Summary
The grim world ofWartalesis full of hardy companions with a range of fighting styles, each suited to different needs in its turn-based strategic combat.Each classwill also have several 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, the weapon and armor types available to the respective classes will also vary depending on their role, so players must ensure that every character is equipped with the most effective weapons and armor for their class.
As well asdetermining which classesareavailable 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.
Updated June 04, 2025 by Andrew McLarney:Since its release, Wartales has continually been expanded and improved upon. In addition to four new DLCs (Pirates of Belerion, Tavern, The Pits, and Skelmar Invasion) new classes have been added for free as part of regular updates. The Crossbowman was introduced as part of a major update, while the Pugilist class is exclusive to the Pirates of Belerion DLC.
8Archer
A Decent Ranged Class With Poor Defense
While it is safe to say that unitsof the Archer classare almost a necessity for every party, there are a few reasons why this class may be weaker than many other available options in the game. Primarily a range-based class,Archers will utilize bowsand 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.
7Spearman
A Solid Defensive Class Especially At Later Levels
Perhaps the slowest-starting but most unique class inWartalesis 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 how this unit can be used in combat.
From Level 3 onward, 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 withfor newer players.
6Ranger
A Saboteur-Type Class With Plenty of Tricks
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 of 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.
5Crossbowman
A High-Damage Ranged Class With Good Specializations
The Crossbowman is a Dexterity-based ranged class with a very high damage output but requires Valor Points to reload and has little in terms of defensive capability. Due to the reliance on Valor Points for so many of their abilities, Crossbowmen are best used in the mid-to-late game when otherteammates can support them.
Crossbowmen can specialize as a Scorpion, Gunner, or Cannoneer and will excel in the Thief, Tinkerer, and Alchemist professions. Unlike Rangers, Crossbowmen can specialize in all types of armor, though the different specialization pathways do have greatly varied effectiveness.
4Swordsman
A Well-Rounded Melee Class With Useful Skills
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 several different ways depending onhow players wish to customize them. Specializations include Protector, Fighter, Swordmaster, and Dueler, each containing their 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.
3Brute
A Strong Tank Class With Exceptional Damage Resistance
The Brute is a damage-dealing tank-style unit that is best thrust right into the center of combat 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 wellsuited 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 teammates or facing Elite opponents who can 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.
2Pugilist
A Devastating Attacking Class With A Focus On Speed
The Pugilist is a melee DPS class introduced with thePirates of BelerionDLC which focuses on vast and varied attacks to deal heavy damage to select targets. This is ideal fortaking on some of the stronger enemies in the game, or for quickly thinning out the ranks of larger groups.
Pugilists can specialize as a Wrestler, Bruiser, Slayer, or Tyrant and will be suited to a range of Dexterity-based professions such as Thieving and Lockpicking. Overall, it is one of the strongest classes in the game due to its sheer attacking power.
1Warrior
A Powerful And Versatile Class Ideal For Leaders
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 Lieutenant. Best utilized by thrusting them into the fray, Warriors can be equipped with all manner of abilities from area-of-effect and passivesupport abilities to devastatingsingular 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.
