Gunfire Reborn is a co-op roguelite FPS with RPG elements where you play as one of several animal-themed heroes fighting through procedurally generated levels. The game's hook is its elemental combo system — fire, lightning, corrosion, and other elements interact to create devastating chain reactions. Each run offers random weapon drops with randomized inscriptions (modifiers) and scroll buffs that stack to create overpowered builds. With 8 playable heroes, 100+ weapons, and up to 4-player co-op, Gunfire Reborn delivers short, punchy roguelite sessions with satisfying build diversity.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Prince | S | Apply two different elements for combo reactions, use Smoke Grenade to escape, Energy Orb for burst AoE. | Crimson Firescale | Moderate |
| Ao Bai | S | Build up ultimate charge, activate Dual Wield, unload both weapons simultaneously for insane DPS. | Demonlore | Moderate |
| Qing Yan | A | Dash into enemy groups, absorb damage with shield, shotgun at close range, tank for the team. | Argus | Yes |
| Lei Luo | A | Snipe priority targets for massive critical hits, chain lightning clears adds, stay at range. | Tiger Cannon | Yes |
| Tao | A | Close to melee range, deflect projectiles, rapid sword combos, lifesteal sustain. | Flowing Light | Yes |
New player? Start with Ao Bai — see our beginner's guide for why.
Crown Prince
The starter hero and one of the strongest. His Smoke Grenade provides emergency escape and his Energy Orb deals AoE damage. Crown Prince's ascension perks boost elemental damage universally, making him the best hero for elemental combo builds. His crit chance passive synergizes with any weapon type.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Apply two different elements for combo reactions, use Smoke Grenade to escape, Energy Orb for burst AoE. |
| Best Equipment | Crimson Firescale |
| Stat Priority | Elemental damage, Critical chance, Weapon damage |
| Core Gear | Crimson Firescale (fire weapon) + Corrosion weapon for Decay combos, Smoke Grenade, Energy Orb |
| Key Mechanic | hero abilities |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Apply two different elements for combo reactions, use Smoke Grenade to escape, Energy Orb for burst AoE.
- Pairs well with Crimson Firescale
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Longling Tomb to learn Crown Prince-specific mechanics
- Focus on hero abilities — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Crimson Firescale as your first major upgrade
- See our full Crown Prince build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ao Bai
The dual-wield berserker who activates his ultimate to fire two weapons simultaneously. Ao Bai's DPS ceiling is the highest in the game when dual-wielding two inscribed weapons during his Dual Wield ultimate. His grenade deals AoE damage for clearing trash mobs.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Build up ultimate charge, activate Dual Wield, unload both weapons simultaneously for insane DPS. |
| Best Equipment | Demonlore |
| Stat Priority | Weapon damage, Fire rate, Ultimate duration perks |
| Core Gear | Two high-DPS weapons with matching element, Grenade, Dual Wield ultimate |
| Key Mechanic | weapon inscriptions |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Build up ultimate charge, activate Dual Wield, unload both weapons simultaneously for insane DPS.
- Pairs well with Demonlore
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Longling Tomb to learn Ao Bai-specific mechanics
- Focus on weapon inscriptions — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Demonlore as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ao Bai build guide for the optimal gear progression
Qing Yan
The tank hero with a shield bash and grenade abilities. Qing Yan's shield absorbs damage and his dash knocks back enemies. His ascension perks boost armor and damage reduction, making him the most survivable hero for harder difficulties. Lower damage ceiling but almost impossible to kill.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Dash into enemy groups, absorb damage with shield, shotgun at close range, tank for the team. |
| Best Equipment | Argus |
| Stat Priority | Armor, HP, Shield capacity, Close-range damage |
| Core Gear | Shotgun or close-range weapon, Shield, Grenade, Armor-boosting scrolls |
| Key Mechanic | ascension perks |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Dash into enemy groups, absorb damage with shield, shotgun at close range, tank for the team.
- Pairs well with Argus
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Longling Tomb to learn Qing Yan-specific mechanics
- Focus on ascension perks — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Argus as your first major upgrade
- See our full Qing Yan build guide for the optimal gear progression
Lei Luo
The lightning specialist with chain lightning abilities and sniper affinity. Lei Luo's Fatal Current ability strikes enemies with chain lightning that bounces between targets. His perks boost lightning damage and critical hit multipliers, making him the best boss-killer with sniper rifles.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Snipe priority targets for massive critical hits, chain lightning clears adds, stay at range. |
| Best Equipment | Tiger Cannon |
| Stat Priority | Lightning damage, Critical damage multiplier, Weapon accuracy |
| Core Gear | Sniper Rifle with lightning inscriptions, Lightning abilities, Critical damage scrolls |
| Key Mechanic | co-op scaling |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Snipe priority targets for massive critical hits, chain lightning clears adds, stay at range.
- Pairs well with Tiger Cannon
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Longling Tomb to learn Lei Luo-specific mechanics
- Focus on co-op scaling — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Tiger Cannon as your first major upgrade
- See our full Lei Luo build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tao
The sword-wielding melee hero with a deflect ability. Tao plays completely differently from other heroes — she uses swords instead of guns and can parry enemy projectiles. Her ascension perks boost melee damage and sword swing speed. High skill ceiling but incredibly powerful when mastered.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Close to melee range, deflect projectiles, rapid sword combos, lifesteal sustain. |
| Best Equipment | Flowing Light |
| Stat Priority | Melee damage, Swing speed, Life steal, Deflect timing |
| Core Gear | Legendary sword drops, Deflect ability, Melee damage scrolls |
| Key Mechanic | elemental combos |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Close to melee range, deflect projectiles, rapid sword combos, lifesteal sustain.
- Pairs well with Flowing Light
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Longling Tomb to learn Tao-specific mechanics
- Focus on elemental combos — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Flowing Light as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tao build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Ao Bai 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
Crown Prince is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Crimson Firescale for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Tao 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
Lei Luo shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Gunfire Reborn Guides
- Gunfire Reborn Gunfire Reborn Overview
- Gunfire Reborn Best Builds
- Gunfire Reborn Tier List
- Gunfire Reborn Walkthrough
- Gunfire Reborn Beginner's Guide
- Gunfire Reborn Tips & Tricks
- Gunfire Reborn Weapons Guide
- Gunfire Reborn Combat Guide
- Gunfire Reborn Boss Guide
- Gunfire Reborn Maps & Locations
- Gunfire Reborn Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Gunfire Reborn, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
