Streets of Rogue is a roguelite that plays like a top-down immersive sim — every level objective can be completed through combat, stealth, hacking, social manipulation, or pure chaos. Playing as a Gorilla lets you smash through walls, a Hacker opens electronic doors without keys, and a Vampire bites NPCs to convert them. The game's emergent systems interact hilariously: hack a ventilation system to release poison gas, hire a gang to attack a building, or just bribe everyone. With local/online co-op for up to 4 players, Streets of Rogue multiplies the chaos exponentially.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier | A | Shoot everything, tank damage with armor, complete objectives through combat elimination. | Pistol | Yes |
| Doctor | A | Heal NPCs for social credits, use favors to bypass security, avoid combat entirely. | Sledgehammer | Yes |
| Hacker | S | Hack every terminal, disable security, open locked doors remotely, avoid direct confrontation. | Tranquilizer | Moderate |
| Gorilla | S | Smash through walls to reach objectives directly, intimidate NPCs, punch through problems literally. | Boombox | Moderate |
| Vampire | A | Bite NPCs to convert and heal, build an army of converted allies, stay out of sunlight. | Banana Peel | Yes |
New player? Start with Doctor — see our beginner's guide for why.
Soldier
The straightforward combat class with weapon proficiency and extra HP. Soldiers solve problems with firepower. Starting with a machine gun and grenades, they clear objectives through raw force. Simple but effective for players who prefer action over stealth.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Shoot everything, tank damage with armor, complete objectives through combat elimination. |
| Best Equipment | Pistol |
| Stat Priority | Damage, HP, Accuracy |
| Core Gear | Machine Gun, Grenades, Armor, Ammo supply |
| Key Mechanic | class abilities |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Shoot everything, tank damage with armor, complete objectives through combat elimination.
- Pairs well with Pistol
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Slums to learn Soldier-specific mechanics
- Focus on class abilities — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Pistol as your first major upgrade
- See our full Soldier build guide for the optimal gear progression
Doctor
The social manipulation class — heal NPCs to gain favor, which opens doors and grants free access. Doctors can cure poisoned NPCs and remove debuffs, making everyone friendly. The most pacifist-viable class in the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Heal NPCs for social credits, use favors to bypass security, avoid combat entirely. |
| Best Equipment | Sledgehammer |
| Stat Priority | Social skills, healing items, stealth |
| Core Gear | Healing items, Chloroform, First Aid Kit |
| Key Mechanic | NPC interaction |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Heal NPCs for social credits, use favors to bypass security, avoid combat entirely.
- Pairs well with Sledgehammer
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Slums to learn Doctor-specific mechanics
- Focus on NPC interaction — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Sledgehammer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Doctor build guide for the optimal gear progression
Hacker
Hacking opens electronic doors, disables security systems, and controls automated defenses remotely. The Hacker bypasses most obstacles without alerting anyone. In a world full of electronic locks, the Hacker has the master key to everything.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Hack every terminal, disable security, open locked doors remotely, avoid direct confrontation. |
| Best Equipment | Tranquilizer |
| Stat Priority | Hacking speed, stealth, electronics manipulation |
| Core Gear | Laptop, Hacking tools, EMP grenades |
| Key Mechanic | environmental manipulation |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Hack every terminal, disable security, open locked doors remotely, avoid direct confrontation.
- Pairs well with Tranquilizer
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Slums to learn Hacker-specific mechanics
- Focus on environmental manipulation — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Tranquilizer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Hacker build guide for the optimal gear progression
Gorilla
A literal gorilla who can't talk to NPCs but can smash through any wall, intimidate enemies into fleeing, and overpower anyone in melee. The Gorilla's wall-breaking ability creates unique paths through every level that other classes can't access.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Smash through walls to reach objectives directly, intimidate NPCs, punch through problems literally. |
| Best Equipment | Boombox |
| Stat Priority | Melee damage, wall-breaking speed, HP |
| Core Gear | Fists (devastating melee), wall-breaking ability, banana (healing) |
| Key Mechanic | multiplayer chaos |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Smash through walls to reach objectives directly, intimidate NPCs, punch through problems literally.
- Pairs well with Boombox
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Slums to learn Gorilla-specific mechanics
- Focus on multiplayer chaos — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Boombox as your first major upgrade
- See our full Gorilla build guide for the optimal gear progression
Vampire
Vampires bite NPCs to convert them into allies and heal. They're weak in sunlight but devastating at night or indoors. Converting key NPCs (guards, gang members) gives you an army. The Vampire plays like a social domination class through biting rather than talking.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Bite NPCs to convert and heal, build an army of converted allies, stay out of sunlight. |
| Best Equipment | Banana Peel |
| Stat Priority | Bite speed, ally management, indoor positioning |
| Core Gear | Bite ability (conversion + healing), darkness preference, converted allies |
| Key Mechanic | mutator system |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Bite NPCs to convert and heal, build an army of converted allies, stay out of sunlight.
- Pairs well with Banana Peel
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Slums to learn Vampire-specific mechanics
- Focus on mutator system — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Banana Peel as your first major upgrade
- See our full Vampire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Doctor 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
Soldier is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Pistol for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Vampire 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
Gorilla shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Streets of Rogue Guides
- Streets of Rogue Streets of Rogue Overview
- Streets of Rogue Best Builds
- Streets of Rogue Tier List
- Streets of Rogue Walkthrough
- Streets of Rogue Beginner's Guide
- Streets of Rogue Tips & Tricks
- Streets of Rogue Weapons Guide
- Streets of Rogue Combat Guide
- Streets of Rogue Boss Guide
- Streets of Rogue Maps & Locations
- Streets of Rogue Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Streets of Rogue, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
