DDraceNetwork is a free, open source cooperative 2D precision platformer built on the Teeworlds engine, and it arrived on Steam on 17 August 2020. Up to 64 players share one server and drag each other through thousands of community maps using a grappling hook and a hammer. Official servers run across 14 countries, and every finish feeds a single global points table holding over 33,000 points.
Choosing the right role 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
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Weapons | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice runner | A | Balanced | Hook | Yes |
| Rank chaser | A | Balanced | Hammer | Yes |
| Team carry | A | Balanced | Shotgun | Yes |
| Dummy solo player | A | Balanced | Grenade launcher | Yes |
| Map maker | A | Balanced | Laser rifle | Yes |
New player? Start with Rank chaser. See our beginner's guide for why.
Novice runner
Novice runner is a strong option in DDraceNetwork.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Hook |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Grappling hook movement |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Hook
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Novice to learn Novice runner-specific mechanics
- Focus on Grappling hook movement. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Hook as your first major upgrade
- See our full Novice runner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Rank chaser
Rank chaser is a strong option in DDraceNetwork.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Hammer |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Freeze and deep freeze tiles |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Hammer
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Novice to learn Rank chaser-specific mechanics
- Focus on Freeze and deep freeze tiles. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Hammer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Rank chaser build guide for the optimal gear progression
Team carry
Team carry is a strong option in DDraceNetwork.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Shotgun |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Hammer unfreezing |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Shotgun
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Novice to learn Team carry-specific mechanics
- Focus on Hammer unfreezing. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Shotgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Team carry build guide for the optimal gear progression
Dummy solo player
Dummy solo player is a strong option in DDraceNetwork.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Grenade launcher |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Team system with save codes |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Grenade launcher
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Novice to learn Dummy solo player-specific mechanics
- Focus on Team system with save codes. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Grenade launcher as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dummy solo player build guide for the optimal gear progression
Map maker
Map maker is a strong option in DDraceNetwork.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Laser rifle |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Points scaled by map difficulty |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Laser rifle
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Novice to learn Map maker-specific mechanics
- Focus on Points scaled by map difficulty. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Laser rifle as your first major upgrade
- See our full Map maker build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Rank chaser 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
Novice runner is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Hook for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Map maker 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 role.
For Group Play
Dummy solo player shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More DDraceNetwork Guides
- DDraceNetwork DDraceNetwork Overview
- DDraceNetwork Best Builds
- DDraceNetwork Tier List
- DDraceNetwork Walkthrough
- DDraceNetwork Beginner's Guide
- DDraceNetwork Tips & Tricks
- DDraceNetwork Weapons Guide
- DDraceNetwork Combat Guide
- DDraceNetwork Boss Guide
- DDraceNetwork Maps & Locations
- DDraceNetwork Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy DDraceNetwork, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Classes Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Classes Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Classes Guide: action game with similar mechanics
