Introduction to Classes in Enshrouded
Enshrouded features 12 unique classes, each with its own powers and drawbacks. Making the correct choice can be complicated, especially for new players. The difference between choosing the best class and a challenging one can mean the difference between a hard game and an impossible one.
This comprehensive tier list presents the most efficient classes in Enshrouded, showing which classes are the best and which ones to choose if you want more challenging gameplay.
Complete Tier List Overview
Here’s the complete ranking of all 12 classes in Enshrouded:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Battlemage, Tank, Survivor, Warrior |
| A-Tier | Barbarian, Ranger, Wizard |
| B-Tier | Athlete, Healer |
| C-Tier | Assassin, Trickster |
| D-Tier | Beastmaster |
S-Tier Classes (Best)
These are the most powerful and versatile classes in Enshrouded, recommended for both beginners and experienced players.
Battlemage
Playstyle: Magic Caster with Defensive Capabilities
Why S-Tier:
- Excellent for players who like using magic staves and wands
- Unlocks Tank abilities during leveling progression
- Solves the traditional spellcaster weakness
Key Strengths:
- High magic damage output
- Access to tanking abilities (unique for casters)
- Spellcasting classes usually have minimal Constitution
- Battlemage’s tank abilities make gameplay much easier
- Versatile hybrid build potential
Best For:
- Players who want magic damage with survivability
- Those who enjoy hybrid playstyles
- Anyone wanting a powerful all-around character
Recommended Build:
- Focus on Intelligence for spell power
- Invest in Constitution through tank abilities
- Balance offensive magic with defensive skills
Tank
Playstyle: Close-Combat Damage Absorber
Why S-Tier:
- Hard to avoid fighting close-up in Enshrouded
- Ability to take massive amounts of damage is invaluable
- Essential for group play
Key Strengths:
- Extremely high survivability
- Can direct enemies’ attacks in multiplayer
- Protects teammates effectively
- Thrives in the dangerous Enshrouded world
- Excellent for learning game mechanics safely
Best For:
- New players wanting survivability
- Multiplayer team protectors
- Players who prefer melee combat
- Anyone struggling with survival
Multiplayer Role:
- Aggro management - Draw enemy attention
- Team protection - Shield allies from damage
- Frontline fighter - Lead the charge safely
Survivor
Playstyle: Versatile Survival Specialist
Why S-Tier:
- Perfect for a survival game like Enshrouded
- Skill set grants numerous bonuses to skills and stats
- Excellent quality-of-life improvements
Key Strengths:
- Lower stamina consumption - Do more with less
- Double jump - Superior mobility
- Increased speed - Faster movement
- Multiple stat bonuses
- Well-rounded for all situations
Best For:
- Players who value mobility and efficiency
- Exploration-focused playstyles
- Resource gathering optimization
- Balanced gameplay approach
Unique Benefits:
- Stamina efficiency means longer fights and exploration
- Movement bonuses help with Shroud navigation
- Quality-of-life skills improve overall experience
Warrior
Playstyle: Pure Melee Damage Dealer
Why S-Tier:
- “Choosing violence” - Direct and effective
- Focused on close combat with weapons
- Excellent first choice for Enshrouded
Key Strengths:
- High physical damage output
- Skills improve damage-dealing properties
- Makes you stronger and faster
- Straightforward and powerful
- Great for aggressive playstyles
Best For:
- Beginners wanting a simple, effective class
- Players who enjoy melee combat
- Aggressive, offensive-focused gameplay
- Those who want high damage without complexity
Skill Focus:
- Strength-based abilities
- Attack speed improvements
- Critical hit enhancements
- Direct damage increases
A-Tier Classes (Excellent)
Strong classes that excel in specific roles but may have minor limitations compared to S-Tier.
Barbarian
Playstyle: Two-Handed Weapon Specialist
Class Type: Warrior subclass
Why A-Tier:
- Impressive damage dealer
- Can stun opponents with powerful hits
- Two-handed weapon mastery
Key Strengths:
- Extremely high single-target damage
- Skills reduce opponents’ defense stats
- Devastating blows that shatter enemy armor
- Crowd control through stuns
- Best pure damage output
Best For:
- Players who want maximum damage
- Two-handed weapon enthusiasts
- Aggressive solo play
- Boss encounters
Tradeoff:
- Less defensive than Tank
- Requires good positioning
- Two-handed weapons slower than one-handed
Ranger
Playstyle: Ranged Damage from Distance
Why A-Tier:
- Excellent for dealing with enemies from a distance
- Never reveal yourself to enemies
- High precision gameplay
Key Strengths:
- Precision - Accurate long-range attacks
- Swift movement - Excellent mobility
- Safe engagement distance
- Stealth-focused approach
- Requires patience (rewarding gameplay)
Best For:
- Players who prefer ranged combat
- Tactical, patient playstyles
- Solo exploration with safety
- Avoiding direct confrontation
Playstyle Requirements:
- Good aim and precision
- Understanding of enemy patterns
- Patience for positioning
- Awareness of surroundings
Wizard
Playstyle: Pure Spellcaster
Why A-Tier:
- Powerful spellcaster with diverse magic
- Magic spells based on natural forces and dark magic
- High damage potential
Key Strengths:
- Extremely high magic damage
- Wide variety of spells
- Natural and dark magic options
- Powerful late-game scaling
- Diverse elemental attacks
Main Weakness:
- Hard to survive starting levels
- Low Constitution initially
- Fragile in early game
- Requires careful play until stronger
Best For:
- Experienced players
- Those willing to struggle early for late-game power
- Pure magic enthusiasts
- Players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward
Progression Tip:
- Survive early levels carefully
- Becomes extremely powerful mid-to-late game
- Invest in survivability skills first
- Partner with Tank in multiplayer
B-Tier Classes (Good)
Solid classes that work well but have notable limitations or require specific playstyles.
