Class Tier List - Command An Army Wiki
A living ranking of every class and role, updated after each balance patch, with the reasoning behind each move up or down the board.
Overview
This tier list ranks the classes and unit roles that decide most matches, and explains the reasoning behind every placement. It is written for the current balance, so treat it as a snapshot rather than a permanent law. Read it alongside the Best Classes guide, then compare the wider roster in the Unit Tier List.
Tier List Video Breakdown
This beginner guide walks through the units and classes worth building first, which is the fastest way to see why some picks climb the tiers while others fall. Watch how the narrator rates each role, then lock your own priorities with the How to Equip Units article.
How We Rank the Classes
A class earns a high tier when it performs its job reliably across most maps, not just one favourable setup. We weigh survivability, damage and how easily a role is countered, then check how often strong players field it, using the Unit Tier List as a cross-reference.
The meta moves whenever the developers rebalance, so a class that dominates today can drop after a single patch. That is why this page is revised rather than final, and why we point you to the Update Log so you can see exactly what changed and when.
Current Class and Role Tiers
The table below places each class and the main unit roles into tiers, with a short reason for the placement. Use it to decide what to learn next, but remember that teamwork still beats a strong pick, so pair it with the Best Strategy guide.
| Tier | Pick | Why It Ranks There |
|---|---|---|
| S | Sword & Shield | Balanced damage and protection make it the most consistent class on every map |
| A | Assassin | Elite at removing troops and heroes, held back only by low survivability |
| A | Heavy Shield units | Essential for holding points and screening your ranged and special troops |
| B | Ranged units | Strong damage from range but easy to flank and punish if left alone |
| B | Hammer | Powerful when timed well, but slow swings are easy for good players to read |
| C | Special units | High ceiling, yet inconsistent availability keeps them situational for most players |
What Each Tier Means
Tiers are a shortcut for priority, not a verdict on fun. An S-tier class is the safest investment for a new commander, while lower tiers usually ask for more skill or a specific squad. Pick the tier that matches your time and goals, then review the Best Classes breakdown before you commit.
If you only have room to master one thing, start at the top of S and work down. Once your core is strong, experiment lower for variety, and check the Gems Guide before you spread your budget across too many roles at once.
S-Tier
Safe, reliable picks that perform on almost every map and squad.
A-Tier
Strong roles with a small weakness that good play easily covers.
B-Tier
Solid but situational, rewarding the right setup over raw power.
C-Tier
High-skill or niche picks that rarely carry a match on their own.
Reading the Tier List Well
A tier list is only useful if you apply it correctly. Treat it as a starting point for what to learn, not an excuse to ignore the units your team already owns. Use the Best Strategy guide to turn rankings into real match wins.
Above all, do not chase every S-tier pick at once. Depth on one class beats shallow knowledge of all of them, and the Noob to Pro path shows how to build that depth steadily without wasting your resources on roles you rarely field.
- Prioritise the top of S-tier if you are new and want the safest growth path.
- Match your tier pick to the roles your usual squad is missing.
- Re-rank after every balance patch instead of trusting an old list.
- Do not abandon a class you already know well just because it dropped one tier.
- Use the tier list to plan spending, then confirm costs in the economy guides.
How to Use This Tier List
Applying the tiers is a simple routine that keeps your army pointed at the strongest available options. Follow these steps each time a patch lands and you will rarely waste resources on a pick about to fall out of favour, so recheck the Update Log first.
The goal is a stable core you understand deeply, surrounded by a few flexible options. That balance survives patch notes far better than chasing whatever sits at the very top this week, and it pairs naturally with the Evolve Guide when you are ready to invest.
Pick your S-tier anchor
Choose one top-tier class to learn first and run it in most matches.
Cover the gaps
Add units that answer cavalry, shields and ranged threats your anchor lacks.
Watch the patch notes
After each update, recheck which roles moved and why before spending gems.
Re-test in matches
Confirm a promoted role actually fits your squad before fully committing to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the tier list change?
Every time the developers ship a balance patch. We update the rankings shortly afterwards and note what moved, so the list always reflects the live build.
What is the best class right now?
Sword and Shield holds the top spot for most players because it is consistent everywhere. Check the table above for the current order, since patches can shuffle it.
Should I only play S-tier classes?
No. Tiers measure reliability, not fun or skill ceiling. A class you know deeply often beats a stronger pick you barely understand, so learn what suits you.
Do unit roles and player classes rank together?
They share one board because they compete for the same job: winning the fight. The table labels each entry so you can tell a class apart from a unit role.
Why is Hammer not higher?
Hammer deals heavy damage but swings slowly, which good players punish. It is strong in the right hands, just less consistent than the safer frontline options.
Is this tier list official?
No. It is an independent community ranking based on match testing and the current patch, not a statement from the developers or an endorsement by them.
Where can I see unit rankings?
The Unit Tier List covers individual troops, while this page focuses on classes and roles. Read both for a complete picture.