Wartales is a turn-based tactics RPG where you lead a mercenary band across an open fantasy world. Each companion starts with a class, and a specialization is the path that takes them further, adding new skills and passive bonuses. The paths you choose shape how every member of your band fights, so it helps to know how they unlock before you commit.
Class
Archer
Hunter
Pushes a target back and slows it, helping the Archer keep distance.
- Class
- Archer
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Recoil Shot
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Beastmaster
Calls nearby allied animals to attack the same target.
- Class
- Archer
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- ATTACK!
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Infantryman
Sets a zone that punishes enemies who cross it.
- Class
- Archer
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Barrage
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Marksman
Deals more damage at range, with added critical scaling after upgrade.
- Class
- Archer
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Aimed Shot
- How to Unlock
- Win Nairolf Arena, then learn it from Corastos at Murwen Fishery (Worthy Successors).
- Origin
- Base Game
Virtuoso
Uses Patience to make the shot critical and inflict Fragility.
- Class
- Archer
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Patient Shot
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Brute
Vanguard
Charges along a path, hitting enemies and slowing them while repositioning.
- Class
- Brute
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Relentless Charge
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Smasher
Poisons enemies in an area, with an upgrade that reaches every target.
- Class
- Brute
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Poisoned Impact
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Destroyer
Weakens a target, then makes it vulnerable if it is already weakened.
- Class
- Brute
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Heavy
- Signature Skill
- Weakening Blow
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Brawler
Hits a target while an ally disengages and triggers a counterattack.
- Class
- Brute
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Heavy
- Signature Skill
- Thunderous Blow
- How to Unlock
- Complete Stealing the Show, win Lisbeth's Arena, then return to Waltraud at the Trapper Hut in Drombach County.
- Origin
- Base Game
Titan
Applies Corrosion to one enemy, or spreads it with Initiative.
- Class
- Brute
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Heavy
- Signature Skill
- Shard Spray
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Crossbowman
Scorpion
Deals a strong shot and adds a random damage-over-time effect.
- Class
- Crossbowman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Imbibed Bolt
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Gunner
Fires once for each Reload, rewarding repeated reloads.
- Class
- Crossbowman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Multiple Shot
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Cannoneer
Prompts an engaged target's ally to make an attack of opportunity.
- Class
- Crossbowman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Commanding Shot
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Machinist
Damages one target and enemies in a cone behind it.
- Class
- Crossbowman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Scatter Shot
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Engineer
Gets stronger at close range but knocks the Crossbowman backward.
- Class
- Crossbowman
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Close-Range Shot
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Pugilist
Wrestler
Hits twice, swaps places with the target, and changes effects by stance.
- Class
- Pugilist
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Takedown
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: Pirates of Belerion
Bruiser
Hits twice through Guard and changes its bonus by stance.
- Class
- Pugilist
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Skullbreaker
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: Pirates of Belerion
Slayer
Deals two hits and Bleeding, with Poison or Corrosion depending on stance.
- Class
- Pugilist
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Arterial Precision
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: Pirates of Belerion
Tyrant
Hits twice and gains Rage, with a stance-based bonus.
- Class
- Pugilist
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Quick Attacks
- How to Unlock
- Complete Eternal Glory, win Oris's Arena on Zawlin Island, then learn it from Ailean at the Cutthroat Tavern on Terq.
- Origin
- Pirates of Belerion DLC
Scourge
Strikes twice, then adds knockback or Deflection by stance.
- Class
- Pugilist
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Adaptive Strikes
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Ranger
Cutthroat
Adds two extra attacks when Frenzy is used from Ambush.
- Class
- Ranger
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Frenzy
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Strategist
Breaks enemy engagement with a knockback smoke screen.
- Class
- Ranger
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Smoke Screen
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Poisoner
Poisons an area at range; its upgrade makes poisoned targets Vulnerable.
- Class
- Ranger
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Poison Vial
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Assassin
Applies Bleeding from range and doubles damage against bleeding targets.
