Hey there, fellow Megabonk enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to figure out the perfect build for each character in this addictive roguelike. Today, I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about creating the absolute best Bandit build that’ll carry you through even the toughest Tier 3 runs.
I’ve been playing Megabonk since its early days, and let me tell you – Bandit is one of those characters that can feel completely underwhelming at first but becomes an absolute monster when built correctly. After testing dozens of different builds and analyzing the top strategies from the community, I’ve finally cracked the code on what makes Bandit truly shine.
Who is Bandit Anyway?
Before we dive into the builds, let me give you a quick rundown of who Bandit is and what makes him special. Bandit starts with the Dexecutioner weapon – a close-range stabbing sword that fires in a straight line with a small chance to instantly execute enemies. What’s really cool is that each time you execute an enemy, your chance to execute actually goes up!
But here’s the game-changer: Bandit’s passive ability called Flowstate gives you +1% Attack Speed for every single level you gain. This might not sound like much at first, but trust me, by the time you hit level 40, you’re looking at a massive +40% Attack Speed bonus just from your passive alone. This is why Bandit has some of the best scaling potential in the entire game!
How to Unlock Bandit?
If you haven’t unlocked Bandit yet, don’t worry – I’ll walk you through it step by step. I remember when I first tried to unlock him, it took me a few attempts to figure out exactly what I needed to do.
Here’s the complete unlocking process:
- Reach the Desert Map – You’ll need to progress through the game until you unlock the Desert area. This typically means completing the Forest stages first, so make sure you’ve got those under your belt.
- Find Bandit’s Statue – Once you’re in the Desert, explore the map thoroughly looking for Bandit’s statue. It’s not always in the same spot, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled. When you find it, interact with it to spawn the Bandit miniboss fight.
- Defeat the Bandit Miniboss – This guy can be tough! He’s got high damage and mobility, so I recommend using ranged weapons and kiting strategies. If you’re struggling, I suggest using characters like Calcium, Monke, or Ninja – they make the fight much more manageable.
- Unlock the Dexecutioner – After defeating Bandit, you’ll need to purchase the Dexecutioner weapon from the Unlocks page. This requires killing 12,500 enemies with the Sword. Pro tip: This is way easier if you play a few runs with Sir Oofie in the Forest – he’s great for racking up those kills quickly.
- Purchase Bandit – Once you’ve completed all the above requirements, you can finally buy Bandit from the Unlocks menu using Silver. Congratulations, you now have access to one of the most scaling-heavy characters in the game!
The Three Best Bandit Builds (Based on My Testing)
After extensive testing and research, I’ve identified three distinct builds that each excel in different situations. I’ll break down each one with my personal recommendations and experiences.
Build 1: The Kevin+Mirror Invulnerability Master
This is, without a doubt, the most powerful Bandit build when executed correctly. I’ve used this to clear Tier 3 runs that seemed impossible with other builds. The strategy revolves around achieving near-constant invulnerability frames through the Kevin+Mirror combo, amplified by Bandit’s insane attack speed scaling.
Core Weapons:
- Dexecutioner (Starter) – Your bread and butter, especially with the execute chance scaling
- Katana – Absolutely essential for this build. It scales perfectly with your Attack Speed and Crit stats
- Lightning Staff – Great for area damage with projectile bounce
- Bow – Good medium-range option to keep enemies at bay
Essential Items:
- Kevin (MANDATORY) – This is the cornerstone of the build. Kevin self-damages you, which triggers…
- Mirror (MANDATORY) – …Mirror’s invulnerability frames! With Bandit’s attack speed, you’ll have near-constant i-frames
- Battery (CRITICAL) – +8% attack speed is essential for maintaining the Kevin+Mirror rhythm
- Joe’s Dagger – Adds another execute chance and increases damage per execute
- Overpowered Lamp – Gives +1 to proc on-hit effects, which doubles the effectiveness of everything
- Power Gloves – 8% chance for a blast on kill, great for crowd control
Tome Priority:
- Cooldown Tome (First priority) – Reduces cooldowns, letting you attack faster and trigger Kevin more often
- XP Tome – Level up faster to get more Attack Speed from your passive
- Luck Tome – Better item quality and upgrade chances
- Damage Tome – Scale your damage into the late game
My Personal Strategy:
When I run this build, I focus entirely on stacking Attack Speed first. By mid-game, you want to be hitting 150-200% Attack Speed combined. This creates a rhythm where Kevin’s self-damage triggers Mirror’s invulnerability so frequently that you’re barely vulnerable at all.
