Choosing the right class in Runaways can make a huge difference when you are trying to survive, collect resources, and eventually escape. There are several classes available, but they are not equally useful. Some are better for beginners, while others become much stronger during the late game and final escape.
Since classes can cost a large amount of Credits, it is worth knowing which ones are actually worth buying before spending your resources. This Runaways tier list ranks the available classes from D Tier to S Tier, with a focus on survival, looting, mobility, combat, and escaping.
Which Runaways Class Should You Buy First?
For a new player, Scout is a strong starting recommendation because its mobility makes the game easier to navigate. Contractor is another safe choice if you want something more balanced.
Once you have enough Credits, consider working toward one of the S Tier classes:
- Smuggler for mobility and versatility.
- Gang Member for a strong general-purpose option.
- Juggernaut for durability and the final fight.
If your main goal is getting your first escape, these classes can provide useful advantages throughout the run.
Runaways Classes Tier List
Here is the overall ranking based on how useful each class can be during a run:
- S Tier: Smuggler, Gang Member, Juggernaut
- A Tier: Scout, Contractor, Medic
- B Tier: Breacher
- C Tier: Basic, Brawler, Old CEO, Bounty Hunter
- D Tier: None
The ranking can change depending on your playstyle, but the S and A Tier classes are generally the safest choices if your main objective is to complete an escape.
S Tier Classes
Smuggler
The Smuggler is one of the strongest all-around classes in Runaways. It focuses on being resourceful, evasive, and difficult to catch, which is extremely useful when you are trying to survive while moving between different areas.
Its mobility and ability to stay unpredictable make it useful for both looting and escaping. The class can also remain effective across different stages of a run instead of only being useful during one specific part.
For players who want a flexible class that can handle different situations, Smuggler is one of the best choices.
Gang Member
The Gang Member is another strong option and deserves a spot in S Tier. It offers a useful combination of combat and survival potential, making it suitable for players who expect to encounter dangerous situations during their runs.
The main downside is its cost. You may need to save a considerable amount of Credits before purchasing it, but the investment can be worthwhile if you are looking for a class that remains useful throughout a run.
If you already understand the basic mechanics of Runaways, Gang Member is a strong upgrade to consider.
Juggernaut
The Juggernaut is particularly useful for players who struggle during the final escape sequence.
The class is slow, but its major advantage is durability. It can withstand more punishment and deal heavy damage, making it useful when you are surrounded by enemies and need to survive for an extended period.
This becomes especially important during the final fight at the Mexican border, where you need to survive for around two minutes while dealing with waves of police.
If surviving the final battle is your biggest concern, Juggernaut is one of the best classes you can choose.
A Tier Classes
Scout
Scout is an excellent choice for beginners because of its speed and mobility. The class is designed around moving quickly, flanking enemies, and escaping dangerous situations.
Being able to move quickly is extremely useful in Runaways because you often need to loot an area and leave before things become too dangerous.
Scout is also a good option if you do not have enough Credits for one of the more expensive S Tier classes.
Contractor
The Contractor is a balanced class without major weaknesses. It does not specialize as heavily as some of the other options, but that is also what makes it reliable.
This is a good class for players who want something straightforward that can work in many different situations.
Contractor can be useful for:
- Beginners
- General looting
- Survival
- Escaping
- Players who do not want a specialized class
Its versatility makes it a dependable A Tier option.
Medic
The Medic is particularly valuable when playing with other players. Its main purpose is supporting teammates and helping keep the group alive.
This can be useful during difficult sections of a run where survival depends on keeping everyone healthy.
If you normally play with friends rather than going solo, Medic can become considerably more valuable. It may not provide the same direct combat power as Juggernaut, but its support abilities can make a major difference to a coordinated team.
B Tier Classes
Breacher
The Breacher is a specialized class that uses explosives to break through defenses and open paths.
This can be extremely useful when dealing with safes and other obstacles that require additional tools to access. The ability to break through certain barriers can help you reach valuable loot faster.
The biggest problem is the cost. Breacher is expensive, so it may take a while to justify purchasing it.
It is a useful class, especially for players who enjoy focusing on looting and breaking into secured areas, but it does not provide the same overall value as the top-tier options.
C Tier Classes
Basic
The Basic class is your starting option and does not require a purchase. Because it has no major special abilities or additional equipment, it naturally sits toward the bottom of the tier list.
It is fine when you are learning the game, but you should eventually consider upgrading once you have enough Credits.
There is little reason to continue using Basic if you have access to a class that provides useful mobility, combat, or survival advantages.
Brawler
Brawler focuses on close-range combat and provides strong hits with decent endurance.
It can be useful for beginners who prefer fighting enemies directly, but close-range combat becomes more difficult as you progress further into a run.
Because of that, it is generally better to save your Credits for a more versatile class rather than investing heavily in Brawler.
Old CEO
Old CEO gives you plenty of money but comes with a major weakness: physical durability.
Having extra money can help you with resources and purchases, but it does not solve the problem of surviving dangerous situations. If your character is too fragile, the additional cash may not matter when you reach the later stages of a run.
For that reason, Old CEO is placed in C Tier.
Bounty Hunter
The Bounty Hunter is fast and dangerous at close range. It can be fun for players who enjoy aggressive gameplay, but its dependence on close combat makes it less reliable for completing a full escape.
The late game can become especially difficult if you constantly need to fight enemies from close range.
Bounty Hunter is therefore more of a situational choice rather than one of the best classes for consistently escaping.
Why Mobility Is So Important
Speed is one of the most valuable advantages you can have in Runaways.
A speed-focused class can help you:
- Move between locations faster.
- Escape enemies.
- Loot areas quickly.
- Avoid unnecessary fights.
- Reach the extraction area sooner.
- Survive dangerous situations.
This is why classes such as Scout and Smuggler perform so well. Being fast does not only help with escaping; it can also make the entire looting process more efficient.
Best Class for the Final Escape
If your main goal is simply to survive the final escape, Juggernaut is one of the strongest choices.
The final section can become chaotic because you have to survive against multiple enemies for an extended period. Durability and heavy damage become much more valuable here than they are during normal exploration.
However, Smuggler can also be an excellent choice because its mobility gives you more options for avoiding danger.
Your choice should depend on whether you prefer surviving through damage or avoiding damage through mobility.
Best Melee Weapon for Looting
One useful extra tip is to consider using a Crowbar.
The Crowbar can help you break objects quickly and access resources such as ATMs without relying entirely on lethal combat. Avoiding unnecessary kills can be useful because creating additional problems with the police can make your escape more difficult.
For players focused on efficient looting, having a tool that lets you interact with objects quickly can save valuable time.
Are Classes Permanent?
Once you obtain a class, you keep it permanently. This means you do not need to purchase the same class again every time you start another game.
Classes are also applied across your runs, making them a long-term investment. Because of this, it is worth saving your Credits for a class that fits your playstyle instead of spending everything on an early upgrade you may stop using later.
The best classes in Runaways are the ones that help you survive the entire run rather than only excelling in one situation. Smuggler, Gang Member, and Juggernaut stand out as the strongest overall choices, while Scout, Contractor, and Medic are reliable alternatives.
Before spending your Credits, think about your preferred playstyle. If you like moving quickly, choose a mobility-focused class. If you expect heavy combat, Juggernaut can be a better fit. For players who want a balanced experience, Contractor is a safe option.
Most importantly, remember that reaching the final escape is not just about having the strongest class. Efficient looting, avoiding unnecessary fights, using useful equipment, and knowing when to run can be just as important. The strongest choice depends on whether you value mobility or durability, so compare Smuggler and Juggernaut for different escape goals before spending your Credits.