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All Wartales Specializations, Explained

Every one is special.

As you progress in medieval RPG Wartales, you’ll be able to improve the abilities of all your companions. If you’re having trouble making some of these choices, you’ll find all of the Wartales specializations explained below.

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You can also use the tables below to decide on the make-up of your party before you decide who to hire. Do you want to look out for Archers and Spearmen to battle at range, or do you need some sneaky DPS melee damage from a Pugilist or Ranger?

What are Wartales Specializations and how do you get them

As your party of companions battles its way through quests and encounters, they’ll each gain experience and level up. Certain levels (2, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12) are dubbed Milestones and at each of these, a companion will be given a choice of two to four specializations, taking one each time. They do not branch, but each companion will only ever get one from each tier (unless you choose to unlock a skill from a previous level at level 12).  

There are essentially two types of specializations: passive abilities (some of which reward you with Valour when triggered) and skills (which can be used in battle and often cost Valour). Choosing specializations across your party that complement each other and increase Valour can give you a real edge in combat. Note the first specialization that gives a new skill — either at level 2 or 3, depending on the class — also changes the character’s class title. Also, not all of the skills below are immediately available to you (some will be unlocked later in the game).

How to get Skill Upgrades

You’ll notice some of the skills below have an Upgraded version. Each of these improved abilities can be unlocked by reading a Skill Mastery Book; they are not skill-specific, so when you find one, you can choose which skill on which companion to upgrade. The books can be bought in some Training Camps and at Smot’s Arena, or found in some secret chests.

All Wartales Archer specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
Valorous Audacity (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an enemy and is not engaged (yourself) in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Victory (Passive)Every time this unity kills an enemy, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Support (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an ally and is not engaged in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
[Hunter] Recoil Shot 9m Shot1 Valour: Deals 70 to 100% damage. 2m knockback. Slowdown for 1 round.1 Valour: Deals 80 to 110% damage. 3m knockback. Slowdown for 2 rounds.
[Beastmaster] ATTACK! 12m range1 Valour: All allied animals next to the target attack them with an attack of opportunity.1 Valour: All allied animals next to the target gain Fury and strike it with an attack of opportunity.
[Infantryman] Barrage 9m area2 Valour: Performs an attack of opportunity against the first 3 enemies crossing the area.2 Valour: Performs an attack of opportunity against the first 4 enemies crossing the area.
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
Reinforced Arrows (Passive)Critical hits apply Bleeding.Critical hits apply Bleeding. Critical Damage increased by 35%.
Precision (Passive)Every 2 attacks apply Vulnerability.Every 2 attacks apply Vulnerability and gains Fury.
Beast Mastery (Passive)Animals can be controlled in battle.Animals can be controlled in battle. Heals animals for 5% HP every round.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Taming Arrow 9m shotApplies Fury to the targeted animal.Applies Fury and Riposte to the targeted animal.
Thrill of the Hunt (Passive)Attacks executed at a range greater than 8m grant 1 Rage.Attacks executed at a range greater than 6m grant 2 Rage.
Animal Affinity (Passive)At the start of the battle, gains 1 allied animal passive skill.At the start of the battle, gains 2 allied animal passive skills.
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second Weapon (Instant)Can equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Anticipation (Passive)50% chance to deal attack of opportunity and not become engaged.-
Lone Wolf (Passive)While more than 5m away from an ally, damage increased by 10% and incoming damage reduced by 10%.-
Level 12
NameBonusUpgrade
Suppressive Fire (Bravery)Deals % of damage and applies slowdown to all units in the area for 1 round.-
Class Specialisation (Passive)Unlocks a skill from a previous level.-

