Red Barrels took the Outlast formula into co-op with The Outlast Trials, which left Early Access on March 5, 2024. You play a Reagent, a Cold War era test subject processed by the Murkoff Corporation inside the Sinyala Facility and pushed through therapy sessions that are really survival gauntlets. You never get a gun: your entire kit is one Rig, a few throwables, and night vision goggles that eat batteries.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stun controller | A | Balanced | Brick | Yes |
| X-Ray scout | A | Balanced | Bottle | Yes |
| Heal anchor | A | Balanced | Lockpick | Yes |
| Blind trapper | A | Balanced | Antidote | Yes |
| Solo objective runner | A | Balanced | Night vision goggles | Yes |
New player? Start with X-Ray scout. See our beginner's guide for why.
Stun controller
Stun controller is a strong option in The Outlast Trials.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Brick |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Rig abilities |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Brick
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Police Station to learn Stun controller-specific mechanics
- Focus on Rig abilities. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Brick as your first major upgrade
- See our full Stun controller build guide for the optimal gear progression
X-Ray scout
X-Ray scout is a strong option in The Outlast Trials.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Bottle |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Sanity and psychosis |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Bottle
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Police Station to learn X-Ray scout-specific mechanics
- Focus on Sanity and psychosis. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Bottle as your first major upgrade
- See our full X-Ray scout build guide for the optimal gear progression
Heal anchor
Heal anchor is a strong option in The Outlast Trials.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Lockpick |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Night vision battery drain |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Lockpick
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Police Station to learn Heal anchor-specific mechanics
- Focus on Night vision battery drain. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Lockpick as your first major upgrade
- See our full Heal anchor build guide for the optimal gear progression
Blind trapper
Blind trapper is a strong option in The Outlast Trials.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Antidote |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Prescriptions and Amps |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Antidote
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Police Station to learn Blind trapper-specific mechanics
- Focus on Prescriptions and Amps. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Antidote as your first major upgrade
- See our full Blind trapper build guide for the optimal gear progression
Solo objective runner
Solo objective runner is a strong option in The Outlast Trials.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Night vision goggles |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Release tokens |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Night vision goggles
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Police Station to learn Solo objective runner-specific mechanics
- Focus on Release tokens. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Night vision goggles as your first major upgrade
- See our full Solo objective runner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
X-Ray scout 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
Stun controller is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Brick for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Solo objective runner 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
Blind trapper shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More The Outlast Trials Guides
- The Outlast Trials The Outlast Trials Overview
- The Outlast Trials Best Builds
- The Outlast Trials Tier List
- The Outlast Trials Walkthrough
- The Outlast Trials Beginner's Guide
- The Outlast Trials Tips & Tricks
- The Outlast Trials Weapons Guide
- The Outlast Trials Combat Guide
- The Outlast Trials Boss Guide
- The Outlast Trials Maps & Locations
- The Outlast Trials Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy The Outlast Trials, check out these related guides:
- Phasmophobia Classes Guide: horror game with similar mechanics
- Lethal Company Classes Guide: horror game with similar mechanics
- Dead by Daylight Classes Guide: horror game with similar mechanics
