The grim world of Wartales is full of hardy companions with a range of fighting styles, each suited to different needs in its turn-based strategic combat. Each class will also have a number of optional Attributes and Specializations, meaning that even two fighters of the same class can be wildly different in their play-style and effectiveness. In addition to this, the weapon and armor types available to the respective classes will also vary depending on their role, so players will need to ensure that every character is equipped with the most effective weapons and armor for their class.
As well as determining which classes are available in the starting party, players will also be able to recruit a plethora of companions in the game, who are commonly available in taverns and other locations throughout the game world.
6 Archer
While it is safe to say that units of the Archer class are almost a necessity for every party, there are a few reasons as to why this class may be weaker than many other available options in the game. Primarily a range-based class, Archers will utilize bows and a range of attacking abilities as well as have an increased movement range in combat.
The Archer can specialize as a Hunter, Beastmaster or Infantryman - each granting different abilities including control over animal companions which can be extremely useful. The weaknesses of this class lie mainly in the fact that, when engaged, all of its strengths are negated, and generally Archers will have less defensive capabilities than most other units.
5 Spearman
Perhaps the slowest-starting but most unique class in Wartales is the Spearman. Primarily a support unit, the Spearman has a range of abilities from striking multiple times in a single turn and dealing massive damage, to passive protection abilities for allies. Equipped with two-handed pole-arms, this class has a choice of different specialties: Harpooner, Herald and Pikeman, each of which will alter the way in which this unit can be used in combat.
From Level 3 onwards, the Spearman truly begins to shine as a range of new abilities become unlocked, but to begin with, this class can be a challenge to get to grips with for newer players.
4 Ranger
The Ranger is an assassin-style class, primarily skilled in the use of daggers, poisons and unconventional weaponry such as bombs and other projectiles. Dealing bonus damage when attacking from behind, these units are best utilized in support and can cause havoc against groups of opponents with their range of different abilities.
Rangers can specialize as a Cutthroat, Strategist, Poisoner or Assassin, and will excel in either the Thieving or Alchemy professions. The only weakness to the Ranger is their armor, which is considerably lighter than any other unit, and therefore makes Rangers vulnerable if they remain in the danger zone when faced with strong opponents.
3 Swordsman
The Swordsman class is highly skilled in the use of bladed weapons and can either equip a two-handed sword or a sword-and-shield combination to offer a more balanced unit. The Swordsman is a versatile class that can be used in a number of different ways depending on how players wish to customize them. Specializations include Protector, Fighter, Swordmaster and Dueler, each containing their own unique skill trees and abilities.
While the Swordsman is a very useful class to have in any party, many of the abilities and uses it offers can also be encompassed by the Brute and Warrior classes. Unsurprisingly, the best profession for this class is the Blacksmith.
2 Brute
The Brute is a damage-dealing tank-style unit that is best thrust right into the center of combat in order to face multiple enemies at once. Able to equip either a two-handed hammer or a weapon-and-shield combination, Brutes offer versatility as well as power and area-of-effect abilities on the battlefield. This class can specialize as a Vanguard, Smasher or Destroyer, and will be well suited to the Mining profession.
Brutes can also choose between Medium and Heavy armor depending on their specialty, further increasing the versatility of the unit - either way, Brutes will always have massive damage output and cause problems for most enemy types. Their main vulnerability lies in causing damage to their team-mates or facing Elite opponents who are able to overpower or outmaneuver them, - for the most part, though, they will be smashing their way through ranks of enemies who are barely able to withstand them.
1 Warrior
Arguably the most essential class type for every party to include is the Warrior. As well as being one of the best units (1 vs 1) in the game, their range of different combat abilities and specialties, along with a proclivity towards most professions, make them an ideal candidate for the party's Captain or Lieutenants. Best utilized by thrusting them into the fray, Warriors can be equipped with all manner of abilities from area-of-effect and passive support abilities to devastating singular blows and enemy-weakening taunts.
Specializations come in the form of Berserker, Executioner, Sentinel or Barbarian, each of which has its own set of unique abilities and weapon specialties. Warriors can also be equipped with either Medium or Heavy Armor, as well as have throwing weapons equipped in their off-hand much like the Ranger. Overall the Warrior is the best singular class-type for this versatile set of uses.
Wartales is available now on PC.