One thing I learned the hard way – after the 1.0.7 patch, Kevin no longer provides true invincibility. The combo is still incredibly strong, but you’re not completely immortal anymore. I recommend adding some defensive layers like Lifesteal or Shield Tome to stay safe.
By late game (15-30 minutes), with perfect items, Bandit becomes S-tier with this build. I’ve hit 200-300%+ Attack Speed and felt practically unstoppable. The execute procs from Joe’s Dagger and Dexecutioner thin crowds so rapidly that even the toughest swarms melt away.
Build 2: The Execute/On-Hit Specialist
This is my go-to build when I can’t find the Kevin+Mirror combo early on. It focuses on maximizing execute chances and on-hit effects to delete enemies before they can even touch you.
Core Weapons:
- Dexecutioner (Primary) – Your execute machine
- Katana – Perfect synergy with Attack Speed scaling
- Lightning Staff – Bouncing projectiles for crowd control
- Bow – Piercing arrows to hit multiple targets
Essential Items:
- Joe’s Dagger (CRITICAL) – This is non-negotiable. The extra execute chance and damage scaling is insane
- Overpowered Lamp (CRITICAL) – Doubles all on-hit effects, making everything exponentially better
- Unstable Transfusion – Adds Bloodmark stacks that execute low-health enemies
- Lightning Orb – Chain lightning effects that scale with your attack speed
- Power Gloves – Blast effects on kills for crowd control
- Battery – More attack speed means more procs of everything
Tome Priority:
- XP Tome – Level faster for more Attack Speed
- Luck Tome – Better items and upgrades
- Cooldown Tome – Faster attacks = more procs
- Size Tome – Larger hitboxes mean more enemies hit by your effects
My Experience with This Build:
I love this build because it feels so satisfying to watch enemies just disappear. The key is understanding that Bandit’s attack speed makes constant execute procs occur naturally. When you add Joe’s Dagger and Overpowered Lamp to the mix, the execute chance becomes ridiculous.
One thing to keep in mind – the 1.0.12 patch added a cap of 200 damage increase per minute to Joe’s Dagger. It’s still extremely powerful, but you can’t rely on infinite scaling anymore. Honestly, I think this was a good change for game balance.
This build really shines in the late game when your attack speed from passive alone is +30-40%. Combined with items, you’re looking at some serious execute potential. I’ve cleared entire waves in seconds when this build comes online properly.
Build 3: The Size-Based Crowd Controller
This is a more defensive approach that I use when I’m having trouble staying alive. It focuses on making your attacks huge and controlling crowds before they can overwhelm you.
Core Weapons:
- Dexecutioner – Still your primary weapon
- Black Hole – This is the star of the show. As your size increases, so do the black holes, pulling in more enemies
- Aura – Scales perfectly with size and provides devastating passive damage
- Katana – Quick damage for when enemies get too close
Essential Items:
- Joe’s Dagger – Always good for the execute chance
- Backpack – Increases projectile count, making your size boosts even more effective
- Time Bracelet – More XP means faster leveling and more Attack Speed
- Gym Sauce – Flat 10% damage increase
- Magnet – Pulls items toward you, making resource gathering easier
- Moldy Cheese – Poison on hit works great with rapid attacks
Tome Priority:
- Size Tome – This is your primary focus. Bigger is better!
