ULTRAKILL is a retro-styled FPS inspired by Quake, Devil May Cry, and classic arcade shooters. Set in the layers of Hell, you play as a machine fueled by blood, meaning aggressive play literally heals you. The style ranking system (D through ULTRAKILL) rewards varied combat, weapon swapping, and creative kills. Every weapon has multiple variants with distinct alt-fires, and the coin-flipping mechanic lets you redirect shots for trick kills. Currently in Early Access through Act 2, it's already considered one of the best boomer shooters ever made.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun Main | S | Grapple in with Whiplash, Core Eject into swap-cancel loops, punch for extra blood. | Piercer Revolver | Moderate |
| Railcannon Specialist | A | Open with railcannon on the biggest threat, coin-redirect for precision, swap to other weapons during cooldown. | Core Eject Shotgun | Yes |
| Coin Trickshotter | A | Toss coins constantly, chain shots through them for auto-aim headshots, maximize style rank. | Attractor Nailgun | Yes |
| Nailgun Shredder | B | Tag enemies with magnets, shred with nails, detonate overheat nails with shotgun blasts for explosions. | Malicious Railcannon | No |
| Rocket Surfer | B | Stay airborne with rocket jumps, rain down Firestarter rockets for area denial, shotgun for close encounters. | Firestarter Rocket Launcher | No |
New player? Start with Railcannon Specialist — see our beginner's guide for why.
Shotgun Main
Focuses on the Core Eject and Pump Charge shotgun variants for close-range devastation. Core Eject swap-canceling produces the highest sustained DPS in the game. The bread-and-butter approach that works on every encounter.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Grapple in with Whiplash, Core Eject into swap-cancel loops, punch for extra blood. |
| Best Weapons | Piercer Revolver |
| Stat Priority | Close-Range DPS, Swap Speed, Blood Healing |
| Core Gear | Core Eject Shotgun, Pump Charge Shotgun, Whiplash, Knuckleblaster |
| Key Mechanic | style ranking system |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Grapple in with Whiplash, Core Eject into swap-cancel loops, punch for extra blood.
- Pairs well with Piercer Revolver
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limbo to learn Shotgun Main-specific mechanics
- Focus on style ranking system — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Piercer Revolver as your first major upgrade
- See our full Shotgun Main build guide for the optimal gear progression
Railcannon Specialist
Uses Malicious and Electric railcannon variants to delete priority targets instantly. Railcannon shots bounced off coins deal double damage. Requires good target prioritization since railcannons have long cooldowns.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Open with railcannon on the biggest threat, coin-redirect for precision, swap to other weapons during cooldown. |
| Best Weapons | Core Eject Shotgun |
| Stat Priority | Burst Damage, Cooldown Management, Target Priority |
| Core Gear | Malicious Railcannon, Electric Railcannon, Marksman Revolver, Coins |
| Key Mechanic | blood healing |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Open with railcannon on the biggest threat, coin-redirect for precision, swap to other weapons during cooldown.
- Pairs well with Core Eject Shotgun
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limbo to learn Railcannon Specialist-specific mechanics
- Focus on blood healing — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Core Eject Shotgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Railcannon Specialist build guide for the optimal gear progression
Coin Trickshotter
Maximizes the coin mechanic for style points and guaranteed weak-point hits. Tossing multiple coins and shooting through them chains damage across the arena. The flashiest playstyle and the path to ULTRAKILL rank on style meter.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Toss coins constantly, chain shots through them for auto-aim headshots, maximize style rank. |
| Best Weapons | Attractor Nailgun |
| Stat Priority | Coin Accuracy, Style Meter, Multi-Target Damage |
| Core Gear | Marksman Revolver, Coins, Malicious Railcannon, Core Eject Shotgun |
| Key Mechanic | coin flipping |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Toss coins constantly, chain shots through them for auto-aim headshots, maximize style rank.
- Pairs well with Attractor Nailgun
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limbo to learn Coin Trickshotter-specific mechanics
- Focus on coin flipping — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Attractor Nailgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Coin Trickshotter build guide for the optimal gear progression
Nailgun Shredder
Uses Attractor and Overheat nailgun variants for sustained area damage. The Attractor nailgun's magnet pulls all nails toward a target, concentrating damage. Overheat nails create explosions when detonated by other weapons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Tag enemies with magnets, shred with nails, detonate overheat nails with shotgun blasts for explosions. |
| Best Weapons | Malicious Railcannon |
| Stat Priority | Sustained DPS, Area Coverage, Combo Damage |
| Core Gear | Attractor Nailgun, Overheat Nailgun, Shotgun (detonator), Whiplash |
| Key Mechanic | weapon swapping combos |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Tag enemies with magnets, shred with nails, detonate overheat nails with shotgun blasts for explosions.
- Pairs well with Malicious Railcannon
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limbo to learn Nailgun Shredder-specific mechanics
- Focus on weapon swapping combos — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Malicious Railcannon as your first major upgrade
- See our full Nailgun Shredder build guide for the optimal gear progression
Rocket Surfer
Incorporates rocket launcher movement tech into combat. Rocket surfing provides unmatched air mobility while Firestarter rockets leave persistent fire zones. The most mobile build but requires precise rocket aim to not self-damage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Stay airborne with rocket jumps, rain down Firestarter rockets for area denial, shotgun for close encounters. |
| Best Weapons | Firestarter Rocket Launcher |
| Stat Priority | Air Mobility, Area Denial, Rocket Accuracy |
| Core Gear | Firestarter Rocket Launcher, Freezeframe Rocket Launcher, Shotgun, Whiplash |
| Key Mechanic | movement tech |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Stay airborne with rocket jumps, rain down Firestarter rockets for area denial, shotgun for close encounters.
- Pairs well with Firestarter Rocket Launcher
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limbo to learn Rocket Surfer-specific mechanics
- Focus on movement tech — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Firestarter Rocket Launcher as your first major upgrade
- See our full Rocket Surfer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Railcannon Specialist 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
Shotgun Main is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Piercer Revolver for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Rocket Surfer 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
Nailgun Shredder shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More ULTRAKILL Guides
- ULTRAKILL ULTRAKILL Overview
- ULTRAKILL Best Builds
- ULTRAKILL Tier List
- ULTRAKILL Walkthrough
- ULTRAKILL Beginner's Guide
- ULTRAKILL Tips & Tricks
- ULTRAKILL Weapons Guide
- ULTRAKILL Combat Guide
- ULTRAKILL Boss Guide
- ULTRAKILL Maps & Locations
- ULTRAKILL Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- Apex Legends Classes Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Classes Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
