Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based tactics game from Suspicious Developments (the Heat Signature developer) where modern-day wizards breach buildings and throw enemies out of windows. Every mission is a puzzle where you position your squad to chain knockbacks, exploit environmental kills, and defenestrate as many enemies as possible. The Confidence system lets you undo any move, encouraging experimentation without punishment. With sharp writing, a noir detective story, and mechanics designed around creative violence through window-based kills, TBW is one of the tightest tactical experiences in recent years.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zan | S | Open engagements by blasting groups toward windows, reposition for follow-up knockbacks. | Shotgun Spell | Moderate |
| Jen | S | Connect combos by pushing/pulling enemies into other characters' knockback zones or directly into windows. | Psychic Push | Moderate |
| Dessa | A | Stun and damage enemy clusters, prevent dangerous enemy abilities with stun, support knockback combos with positioning. | Lightning Bolt | Yes |
| Sterling | A | Position defensively to protect allies, use overwatch Shield Bash to knock enemies toward windows on their own turn. | Shield Bash | Yes |
| Lucille | A | Mark distant enemies from safety, combine curse damage with knockback kills, handle enemies outside knockback range. | Sniper Curse | Yes |
New player? Start with Jen — see our beginner's guide for why.
Zan
The protagonist — a breach mage with a Shotgun Spell that fires a wide knockback blast. Zan's abilities specialize in pushing multiple enemies simultaneously, setting up chain knockbacks. Her Shotgun Spell can push 2-3 enemies at once if lined up correctly. The strongest initiator for window combos.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Open engagements by blasting groups toward windows, reposition for follow-up knockbacks. |
| Best Equipment | Shotgun Spell |
| Stat Priority | Knockback range, AoE width, movement range |
| Core Gear | Shotgun Spell (upgraded for wider spread), Breach Charge, Movement upgrade |
| Key Mechanic | turn-based tactics |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Open engagements by blasting groups toward windows, reposition for follow-up knockbacks.
- Pairs well with Shotgun Spell
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Apartments to learn Zan-specific mechanics
- Focus on turn-based tactics — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Shotgun Spell as your first major upgrade
- See our full Zan build guide for the optimal gear progression
Jen
A psychic with targeted Push and Pull abilities. Jen can reposition any single enemy or ally precisely, making her the combo connector between other characters' knockbacks. Pull enemy toward a window, then Push to finish. Her flexibility makes her essential for complex multi-step combos.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Connect combos by pushing/pulling enemies into other characters' knockback zones or directly into windows. |
| Best Equipment | Psychic Push |
| Stat Priority | Ability range, push distance, action count |
| Core Gear | Psychic Push (upgraded range), Psychic Pull, Telekinetic Shield |
| Key Mechanic | spell combos |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Connect combos by pushing/pulling enemies into other characters' knockback zones or directly into windows.
- Pairs well with Psychic Push
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Apartments to learn Jen-specific mechanics
- Focus on spell combos — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Psychic Push as your first major upgrade
- See our full Jen build guide for the optimal gear progression
Dessa
A lightning mage whose Lightning Bolt chains between enemies standing near each other. Dessa handles clustered enemies that Zan and Jen can't reach with knockbacks. Her chain lightning also stuns, preventing enemy attacks on their turn. Best against rooms with grouped enemies.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Stun and damage enemy clusters, prevent dangerous enemy abilities with stun, support knockback combos with positioning. |
| Best Equipment | Lightning Bolt |
| Stat Priority | Chain damage, stun duration, AoE range |
| Core Gear | Lightning Bolt (chain upgrade), Storm Cloud, Stun enhancement |
| Key Mechanic | window defenestration |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Stun and damage enemy clusters, prevent dangerous enemy abilities with stun, support knockback combos with positioning.
- Pairs well with Lightning Bolt
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Apartments to learn Dessa-specific mechanics
- Focus on window defenestration — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Lightning Bolt as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dessa build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sterling
The tank with Shield Bash (overwatch knockback) and defensive abilities. Sterling protects fragile allies by intercepting enemy attacks during the enemy turn. His Shield Bash triggers on enemy movement, creating reactive knockback opportunities. Position Sterling between enemies and your squishy characters.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Position defensively to protect allies, use overwatch Shield Bash to knock enemies toward windows on their own turn. |
| Best Equipment | Shield Bash |
| Stat Priority | Overwatch range, knockback distance, HP |
| Core Gear | Shield Bash (overwatch), Guard ability, Defensive stance upgrade |
| Key Mechanic | confidence system |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Position defensively to protect allies, use overwatch Shield Bash to knock enemies toward windows on their own turn.
- Pairs well with Shield Bash
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Apartments to learn Sterling-specific mechanics
- Focus on confidence system — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Shield Bash as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sterling build guide for the optimal gear progression
Lucille
A sniper-curse mage with long-range targeted abilities. Lucille's Sniper Curse marks enemies, dealing delayed damage. Her range lets her cover positions other characters can't reach. The curse triggers at turn end, so marked enemies can still be knockbacked into windows before the curse procs.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Mark distant enemies from safety, combine curse damage with knockback kills, handle enemies outside knockback range. |
| Best Equipment | Sniper Curse |
| Stat Priority | Range, curse damage, mark duration |
| Core Gear | Sniper Curse (range upgrade), Hex Mark, Long-range enhancement |
| Key Mechanic | overwatch abilities |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Mark distant enemies from safety, combine curse damage with knockback kills, handle enemies outside knockback range.
- Pairs well with Sniper Curse
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Apartments to learn Lucille-specific mechanics
- Focus on overwatch abilities — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Sniper Curse as your first major upgrade
- See our full Lucille build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Jen 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
Zan is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Shotgun Spell for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Lucille 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
Sterling shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Tactical Breach Wizards Guides
- Tactical Breach Wizards Tactical Breach Wizards Overview
- Tactical Breach Wizards Best Builds
- Tactical Breach Wizards Tier List
- Tactical Breach Wizards Walkthrough
- Tactical Breach Wizards Beginner's Guide
- Tactical Breach Wizards Tips & Tricks
- Tactical Breach Wizards Weapons Guide
- Tactical Breach Wizards Combat Guide
- Tactical Breach Wizards Boss Guide
- Tactical Breach Wizards Maps & Locations
- Tactical Breach Wizards Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Tactical Breach Wizards, check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Classes Guide — strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide — strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide — strategy game with similar mechanics
