Ubisoft Montreal shipped For Honor on 14 February 2017 built around the Art of Battle, a melee system where every guard and every attack lives in one of three stances: top, left or right. The 18 mission campaign runs three chapters against Apollyon and her Blackstone Legion, and multiplayer has grown past 30 heroes split between the Knights, Vikings, Samurai, Wu Lin and Outlanders. Marching Fire added the Wu Lin in October 2018 along with Breach, the four against four castle assault mode.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knights | A | Balanced | Warden longsword | Yes |
| Vikings | A | Balanced | Kensei nodachi | Yes |
| Samurai | A | Balanced | Lawbringer poleaxe | Yes |
| Wu Lin | A | Balanced | Berserker dual axes | Yes |
| Outlanders | A | Balanced | Nobushi naginata | Yes |
New player? Start with Vikings. See our beginner's guide for why.
Knights
Knights is a strong option in FOR HONOR.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Warden longsword |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Art of Battle three stance guard |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Warden longsword
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Citadel Gate to learn Knights-specific mechanics
- Focus on Art of Battle three stance guard. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Warden longsword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Knights build guide for the optimal gear progression
Vikings
Vikings is a strong option in FOR HONOR.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Kensei nodachi |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Revenge meter |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Kensei nodachi
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Citadel Gate to learn Vikings-specific mechanics
- Focus on Revenge meter. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Kensei nodachi as your first major upgrade
- See our full Vikings build guide for the optimal gear progression
Samurai
Samurai is a strong option in FOR HONOR.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Lawbringer poleaxe |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Stamina and exhaustion |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Lawbringer poleaxe
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Citadel Gate to learn Samurai-specific mechanics
- Focus on Stamina and exhaustion. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Lawbringer poleaxe as your first major upgrade
- See our full Samurai build guide for the optimal gear progression
Wu Lin
Wu Lin is a strong option in FOR HONOR.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Berserker dual axes |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Feats earned through Renown |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Berserker dual axes
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Citadel Gate to learn Wu Lin-specific mechanics
- Focus on Feats earned through Renown. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Berserker dual axes as your first major upgrade
- See our full Wu Lin build guide for the optimal gear progression
Outlanders
Outlanders is a strong option in FOR HONOR.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Nobushi naginata |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Gear stats disabled in duels |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Nobushi naginata
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Citadel Gate to learn Outlanders-specific mechanics
- Focus on Gear stats disabled in duels. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Nobushi naginata as your first major upgrade
- See our full Outlanders build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Vikings 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
Knights is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Warden longsword for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Outlanders 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
Wu Lin shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More FOR HONOR Guides
- FOR HONOR FOR HONOR Overview
- FOR HONOR Best Builds
- FOR HONOR Tier List
- FOR HONOR Walkthrough
- FOR HONOR Beginner's Guide
- FOR HONOR Tips & Tricks
- FOR HONOR Weapons Guide
- FOR HONOR Combat Guide
- FOR HONOR Boss Guide
- FOR HONOR Maps & Locations
- FOR HONOR Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy FOR HONOR, 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
