Shakes and Fidget is Playa Games' satirical browser RPG, spun out of the German comic strip of the same name and on Steam since 2016. Combat runs itself: you spend a daily pool of adventure thirst on Tavern quests, pick an opponent in the Arena, and read the fight log afterwards. The depth sits outside the fights, in eleven classes with fixed damage and health multipliers, a Fortress that caps every other building at its own level, and an Underworld that only opens once your Gem Mine passes level 10.
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 | Balanced | Weapon | Yes |
| Mage | A | Balanced | Shield | Yes |
| Scout | A | Balanced | Breastplate | Yes |
| Berserker | A | Balanced | Amulet | Yes |
| Paladin | A | Balanced | Talisman | Yes |
New player? Start with Mage. See our beginner's guide for why.
Warrior
Warrior is a strong option in Shakes and Fidget.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Weapon |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Adventure thirst and quests |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Weapon
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arena to learn Warrior-specific mechanics
- Focus on Adventure thirst and quests. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Weapon as your first major upgrade
- See our full Warrior build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mage
Mage is a strong option in Shakes and Fidget.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Shield |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Automated combat and class multipliers |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Shield
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arena to learn Mage-specific mechanics
- Focus on Automated combat and class multipliers. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Shield as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mage build guide for the optimal gear progression
Scout
Scout is a strong option in Shakes and Fidget.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Breastplate |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Fortress building and raids |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Breastplate
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arena to learn Scout-specific mechanics
- Focus on Fortress building and raids. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Breastplate as your first major upgrade
- See our full Scout build guide for the optimal gear progression
Berserker
Berserker is a strong option in Shakes and Fidget.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Amulet |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Gem Mine and the Underworld |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Amulet
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arena to learn Berserker-specific mechanics
- Focus on Gem Mine and the Underworld. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Amulet as your first major upgrade
- See our full Berserker build guide for the optimal gear progression
Paladin
Paladin is a strong option in Shakes and Fidget.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Talisman |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Scrapbook and Toilet aura |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Talisman
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Arena to learn Paladin-specific mechanics
- Focus on Scrapbook and Toilet aura. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Talisman as your first major upgrade
- See our full Paladin 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 Weapon for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Paladin 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
Berserker shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Shakes and Fidget Guides
- Shakes and Fidget Shakes and Fidget Overview
- Shakes and Fidget Best Builds
- Shakes and Fidget Tier List
- Shakes and Fidget Walkthrough
- Shakes and Fidget Beginner's Guide
- Shakes and Fidget Tips & Tricks
- Shakes and Fidget Weapons Guide
- Shakes and Fidget Combat Guide
- Shakes and Fidget Boss Guide
- Shakes and Fidget Maps & Locations
- Shakes and Fidget Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Shakes and Fidget, 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
