Starship Troopers: Extermination is a 16-player co-op FPS where you fight waves of Arachnid bugs on hostile alien planets, build fortifications, and extract before being overwhelmed. Based on the cult classic film franchise, it captures the desperate, outnumbered feeling of infantry combat against an alien swarm. The base building mid-mission creates a unique loop where you gather resources, construct walls and bunkers, then defend against increasingly massive bug assaults. The game left Early Access in late 2024 with five classes, multiple maps, and the full extraction gameplay loop.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | S | Rush to bug holes while team provides cover, plant charges, seal holes to reduce wave intensity. | Morita Mk1 Rifle | Moderate |
| Bastion | A | Set up at chokepoints, deploy shields during heavy waves, use Siege Mode during extraction defense. | Morita Mk3 SAW | Yes |
| Operator | A | Stay near the team, deploy supplies proactively at defense positions, prioritize repairing walls during waves. | TW-102s Sniper | Yes |
| Demolisher | A | Save explosives for Tiger and Tanker spawns, use grenades to clear dense Warrior packs at chokepoints. | Chi-Hong Grenade Launcher | Yes |
| Sniper | B | Maintain distance, prioritize Gunner bugs threatening the team, switch to backup weapon during extraction. | Morita Hawkeye | No |
New player? Start with Bastion — see our beginner's guide for why.
Hunter
The most important class for mission success because only Hunters can permanently close bug holes, stopping reinforcements. Their scan ability reveals bug hole locations through terrain. Teams without a Hunter face endless spawns.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Rush to bug holes while team provides cover, plant charges, seal holes to reduce wave intensity. |
| Best Weapons | Morita Mk1 Rifle |
| Stat Priority | Mobility, Ammo Capacity, Scan Range |
| Core Gear | Morita Mk1 Rifle, Bug Hole Charges, Scanner |
| Key Mechanic | base building |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Rush to bug holes while team provides cover, plant charges, seal holes to reduce wave intensity.
- Pairs well with Morita Mk1 Rifle
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Valaka to learn Hunter-specific mechanics
- Focus on base building — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Morita Mk1 Rifle as your first major upgrade
- See our full Hunter build guide for the optimal gear progression
Bastion
The defensive anchor deploying portable shields and heavy weapon emplacements. The Bastion's shield dome protects the team during extraction and creates safe zones for reviving. Siege Mode locks them in place but doubles damage output.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Set up at chokepoints, deploy shields during heavy waves, use Siege Mode during extraction defense. |
| Best Weapons | Morita Mk3 SAW |
| Stat Priority | Armor, Shield Duration, Ammo Capacity |
| Core Gear | Morita Mk3 SAW, Deployable Shield, Siege Mode Kit |
| Key Mechanic | horde defense |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Set up at chokepoints, deploy shields during heavy waves, use Siege Mode during extraction defense.
- Pairs well with Morita Mk3 SAW
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Valaka to learn Bastion-specific mechanics
- Focus on horde defense — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Morita Mk3 SAW as your first major upgrade
- See our full Bastion build guide for the optimal gear progression
Operator
The support class keeping the team supplied with ammo crates and health stations. Operators are the difference between running dry during extraction and having enough ammo to survive. Their repair tool fixes damaged walls faster than any other class.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Stay near the team, deploy supplies proactively at defense positions, prioritize repairing walls during waves. |
| Best Weapons | TW-102s Sniper |
| Stat Priority | Cooldown Reduction, Supply Capacity, Repair Speed |
| Core Gear | Morita Mk1 Rifle, Ammo Crate, Health Station, Repair Tool |
| Key Mechanic | class roles |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Stay near the team, deploy supplies proactively at defense positions, prioritize repairing walls during waves.
- Pairs well with TW-102s Sniper
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Valaka to learn Operator-specific mechanics
- Focus on class roles — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize TW-102s Sniper as your first major upgrade
- See our full Operator build guide for the optimal gear progression
Demolisher
Anti-heavy specialist with explosives that deal massive damage to Tigers and Tankers. The grenade launcher strips Tanker armor in 2-3 hits. Without Demolishers, heavy bugs overwhelm defenses by soaking up too much ammo.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Save explosives for Tiger and Tanker spawns, use grenades to clear dense Warrior packs at chokepoints. |
| Best Weapons | Chi-Hong Grenade Launcher |
| Stat Priority | Explosive Damage, Ammo Capacity, Reload Speed |
| Core Gear | Chi-Hong Grenade Launcher, C4 Charges, Rocket Launcher |
| Key Mechanic | extraction gameplay |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Save explosives for Tiger and Tanker spawns, use grenades to clear dense Warrior packs at chokepoints.
- Pairs well with Chi-Hong Grenade Launcher
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Valaka to learn Demolisher-specific mechanics
- Focus on extraction gameplay — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Chi-Hong Grenade Launcher as your first major upgrade
- See our full Demolisher build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sniper
Long-range specialist effective against Gunner bugs and priority targets but less useful during close-range extraction defense. The TW-102s one-shots Warriors and two-shots Gunners. Less impactful than other classes in tight quarters.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Maintain distance, prioritize Gunner bugs threatening the team, switch to backup weapon during extraction. |
| Best Weapons | Morita Hawkeye |
| Stat Priority | Damage, Range, Reload Speed |
| Core Gear | TW-102s Sniper Rifle, Morita Hawkeye (backup), Rangefinder |
| Key Mechanic | bug types |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Maintain distance, prioritize Gunner bugs threatening the team, switch to backup weapon during extraction.
- Pairs well with Morita Hawkeye
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Valaka to learn Sniper-specific mechanics
- Focus on bug types — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Morita Hawkeye as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sniper build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Bastion 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
Hunter is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Morita Mk1 Rifle for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Sniper 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
Demolisher shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Starship Troopers: Extermination Guides
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Starship Troopers: Extermination Overview
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Best Builds
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Tier List
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Walkthrough
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Beginner's Guide
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Tips & Tricks
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Weapons Guide
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Combat Guide
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Boss Guide
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Maps & Locations
- Starship Troopers: Extermination Crafting Guide
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