KF2: Defeating Hans Volter - Class Picks and Team Setups

This is a paraphrase of a 2016 guide written soon after Killing Floor 2 left Early Access. Many newcomers hit a wall at wave 11 with Hans Volter, so the guide sets out what works against him. It assumes basic knowledge of game mechanics and classes. For more detailed numbers see Hans Volter phases and damage math.

What makes Hans a problem

Hans is, in the author's opinion, much more threatening than the Patriarch. After his second phase ends all his attacks are very powerful, and he resists nearly all damage types. His arsenal includes dual-wielded STG-44 rifles, HE grenades, smoke grenades, nerve gas grenades, a booster pack, metal plating that halves damage and strong clawed hands. His damage and speed rise between phases, and each transition includes a shielded segment in which he drains the life of anyone he grabs, healing himself.

He takes reduced damage from bullets, explosives and fire; the only exception is Microwave damage. But only the Firebug has the Microwave gun and its damage is poor, so it makes little difference.

Fighting Hans solo

• Kiting and dodging. Play Berserker or another fast class. It is highly dangerous because of the damage you risk; in solo the medic syringe heals only 50 HP, and his slashes can do 70 damage in a burst in the last phase.
• Straight damage. Play Support or Demolitionist. Shotgun DPS or a well-placed rocket's burst can hurt Hans very quickly, especially solo.
• Sharpshooter with a Railgun. The author, at level 7, killed Hans in 4-5 shots, as the Railgun seems to negate his shield and damage him directly. On Normal with the Sniper skill from level 5, he was down in about 30 seconds.

Classes to avoid: Firebug (must get close for low damage; even the Microwave gun's lack of penalty does not make up for its low damage), Commando (good for weak ZEDs, but his weapons do pitiful damage against bullet resistance and a large health pool) and Gunslinger (similar problem). Others are fair game, even a Medic with a good shotgun or assault rifle.

With a team

If the team really works together and does not hoard syringes, there are many strategies. Two examples:

1. RPG-7 for everyone. Everyone who can takes an RPG-7 and fires at the boss while one or two Medics keep everyone healthy with medical assault rifles. Splash damage makes up for misses, and with luck Hans goes down before the rockets run out.
2. Get the team composition right. A common strong setup is 1-2 Medics, 1 Berserker, 1-2 Sharpshooters/Supports, 1-2 Firebugs/Commandos/Gunslingers and 1-2 Demolitionists. The Berserker takes the brute force of the horde, the Demolitionist deals with Fleshpounds and groups of medium or trash ZEDs, the Firebug/Commando/Gunslinger handles trash that gets too close, the Sharpshooter/Support handles Scrakes and medium ZEDs, and the Medics keep everyone topped up. The second Medic can be swapped for another Support, Commando or Demolitionist.

Basics

• Hans has three critical hitboxes: head, backpack and chest core. Hitting them increases damage and makes your life easier.
• His grenades have bright red indicators. If you stand near one, get out immediately.
• Work together: teamwork beats any tactic.
• Never let yourself be trapped in a corner with no escape. Stay in open areas with room to roam and dodge.