RIFTSTORM Guide: How to Pick the Best Character for Your Playstyle

6 - 7 minutes

In this guide, explore the unique abilities and strengths of each character in RIFTSTORM to find the best fit for your playstyle, whether you prefer tanking, DPS, or long-range support.

When diving into RIFTSTORM, one of the most exciting decisions is selecting the character that matches your unique playstyle. Each operative offers distinct abilities, weapon choices, and advantages that cater to different play preferences, whether you're tackling missions solo or in co-op mode.

This guide will help you understand each character's strengths to boost your success across varying threat levels.

1 - Rook: The All-Rounder#Copy URL to this article section

Rook is a great choice for newcomers or those seeking a balanced character with versatility in weaponry.

Weapon Choices: Personal arms, submachine guns
Abilities:
- Protocol Grenade MK.7: Deals 400% AoE damage.
- Protocol-Bolt No.87: Stuns a single target for enemy control.
Ideal For: Regular missions and general gameplay. Rook’s straightforward style is perfect for players new to RIFTSTORM.

Check out our Mission System Guide for more on how Rook’s versatility supports mission success.

RIFTSTORM web3 game character screen showing Rook’s loadout, weapons, and skill set for versatile gameplay options.

Rook: The All-Rounder

2 - Starling: Sustained DPS Specialist#Copy URL to this article section

If you’re into high DPS and consistent damage, Starling is your go-to for powerful offense.

Weapon Choices: Submachine guns, personal arms, assault rifles
Abilities:
- Cluster Bomb: Detonates three times for significant AoE damage.
- Spray-and-Pray: Refills ammo with a massive 10,000% damage boost until the next reload.
Ideal For: Missions with high CP recommendations, especially when paired with crafted gear for maximum impact.

Explore the Weapon Crafting Guide to see how you can optimize gear for Starling’s playstyle.

RIFTSTORM web3 game character screen displaying Starling’s loadout, weapons, and high DPS skills for efficient mission completion.

Starling: Sustained DPS Specialist

3 - Hertz: The Solo Player’s Tank#Copy URL to this article section

Hertz is a powerhouse for solo players, known for his high durability and defensive capabilities.

Weapon Choices: Shotguns, submachine guns, assault rifles
Abilities:
- Stage Dive: Stuns multiple enemies in an area.
- Freestyle Solo: Grants temporary invulnerability.
Ideal For: Solo play, tougher missions, and boss battles.

Hertz’s strength shines in high-threat-level missions; see the Threat Levels Guide for more on how he handles challenging encounters.

RIFTSTORM web3 game character screen showing Hertz’s loadout, weapons, and tank skills for durable solo and co-op gameplay.

Hertz: The Solo Player’s Tank

4 - Icarus: Precision from Afar#Copy URL to this article section

For players who prefer long-range attacks, Icarus offers lethal sniper capabilities and is perfect for co-op play.

Weapon Choices: Sniper rifles, submachine guns
Abilities:
- Skyfury: Summons drones for sustained DPS.
- Rocket Barrage and Skyburst: Enhance drones and deliver explosive, targeted damage.
Ideal For: Co-op missions, especially with tankier teammates.

Learn more about mission setups that pair well with Icarus in our Mission System Guide.

RIFTSTORM web3 game character screen showing Icarus’s loadout, weapons, and skills focused on precision and long-range attacks.

Icarus: Precision from Afar

5 - Botsy: The Zone Control Expert#Copy URL to this article section

Botsy specializes in area control with turret-based combat, making him a tactical choice for strategic players.

Weapon Choices: Handguns, sniper rifles, automatic guns
Abilities:
- Roll Call: Deploys a turret with rocket fire.
- Zone Protection: Shields the turret to keep it operational.
Ideal For: Tactical zone control and co-op missions that require holding ground.

For mission strategies that benefit from Botsy's skillset, refer to the Mission System Guide.

RIFTSTORM web3 game character screen showing Botsy’s loadout, skills, and weapons for strategic area control and zone defense.

Botsy: The Zone Control Expert

6 - Thistle: High Mobility and Co-op Synergy#Copy URL to this article section

Thistle is built for hit-and-run tactics, perfect for players who enjoy high mobility and quick strikes.

Weapon Choices: Any fast-firing weapons
Abilities:
- Eugenia's Glade and Orgosa’s Spiral: Control areas while dealing rapid damage.
- Orgasa’s Wrath: Finishing move with 4,500% damage in a targeted zone.
Ideal For: Co-op play, high-threat missions where mobility is key.

Thistle’s abilities excel in challenging, high-level missions; see our Threat Levels Guide for more on how she fits into co-op strategies.

RIFTSTORM web3 game character screen showing Thistle’s loadout, skills, and weapons, ideal for high mobility and co-op synergy.

Thistle: High Mobility and Co-op Synergy

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Character#Copy URL to this article section

Selecting the right character is critical in navigating RIFTSTORM’s varied missions and threat levels. Each operative, from Rook’s balanced reliability to Icarus’s sniping precision, offers unique benefits for different combat styles.

Whether you're optimizing your loadout or choosing how to allocate resources for weapon upgrades, understanding each character’s strengths and limitations is essential. For more insights on crafting and upgrading, check out our Weapon Crafting Guide and Everything You Need to Know About RIFTSTORM.

With the right character and loadout, RIFTSTORM offers endless strategies to conquer every mission. Choose wisely, plan your loadout, and get ready for the eldritch horrors waiting for you!