Beasts and characters
Eight animal gladiators enter the launch arena, each with its own traits, XP track and unlockable variants. Here is how the roster works — and how to choose without chasing a tier list that does not exist yet.
How the roster works
You do not just pick a skin. Each beast is a character with its own traits and a progression track. Playing a beast earns XP, and levelling it unlocks variants with different stats, abilities and cosmetics. The launch build ships with eight beasts; the developers have said more beasts and variants are on the post-launch roadmap.
What we can confirm about the roster
- Eight playable beasts at launch.
- Rhino and Ibex were added during the demo updates and are part of the roster.
- Variants change stats and abilities and come with cosmetics.
- Beast XP is earned by playing that beast, not by winning with a different character.
The official launch material does not publish a full stat sheet for every beast. Any guide that gives you exact tier rankings on day one is guessing. This page focuses on how to evaluate a beast instead.
How to choose a beast
- Pick the trait you will actually use. A defensive trait on a player who never blocks is decoration. A mobility trait on a player who stands still is wasted.
- Think about the chain. In co-op, the best beast is the one whose movement and attack timing fit the group. A beast that wants to charge ahead will fight the chain.
- Commit to one beast for a while. XP unlocks variants. Constantly switching spreads progress and leaves you with fewer options.
- Check the variant, not just the base. A variant can change how the beast plays. If the base feels wrong, the variant may be the reason to keep going.
- Build around the afflictions you accept. If you keep taking throwing injuries, a beast whose plan depends on thrown weapons is a bad fit.
Team composition advice
There is no official role system, but the mechanics suggest a simple rule: do not bring four players who all want the same space. At least one player should be comfortable holding a line and blocking, one should be ready to use the chain defensively, and the group should agree on who is committing to the execute.
- Talk before the run. Decide who pulls, who trips and who takes the first shop upgrade.
- Do not all dive the same downed enemy. The chain makes clustering dangerous.
- Let the crowd favourite lead. If one player is generating executions and crowd favour, support them instead of competing for the same kill.
Is there a tier list?
Not a reliable one yet. The game launched on 15 October 2026, the roster has eight beasts plus variants, and the official material does not publish stats. A tier list built on day-one impressions would be entertainment, not data. This guide will publish role-based recommendations only after there is enough verified play data to support them.
Next: the champions
Beastmaster Barka, Goliath and Praefectus — what each act throws at you.