of Arizona. The only other prize for completing this expedition is 5,000 credits.

Marcus Kingsley (Mechanic)

Lastly, we come to Marcus Kingsley. Yours to hire for 1,500 and unlocked by completing ‘Hello, World!’, his ability to repair bridges and avalanches for 40 per cent less cost is useful for early map exploration.

Reducing truck damage by 10 per cent, meanwhile, can also help with truck longevity. However, it is the unique ability to use a winch when the engine is off (or, more precisely, the truck is upside down) that makes him the embodiment of the autonomous winch. Kind of.

Just watch out for the 20 litres of fuel per minute consumption if you do make use of his winch ability.

‘Hello, World!’ – a computer programming reference – takes place in the Shaking Land area of Kanab Creek. Another bonus of the expedition is a roof rack for the SIRO 72 T8-H truck.

‘Hello, World’ is unlocked by completing ‘Communication’, which requires completion of ‘Retrieve the Lost’ (necessary for unlocking the SIRO 72 -T8-H scout) and before that ‘Search Team’.