Classes are the foundation of your character in 99 Nights in the Forest, offering unique perks, starter items, and progression paths that dramatically impact your survival chances. With 25 different classes available, ranging from budget-friendly options at 10 Gems to premium classes costing 600 Gems, choosing the right class can make the difference between rescuing all the missing children or becoming another victim of the mysterious Deer cult. This comprehensive guide breaks down every class, their tier rankings, unlock requirements, and expert strategies to help you dominate the forest.
| Tier | Classes | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| S+ | Assassin, Cyborg, Fire Bandit, Alien, Big Game Hunter, Poison Master | 200-600 Gems | End-game content, solo players |
| S | Brawler, Zookeeper, Pyromaniac | 70-600 Gems | Combat specialists, team play |
| A | Lumberjack, Blacksmith, Scavenger, Fisherman, Chef, Base Defender, Farmer | 25-200 Gems | Resource gathering, early-game progression |
| B | Ranger, Hunter, Berserker, Gambler, Support, Medic | 40-100 Gems | Situational utility, team support |
| C | Camper, Decorator, Cook | 10-40 Gems | Beginners, cosmetic focus |
Classes in 99 Nights are primarily unlocked using Gems (also called Diamonds in some sources), the game's premium currency. Unlike many Roblox games where you might need to complete complex quests, classes can be directly purchased from the Daily Shop, though not all classes are available at once - the shop rotates every 24 hours.
Contents
Starting Equipment: Katana, 120 Throwing Knives Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's S+ Tier: The Assassin combines incredible mobility with built-in weapons that scale well into late-game. The movement speed bonus makes exploration and combat equally viable, while the critical strike potential can one-shot many enemies. At 600 Gems, it's expensive but worth every gem for serious players.
Expert Strategy: Focus on hit-and-run tactics. Use the speed boost to engage, land the critical first hit, then disengage before enemies can retaliate. The Throwing Knives are excellent for softening up targets before closing in with the Katana.
Starting Equipment: Alien Armor, Laser Cannon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's S+ Tier: The Cyborg is arguably the ultimate combat machine in 99 Nights. The Level 3 ability creates a self-sustaining combat loop where killing enemies refuels your weapons, making it perfect for extended Stronghold runs. While the Laser Cannon has a slow fire rate, pairing it with a Raygun makes this class unstoppable.
Expert Strategy: Prioritize finding a Raygun early in your run. The Cyborg's energy restoration ability works with all alien tech, making the Raygun's rapid fire even more deadly. Save your Laser Cannon for tough targets while using the Raygun for crowd control.
Starting Equipment: Infernal Crossbow, Wildfire Potion Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's S+ Tier: At only 200 Gems, the Fire Bandit offers incredible value. The Infernal Crossbow has infinite ammo and the Wildfire Potion provides excellent area control. This class outclasses the much more expensive Pyromaniac in most scenarios due to its versatility and lower cost.
Expert Strategy: Use the Infernal Crossbow for long-range engagements and save the Wildfire Potion for close-quarters combat or crowd control. The fire damage over time can soften up tough enemies while you focus on other targets.
Starting Equipment: Leather Body Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's S Tier: The Brawler offers incredible survivability with its massive HP boost and health regeneration. While the ranged weapon restriction seems limiting, the melee damage bonus makes this class a powerhouse in close combat, especially when paired with weapons like the Morning Star.
Expert Strategy: Embrace the melee-only playstyle. Use the extra HP to tank hits while closing distance, then unleash devastating melee attacks. The health regeneration means you can recover quickly between engagements, making this class excellent for sustained combat.
Starting Equipment: Taming Whistle Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's S Tier: Added in the Taming Update, the Zookeeper makes full use of the game's animal companion system. Tamed animals provide excellent combat support and can tank damage for you, making this class surprisingly powerful despite its seemingly peaceful focus.
Expert Strategy: Focus on taming powerful animals early. Wolves and bears make excellent combat companions, while smaller animals can help with resource gathering. The faster taming speed means you can build your animal army quickly, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Starting Equipment: Good Axe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's A Tier: The Lumberjack dramatically accelerates early-game progression by providing massive amounts of wood. This is crucial for building defenses, crafting, and maintaining your campfire. The Good Axe starter tool means you can begin gathering resources immediately.
Expert Strategy: Focus on wood gathering during the first few nights to build up your base quickly. The bonus logs from the Lumberjack's perks mean you'll have plenty of resources for crafting and building, allowing you to progress faster than other classes.
Starting Equipment: Hammer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's A Tier: The Blacksmith is essential for any team focused on crafting. The ability to craft higher-tier items without upgrading your workbench saves significant time and resources, while the extra scrap from the grinder helps maintain a steady supply of crafting materials.
Expert Strategy: Prioritize upgrading your crafting bench early to take full advantage of the Blacksmith's abilities. The recipe discounts can save significant resources over time, so check which recipes are discounted each run and plan your crafting accordingly.
Starting Equipment: Flashlight, Revolver, 18 Ammo Rating: ⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's B Tier: The Ranger provides a solid ranged start with the Revolver, but the weapon can be found relatively easily in the game world. The ammo refund chance is nice but not game-changing, making this class more of a convenience than a necessity.
Expert Strategy: Use the Revolver for early-game defense while searching for better weapons. The ammo refund perk means you can be more liberal with your shots early on, but still conserve ammo for tougher enemies.
