Fatshark released Vermintide 2 on 8 March 2018 and it still runs on the same five heroes: Markus Kruber, Bardin Goreksson, Kerillian, Victor Saltzpyre and Sienna Fuegonasus. Each has four careers, three unlocked through levelling and one sold separately, which gives 20 loadouts built on one first person melee system. Difficulty climbs through Recruit, Veteran, Champion and Legend, with Cataclysm added by the Winds of Magic expansion in August 2019.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Markus Kruber | A | Balanced | Halberd | Yes |
| Bardin Goreksson | A | Balanced | Drakefire Pistols | Yes |
| Kerillian | A | Balanced | Dual Daggers | Yes |
| Victor Saltzpyre | A | Balanced | Rapier | Yes |
| Sienna Fuegonasus | A | Balanced | Conflagration Staff | Yes |
New player? Start with Bardin Goreksson. See our beginner's guide for why.
Markus Kruber
Markus Kruber is a strong option in Warhammer: Vermintide 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Halberd |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Temporary health from damage dealt |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Halberd
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Righteous Stand to learn Markus Kruber-specific mechanics
- Focus on Temporary health from damage dealt. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Halberd as your first major upgrade
- See our full Markus Kruber build guide for the optimal gear progression
Bardin Goreksson
Bardin Goreksson is a strong option in Warhammer: Vermintide 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Drakefire Pistols |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Stamina shields and push attacks |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Drakefire Pistols
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Righteous Stand to learn Bardin Goreksson-specific mechanics
- Focus on Stamina shields and push attacks. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Drakefire Pistols as your first major upgrade
- See our full Bardin Goreksson build guide for the optimal gear progression
Kerillian
Kerillian is a strong option in Warhammer: Vermintide 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Dual Daggers |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Dodge count per weapon |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Dual Daggers
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Righteous Stand to learn Kerillian-specific mechanics
- Focus on Dodge count per weapon. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Dual Daggers as your first major upgrade
- See our full Kerillian build guide for the optimal gear progression
Victor Saltzpyre
Victor Saltzpyre is a strong option in Warhammer: Vermintide 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Rapier |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Tomes and grimoires as loot penalties |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Rapier
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Righteous Stand to learn Victor Saltzpyre-specific mechanics
- Focus on Tomes and grimoires as loot penalties. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Rapier as your first major upgrade
- See our full Victor Saltzpyre build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sienna Fuegonasus
Sienna Fuegonasus is a strong option in Warhammer: Vermintide 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Conflagration Staff |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Specials and monster spawns |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Conflagration Staff
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Righteous Stand to learn Sienna Fuegonasus-specific mechanics
- Focus on Specials and monster spawns. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Conflagration Staff as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sienna Fuegonasus build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Bardin Goreksson 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
Markus Kruber is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Halberd for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Sienna Fuegonasus 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
Victor Saltzpyre shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Guides
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Overview
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Best Builds
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Tier List
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Walkthrough
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Beginner's Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Tips & Tricks
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Weapons Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Combat Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Boss Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Maps & Locations
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Warhammer: Vermintide 2, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Classes Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Classes Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Classes Guide: action game with similar mechanics
