Battle Brothers is Overhype Studios' turn-based mercenary company sim, released on 24 March 2017 and now published by Hooded Horse. You hire named men with backgrounds, eight attributes, and permanent death, take contracts across a procedurally generated world map, and try to be strong enough when the late-game crisis arrives. Four expansions extend it: Beasts and Exploration, Warriors of the North, Blazing Deserts, and the free Of Flesh and Faith.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sellsword | A | Balanced | Warbrand | Yes |
| Hedge Knight | A | Balanced | Billhook | Yes |
| Wildman | A | Balanced | Warhammer | Yes |
| Retired Soldier | A | Balanced | Greataxe | Yes |
| Squire | A | Balanced | Crossbow | Yes |
New player? Start with Hedge Knight. See our beginner's guide for why.
Sellsword
Sellsword is a strong option in Battle Brothers.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Warbrand |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Fatigue as the action budget |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Warbrand
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Noble house territory to learn Sellsword-specific mechanics
- Focus on Fatigue as the action budget. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Warbrand as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sellsword build guide for the optimal gear progression
Hedge Knight
Hedge Knight is a strong option in Battle Brothers.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Billhook |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Permadeath and permanent injuries |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Billhook
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Noble house territory to learn Hedge Knight-specific mechanics
- Focus on Permadeath and permanent injuries. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Billhook as your first major upgrade
- See our full Hedge Knight build guide for the optimal gear progression
Wildman
Wildman is a strong option in Battle Brothers.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Warhammer |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Eight attributes with level-up rolls |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Warhammer
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Noble house territory to learn Wildman-specific mechanics
- Focus on Eight attributes with level-up rolls. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Warhammer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Wildman build guide for the optimal gear progression
Retired Soldier
Retired Soldier is a strong option in Battle Brothers.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Greataxe |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Contracts and faction relations |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Greataxe
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Noble house territory to learn Retired Soldier-specific mechanics
- Focus on Contracts and faction relations. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Greataxe as your first major upgrade
- See our full Retired Soldier build guide for the optimal gear progression
Squire
Squire is a strong option in Battle Brothers.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Crossbow |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Late-game crises |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Crossbow
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Noble house territory to learn Squire-specific mechanics
- Focus on Late-game crises. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Crossbow as your first major upgrade
- See our full Squire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Hedge Knight 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
Sellsword is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Warbrand for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Squire 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
Retired Soldier shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Battle Brothers Guides
- Battle Brothers Battle Brothers Overview
- Battle Brothers Best Builds
- Battle Brothers Tier List
- Battle Brothers Walkthrough
- Battle Brothers Beginner's Guide
- Battle Brothers Tips & Tricks
- Battle Brothers Weapons Guide
- Battle Brothers Combat Guide
- Battle Brothers Boss Guide
- Battle Brothers Maps & Locations
- Battle Brothers Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
