Squad is a large scale military shooter where two teams of up to 50 players fight over objectives with real logistics and command structure. Offworld Industries built it around teamwork, so a coordinated squad usually beats individual skill.
Picking the right build determines how your experience plays out. These builds are ranked by overall effectiveness, factoring in damage, survivability, gear requirements, and how well they scale into endgame. New to the game? Start with our beginner's guide first.
Quick Rankings
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Core Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squad Leader | S | Place HABs and rally points, mark contacts, talk to command and your squad | Radio, smoke, command map, rifle |
| Rifleman | A | Stick with the squad, resupply the leader, hold and clear positions | Service rifle, ammo bag, grenades |
| Medic | S | Stay behind the front, revive quickly, bandage before the squad moves | Rifle, bandages, medical kit |
| Anti-Tank | A | Hide on flanks, hit armor from the side, relocate after every shot | RPG or guided launcher, rifle, mines |
| Crewman and pilot | A | Balanced | Best available |
For detailed meta rankings, see our Squad tier list.
S-Tier: Squad Leader
The command role that places spawns, marks targets and coordinates the team.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | M4 and AK service rifles | Best option for this build. |
| Core Gear | Radio, smoke, command map, rifle | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Communication then positioning then map awareness | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Large scale 50v50 battles | Matches put up to 100 players on kilometers wide maps, so map control and coordination matter more than raw aim. |
How to Play Squad Leader
Place HABs and rally points, mark contacts, talk to command and your squad
The command role that places spawns, marks targets and coordinates the team.
What makes this role work: The synergy between M4 and AK service rifles and Large scale 50v50 battles creates a gameplay loop that outperforms other options. Core gear like Radio, smoke, command map, rifle amplifies this further. See our weapons guide for detailed weapons breakdowns.
Pros:
- Highest overall performance
- Clear stat priority (Communication then positioning then map awareness) makes gearing straightforward
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Popular pick, resources may be contested
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Rifleman
The backbone infantry role that resupplies squad leaders and holds ground.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | RPG-7 launcher | Best option for this build. |
| Core Gear | Service rifle, ammo bag, grenades | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Positioning then aim then resupply discipline | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Squad and fireteam command | Players group into squads led by a squad leader who places spawn points and coordinates with command. |
How to Play Rifleman
Stick with the squad, resupply the leader, hold and clear positions
The backbone infantry role that resupplies squad leaders and holds ground.
What makes this role work: The synergy between RPG-7 launcher and Squad and fireteam command creates a gameplay loop that offers reliable performance. Core gear like Service rifle, ammo bag, grenades amplifies this further. See our weapons guide for detailed weapons breakdowns.
Pros:
- Most versatile option
- Clear stat priority (Positioning then aim then resupply discipline) makes gearing straightforward
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Lower peak damage than S-tier
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
S-Tier: Medic
The sustain role that revives downed teammates and keeps a push alive.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | M249 light machine gun | Best option for this build. |
| Core Gear | Rifle, bandages, medical kit | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Awareness then positioning then aim | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Logistics and fortification | Teams haul ammo and build materials to construct forward bases, HABs and defensive emplacements. |
How to Play Medic
Stay behind the front, revive quickly, bandage before the squad moves
The sustain role that revives downed teammates and keeps a push alive.
What makes this role work: The synergy between M249 light machine gun and Logistics and fortification creates a gameplay loop that offers reliable performance. Core gear like Rifle, bandages, medical kit amplifies this further. See our weapons guide for detailed weapons breakdowns.
Pros:
- Best survivability
- Clear stat priority (Awareness then positioning then aim) makes gearing straightforward
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Slower clear speeds
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Anti-Tank
The vehicle counter that denies armor with rockets and ambushes.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | TOW emplacement | Best option for this build. |
| Core Gear | RPG or guided launcher, rifle, mines | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Positioning then timing then patience | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Combined arms vehicles | Trucks, armored vehicles, tanks and helicopters support infantry when crews and drivers cooperate. |
How to Play Anti-Tank
Hide on flanks, hit armor from the side, relocate after every shot
The vehicle counter that denies armor with rockets and ambushes.
What makes this role work: The synergy between TOW emplacement and Combined arms vehicles creates a gameplay loop that provides a unique approach. Core gear like RPG or guided launcher, rifle, mines amplifies this further. See our weapons guide for detailed weapons breakdowns.
Pros:
- Strong in group/team content
- Clear stat priority (Positioning then timing then patience) makes gearing straightforward
- Excels in its niche
Cons:
- Weaker solo performance
- Requires deep game knowledge
A-Tier: Crewman and pilot
Crewman and pilot is a specialized option in Squad.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | Marksman rifles | Best option for this build. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Proximity and radio voice | Local proximity chat and squad radio drive communication, making clear callouts a core skill. |
How to Play Crewman and pilot
Crewman and pilot focuses on a balanced approach to content.
What makes this role work: The synergy between Marksman rifles and Proximity and radio voice creates a gameplay loop that provides a unique approach. See our weapons guide for detailed weapons breakdowns.
Pros:
- Unique, rewarding playstyle
- Straightforward gearing path
- Excels in its niche
Cons:
- High skill floor, punishing when misplayed
- Requires deep game knowledge
Build Progression Path
- Start with Rifleman: the most forgiving option for learning the game
- Transition to Squad Leader once you understand core mechanics and have access to M4 and AK service rifles
- Keep a Medic setup for content that keeps killing you
- Try Crewman and pilot for a fresh experience once you've mastered the basics
Follow our walkthrough for the optimal progression path through each area.
Gearing Tips
- Invest in your primary weapon first, since it gives the biggest power spike. See our weapons guide for rankings.
- Stay close to your squad leader, since their rally point is your fastest respawn back into the fight.
- Help build HABs in good positions so the squad spawns forward instead of running from the main base.
- Don't spread upgrade resources across multiple builds until endgame
More Squad Guides
- Squad Squad Overview
- Squad Tier List
- Squad Walkthrough
- Squad Beginner's Guide
- Squad Tips & Tricks
- Squad Weapons Guide
- Squad Combat Guide
- Squad Boss Guide
- Squad Maps & Locations
- Squad Crafting Guide
- Squad Classes & Characters
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