Athlete
Playstyle: Jack of All Trades
Why B-Tier:
- Most well-rounded class
- Lots of useful abilities
- Cannot specialize effectively
Key Strengths:
- Versatile in all situations
- No major weaknesses
- Good at everything
- Easy to play
- Flexible skill options
Main Weakness:
- Cannot be specialists
- Master of none
- Outperformed by focused classes in their specialties
- Less powerful late-game
Best For:
- Players who want to try everything
- Undecided playstyle preferences
- Casual gameplay
- Learning the game
Tradeoff:
- Versatility vs Power
- Good at everything, great at nothing
Healer
Playstyle: Support and Healing Specialist
Why B-Tier:
- Focused on healing (as expected)
- Extremely useful in multiplayer
- Nightmare for solo play
Key Strengths:
- Essential in group play
- Keeps team alive
- Support-focused abilities
- Team synergy
- Valuable in difficult content
Main Weakness:
- Low damage output
- Solo play is extremely challenging
- Struggles alone
- Dependent on teammates
Best For:
- Dedicated multiplayer players
- Support role enthusiasts
- Playing with friends
- Team-based gameplay
Not Recommended For:
- Solo players
- Those who play alone frequently
- Players wanting self-sufficiency
C-Tier Classes (Situational)
These classes have very specific niches and struggle outside their specialization.
Assassin
Playstyle: Exploding Arrow Specialist
Why C-Tier:
- Extremely specific weapon focus
- Made for exploding arrows
- Opposite of Athlete (hyper-specialized)
- Significantly lower tier than versatile classes
Key Issues:
- Too specialized in one weapon type
- Limited usefulness outside exploding arrows
- Lacks versatility
- Situational power
Best For:
- Players who love exploding arrows specifically
- Niche playstyle enthusiasts
- Challenge seekers
- Experimentation
Problem:
- Specificity limits effectiveness
- Hard to justify over higher-tier classes
- Requires commitment to one playstyle
Trickster
Playstyle: Damage Reflection Specialist
Why C-Tier:
- Interesting concept that doesn’t work well in practice
- Main strength: reflects damage to enemies
- Better on paper than in execution
Key Issues:
- Reflection mechanic less useful than expected
- Doesn’t work well compared to other classes
- Situational effectiveness
- Requires enemies to hit you (dangerous)
Best For:
- Players wanting unique mechanics
- Those who enjoy reflection builds
- Experimentation
- Challenge runs
Problem:
- Great concept, poor execution
- Other classes simply more effective
- Risky playstyle for minimal reward
D-Tier Classes (Weakest)
The least effective class in Enshrouded with significant limitations.
