Barbedwire Studios and Digitalmindsoft released Gates of Hell: Ostfront on 11 June 2021, covering the Eastern Front from 1941 to 1945 with more than 250 vehicles and 100 heavy weapons. Armour is modelled plate by plate with real thicknesses and angles, so an 85mm round can bounce off a Tiger's mantlet, kill the loader without setting the tank on fire, or cook off the ammunition depending on exactly where it lands. You can command it as a top-down real-time strategy game or take direct control of one rifleman or one tank gunner at any moment.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | A | Balanced | Tiger I | Yes |
| Soviet Union | A | Balanced | T-34/85 | Yes |
| Finland (Talvisota) | A | Balanced | StuG III Ausf. G | Yes |
| United States (Liberation and Airborne) | A | Balanced | MG 42 | Yes |
| Britain and Commonwealth (Finest Hour) | A | Balanced | PPSh-41 | Yes |
New player? Start with Soviet Union. See our beginner's guide for why.
Germany
Germany is a strong option in Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Tiger I |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Plate by plate armour penetration |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Tiger I
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Siege of Sevastopol to learn Germany-specific mechanics
- Focus on Plate by plate armour penetration. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Tiger I as your first major upgrade
- See our full Germany build guide for the optimal gear progression
Soviet Union
Soviet Union is a strong option in Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | T-34/85 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Direct control of any unit |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with T-34/85
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Siege of Sevastopol to learn Soviet Union-specific mechanics
- Focus on Direct control of any unit. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize T-34/85 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Soviet Union build guide for the optimal gear progression
Finland (Talvisota)
Finland (Talvisota) is a strong option in Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | StuG III Ausf. G |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Individual crew and seat swapping |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with StuG III Ausf. G
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Siege of Sevastopol to learn Finland (Talvisota)-specific mechanics
- Focus on Individual crew and seat swapping. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize StuG III Ausf. G as your first major upgrade
- See our full Finland (Talvisota) build guide for the optimal gear progression
United States (Liberation and Airborne)
United States (Liberation and Airborne) is a strong option in Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | MG 42 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Soldier inventories and looting |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with MG 42
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Siege of Sevastopol to learn United States (Liberation and Airborne)-specific mechanics
- Focus on Soldier inventories and looting. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize MG 42 as your first major upgrade
- See our full United States (Liberation and Airborne) build guide for the optimal gear progression
Britain and Commonwealth (Finest Hour)
Britain and Commonwealth (Finest Hour) is a strong option in Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | PPSh-41 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Dynamic Campaign unit persistence |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with PPSh-41
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Siege of Sevastopol to learn Britain and Commonwealth (Finest Hour)-specific mechanics
- Focus on Dynamic Campaign unit persistence. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize PPSh-41 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Britain and Commonwealth (Finest Hour) build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Soviet Union 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
Germany is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Tiger I for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Britain and Commonwealth (Finest Hour) 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
United States (Liberation and Airborne) shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Guides
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Overview
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Best Builds
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Tier List
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Walkthrough
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Beginner's Guide
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Tips & Tricks
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Weapons Guide
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Combat Guide
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Boss Guide
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Maps & Locations
- Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront, check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