- XP Tome – Level faster for Attack Speed scaling
- Damage Tome – Scale your damage into late game
- Luck Tome – Better items and upgrades
Why This Build Works:
I discovered this build when I was struggling with the more aggressive approaches. The beauty of it is that as your size increases, both Black Hole and Aura become exponentially more effective. Black holes pull in huge numbers of enemies, and Aura damages everything around you in a massive radius.
What I love about this build is how safe it feels. You’re controlling crowds from a distance while still benefiting from Bandit’s Attack Speed scaling. It’s not quite as explosive as the other builds, but it’s incredibly consistent and reliable.
Comprehensive Weapon Guide for Bandit
Based on my research and testing, here’s a complete breakdown of the best weapons for Bandit and why they work so well:
| Weapon | Why It’s Great | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dexecutioner | Starter weapon with execute chance that scales | All builds – your primary weapon |
| Katana | Perfect synergy with Attack Speed scaling | All builds – essential for DPS |
| Black Hole | Scales with Size, excellent crowd control | Size-based builds |
| Aura | Scales with Size, constant passive damage | Size-based builds |
| Lightning Staff | Bouncing projectiles, good area damage | Execute/On-hit builds |
| Bow | Piercing arrows, good medium-range option | All builds |
| Revolver | Medium-range, bounces between enemies | Balanced builds |
| Wireless Dagger | Smart targeting, consistent damage | Execute builds |
| Dice | Good projectile weapon, works with Crit | Balanced builds |
Complete Tome Breakdown
Tomes are absolutely crucial for Bandit’s success. Here’s my comprehensive guide to which tomes work best and why:
| Tome | Effect | Why It’s Great for Bandit | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| XP Tome | Increases XP gain | Level faster = more Attack Speed from passive | High |
| Luck Tome | Increases Luck stat | Better items, upgrades, and execute chances | High |
| Size Tome | Increases attack size | Larger hitboxes, better crowd control | High (for size builds) |
| Cooldown Tome | Reduces cooldowns | Faster attacks, better Kevin+Mirror uptime | High (for Kevin builds) |
| Damage Tome | Increases damage | Essential for late-game scaling | Medium |
| Precision Tome | Increases Crit Chance | Over 100% allows Overcrits | Medium |
| Quantity Tome | Increases projectile count | More chances to proc execute effects | Medium |
| Armor Tome | Increases armor | Better survivability in late game | Low (unless struggling) |
| Cursed Tome | Increases difficulty | More enemies = more XP/gold | Situational |
Essential Items Tier List
After testing dozens of items with Bandit, here’s my personal tier list of what works best:
S-Tier (Must-Have):
- Joe’s Dagger – The single best item for Bandit. Extra execute chance plus damage scaling per execute is just broken.
- Overpowered Lamp – +1 to proc on-hit effects effectively doubles everything. Absolutely essential for execute builds.
- Battery – +8% Attack Speed is huge for Bandit’s scaling.
A-Tier (Excellent):
- Kevin – Only for the specific invulnerability build, but game-changing when used correctly.
- Mirror – The other half of the Kevin+Mirror combo.
- Time Bracelet – More XP means faster leveling and more Attack Speed.
- Backpack – More projectiles = more execute chances.
- Power Gloves – Blast effects on kills are great for crowd control.
B-Tier (Good):
- Unstable Transfusion – Bloodmark executes are nice but not essential.
- Lightning Orb – Chain lightning is fun but situational.
- Gym Sauce – Flat 10% damage is always welcome.
- Moldy Cheese – Poison on hit works well with rapid attacks.
- Turbo Socks – Movement speed helps with positioning.
C-Tier (Situational):
- Clover – Luck is good but not as impactful as other options.
- Forbidden Juice – Extra Crit Chance is nice but redundant with Precision Tome.