Starting Equipment: 2 Bandages Rating: ⭐⭐
Perks:
Why It's B Tier: The Medic is excellent for team play but less useful for solo players. While the faster revives are helpful, bandages become less crucial as players progress and learn to avoid damage. Still valuable for new players or teams.
Expert Strategy: In team play, stick close to your teammates and be ready to revive quickly. The improved revive effects can turn the tide of battle, especially during difficult Stronghold runs. For solo play, consider other classes unless you're particularly prone to taking damage.
Starting Equipment: Flashlight Rating: ⭐
Perks:
Why It's C Tier: As the cheapest class, the Camper offers minimal benefits. The reduced hunger drain is negligible, and the starting equipment can be easily obtained. While it's a good starting point for new players, there are better options even at low price points.
Expert Strategy: Use this class only if you're completely new to the game or need to save Gems for more expensive classes. The nighttime visibility can be helpful initially, but you'll quickly outgrow this class's benefits.
Starting Equipment: Seasoning Rating: ⭐
Perks:
Why It's C Tier: The Cook focuses on food preparation, which becomes less important as players progress. While the Hearty Stew is nice, the benefits don't justify the cost when compared to classes that provide combat or resource-gathering advantages.
Expert Strategy: Only consider this class if you're playing with a team and specifically assigned to cooking duties. Otherwise, the Chef class provides better cooking benefits at a higher cost point.
Every class in 99 Nights in the Forest can be upgraded up to Level 3, with each level unlocking additional perks and abilities. The upgrade process requires completing class-specific challenges rather than spending additional Gems.
Pro Tip: Focus on upgrading classes you use frequently. The Level 3 perks often provide the most significant benefits and can dramatically change how a class plays.
Top Choices: Assassin, Cyborg, Alien, Fire Bandit
For solo play, you need classes that can handle all aspects of the game alone. The Assassin and Cyborg provide excellent combat capabilities, while the Alien's mobility helps with exploration and escape. The Fire Bandit offers great value with its area control abilities.
Top Choices: Medic, Support, Blacksmith, Lumberjack
In team environments, support classes shine. The Medic keeps teammates alive, the Support provides damage absorption and bonuses, while the Blacksmith and Lumberjack ensure the team has plenty of resources and crafting options.
Top Choices: Scavenger, Lumberjack, Ranger
New players should focus on classes that provide immediate benefits without complex mechanics. The Scavenger's extra inventory space is invaluable early on, the Lumberjack accelerates resource gathering, and the Ranger provides a solid ranged start.
Top Choices: Alien, Assassin, Brawler
For players looking to complete objectives quickly, mobility and damage are key. The Alien's sprint speed, Assassin's movement bonuses, and Brawler's melee damage all help clear content rapidly.
With 25 classes available, it's tempting to try them all. However, it's better to focus on upgrading a few key classes rather than having many under-leveled ones.
If playing with others, coordinate class choices. Having multiple players choose the same resource-gathering class is less efficient than diversifying roles.
Don't purchase classes without considering their upgrade requirements. Some classes have challenging upgrade conditions that may not suit your playstyle.
While combat classes are exciting, resource-gathering classes like the Lumberjack and Blacksmith are often more valuable for long-term success.
The Scavenger is excellent for beginners due to its +2 inventory space and faster chest opening, which helps with early-game resource gathering. The Lumberjack is also great for accelerating base building.
Complete badges and achievements, survive 50+ nights in a single run, use active codes, and complete the Cultist Stronghold. These methods provide the most Gems without spending real money.
Not necessarily. While S+ tier classes like Assassin and Cyborg are powerful, mid-tier classes like Lumberjack and Blacksmith often provide better value for their cost and are more useful throughout the entire game.
No, you must choose your class at the start of each run. However, you can purchase and switch between different classes for new runs.
Yes, most class perks stack with similar effects from items and equipment. For example, the Lumberjack's bonus log chance works alongside any logging-specific items you find.
New classes are typically added with major game updates, which occur every few months. The Taming Update added the Zookeeper, while other updates have introduced classes like the Alien and Cyborg.
They're the same currency - different sources use different terms. Whether called Gems or Diamonds, this premium currency is used to purchase classes from the Daily Shop.
It depends on your playstyle. Expensive classes like Assassin and Cyborg offer powerful late-game potential, but cheaper classes like Lumberjack and Scavenger provide immediate benefits that can help you progress faster overall.
Choosing the right class in 99 Nights in the Forest is crucial for success, but remember that the "best" class ultimately depends on your playstyle, team composition, and current objectives. While S+ tier classes like Assassin and Cyborg offer incredible power, don't overlook the value of A-tier workhorses like Lumberjack and Blacksmith that can accelerate your progression significantly.
The key is to experiment with different classes, find what works for your playstyle, and focus on upgrading those classes to Level 3 for maximum effectiveness. With 25 classes to choose from and regular updates adding new options, there's always something new to discover in the forest.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as new classes are added and the meta evolves. The forest is constantly changing, and staying informed about the latest class rankings and strategies will give you the edge you need to rescue all the missing children and uncover the mysteries of the Deer cult.
Ready to dominate the forest? Join our Discord community for real-time class discussions and share your own class strategies with fellow survivors!