The best Wartales lessons

Summary

• Each Wartales class has unique attributes and specializations, making each fighter different in playstyle and effectiveness.

• Players can recruit companions in taverns, starter groups, and new DLC added regularly to expand the game's content.

• Classes offer different fighting styles, with strengths, weaknesses, and specializations to consider for optimal gameplay strategies.

The dark world of Wartales is full of brave companions with a wide range of fighting styles, each suited to different needs in its turn-based strategic combat. Every class will also have different optional attributes and specializations, meaning that even two fighters of the same class can be very different in playstyle and effectiveness. Additionally, the types of weapons and armor available for their respective classes will also vary depending on their role, so players will need to ensure that each character is equipped with the most effective weapons and armor for their class.

Just like determine which classes are available in the starting group, 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 January 10, 2025 by Andrew McLarney: Since its release, Wartales has been continuously expanded and improved. In addition to four new DLCs (Pirates of Belerion, Tavern, Fosse 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 Boxer class is exclusive to the Pirates of Belerion DLC.

8

Archer

A decent ranged class with poor defense

• Specializations: Hunter, tamer, infantryman.

While it's safe to say that Archer class units are almost a necessity for every group, there are a few reasons why this class might be weaker than many other options available in the game. Primarily a ranged-based class, archers will utilize bows and a variety of attack skills, as well as having a greater range of movement in combat.

The Archer can specialize as a Hunter, Tamer or Infantryman, each granting different abilities including control over animal companions which can be extremely useful. The weaknesses of this class mainly lie in the fact that, when engaged, all its strengths are negated and Archers will generally have lower defensive capabilities than most other units.

7

Lancer

A solid defensive class especially at the more advanced levels

• Specializations: Harpooner, Herald, Pikeman.

Perhaps the slowest starting but most unique class of all Wartales It's the Lancer. Primarily a support unit, the Lancer has a range of abilities ranging from hitting multiple times in a single turn to dealing massive damage to passive protection abilities for allies. Equipped with two-handed polearms, this class can choose between several specialties: Harpooner, Harbinger, and Pikeman, each of which will change how this unit can be used in combat.

From level 3 onwards, the Lancer really starts to shine as a number of new abilities are unlocked, but to begin with, this class can be a challenge for new players to take on.

6

Ranger

A Saboteur type class with many tricks

• Specializations: Cutthroat, Strategist, Poisoner, Assassin.

The Ranger is an assassin-style class, primarily skilled in the use of daggers, poisons, and unconventional weapons such as bombs and other projectiles. Dealing bonus damage when attacking from behind, these units are best used in support and can wreak 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 the Rogue or Alchemy professions. The Rangers' only weakness is their armor, which is considerably lighter than any other unit, and thus makes the Rangers vulnerable if they remain in the danger zone when faced with strong opponents.

5

Crossbowman

A high damage ranged class with good specializations

• Specializations: Scorpion, gunner, gunner.

The Crossbowman is a Dexterity-based ranged class with very high damage but requires Valor Points to recharge and has little in the way of defensive ability. Due to the reliance on Valor Points for many of their abilities, Crossbowmen are best used in the mid-to-late game, when other teammates can support them.

Crossbowmen can specialize as a scorpion, gunner, or gunner, and will excel in the thief, tinkerer, and alchemist professions. Unlike Rangers, Crossbowmen can specialize in all types of armor, although the different specialization paths have widely varying effectiveness.

4

Swordsman

A complete melee class with useful abilities

• Specializations: Protector, Fighter, Swordmaster, Duelist.

The Swordsman class is highly skilled in the use of bladed weapons and can equip a two-handed sword or a sword and shield combination to provide a more balanced unit. The Swordsman is a versatile class that can be used in many different ways depending on how players want to customize it. Specializations include Protector, Fighter, Swordmaster, and Duelist, each containing their own unique skill trees and abilities.

While the Swordsman is a very useful class to have in any group, many of the skills and uses it offers can also be included in the Brute and Warrior classes. Not surprisingly, the best profession for this class is blacksmithing.

3

Brute

A powerful tank class with exceptional damage resistance

• Specializations: Vanguard, Destroyer, Destroyer.

The Brute is a tank-style unit that deals damage and is best thrown straight into the center of combat to take on multiple enemies at once. Capable of equipping a two-handed hammer or a weapon-shield combo, Brutes bring versatility, power, and area-of-effect abilities to the battlefield. This class can specialize as a Vanguard, Destroyer or Destroyer and will be particularly 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: however, Brutes will always deal massive damage and cause problems for most enemy types. Their main vulnerability lies in causing damage to their teammates or facing Elite opponents who can overwhelm or outwit them; for the most part, however, they will fight their way through scores of enemies that are barely able to resist them.

2

Boxer

A devastating attack class focused on speed

• Specializations: Wrestler, bruiser, killer, tyrant.

The Pugilist is a melee DPS class introduced with the Pirates of Belerion DLC that focuses on large and varied attacks to deal massive damage to selected targets. This is ideal for taking on some of the tougher enemies in the game or for quickly thinning the ranks of larger groups.

Boxers can specialize as a fighter, bruiser, slayer, or tyrant, and will be suited to a variety of dexterity-based professions such as thief and burglary. Overall, it is one of the strongest classes in the game thanks to its sheer offensive power.

1

Warrior

A powerful and versatile class ideal for leaders

• Specializations: Berserker, Executioner, Sentinel, Barbarian.

Probably the most essential class type to include in any group is the Warrior. In addition to being one of the best (1v1) units in the game, their range of different skills and combat specialties, along with a propensity towards most professions, make them an ideal candidate for the group's Captain or Lieutenant . Best used by throwing them into the fray, Warriors can be equipped with all sorts of abilities, from area-of-effect abilities and passive support to devastating blows and taunts that weaken enemies.

Specializations come in the form of Berserker, Executioner, Sentinel, or Barbarian, each of which has their own set of unique abilities and weapon specialties. Warriors can also be equipped with medium or heavy armor, as well as have thrown weapons equipped in their off-hand, just like the Ranger. Overall the Fighter is the best singular class type for this versatile set of uses.