Tuxedo Labs put Teardown into Early Access on 29 October 2020 and shipped version 1.0 on 21 April 2022. Every wall, pipe and vehicle across its 40 mission campaign is built from destructible voxels, and the heists are designed around that fact. You get unlimited time to carve a route through a site, then 60 seconds to grab the loot and reach the escape vehicle once the alarm trips.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunnel Runner | A | Balanced | Sledgehammer | Yes |
| Plank Bridge Router | A | Balanced | Blowtorch | Yes |
| Vehicle Extractor | A | Balanced | Spray can | Yes |
| Explosive Demolisher | A | Balanced | Plank | Yes |
| Quiet Cutter | A | Balanced | Pipe bomb | Yes |
New player? Start with Plank Bridge Router. See our beginner's guide for why.
Tunnel Runner
Tunnel Runner is a strong option in Teardown.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Sledgehammer |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Unlimited preparation, 60 second escape |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Sledgehammer
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Löckelle Teardown Services to learn Tunnel Runner-specific mechanics
- Focus on Unlimited preparation, 60 second escape. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Sledgehammer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tunnel Runner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Plank Bridge Router
Plank Bridge Router is a strong option in Teardown.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Blowtorch |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Destruction that persists into the timer |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Blowtorch
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Löckelle Teardown Services to learn Plank Bridge Router-specific mechanics
- Focus on Destruction that persists into the timer. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Blowtorch as your first major upgrade
- See our full Plank Bridge Router build guide for the optimal gear progression
Vehicle Extractor
Vehicle Extractor is a strong option in Teardown.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Spray can |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Tool upgrades bought with heist money |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Spray can
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Löckelle Teardown Services to learn Vehicle Extractor-specific mechanics
- Focus on Tool upgrades bought with heist money. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Spray can as your first major upgrade
- See our full Vehicle Extractor build guide for the optimal gear progression
Explosive Demolisher
Explosive Demolisher is a strong option in Teardown.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Plank |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Vehicles as tools and as getaway |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Plank
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Löckelle Teardown Services to learn Explosive Demolisher-specific mechanics
- Focus on Vehicles as tools and as getaway. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Plank as your first major upgrade
- See our full Explosive Demolisher build guide for the optimal gear progression
Quiet Cutter
Quiet Cutter is a strong option in Teardown.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Pipe bomb |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Level editor with Lua scripting |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Pipe bomb
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Löckelle Teardown Services to learn Quiet Cutter-specific mechanics
- Focus on Level editor with Lua scripting. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Pipe bomb as your first major upgrade
- See our full Quiet Cutter build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Plank Bridge Router 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
Tunnel Runner is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Sledgehammer for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Quiet Cutter 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
Explosive Demolisher shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Teardown Guides
- Teardown Teardown Overview
- Teardown Best Builds
- Teardown Tier List
- Teardown Walkthrough
- Teardown Beginner's Guide
- Teardown Tips & Tricks
- Teardown Weapons Guide
- Teardown Combat Guide
- Teardown Boss Guide
- Teardown Maps & Locations
- Teardown Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Teardown, check out these related guides:
- Terraria Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- VRChat Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- Garry's Mod Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