- Class
- Ranger
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Right Between the Eyes
- How to Unlock
- Complete Gladiatorial Legacy, win Smot's Arena, then learn it from the Rower at Vertrusian Windmill.
- Origin
- Base Game
Demon
Uses Patience to bypass Armor and strike Health directly.
- Class
- Ranger
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Shiv
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Spearman
Harpooner
Throws through a line of enemies and makes them bleed.
- Class
- Spearman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Piercing Throw
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Herald
Grants Fury to nearby allies.
- Class
- Spearman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Rallying Cry
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Pikeman
Stops enemies crossing a zone and triggers attacks of opportunity.
- Class
- Spearman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Spear Wall
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Base Game
Halberdier
Sweeps an area, dealing more damage when several targets are caught.
- Class
- Spearman
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Controlled Whirlwind
- How to Unlock
- Complete An Eye for an Eye, win Smugglers' Arena, then learn it from Sipphar at the Church of Saint Septimus in Cortia.
- Origin
- Base Game
Standard Bearer
Gives an ally Victorious, and Rally when the Spearman has Initiative.
- Class
- Spearman
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Decisive Rally
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Swordsman
Protector
Protects nearby allies for several rounds.
- Class
- Swordsman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Heavy
- Signature Skill
- Encouragement
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Fighter
Destabilizes enemies and can critically hit unguarded targets after upgrade.
- Class
- Swordsman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Heavy
- Signature Skill
- Destabilizing Strike
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Swordmaster
Hits all nearby enemies twice.
- Class
- Swordsman
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Laceration
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Duellist
Deals damage and gains Riposte, with a stronger follow-up if Riposte is active.
- Class
- Swordsman
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Final Blow
- How to Unlock
- Win Bernna's Arena, then learn it from Jootold at Rouste Field in Grinmeer Province.
- Origin
- Base Game
Swordsman
Hits twice and gains damage bonuses and Relentless with Initiative.
- Class
- Swordsman
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Blinding Rush
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
Class
Thaumaturge
Coordinator
Triggers nearby ally attacks of opportunity, with stronger effects at higher Inhalation.
- Class
- Thaumaturge
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Unstable Concoction
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Curse of Rigel
Healer
Heals an ally and removes debuffs, then can heal nearby allies at higher Inhalation.
- Class
- Thaumaturge
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Healing Concoction
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Curse of Rigel
Mixologist
Applies several damage-over-time effects to an enemy at range.
- Class
- Thaumaturge
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Light
- Signature Skill
- Pathogenic Concoction
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Curse of Rigel
Agitator
Gives an ally Frenzied Power and can spread Rally with Inhalation.
- Class
- Thaumaturge
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Frenzied Power Concoction
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 3.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Curse of Rigel
Fumigator
Spreads the equipped Censer's purge effect across an area.
- Class
- Thaumaturge
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Enhanced Scent Concoction
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Curse of Rigel
Class
Warrior
Berserker
Strikes three times and gains Fury from critical hits.
- Class
- Warrior
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Rampage
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Executioner
Attacks every nearby unit, adding a swing for each target.
- Class
- Warrior
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Cutting Maelstrom
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Sentinel
Grants Riposte to allies who are engaged.
- Class
- Warrior
- Tier
- Standard
- Armor Weight
- Heavy
- Signature Skill
- Ovation
- How to Unlock
- Choose at class level 2.
- Origin
- Base Game
Barbarian
Hits harder when its target has more Health.
- Class
- Warrior
- Tier
- Hidden
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Overbearing Strike
- How to Unlock
- Win Hoevendorp Arena, then learn it from Madeltruda at Grinmeer Stables; arena access follows Bernna's Arena through The Arena Clash.
- Origin
- Base Game
Hero
Deals extra critical damage and can disarm a target with Initiative.
- Class
- Warrior
- Tier
- Master Class
- Armor Weight
- Medium
- Signature Skill
- Incapacitating Slice
- How to Unlock
- Reach class level 15, take Master Class, then train with the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground.
- Origin
- Free Update: The Skelmar Invasion
What Are Specializations in Wartales?
