How Many Dudes? Tier List

This tier list reflects the current meta of How Many Dudes? after the July 30, 2026 full release. Rankings combine community consensus from demo Endless runs, press coverage, and early 1.0 observations. Expect shifts as post-launch patches land — check Updates for balance changes.

For concrete five-Type lineups rather than family rankings alone, see Best Builds. For Relic Pool decisions that shape which comps actually work, see Relic Pool & Economy.

Community-Verified Deep-Run Builds

Pre- and post-launch community data highlights these compositions:

• Viking + Necromancer + Spartan + Cleric — sustain and death-scaling; reported to wave 120+ in demo Endless; strong post-launch candidate
• Zombie + Necromancer Undead core — scaling damage loop; see Synergies guide
• Wizard + Cleric Fantasy core — Bloody Talisman + Clerical Error hybrid sustain/damage

Bullet Haven review (July 2026) notes synergy depth “rivals Balatro.” Full release adds Cowboy Dude, Pirate Dude, Alien Dude, Mummy Dude, Druid Dude, and Trinkets — tier rankings below will update after meta stabilizes.

Wave 123 — The Filter Wall

Community data from demo Endless identifies wave 123 as a major difficulty spike: ~1,666 Polar Bears plus ~1,000 Honey Badgers (2,500+ enemies). Builds that clear this wall need high DPS, crowd control (Necromancer skeleton taunts), and sustain (Cleric healing). Pure tanking fails at this density. See the Endless Mode guide for full prep, economy timing, and post-wall scaling.

Use Rematch Mode to retry proven squads against late-game scaling without Main Run variance.

Family Tier Rankings

S-Tier: Dominant Meta

Fantasy Dudes (Wizard + Cleric) The most consistently powerful family combination in the current meta. Wizard Dudes provide the highest sustained magic damage in the game, while Cleric Dudes offer unmatched squad-wide healing. The Clerical Error Relic interaction creates a feedback loop that makes Fantasy teams viable from early waves through late-game boss fights.

Undead Dudes (Zombie + Necromancer) The premier scaling family. In extended runs past wave 50, Undead teams reach damage levels that no other family can match. The Necromancer resurrection mechanic creates a continuous loop where fallen allies fuel Zombie attack scaling.

A-Tier: Strong and Reliable

Warrior Dudes (Knight + Samurai) The backbone of nearly every competitive build. Knight Dude’s taunt and temporary HP mechanics make them the most reliable tanks, while Samurai provides consistent high damage. Warriors fit into any team composition as anchors.

Employed Dudes (Workin’ Dude + Finance Dude) The economic engine of competitive play. Extra Gold from Workin’ Dudes compounds dramatically over a full run, funding Relic acquisitions that outpace opponents.

B-Tier: Situational Power

Sci-Fi Dudes (Hacker + Medic) Extremely powerful in crit-focused builds but requires specific Relic combinations to reach full potential.

Action Dudes (Ninja + Cowboy) Burst-focused playstyle that excels in faster runs and against glass cannon enemy compositions.

Individual Dude Rankings

S-Tier Dudes

Zombie Dude — the premier scaling damage dealer. His attack power grows with every fallen ally, making him essential for late-game viability.

Knight Dude — the most durable tank in the game. Taunt mechanics absorb enemy focus while generating temporary HP.

Wizard Dude — highest raw damage potential in the game. Magic damage scales with spell power Relics.

A-Tier Dudes

Cleric Dude — the best all-around support Dude. Healing pulses keep the entire squad alive.

Necromancer Dude — the enabler of Undead scaling. Resurrect mechanics keep bodies on the field.

Viking Dude — essential for deep runs; high DPS with strong scaling in community wave 120+ builds.

Spartan Dude — S-tier frontline in Viking + Necro + Spartan meta.

FrankenDude — A-tier; very strong with specific Relic support at launch.

B-Tier Dudes

Hacker Dude — extremely powerful in crit builds but requires specific Relic support.

Ninja Dude — burst finisher with survivability through stealth.

Medic Dude — emergency healer for glass cannon teams.

Relic Tier Rankings

S-Tier Relics

Bloody Talisman — stacking attack speed on every heal creates exponential damage scaling.

Clerical Error — converts Cleric healing pulses into damage.

Bat Wings (Vampire) — second-lease-on-life mechanic prevents key damage dealers from being Knocked Out.

Trinket Rankings

S-Tier Trinkets:

• ADHD Trinket (Wizard Dude)
• Taser Trinket (Samurai Dude)
• Life Insurance Trinket (Finance Dude)

A-Tier Trinkets:

• Stealth Boot Trinket (Ninja Dude)
• Circuit Trinket (Electrician Dude)
• Bat Wings Trinket (Vampire Dude)