Related: Wartales Tips and Tricks for Beginners

All Wartales Brute specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
[Vanguard] Relentless Charge1 Valour: Disengages and charges in a straight line. Deals 60% damage to all units in their path and applies Slowdown for 1 round.1 Valour: Disengages and charges in a straight line. Deals 60% damage to all units in their path and applies Slowdown for 1 round. If ends next to an enemy, gains Fury.
[Smasher] Poisoned Impact1 Valour: Deals 60% damage to all units in the area. Applies 2 Poisons to bleeding units.1 Valour: Deals 60% damage to all units in the area. Applies 2 Poisons to bleeding units. A Fatal Blow: Leaves a Cloud of Poison on the ground.
[Destroyer] Weakening BlowCan wear Heavy Armour.
1 Valour: Deals 60 to 75% damage and applies Weakening for 3 rounds.
1 Valour: Deals 60 to 75% damage and applies Weakening for 3 rounds. If already Weakened, applies Vulnerability.
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
Defensive Stance (Instant, Base action)Gains Deflection. If engaged in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Chain (Passive)Every time an attack hits several enemies, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Duel (Passive)Every time this unit engages in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
Armor Breaker (Passive)Damage inflicted on armor increased by 35%.Damage inflicted on armor increased by 35%. If the attack destroys the enemy's armor, gains Brutality and Inspiration.
Opportunism (Passive)If 2 enemies are within 6m, gain protection.If 2 enemies are within 6m, gain protection. If 4 enemies are within 6m, gain Brutality.
Cruelty (Passive)Damage and Critical Hit increased by 20% against units with at least one debuff.Damage and Critical Hit increased by 20% against units with at least one debuff. In return, they deal 20% less Damage to this unit.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Guard-Breaker (Passive)Attacks ignore 50% of the enemy's Guard.Attacks ignore 100% of the enemy's Guard.
Temperance (Passive)After taking 2 attacks, gains Deflection.After taking 2 attacks, gains Deflection and Riposte.
One on One (Passive)If no adjacent units to them or an opponent, gain Rivalry.If no adjacent units to them, gain Rivalry.
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second Weapon (Instant)Can equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Defensive Riposte (Passive)When disengaging, they have a 50% chance to deal an attack of opportunity instead of taking one.-
Intervention (Melee)1 Valour: Swap places with an adjacent ally engaged in combat. Become engaged in combat and deals an attack of opportunity.-
Level 12
NameBonusUpgrade
Deafening RoarKnock back all enemies in the area by 4m. Enemies pushed against an ally dealt an attack of opportunity by that ally.-
Class SpecialisationUnlocks a skill from a previous level.-

All Wartales Pugilist specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
Valorous Audacity (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an enemy and is not engaged (yourself) in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Victory (Passive)Every time this unity kills an enemy, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Duel (Passive)Every time the unit engages in combat, gain 1 Valour. -
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
[Wrestler] Takedown (Melee)Can wear Medium Armor.
Deal 27-34 Damage twice and switch place with target. AS: +50% Crit Damage. DS: Gain effect In Position for 1 round.
AS: Crit Damage increased by 100%. DS: Gain effect In Position for 2 rounds.
[Bruiser] Skullbreaker (Melee)Can wear Medium Armor.
Deal 30-37 Damage twice, ignoring Guard. AS: Damage increased by half target's Guard. DS: apply Fragility for 1 round.
AS: Damage increased by the target's Guard. DS: Applies Fragility for 2 Rounds.
[Slayer] Aeterial Precision (Melee)Can wear Light Armor.
Dexterity +4, Constitution -16.
Deals 46-57 Damage twice and applies Bleeding. AS: Applies 2 Poison. DS: Applies 1 Corrosion.
If you attack from behind (Ambush), also perform an Attack of Opportunity.
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
FocusThe first attack of battle applies all Stance effects.The first attack of each round applies all Stance effects.
Personal ChallengeAttack and trigger a Stance effect to also perform an Attack of Opportunity. Next round, gain 4 Rage.
AdaptationCan now change Stance more than once per round.Each time you change Stance, gain 1 Rage.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Stance MasteryAS: +10% Damage. DS: Damage taken reduced by 10%.AS: +20% Damage. DS: Damage taken reduced by 20%.
Changeover!Switch place with an ally. AS: Gain Riposte. DS: You and the ally gain Deflection. Also, perform an Attack of Opportunity.
Fatal TouchIf the target is below 50% Health, and has more Max Heath than you, deal 111 damage. AS: Gain 2 Valor. DS: Rsets Movement. Removes the need for the target to have higher Maximum Health.
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second WeaponCan equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Defensive RepostWhen disengaging, they have a 50% chance to deal an Attack of Opportunity instead of taking one.-
Unstoppable (Passive)The unit becomes unstoppable and can pass through the enemy ranks.-
Level 12
NameBonusUpgrade
Thrashing (Bravery)Deals 15-22 Damage to a target 10 times. Each attack increases the damage of the next by 20%. AS: 5 extra hits. DS: Heal 3% Max Health.-
Class SpecializationUnlocks a skill from a previous level.-

