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.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squad Leader | S | Place HABs and rally points, mark contacts, talk to command and your squad | M4 and AK service rifles | Moderate |
| Rifleman | A | Stick with the squad, resupply the leader, hold and clear positions | RPG-7 launcher | Yes |
| Medic | S | Stay behind the front, revive quickly, bandage before the squad moves | M249 light machine gun | Moderate |
| Anti-Tank | A | Hide on flanks, hit armor from the side, relocate after every shot | TOW emplacement | Yes |
| Crewman and pilot | A | Balanced | Marksman rifles | Yes |
New player? Start with Rifleman. See our beginner's guide for why.
Squad Leader
The command role that places spawns, marks targets and coordinates the team.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Place HABs and rally points, mark contacts, talk to command and your squad |
| Best Weapons | M4 and AK service rifles |
| Stat Priority | Communication then positioning then map awareness |
| Core Gear | Radio, smoke, command map, rifle |
| Key Mechanic | Large scale 50v50 battles |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Place HABs and rally points, mark contacts, talk to command and your squad
- Pairs well with M4 and AK service rifles
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Al Basrah urban map to learn Squad Leader-specific mechanics
- Focus on Large scale 50v50 battles. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize M4 and AK service rifles as your first major upgrade
- See our full Squad Leader build guide for the optimal gear progression
Rifleman
The backbone infantry role that resupplies squad leaders and holds ground.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Stick with the squad, resupply the leader, hold and clear positions |
| Best Weapons | RPG-7 launcher |
| Stat Priority | Positioning then aim then resupply discipline |
| Core Gear | Service rifle, ammo bag, grenades |
| Key Mechanic | Squad and fireteam command |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Stick with the squad, resupply the leader, hold and clear positions
- Pairs well with RPG-7 launcher
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Al Basrah urban map to learn Rifleman-specific mechanics
- Focus on Squad and fireteam command. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize RPG-7 launcher as your first major upgrade
- See our full Rifleman build guide for the optimal gear progression
Medic
The sustain role that revives downed teammates and keeps a push alive.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Stay behind the front, revive quickly, bandage before the squad moves |
| Best Weapons | M249 light machine gun |
| Stat Priority | Awareness then positioning then aim |
| Core Gear | Rifle, bandages, medical kit |
| Key Mechanic | Logistics and fortification |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Stay behind the front, revive quickly, bandage before the squad moves
- Pairs well with M249 light machine gun
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Al Basrah urban map to learn Medic-specific mechanics
- Focus on Logistics and fortification. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize M249 light machine gun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Medic build guide for the optimal gear progression
Anti-Tank
The vehicle counter that denies armor with rockets and ambushes.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Hide on flanks, hit armor from the side, relocate after every shot |
| Best Weapons | TOW emplacement |
| Stat Priority | Positioning then timing then patience |
| Core Gear | RPG or guided launcher, rifle, mines |
| Key Mechanic | Combined arms vehicles |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Hide on flanks, hit armor from the side, relocate after every shot
- Pairs well with TOW emplacement
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Al Basrah urban map to learn Anti-Tank-specific mechanics
- Focus on Combined arms vehicles. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize TOW emplacement as your first major upgrade
- See our full Anti-Tank build guide for the optimal gear progression
Crewman and pilot
Crewman and pilot is a strong option in Squad.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Marksman rifles |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Proximity and radio voice |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Marksman rifles
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Al Basrah urban map to learn Crewman and pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on Proximity and radio voice. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Marksman rifles as your first major upgrade
- See our full Crewman and pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Rifleman 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
Squad Leader is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with M4 and AK service rifles for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Crewman and pilot 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
Anti-Tank shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Squad Guides
- Squad Squad Overview
- Squad Best Builds
- 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
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