Beastmaster
Playstyle: Beast Communication Specialist
Why D-Tier:
- Relies too heavily on one ability (beast communication)
- Ability to communicate with beasts not very useful
- Not usable in many situations
Key Issues:
- Beast communication has limited applications
- Too dependent on situational mechanic
- Beasts not common enough to justify specialization
- Other abilities underwhelming
- Weakest overall performance
Best For:
- Completionists trying all classes
- Extreme challenge seekers
- Players who want the hardest experience
- Novelty playthroughs
Recommendation:
- Avoid for first playthrough
- Not beginner-friendly
- Better classes available for every playstyle
Class Selection Guide
For Beginners:
Top Recommendations:
- Warrior - Simple, effective, powerful
- Tank - Survivable, forgiving, safe
- Survivor - Quality-of-life, versatile, mobile
Avoid:
- Wizard (difficult early game)
- Healer (solo nightmare)
- Beastmaster (weakest class)
For Experienced Players:
Consider:
- Battlemage - Hybrid power
- Wizard - High skill ceiling
- Barbarian - Maximum damage
- Ranger - Precision gameplay
For Multiplayer:
Essential Roles:
- Tank - Protect team
- Healer - Keep team alive
- Warrior/Barbarian - Damage dealers
- Ranger/Wizard - Ranged support
For Solo Play:
Best Solo Classes:
- Survivor - Self-sufficient
- Battlemage - Versatile and safe
- Warrior - Strong and reliable
- Tank - Unkillable
Avoid Solo:
- Healer (low damage)
- Beastmaster (weak overall)
Build Synergies
Best Class Combinations (Multiplayer):
Team 1: Balanced
- Tank (frontline)
- Healer (support)
- Ranger (ranged DPS)
- Warrior (melee DPS)
Team 2: Damage-Focused
- Battlemage (hybrid tank/DPS)
- Barbarian (melee DPS)
- Wizard (magic DPS)
- Ranger (ranged DPS)
Duo Play:
- Tank + Healer (unkillable)
- Warrior + Ranger (balanced)
- Battlemage + Wizard (magic power)
Tips by Class
S-Tier Class Tips:
Battlemage:
- Unlock tank abilities early
- Balance Intelligence and Constitution
- Use magic at range, tank when needed
Tank:
- Focus Constitution and defensive skills
- Learn aggro management in multiplayer
- Don’t neglect some damage output
Survivor:
- Maximize mobility skills first
- Use stamina efficiency for everything
- Explore more with movement bonuses
Warrior:
- Prioritize damage-increasing skills
- Attack speed and crit chance
- Straightforward power progression
A-Tier Class Tips:
Barbarian:
- Master two-handed weapon timing
- Use stuns tactically
- Positioning is crucial
Ranger:
- Practice headshots
- Keep distance from enemies
- Use terrain to your advantage
Wizard:
- Survive early levels carefully
- Invest in survivability first
- Scales extremely well late-game
Common Mistakes by Class
Battlemage:
- Ignoring tank abilities (use them!)
- Pure magic focus (be hybrid)
- Not balancing stats
Tank:
- Zero damage investment (need some)
- Playing solo too passively
- Forgetting you can still attack
Wizard:
- Playing too aggressively early
- Not investing in survivability
- Giving up before late game
Healer:
- Trying to solo extensively
- Not playing in groups
- Expecting high damage
Beastmaster:
- Choosing this class at all (seriously)
- Expecting beast mechanics to be useful
- Not rerolling to a better class
Can You Change Classes?
Important Note: Check if Enshrouded allows class respeccing or changing. If you’re unhappy with your choice, you may need to:
- Create a new character
- Find respec options (if available)
- Use skill point resets (check game mechanics)
Recommendation: Choose carefully, but don’t be afraid to restart if not enjoying your class.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Classes:
- Battlemage - Best hybrid versatility
- Survivor - Best quality-of-life
- Tank - Best survivability
- Warrior - Best for beginners
Safest First Choice:
Warrior - Simple, effective, powerful, and perfect for learning the game.
Most Fun:
Battlemage - Combines magic and melee, most versatile gameplay.
Hardest Challenge:
Beastmaster - If you want extreme difficulty.
Best for Each Playstyle:
- Melee: Warrior or Barbarian
- Ranged: Ranger
- Magic: Battlemage or Wizard
- Tank: Tank
- Support: Healer
- Versatile: Survivor or Athlete
- Solo: Survivor or Battlemage
- Multiplayer: Tank or Healer
Conclusion
Enshrouded’s 12 classes offer diverse playstyles, but they are not equally balanced. The S-Tier classes (Battlemage, Tank, Survivor, Warrior) provide the best combination of power, versatility, and usability. Choose based on your preferred playstyle, but don’t hesitate to pick a top-tier class for your first playthrough.
Quick Picks:
- New to the game? Choose Warrior
- Want versatility? Choose Battlemage or Survivor
- Playing with friends? Choose Tank or Healer
- Like magic? Choose Battlemage over Wizard (easier start)
- Pure damage? Choose Barbarian
- Range combat? Choose Ranger
Avoid Beastmaster unless you want a real challenge!
Related Guides
- Best Skills to Unlock First
- Beginner’s Guide to Enshrouded
- How to Survive in the Shroud
- Ancient Spire Quest Guide
Related Guides
Best Skills to Unlock First in Enshrouded - Skill Tree Guide
Complete guide to the best skills to unlock early in Enshrouded, covering essential perks for survival, combat, crafting, and exploration for all playstyles.
Beginner's Guide to Enshrouded - Getting Started
Complete beginner's guide for Enshrouded covering essential survival tips, first steps, crafting basics, and everything you need to know to start your adventure.
How to Survive Longer in the Shroud - Complete Guide
Learn the best strategies to survive longer in the Shroud in Enshrouded, including Shroud Survival Flasks, Flame Altar upgrades, and essential tips for exploring dangerous shrouded areas.