Barotrauma is a co-op submarine simulator set in Jupiter's moon Europa's subsurface ocean. Your crew operates a submarine through procedurally generated cave systems filled with hostile alien creatures, completing missions between outposts. Every crew member has a specific role: Captain navigates, Engineer manages the reactor, Medic handles injuries, Security fights boarders, and Mechanic repairs hull breaches. The game shines in multiplayer chaos — someone accidentally floods a compartment, a creature breaches the hull, the reactor goes critical, and the Medic is administering the wrong drug — all simultaneously. Friendly fire and crew sabotage add human drama to the alien horror.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | S | Stay at the navigation terminal, chart safe routes through cave systems, call out threats on sonar, and coordinate crew during emergencies. | Revolver | Moderate |
| Engineer | S | Monitor reactor output constantly, adjust for power demand, repair electrical systems, and prevent meltdowns during combat. | SMG | Moderate |
| Medic | S | Craft medical supplies between missions, treat injuries immediately during combat, and manage drug interactions to avoid overdoses. | Stun Baton | Moderate |
| Security Officer | A | Man turrets during creature encounters, grab weapons during boarder events, and patrol the submarine for threats. | Harpoon Gun | Yes |
| Mechanic | A | Respond to hull breaches immediately, weld repairs under pressure (sometimes while the compartment floods), and maintain mechanical systems between emergencies. | Railgun | Yes |
New player? Start with Engineer — see our beginner's guide for why.
Captain
The Captain navigates, sets heading, and commands the crew. Good Captains know the cave systems, avoid creature spawns, and manage crew morale. The Captain's navigation directly determines mission success — bad pathing leads to monster encounters and dead ends.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Stay at the navigation terminal, chart safe routes through cave systems, call out threats on sonar, and coordinate crew during emergencies. |
| Best Equipment | Revolver |
| Stat Priority | Helm skill, navigation knowledge, leadership |
| Core Gear | Navigation terminal, sonar, Captain's uniform (authority bonus) |
| Key Mechanic | submarine management |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Stay at the navigation terminal, chart safe routes through cave systems, call out threats on sonar, and coordinate crew during emergencies.
- Pairs well with Revolver
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europa to learn Captain-specific mechanics
- Focus on submarine management — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Revolver as your first major upgrade
- See our full Captain build guide for the optimal gear progression
Engineer
Engineers manage the reactor — the submarine's heart. Reactor output must match power demand: too low and systems fail, too high and the reactor overloads (meltdown). Wiring knowledge lets Engineers fix electrical systems and create custom circuits.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Monitor reactor output constantly, adjust for power demand, repair electrical systems, and prevent meltdowns during combat. |
| Best Equipment | SMG |
| Stat Priority | Electrical skill, Mechanical skill, reactor management |
| Core Gear | Wrench, welding tool, wire cutters, diving suit |
| Key Mechanic | crew roles |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Monitor reactor output constantly, adjust for power demand, repair electrical systems, and prevent meltdowns during combat.
- Pairs well with SMG
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europa to learn Engineer-specific mechanics
- Focus on crew roles — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize SMG as your first major upgrade
- See our full Engineer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Medic
Medics treat injuries (bleeding, bone fractures, organ damage), cure diseases, and craft medical supplies. The medical system is detailed — wrong drugs cause overdoses, and untreated injuries worsen. A good Medic keeps the crew alive through extended missions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Craft medical supplies between missions, treat injuries immediately during combat, and manage drug interactions to avoid overdoses. |
| Best Equipment | Stun Baton |
| Stat Priority | Medical skill, chemistry knowledge, triage speed |
| Core Gear | Medical supplies, Fabricator access, surgical tools, morphine/antibiotics |
| Key Mechanic | crafting |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Craft medical supplies between missions, treat injuries immediately during combat, and manage drug interactions to avoid overdoses.
- Pairs well with Stun Baton
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europa to learn Medic-specific mechanics
- Focus on crafting — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Stun Baton as your first major upgrade
- See our full Medic build guide for the optimal gear progression
Security Officer
Security Officers man turrets, fight creatures that board the sub, and handle hostile crew in multiplayer. The Railgun (submarine turret) deals massive damage to creatures. Personal weapons (Revolver, SMG) handle boarders inside the sub.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Man turrets during creature encounters, grab weapons during boarder events, and patrol the submarine for threats. |
| Best Equipment | Harpoon Gun |
| Stat Priority | Weapons skill, reaction time, turret accuracy |
| Core Gear | Revolver, SMG, Harpoon Gun, Body armor, Stun Baton |
| Key Mechanic | underwater creatures |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Man turrets during creature encounters, grab weapons during boarder events, and patrol the submarine for threats.
- Pairs well with Harpoon Gun
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europa to learn Security Officer-specific mechanics
- Focus on underwater creatures — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Harpoon Gun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Security Officer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mechanic
Mechanics repair hull breaches, fix mechanical systems, and maintain the submarine's physical integrity. Hull breaches cause flooding that cascades through the sub. Quick welding repair is often the difference between sinking and surviving.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Respond to hull breaches immediately, weld repairs under pressure (sometimes while the compartment floods), and maintain mechanical systems between emergencies. |
| Best Equipment | Railgun |
| Stat Priority | Mechanical skill, welding speed, diving ability |
| Core Gear | Welding tool, wrench, diving suit, hull repair materials |
| Key Mechanic | mission system |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Respond to hull breaches immediately, weld repairs under pressure (sometimes while the compartment floods), and maintain mechanical systems between emergencies.
- Pairs well with Railgun
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europa to learn Mechanic-specific mechanics
- Focus on mission system — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Railgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mechanic build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Engineer is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Captain is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Revolver for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Mechanic offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Security Officer shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Barotrauma Guides
- Barotrauma Barotrauma Overview
- Barotrauma Best Builds
- Barotrauma Tier List
- Barotrauma Walkthrough
- Barotrauma Beginner's Guide
- Barotrauma Tips & Tricks
- Barotrauma Weapons Guide
- Barotrauma Combat Guide
- Barotrauma Boss Guide
- Barotrauma Maps & Locations
- Barotrauma Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Barotrauma, check out these related guides:
- Palworld Classes Guide — survival game with similar mechanics
- Rust Classes Guide — survival game with similar mechanics
- ARK: Survival Evolved Classes Guide — survival game with similar mechanics