- Electric Plug – Thorns damage is okay but not game-changing.
- Grandma’s Secret Tonic – Crit explosions are fun but not essential.
Stage-by-Stage Strategy Guide
Here’s how I approach each stage of a run with Bandit:
Early Game (0-5 minutes): Survival Mode
Let me be honest – Bandit’s early game is weak without items. I’ve learned to play very defensively during this phase.
My priorities:
- Farm XP and look for Kevin/Mirror (if going for that build)
- Play defensively – you’re not a powerhouse yet
- Dexecutioner is unreliable without Luck investment
- Check shops and shrines for key items
- Don’t be afraid to restart if you don’t find key items by minute 10
What I look for:
- XP Tome or Luck Tome (essential for progression)
- Battery or other Attack Speed items
- Defensive items to stay alive
Mid Game (5-15 minutes): Build Foundation
This is where you start to come online. I love this phase with Bandit because you can feel the build starting to work.
My priorities:
- Get Battery and Cooldown Tome (if using Kevin+Mirror)
- Attack speed should reach 150-200% combined
- Add defensive layers (Lifesteal, Shield Tome)
- Hunt for Joe’s Dagger and Overpowered Lamp
- Complete weapon loadout with fast-hitting weapons
What I look for:
- Joe’s Dagger (game-changer)
- Overpowered Lamp (exponential scaling)
- More Attack Speed items
- Defensive options if I’m struggling
Late Game (15-30 minutes): Power Spike
This is where Bandit truly shines. I’ve had runs where I felt completely unstoppable during this phase.
My priorities:
- Maximize on-hit effects and execute procs
- Attack speed from passive: +30-40%
- Kevin+Mirror provides excellent survivability (if using that build)
- Joe’s Dagger executes trigger frequently (capped at 200/min in 1.0.12)
- Overpowered Lamp doubles all on-hit effects
- Play aggressively – you’re powerful now!
What I look for:
- Legendary items to cap out the build
- More Size or Damage depending on build
- Any missing core items
Endgame (30+ minutes): Peak Performance
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re in for a treat.
My priorities:
- Maximize kill count and survive
- Attack speed: 200-300%+ (best in game)
- Near-constant invulnerability from Kevin+Mirror (if using that build)
- Execute procs thin crowds rapidly
- Focus on aggressive farming for kills
- With perfect items, Bandit is S-tier
Pro Tips I’ve Learned the Hard Way
After hundreds of hours with Bandit, I’ve picked up some crucial tips that I wish I knew earlier:
✅ Kevin+Mirror Mastery
Bandit is THE best Kevin+Mirror character in the game. His RNG Blessing attack speed creates the most consistent invulnerability frame overlap. Despite the 1.0.7 nerf, he still excels with this combo. I’ve cleared runs that seemed impossible thanks to this synergy.
✅ Stack Attack Speed First
I can’t stress this enough – prioritize Battery, Cooldown Tome, and Time Bracelet over damage items. Attack speed multiplies the effectiveness of EVERYTHING in your build. I’ve made the mistake of going for damage too early, and it always hurts my late-game potential.
✅ Overpowered Lamp Synergy
The “+1 to proc on-hit effects” effectively doubles proc chances. With Bandit’s attack speed, this creates exponential scaling for Lightning Orb, Power Gloves, and Bloodmark builds. I didn’t realize how powerful this was until I saw it in action – it’s absolutely game-changing.
⚠️ Heavy Item Dependency
Bandit requires specific items to reach S-tier. Without Kevin, Mirror, Battery, and Joe’s Dagger, performance drops significantly. I’ve learned to recognize when my RNG is bad and just restart rather than waste time with a doomed run.
⚠️ Joe’s Dagger Cap (1.0.12)
Patch 1.0.12 added a max damage increase cap of 200 per minute to Joe’s Dagger. It’s still extremely powerful, but no longer infinite scaling. I actually think this was a healthy change for the game balance.
