The Finals is a free-to-play team-based FPS built around a fully destructible environment powered by Embark Studios' proprietary tech. Three body types — Light, Medium, and Heavy — offer distinct playstyles with unique abilities and weapon pools. The core game mode, Cashout, tasks teams with stealing vaults and depositing them at cashout stations while defending against other squads. What sets The Finals apart is that every wall, floor, and ceiling can be destroyed, meaning no position is truly safe and creative destruction is the meta.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Build | A | Flank, steal cashouts, assassinate then disengage before the team collapses on you. | M60 (Heavy) | Yes |
| Medium Build | S | Stay with the team, heal the Heavy, revive with Defib, control areas with gadgets. | AKM (Medium) | Moderate |
| Heavy Build | S | Lead pushes into cashout sites, shield the team, C4 floors under enemy teams. | XP-54 (Light) | Moderate |
| Support Medium | S | Pocket-heal the Heavy, Defib downed teammates instantly, maintain safe positioning. | Lewis Gun (Heavy) | Moderate |
| Aggressive Light | B | Close distance instantly with Dash, stun and melee kill, escape before retaliation. | FCAR (Medium) | No |
New player? Start with Medium Build — see our beginner's guide for why.
Light Build
Glass cannon focused on flanking, stealing cashouts, and assassinating isolated targets. 150 HP means you die fast if caught, but Cloaking Device and Grappling Hook provide unmatched mobility. Best for skilled aimers who can win duels quickly.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Flank, steal cashouts, assassinate then disengage before the team collapses on you. |
| Best Weapons | M60 (Heavy) |
| Stat Priority | Mobility, Stealth, Burst Damage |
| Core Gear | XP-54, Cloaking Device, Grappling Hook, Breach Charge, Smoke Grenade |
| Key Mechanic | destruction system |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Flank, steal cashouts, assassinate then disengage before the team collapses on you.
- Pairs well with M60 (Heavy)
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Monaco to learn Light Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on destruction system — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize M60 (Heavy) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Light Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Medium Build
The most versatile class with access to the Healing Beam, Recon Senses, and the best all-around weapons. Every team needs at least one Medium. The AKM and FCAR are top-tier weapons that outperform most options at mid-range.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Stay with the team, heal the Heavy, revive with Defib, control areas with gadgets. |
| Best Weapons | AKM (Medium) |
| Stat Priority | Healing Output, Mid-Range Accuracy, Utility |
| Core Gear | AKM or FCAR, Healing Beam, Defibrillator, Jump Pad, Gas Grenade |
| Key Mechanic | cashout objectives |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Stay with the team, heal the Heavy, revive with Defib, control areas with gadgets.
- Pairs well with AKM (Medium)
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Monaco to learn Medium Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on cashout objectives — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize AKM (Medium) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Medium Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Heavy Build
The anchor of any team with 350 HP, Dome Shield, and devastating close-range damage. C4 destroys structures instantly and the Charge 'N' Slam creates chaos in cashout fights. Slow but nearly unkillable with Medium support.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Lead pushes into cashout sites, shield the team, C4 floors under enemy teams. |
| Best Weapons | XP-54 (Light) |
| Stat Priority | Health Pool, Area Denial, Destruction Capability |
| Core Gear | M60 or Lewis Gun, Dome Shield, C4, RPG, Barricade |
| Key Mechanic | class-based combat |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Lead pushes into cashout sites, shield the team, C4 floors under enemy teams.
- Pairs well with XP-54 (Light)
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Monaco to learn Heavy Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on class-based combat — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize XP-54 (Light) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Heavy Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Support Medium
Dedicated healing and utility Medium that prioritizes keeping the team alive over personal kills. Healing Beam plus Defibrillator makes your team nearly impossible to wipe. The backbone of competitive play.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Pocket-heal the Heavy, Defib downed teammates instantly, maintain safe positioning. |
| Best Weapons | Lewis Gun (Heavy) |
| Stat Priority | Healing Uptime, Positioning, Revive Speed |
| Core Gear | FCAR, Healing Beam, Defibrillator, Jump Pad, APS Turret |
| Key Mechanic | gadget synergies |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Pocket-heal the Heavy, Defib downed teammates instantly, maintain safe positioning.
- Pairs well with Lewis Gun (Heavy)
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Monaco to learn Support Medium-specific mechanics
- Focus on gadget synergies — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Lewis Gun (Heavy) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Support Medium build guide for the optimal gear progression
Aggressive Light
High-risk Light build that uses Dash and Stun Gun to rush enemies directly. Incredibly lethal against isolated targets but folds against coordinated teams. Feast or famine playstyle that requires exceptional game sense.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Close distance instantly with Dash, stun and melee kill, escape before retaliation. |
| Best Weapons | FCAR (Medium) |
| Stat Priority | Close-Range Burst, Mobility, Escape Options |
| Core Gear | Dagger or Sword, Dash, Stun Gun, Breach Charge, Thermal Vision |
| Key Mechanic | environmental manipulation |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Close distance instantly with Dash, stun and melee kill, escape before retaliation.
- Pairs well with FCAR (Medium)
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Monaco to learn Aggressive Light-specific mechanics
- Focus on environmental manipulation — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize FCAR (Medium) as your first major upgrade
- See our full Aggressive Light build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Medium Build 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
Light Build is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with M60 (Heavy) for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Aggressive Light 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
Support Medium shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More The Finals Guides
- The Finals The Finals Overview
- The Finals Best Builds
- The Finals Tier List
- The Finals Walkthrough
- The Finals Beginner's Guide
- The Finals Tips & Tricks
- The Finals Weapons Guide
- The Finals Combat Guide
- The Finals Boss Guide
- The Finals Maps & Locations
- The Finals Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy The Finals, check out these related guides:
- Counter-Strike 2 Classes Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Apex Legends Classes Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Classes Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