Related: How to capture Prisoners & Animals in Wartales

All Wartales Ranger specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
Valorous Audacity (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an enemy and is not engaged (yourself) in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Victory (Passive)Every time this unity kills an enemy, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Support (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an ally and is not engaged in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
[Cutthroat] Frenzy (Melee)Cost 2 Valour point.png: deals 35-45% damage. Ambush (an attack from behind) performs 2 additional attacks.Cost 2 Valour point.png: deals 35-45% damage. Ambush (an attack from behind) performs 2 additional attacks. Fatal Blow: This skill can be reused this round.
[Strategist] Smoke Screen (10m area)Cost 1 Valour point.png: Forces enemies engaged in the area to disengage. They incur an attack of opportunity from their opponent.Cost 1 Valour point.png: Forces enemies engaged in the area to disengage. They incur an attack of opportunity from their opponent. Enemies not engaged are knocked back 2m.
[Poisoner] Poison Vial (9m area)Cost 1 Valour point.png: Applies 4 Poison to all units in the area.Cost 1 Valour point.png: Applies 4 Poison to all units in the area. Applies Vulnerability to those who are already poisoned.
[Assassin] Right between the Eyes (6m shot)Cost 1 Valour point.png: Inflicts 40-60% damage and applies Bleeding. if the target is already bleeding, 2x damage.Cost 1 Valour point.png: Inflicts 40-60% damage and applies Bleeding. if the target is already bleeding, 2x damage. Crit Damage +30%.
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
Poisoned Weapon (Passive)Attacks from behind apply 2 Poison.Attacks from behind apply 2 Poison. The poison spreads to adjacent enemies.
Instinctive Throw (Passive)After using a skill, deals 25% damage to the closest enemy within 4m.After using a skill, deals 20% damage to the closest enemy within 4m. Resets unit's movement points.
Deadly Contract (Passive)Applies Fragility for 1 round to the closest enemy each round.Applies Fragility for 1 round to the closest 2 enemies each round.
Ordeal (passive)If the opponent is bleeding, burning, or poisoned, apply 1 Fever.If the opponent is bleeding, burning, or poisoned, apply 2 Fever.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Explosive Gas (9m area, targeting)2 Valour: Doubles the Poison of all units in the area next turn.2 Valour: Doubles the Poison of all units in the area next turn. Then leaves a pool of poison.
Low Blow (2m area)1 Valour: Applies Blackout (50% chance to miss) to all enemies in the area.1 Valour: Applies Blackout (50% chance to miss) to all enemies in the area (4m area).
Cold Blooded (Passive)Damage of attacks from behind increased by 20%.Damage of attacks from behind increased by 35%.
Retreat (Passive)Disengages at the end of their turn.Disengages at the end of their turn. If already engaged in combat, this unit gains Riposte.
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second WeaponCan equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Anticipation (Passive)When the unit is attacked, they have a 50% chance to not become engaged, and to deal their attacker an attack of opportunity.-
Unstoppable (Passive)The unit becomes unstoppable and can pass through the enemy ranks.-
Level 12
NameBonusUpgrade
Decisive ManoeuvreIf this unit acts first on their side, disengage and act once more after all allies.-
Class SpecialisationUnlocks a skill from a previous level.-

