Quantic Dream's branching drama puts you in control of three androids, Kara, Connor and Markus, in a Detroit set in 2038. There is no combat build and no gear here: scenes are decided by timed dialogue, quick-time inputs and a flowchart that records every branch you did not open. The PlayStation 4 version arrived on 25 May 2018 and the Steam release followed on 18 June 2020.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor | A | Balanced | Scene reconstruction | Yes |
| Kara | A | Balanced | Preconstruction preview | Yes |
| Markus | A | Balanced | Stress percentage management | Yes |
| Machine and mission first play | A | Balanced | Timed dialogue ring | Yes |
| Deviant and empathy first play | A | Balanced | Relationship and public opinion meters | Yes |
New player? Start with Kara. See our beginner's guide for why.
Connor
Connor is a strong option in Detroit: Become Human.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Scene reconstruction |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Per chapter flowchart with locked branches |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Scene reconstruction
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Jericho to learn Connor-specific mechanics
- Focus on Per chapter flowchart with locked branches. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Scene reconstruction as your first major upgrade
- See our full Connor build guide for the optimal gear progression
Kara
Kara is a strong option in Detroit: Become Human.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Preconstruction preview |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Timed dialogue and quick-time inputs |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Preconstruction preview
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Jericho to learn Kara-specific mechanics
- Focus on Timed dialogue and quick-time inputs. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Preconstruction preview as your first major upgrade
- See our full Kara build guide for the optimal gear progression
Markus
Markus is a strong option in Detroit: Become Human.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Stress percentage management |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Connor's reconstruction and preconstruction |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Stress percentage management
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Jericho to learn Markus-specific mechanics
- Focus on Connor's reconstruction and preconstruction. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Stress percentage management as your first major upgrade
- See our full Markus build guide for the optimal gear progression
Machine and mission first play
Machine and mission first play is a strong option in Detroit: Become Human.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Timed dialogue ring |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Stress percentages in tense scenes |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Timed dialogue ring
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Jericho to learn Machine and mission first play-specific mechanics
- Focus on Stress percentages in tense scenes. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Timed dialogue ring as your first major upgrade
- See our full Machine and mission first play build guide for the optimal gear progression
Deviant and empathy first play
Deviant and empathy first play is a strong option in Detroit: Become Human.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Relationship and public opinion meters |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Chapter select creates a new timeline |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Relationship and public opinion meters
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Jericho to learn Deviant and empathy first play-specific mechanics
- Focus on Chapter select creates a new timeline. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Relationship and public opinion meters as your first major upgrade
- See our full Deviant and empathy first play build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Kara 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
Connor is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Scene reconstruction for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Deviant and empathy first play 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
Machine and mission first play shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Detroit: Become Human Guides
- Detroit: Become Human Detroit: Become Human Overview
- Detroit: Become Human Best Builds
- Detroit: Become Human Tier List
- Detroit: Become Human Walkthrough
- Detroit: Become Human Beginner's Guide
- Detroit: Become Human Tips & Tricks
- Detroit: Become Human Weapons Guide
- Detroit: Become Human Combat Guide
- Detroit: Become Human Boss Guide
- Detroit: Become Human Maps & Locations
- Detroit: Become Human Crafting Guide
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- Sea of Thieves Classes Guide: adventure game with similar mechanics
- Dredge Classes Guide: adventure game with similar mechanics
