Outward is an open-world survival RPG where you play as an ordinary person — no chosen one narrative, no power fantasy. You're a villager paying off a debt while exploring a hostile world where every expedition requires preparation: food, water, warm clothes, healing supplies, and a plan. The game's defining feature is its consequence system — dying doesn't reload a save but triggers a unique defeat scenario (dragged to a bandit camp, rescued by a stranger, washed ashore). Magic isn't innate; you must sacrifice max health permanently to gain mana through a dangerous ritual. The Definitive Edition includes the Soroboreans and Three Brothers DLC expansions, adding new regions, mechanics, and faction content.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | A | Drop backpack before combat, use two-handed power attacks to stagger enemies, manage stamina between swings. | Brand Greatsword | Yes |
| Mage | S | Place sigils on the ground, cast combo spells through them for amplified effects, manage mana and cooldowns between casts. | Horror Bow | Moderate |
| Rogue | A | Coat weapons with poison, apply status effects through quick hits, dodge enemy attacks while effects tick damage. | Jade Lich Mace | Yes |
| Shaman | A | Cast boons before combat for stat enhancement, place totems at fight locations, engage with enhanced melee. | Manticore Greataxe | Yes |
| Mercenary | B | Adapt gear and abilities to each situation rather than specializing. Carry diverse equipment for diverse challenges. | Fang Weapons | No |
New player? Start with Mage — see our beginner's guide for why.
Warrior
Melee builds using heavy weapons and armor. The Warrior Monk breakthrough (faction-dependent) adds physical damage bonuses. Two-handed weapons like the Brand Greatsword deal massive damage per hit. Slow but devastating with proper stamina management.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Drop backpack before combat, use two-handed power attacks to stagger enemies, manage stamina between swings. |
| Best Equipment | Brand Greatsword |
| Stat Priority | Physical Damage, Impact, Stamina Management |
| Core Gear | Brand Greatsword, Ammolite Armor, Predator Leggings |
| Key Mechanic | survival RPG |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Drop backpack before combat, use two-handed power attacks to stagger enemies, manage stamina between swings.
- Pairs well with Brand Greatsword
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Cierzo to learn Warrior-specific mechanics
- Focus on survival RPG — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Brand Greatsword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Warrior build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mage
Magic requires sacrificing max health at the Conflux Mountain ritual to gain mana. Spell combos (placing a fire sigil then casting spark) create powerful AoE effects. The Philosopher breakthrough increases mana and spell damage. The most versatile endgame build.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Place sigils on the ground, cast combo spells through them for amplified effects, manage mana and cooldowns between casts. |
| Best Equipment | Horror Bow |
| Stat Priority | Mana Pool, Spell Combinations, Cooldown Management |
| Core Gear | Jade Lich Mace (mana cost reduction), Mage Robes, Lexicon |
| Key Mechanic | no hand-holding |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Place sigils on the ground, cast combo spells through them for amplified effects, manage mana and cooldowns between casts.
- Pairs well with Horror Bow
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Cierzo to learn Mage-specific mechanics
- Focus on no hand-holding — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Horror Bow as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mage build guide for the optimal gear progression
Rogue
Dagger and bow builds emphasizing speed and status effects. Rogue breakthrough gives backstab damage bonuses. Apply poison and bleed through coated weapons, then dodge while effects do the work. Less frontline damage but safer combat through kiting.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Coat weapons with poison, apply status effects through quick hits, dodge enemy attacks while effects tick damage. |
| Best Equipment | Jade Lich Mace |
| Stat Priority | Attack Speed, Status Effect Application, Dodge Timing |
| Core Gear | Fang Weapons (dagger), Horror Bow, Poison Rags, Trap items |
| Key Mechanic | backpack management |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Coat weapons with poison, apply status effects through quick hits, dodge enemy attacks while effects tick damage.
- Pairs well with Jade Lich Mace
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Cierzo to learn Rogue-specific mechanics
- Focus on backpack management — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Jade Lich Mace as your first major upgrade
- See our full Rogue build guide for the optimal gear progression
Shaman
A hybrid build using totems and elemental boons. The Cabal Hermit breakthrough provides wind infusion. Shaman builds use boons (self-buffs) and totems (placed AoE effects) for sustained combat advantage. Requires setup time but very strong in extended fights.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Cast boons before combat for stat enhancement, place totems at fight locations, engage with enhanced melee. |
| Best Equipment | Manticore Greataxe |
| Stat Priority | Boon Duration, Totem Effectiveness, Mixed Stats |
| Core Gear | Manticore Greataxe, Shaman Armor, Wind Boon sigil |
| Key Mechanic | split-screen co-op |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Cast boons before combat for stat enhancement, place totems at fight locations, engage with enhanced melee.
- Pairs well with Manticore Greataxe
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Cierzo to learn Shaman-specific mechanics
- Focus on split-screen co-op — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Manticore Greataxe as your first major upgrade
- See our full Shaman build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mercenary
Jack-of-all-trades build using a mix of combat, magic, and survival skills. The Mercenary approach doesn't specialize, making it weaker at any single thing but adaptable to every situation. Best for first playthroughs when you don't know what challenges await.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Adapt gear and abilities to each situation rather than specializing. Carry diverse equipment for diverse challenges. |
| Best Equipment | Fang Weapons |
| Stat Priority | Balance across all stats |
| Core Gear | Versatile weapon, Medium Armor, basic spells, survival kit |
| Key Mechanic | faction quests |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Adapt gear and abilities to each situation rather than specializing. Carry diverse equipment for diverse challenges.
- Pairs well with Fang Weapons
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Cierzo to learn Mercenary-specific mechanics
- Focus on faction quests — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fang Weapons as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mercenary build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Mage 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
Warrior is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Brand Greatsword for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Mercenary 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
Shaman shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Outward Guides
- Outward Outward Overview
- Outward Best Builds
- Outward Tier List
- Outward Walkthrough
- Outward Beginner's Guide
- Outward Tips & Tricks
- Outward Weapons Guide
- Outward Combat Guide
- Outward Boss Guide
- Outward Maps & Locations
- Outward Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Outward, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Classes Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Classes Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Classes Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