All Wartales Spearman specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
Valorous Audacity (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an enemy and is not engaged in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Victory (Passive)Every time this unity kills an enemy, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Support (Passive)Every time this unity ends its turn next to an ally and is not engaged in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
[Harpooner] Piercing Throw (8m area)1 Valour: Deals 55% damage to all units in a line. Applies Bleeding to the first unit hit.1 Valour: Deals 55% damage to all units in a line. Applies Bleeding.
[Herald] Battle Cry (4m area)1 Valour: Applies Fury to all allies in the area.1 Valour: Applies Fury to all allies in the area (6m area)
[Pikeman] Spear Wall (3m area)2 Valour: Targeting. Performs 1 attack of opportunity and stops them in their tracks.2 Valour: Targeting. Performs 2 attacks of opportunity and stops them in their tracks.
[Halberdier] Controlled Whirlwind (2.5m area)1 Valour: Deals 30% damage to all units in the target area and knocks them back 2 metres. Damage increased by 40% for each unit in the target area.1 Valour: Deals 30% damage to all units in the target area and knocks them back 2 metres. Damage increased by 60% for each unit in the target area.
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
Team Spirit (Passive)While next to an ally, this unit has Brutality.While next to an ally, they both have Brutality.
Fervent Support (Passive)Each time an adjacent ally is attacked by an enemy in close combat, deals 50% damage to this enemy.Each time an adjacent ally is attacked by an enemy in close combat, deals 70% damage to this enemy.
Sweet Spot (Passive)Ranged attacks apply Destabilization for 1 round.Attacks apply Destabilization for 1 round and have a 40% chance to be crit hit.
Inspiring Presence (Passive)At the end of your turn, grants Deflection to adjacent allies engaged in combat.At the end of your turn, grants Deflection to adjacent allies.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Preparedness (Passive)If not engaged at end of turn, gain Fury.If not engaged at end of turn, gain Fury and Riposte.
Harnessing Strength (Passive)Each buff increases damage 5%.Each buff increases damage 10%.
Last Push (Melee)1 Valour: For each debuff, applies one Rage to this unit and targeted ally.1 Valour: For each debuff (+2), applies one Rage to this unit and targeted ally.
Change of Pace (Passive)When this unit kills an enemy engaged in combat with an ally, this unit and their ally gain Dodge. (Fully dodges next attack, cancelled if unit moves).-
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second weaponCan equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Alacrity (Passive)40% chance to dodge ranged and AoE attacks.-
Unstoppable (Passive)Can pass through enemy ranks.-
Level 12
NameBonusUpgrade
Condemn (Melee, 3m)Deals % damage and applies Condemn.-
Class SpecialisationUnlocks a skill from a previous level.-

Related: Wartales Oils Guide – All Oils and How They Work

All Wartales Swordsman specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
[Protector] Encouragement (6m area)1 Valour: this unit and allies in the area gain Protection for 2 rounds.1 Valour: this unit and allies in the area gain Protection for 3 rounds.
[Fighter] Destabilizing Strike (Melee)1 Valour: 60 to 80% damage and applies Destabilization for 2 rounds.1 Valour: 60 to 80% damage and applies Destabilization for 2 rounds. Always land a crit against enemies without Guard.
[Swordmaster] Laceration (2m area)2 Valour: Deals 80% damage to all units in area x2. Usable after 2 attacks.2 Valour: Deals 80% damage to all units in area x2. Usable after 1 attacks.
[Duelist] Final Blow (Melee)1 Valour: 70 to 90% damage and gains Riposte.1 Valour: 70 to 90% damage and gains Riposte. If unit already has Riposte, damage is increased by 50%.
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
Defensive Stance (Instant, Base action)Gains Deflection if engaged in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Chain (Passive)Every time an attack hits several enemies, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Duel (Passive)Every time this unit engages in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
Bulwark (Passive)Each time engages, gain Deflection.Each time engages, gain Deflection. Every time disengages, gain Fury.
Counter-attack (Passive)Each time engages, gain Riposte.Each time engages, gain Riposte. each disengage gain Inspiration for 1 round.
Daring (Passive)If a bonus is active on this unit, their attacks apply Weakening for 1 round.If a bonus is active on this unit, their attacks apply Weakening.
Duelist's Instinct (Passive)As long as This unit is engaged, they have Brutality.As long as This unit is engaged, they have Brutality and their crit dmg is increased by 30%.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Last Stand (Passive)If they have no armor, gains Brutality.If they have 50% armor are less, gains Brutality.
Hand-to-hand (Melee)1 Valour: applies Disarm (can no longer use skills requiring a weapon) to the target for 1 round.Cost 1 Valour point.png: applies Disarm to the target for 1 round. If already Disarmed then applies Vulnerability.
Hardcore Training (Passive)This unit is immune to Bleeding, poison, or Burning.This unit is immune to Bleeding, poison, or Burning. When they should be affected by these effects, they gain 2 Rage instead (limit one application per round).
Master Opportunist (Passive)Dmg of attack of opportunity increased by 25%. Damage taken from attack of opportunity reduced by 25%.Dmg of attack of opportunity increased by 50%. Damage taken from attack of opportunity reduced by 50%.
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second Weapon Can equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Defensive Riposte (Passive)When the unit disengages, they have a 50% chance to deal an attack of opportunity instead of taking one.-
Intervention1 Valour: The unit can swap places with an adjacent ally engaged in combat. The unit then becomes engaged in combat and will deal an attack of opportunity.-
Level 12
NameBonusUpgrade
Exhort (6m area, Bravery)This unit and all allies within the area gain Zeal for 2 rounds.-
Class Specialisation (Passive)Unlocks a skill from a previous level.-