A class is the starting role a companion has when they join your band. A specialization builds on that role with new skills and passive bonuses, and it also sets the armor weight (light, medium or heavy) the companion can wear. Specializations within the same class can therefore fit very different builds.
Passives work in the background, and skills are actions you pick during a fight. Pugilist, Crossbowman and Thaumaturge each arrived as a free update, released alongside Pirates of Belerion, The Skelmar Invasion and The Curse of Rigel. You don't need those expansions to play them.
When Companions Pick Their Specialization
A companion picks a standard specialization at class level 2 or 3, depending on their class. Brute, Swordsman and Warrior make the choice at level 2, and every other class makes it at level 3. Picking a specialization that adds a new skill also changes the companion's class title.
Levels 5, 8, 10 and 12 bring skill picks instead. Those choices decide how the companion grows after their main path is set, so they're worth thinking through as carefully as the first pick.
How to Unlock a Master Class at Level 15
Every class has a Master Class, an advanced specialization that opens at class level 15. It sits far beyond the first choices, so a companion needs a long run before they can take it.
Once a companion reaches class level 15, the Master-at-Arms at a Brotherhood Training Ground is where the Master Class is unlocked.
How Hidden Specializations Unlock
Most classes also have a hidden specialization that isn't on the regular pick list. Crossbowman and Thaumaturge are the only classes without one. Each hidden path opens the same way: defeat the champion of a region's arena, then speak to the trainer in that same region who teaches it.
The Tyrant path belongs to Pugilist and needs Pirates of Belerion, since its arena is on that expansion's islands.
How Valour Works in Battle
Valour is the resource you spend to use many skills in a fight, and some passive specializations earn it when a trigger happens. Valour earned during a battle doesn't carry over once it ends, so spend it before the fight wraps up.
Valour gained from resting does carry over from one fight to the next. Resting at camp refills it, and the buildings you've set up there change how much you get back, so it pays to build up your camp.
Upgrading Skills With Skill Mastery Books
A Skill Mastery Book upgrades a companion's class skill, boosting its damage or stretching its effects. The book isn't tied to one skill or one companion, so you choose both each time you use it.
Books can be bought or found in the world. Since you pick the target, it's worth putting an upgrade on a skill your companion uses in most fights, where it has the most effect.
Respeccing a Companion's Build
Respeccing lets you reset a companion's build so you can choose again. It unlocks once your Power and Glory knowledge path reaches level 4.
You do it by talking to the Hired Goon at a Brotherhood Training Ground. Each respec costs Krowns for every companion you reset, and you can repeat it as often as you like.
Choosing a Specialization for Your Band
Start with the gap in your band rather than the path that sounds strongest. If you need someone to hold the front line, look at the heavy-armor paths, which Warrior, Brute and Swordsman each have. Heavy armor suits the companion who takes the hits, so pair that companion with healing if your band has none.
For ranged damage, Archer and Crossbowman are the classes to look at. The Thaumaturge fills the support role, with vapour clouds that buff allies and weaken enemies, and its Healer path is the one to pick if your band needs healing.
Think about Valour as well. A path built around costly skills can run dry quickly, so passives that earn Valour help keep it going.
FAQ
What are the hidden specializations in Wartales?
Each hidden path belongs to a single class: Marksman for Archer, Brawler for Brute, Tyrant for Pugilist, Assassin for Ranger, Halberdier for Spearman, Duellist for Swordsman and Barbarian for Warrior. Brawler is the only hidden path that uses heavy armor, while Marksman and Assassin use light armor.
How much Valour do you get from resting?
It depends on what you've built at camp. A basic Tent adds 1 Valour per rest and raises your maximum Valour by 1, and the Strategy Table adds 1 Valour per rest as well. Higher Tent tiers raise the maximum further, and the top tier also gives 1 Valour at the start of each battle.
How does the Crossbowman reload?
A crossbow is either loaded or empty. Firing leaves it empty, and it has to be reloaded before it can shoot again. Some passives and crossbow gear can add extra reloads within the same turn.