⚠️ Kevin Nerf Awareness
Version 1.0.7 removed Kevin’s infinite invincibility exploit. While still strong, you’re not truly immortal anymore. I always layer additional defense (Lifesteal, Shield, Aegis) now when using the Kevin+Mirror build.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made all of these mistakes at some point, so learn from my pain:
✗ Taking Kevin Without Mirror
Kevin without synergy is dangerous. Self-damage with no benefit can be lethal. Always have Mirror + attack speed before using Kevin. I’ve died so many times from this mistake.
✗ Ignoring Battery
Battery (+8% attack speed) is essential for Kevin+Mirror combo. Without it, Kevin proc rate is too slow for effective invulnerability overlap. I used to skip Battery for other items, and my success rate skyrocketed once I started prioritizing it.
✗ Over-Relying on Dexecutioner
The Dexecutioner is great, but it’s unreliable on its own. You need supporting weapons and items to make it truly shine. I learned this the hard way in early runs where I’d just focus on the Dexecutioner and wonder why I was struggling.
✗ Neglecting Defense
Bandit has no natural defense, and you’re playing in close range. I used to go full glass cannon and get deleted by late-game enemies. Now I always make sure to have some defensive options, whether it’s Armor Tome, Lifesteal, or Shield items.
✗ Not Restarting Bad Runs
Sometimes the RNG just isn’t in your favor. I used to try to force bad runs to work, wasting 30+ minutes only to fail. Now I recognize early when key items aren’t appearing and just restart. It’s saved me so much time and frustration.
FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions
How do I deal with Bandit’s weak early game?
I get this question a lot! The key is to play defensively and focus on XP farming. Look for XP Tome and Luck Tome early, and don’t be afraid to restart if you don’t find key items within the first 10 minutes. Also, prioritize survival items like Armor Tome or Lifesteal options.
Is the Kevin+Mirror build still good after the 1.0.7 nerf?
Absolutely! While it’s not the infinite invincibility machine it used to be, it’s still incredibly strong. You just need to layer some additional defense now. I’ve cleared plenty of Tier 3 runs with the post-nerf Kevin+Mirror build.
What’s the single best item for Bandit?
Without a doubt, it’s Joe’s Dagger. The extra execute chance combined with the damage scaling per execute is just too good to pass up. If I see Joe’s Dagger in a shop, I’ll do everything I can to afford it.
How important is Attack Speed really?
It’s everything for Bandit! His passive already gives you +1% per level, so stacking more Attack Speed items creates exponential scaling. I prioritize Attack Speed over damage in almost every situation.
Can Bandit work without specific items?
Technically yes, but he drops from S-tier to C-tier without his key items. I’ve had runs where I couldn’t find Joe’s Dagger or the Kevin+Mirror combo, and while I could still complete the run, it was much more difficult and less satisfying.
What’s the best weapon combination?
My personal favorite is Dexecutioner + Katana + Lightning Staff + Bow. This gives you close-range execute potential, medium-range coverage, and area damage. It’s a versatile setup that works well with all the builds I’ve mentioned.
Final Thoughts
Bandit has become one of my favorite characters in Megabonk precisely because of how much he rewards knowledge and good building. When you get the right items and understand how to play him, he feels absolutely unstoppable. But when you don’t, he can feel frustratingly weak.
I hope this guide helps you unlock Bandit’s full potential! Remember, the key is understanding that he’s extremely build-dependent. Don’t get discouraged if your first few runs don’t go well – keep experimenting with different combinations until you find what works for you.
If you’re looking for more gaming guides like this, be sure to check out our gaming section for other comprehensive guides. And if you enjoy character build guides, you might also like our 99 Nights in the Forest Classes Tier List for more build optimization strategies.
Happy bonking, and may your execute chances ever be in your favor!
P.S. If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it for future reference. I’ll be updating it as new patches and strategies emerge!