All Wartales Warrior specializations

Level 2
NameBonusUpgrade
[Berserker] Rampage (melee)1 Valour: Deals 30 to 45% Strength damage three times. Crits gain Fury.1 Valour: Deals 30 to 45% Strength damage three times and ignores Guard. Critical Hit: Gains Fury.
[Executioner] Cutting Maelstrom (2m)2 Valour: Deals 35% damage to all the units in the area. Attacks an extra time for each unit in the target area.2 Valour: Deals 35% damage to all the units in the area. Attacks an extra time for each unit in the target area. Fatal Blow: attacks again.
[Sentinel] Ovation (instant)Can wear Heavy Armour.
2 Valour: All allies engaged in combat gain Riposte.
2 Valour: All allies engaged in combat gain Riposte, otherwise they gain Inspiration for 1 round.
[Barbarian] Overbearing Strike (melee)1 Valour: Deals 40 to 60% damage. if the target's HP is greater than the unit's then the damage is 2x.1 Valour: Deals 40 to 60% damage. if the target's HP is greater than the unit's then the damage is 3x.
Level 3
NameBonusUpgrade
Defensive stance (instant, Base action)Gains Deflection if engaged in combat and you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Chain (passive)Every time an attack hits several enemies, you gain 1 Valour.-
Valorous Duel (passive)Every time this unit engages in combat, you gain 1 Valour.-
Level 5
NameBonusUpgrade
Madness (passive)Damage increased by 50% against units with 30% HP or less.Damage increased by 50% against units with 50% HP or less.
Recklessness (passive)The first skill used in each fight deals 100% extra damage.The first skill used in each fight deals 150% extra damage.
Fanaticism (passive)at the end of their turn, this unit loses 10% HP to gain Fury.at the end of their turn, gain Fury.
First Blood (passive)Damage increased by 35% against units with full HP.Damage increased by 35% against units with full HP. Also applies Fragility for 2 rounds.
Level 8
NameBonusUpgrade
Battle Cry (6m)1 Valour: this unit and all units in area gain Brutality for 2 rounds.1 Valour: this unit and all units in area gain Brutality for 3 rounds. (10m)
Challenging Shout (3m)1 Valour: Draws all the enemies in the area into melee range. Applies Fragility for 1 round to the enemies disengaged by this.1 Valour: Draws all the enemies in the area into melee range. Applies Fragility for 1 round to the enemies.
Ecstasy (passive)when unit has less than 30% HP, deal crits.when unit has less than 50% HP, deal crits.
Level 10
NameBonusUpgrade
Second WeaponCan equip a second weapon and swap in combat.-
Alacrity (passive)25% chance to dodge ranged and AoE attacks.-
Lone Wolf (passive)No allies within 5m? gains Lone Wolf (damage taken and received +10%).-
Level 12
Daredevil (instant, Bravery)Unit's damage increases as their health decreases and attacks are always critical hits.-
Class Specialisation (Passive)Unlocks a skill from a previous level.-

Want to find out more about Wartales? Try Wartales Relationships Guide and Wartales Ghost Carcass Guide here at Pro Game Guides!


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Author
Image of Chris Marling
Chris Marling
Chris Marling is a writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, and websites. Based in the UK, he has written professionally on everything from tech to tearooms. But his real passion is gaming, going right back to the Atari 2600 - and especially RPGs and MMOs. He cut his teeth on games such as The Realm and Anarchy Online. But 20 years on still gets excited about exploring each new world. When not online, you'll find him gaming analog-style around the table. Chris has had five of his own board games published, including Pioneer Days and Armageddon.

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All Wartales Specializations, Explained

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