Stonewards Classes and Characters Guide (Early Access 0.1.8)
A practical Stonewards classes guide covering character roles, unlock checks, Hotfix 0.1.8 verification, and links to best class and build pages.
Stonewards classes at a glance
Stonewards uses distinct playable dwarves rather than a free-form fantasy skill tree. Each character has a role that changes how the team mines, fights, supports companions, or holds the bastion. The current Early Access roster includes Miner, Warrior, Archer, Artificer, Hunter, Mage, Healer, and Rogue.
Because Stonewards is changing quickly in Early Access, use the in-game Character Screen as the source of truth for exact ability text and unlock requirements. This page is checked against Hotfix 0.1.8, the current official patch listed on Steam news as of September 5, 2026.
This page is a class overview, not a tier list. Use it to identify each role, then move to the build pages only when you need upgrade priorities or run planning.
Quick Class Choice
Use this as a first-pass decision aid, then check Stonewards Best Class for current 0.1.8 solo and co-op context.
| If you need... | Start here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New player learning route | Miner or Warrior | These roles map cleanly to the core mine, forge, repair, and defend loop. |
| Frontline defender | Warrior | The team needs somebody close enough to protect walls and gates. |
| Co-op role coverage | Best Class co-op notes | Co-op works best when mining, frontline, ranged damage, and support jobs are all assigned. |
| Ranged damage | Archer or Mage | Both prefer safer sightlines while another player controls pressure. |
| Support and sustain | Healer, Hunter, or Artificer | Pick the missing job: healing, companion pressure, or bomb utility. |
| Mining and economy | Miner or Artificer | Choose Miner for steady resource flow or Artificer when bomb utility fits the run. |
Class overview navigation
- Start with the Stonewards beginner tips if you are still learning the dig, forge, repair, and defend loop.
- Use Stonewards Best Class when you need help choosing a role for solo or co-op.
- Use Stonewards Best Builds when you already know the class and want upgrade priorities.
- Check mining strategy, crafting basics, and map routes when the run fails because of resources, repairs, or timing rather than class choice.
| Character | Practical role | What to verify in game |
|---|---|---|
| Miner | Mining and resource economy | Digging bonuses and current unlock state |
| Warrior | Frontline defense | Melee and survivability upgrades |
| Archer | Ranged damage | Charged attack and projectile upgrades |
| Artificer | Bomb mining and area utility | Bomb behavior and Gold interactions |
| Hunter | Companion damage and control | Companion health, damage, and healing |
| Mage | Projectile magic and area damage | Fireball and projectile bonus options |
| Healer | Team sustain | Healing projectile and area healing behavior |
| Rogue | Mobile melee damage | Current ability and upgrade wording |
How character unlocks work
Hotfix 0.1.6 updated the Character Screen so it displays the missions required to unlock each character. Do not rely on an old guide or a guessed milestone: open the Character Screen in your current version and follow the mission shown there.
Hotfix 0.1.3 also fixed multiplayer progression so character unlocks and mission progress are awarded correctly to connected players. If an unlock does not appear after completing its requirement, confirm that every player is on the same game version and restart the game before repeating the mission.
Choosing a class by job
Mining and economy
Choose Miner when the run is being limited by slow excavation or poor resource flow. Artificer can also contribute to mining through bombs; as of 0.1.7, each block destroyed by an Artificer bomb can roll for a Gold Coin instead of the explosion being limited to one coin.
Frontline defense
Warrior is the straightforward option when the team needs a player close to the walls. A frontline player still needs to return for repairs and should not spend every resource on personal damage.
Ranged damage
Archer and Mage both benefit from safe sightlines and teammates who keep enemies away. Hotfix 0.1.6 slightly reduced Archer ranged and charged-attack damage while adding Projectile Bonus upgrade support to Mage and Healer.
Companion play
Hunter received major improvements in 0.1.7: the Companion moves faster and farther, has more health and slightly more damage, and its Poison and Fire damage scale with player attack damage. The Companion can also be healed at an upgraded Fireplace or by a Healer.
Support
Healer is strongest when healing windows and positioning are coordinated. In 0.1.7, the healing projectile received a larger collision area and a small area effect on impact, allowing the Healer to shoot near their feet for self-healing.
Current patch check: Hotfix 0.1.8
Official Steam news lists Hotfix 0.1.8 on August 26, 2026. The patch does not confirm a new class or a permanent class ranking, but it does affect how older class and build advice should be checked.
| Hotfix 0.1.8 point | Class-guide impact |
|---|---|
| Staff rarity fix | Recheck Mage damage and Healer healing against current in-game Staff values. |
| Artificer bomb fixes | Verify bomb behavior before using older Artificer mining or Gold routes. |
| Anti-stall enemy behavior | Retest very slow solo kiting or low-pressure ranged plans. |
| Temporary multiplayer pause | Co-op teams can confirm repairs, ammunition, and role assignments before Continue. |
Use current patch notes as a verification checklist, not as a permanent ranking. Before changing class advice, confirm whether current notes affect ability scaling, weapon rarity, companion behavior, unlock display, or Artificer bombs.
Read the official Stonewards Steam news before trusting an older build video.
Patch 0.1.7 class changes
| System | Verified change |
|---|---|
| Hunter Companion | Faster movement, longer travel range, more health, slightly more damage |
| Companion damage | Poison and Fire now scale with player attack damage |
| Companion healing | Upgraded Fireplace and Healer can heal the Companion |
| Artificer | Bombs roll Gold per destroyed block |
| Healer | More reliable projectile collision and a small healing area on impact |
| Mage | Fireball collision area improved |
| Weapons | Playable Crossbows added |
Read the official Hotfix 0.1.7 notes for the last major class-balance batch before copying a build from an older version.
FAQ
What is the best Stonewards class?
There is no single best class for every run. Pick for the job your team is missing: economy, frontline control, ranged damage, companion pressure, or healing.
How do I unlock a character?
Open the Character Screen. Since Hotfix 0.1.6, it shows the mission required for each locked character.
Can the Hunter Companion be healed?
Yes. In Hotfix 0.1.7 the Companion can be healed by the Healer and at a Fireplace with the Fireplace upgrade.