Introduction

Wartales is an open-world tactical RPG where players lead a group of mercenaries through a harsh medieval world filled with bandits, political conflicts, dangerous creatures, and opportunities for profit. Unlike traditional RPGs that focus on saving the world, Wartales places survival, resource management, and squad development at the center of the experience.

From the very beginning, every decision matters. Recruiting companions, managing food supplies, maintaining equipment, accepting contracts, and surviving difficult battles all contribute to the success or failure of your company. A poorly managed group can quickly collapse under debt, starvation, or combat losses.

Many new players struggle because they expand too quickly, spend resources inefficiently, or take contracts beyond their capabilities. This guide covers everything from the first days of your mercenary company to late-game optimization, helping you build a powerful and profitable force capable of overcoming any challenge.

1. Build a Stable Company Before Expanding

One of the most common mistakes in Wartales is recruiting too many mercenaries too early.

While a larger army may seem stronger, every additional member increases food consumption, wage costs, and equipment requirements.

During the early game, focus on maintaining a small but effective team.

Ideal Early Squad Size

• 4 to 6 mercenaries
• 1 tank
• 2 damage dealers
• 1 archer
• 1 support character

Benefits of a Smaller Team

A compact squad is easier to equip, feed, and level.

You will also earn more money per mercenary because contract rewards are divided among fewer expenses.

2. Prioritize Income Over Combat Glory

Many beginners chase every battle they encounter.

While combat provides experience and loot, unnecessary fights can drain resources and damage valuable equipment.

The primary goal during the early game should be financial stability.

Reliable Income Sources

• Bounties
• Trade routes
• Capturing criminals
• Selling crafted goods
• Resource gathering

Smart Financial Habits

• Save emergency funds.
• Repair equipment regularly.
• Avoid unnecessary purchases.
• Keep food reserves available.

A wealthy company survives far longer than a reckless one.

3. Learn Positioning Before Focusing on Damage

Combat in Wartales rewards positioning more than raw statistics.

Many new players concentrate entirely on increasing damage output while ignoring battlefield control.

Proper positioning can completely change the outcome of difficult encounters.

Positioning Principles

• Protect ranged units.
• Control chokepoints.
• Surround enemies when possible.
• Prevent flanking attacks.

Common Mistakes

• Exposing archers.
• Overextending frontline units.
• Fighting multiple groups simultaneously.
• Ignoring terrain advantages.

Strong positioning often wins battles before the first attack is made.

4. Upgrade Equipment Consistently

Equipment quality has a major impact on combat effectiveness.

A well-equipped squad can defeat stronger enemies even when outnumbered.

Many players save valuable resources indefinitely instead of investing in upgrades.

Priority Equipment Upgrades

1. Weapons
2. Armor
3. Shields
4. Utility Accessories
5. Profession Tools

Benefits of Better Gear

• Higher damage
• Increased survivability
• Better status effects
• More tactical options

Regular upgrades provide some of the strongest power increases in the game.

5. Assign Professions Efficiently

Professions are essential for long-term success.

Every profession provides unique bonuses, resources, and economic advantages.

New players often assign professions randomly without considering future needs.

Important Early Professions

• Blacksmith
• Miner
• Cook
• Tinkerer
• Alchemist

Why Professions Matter

Profession bonuses improve over time.

A skilled blacksmith can create powerful equipment, while an experienced cook significantly reduces food-related problems.

Developing professions early creates long-term benefits.

6. Manage Food and Happiness Carefully

Food is one of the most important resources in Wartales.

Without adequate supplies, morale drops and the company becomes increasingly difficult to manage.

Many campaigns fail because players underestimate logistical requirements.

Good Food Sources

• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trading
• Cooking meals
• Purchasing supplies

Happiness Management Tips

Pay Wages Promptly

Late payments damage morale.

Provide Better Food

Cooked meals offer significant benefits.

Win Battles Consistently

Success improves company confidence.

Happy mercenaries perform far better than dissatisfied ones.

7. Master the Wanted System

Criminal activity can be profitable but also dangerous.

The Wanted system tracks illegal actions and determines how aggressively authorities pursue your company.

Many beginners accumulate suspicion without understanding the consequences.

Activities That Increase Suspicion

• Theft
• Assault
• Illegal trade
• Escaping guards

Managing Suspicion

• Pay fines when necessary.
• Avoid excessive criminal activity.
• Use stolen goods carefully.
• Monitor wanted levels regularly.

Balancing risk and reward is essential.

8. Capture Enemies for Additional Value

Capturing opponents is often more profitable than killing them.

Prisoners can be sold, recruited under certain circumstances, or used for specific objectives.

Many players ignore this mechanic entirely.

Best Targets for Capture

• Outlaws
• Criminals
• Valuable specialists
• Quest-related enemies

Benefits of Prisoners

• Extra income
• Recruitment opportunities
• Contract completion
• Strategic advantages

A successful mercenary company takes advantage of every opportunity.

9. Develop Specialized Character Builds

As mercenaries gain levels, specialization becomes increasingly important.

Many beginners create generalist characters that perform adequately but excel at nothing.

Specialized builds usually provide much greater value.

Popular Roles

Tank

Absorbs enemy attacks and controls positioning.

Archer

Provides ranged damage and battlefield support.

Assassin

Eliminates high-priority targets quickly.

Support

Enhances allies and weakens enemies.

Build Tips

Focus on strengths rather than trying to cover every weakness.

A specialized team often performs better than a group of jack-of-all-trades.

10. Prepare for Late-Game Challenges

The late game introduces stronger enemies, larger battles, and more complex management requirements.

Companies that survive this long usually possess strong foundations, but continued optimization remains essential.

Late-Game Priorities

• Legendary equipment
• Profession mastery
• Squad specialization
• Advanced crafting
• Economic dominance

Advanced Optimization Strategies

Maintain Equipment Reserves

Backup gear prevents emergencies.

Diversify Income Sources

Never rely on a single activity.

Optimize Travel Routes

Reduce wasted time and resources.

Build a Balanced Roster

Prepare for multiple combat scenarios.

The strongest mercenary companies are efficient both on and off the battlefield.

Conclusion

Wartales is far more than a tactical combat game. Success requires balancing combat effectiveness, financial management, logistics, squad development, profession progression, and strategic decision-making. While battles may provide the most exciting moments, long-term survival depends on planning and resource management.

By maintaining a manageable squad size, investing in equipment upgrades, developing useful professions, controlling expenses, and mastering battlefield positioning, you'll avoid many of the mistakes that lead to failed campaigns. Whether your goal is becoming the most feared mercenary company in the region or building a prosperous enterprise through trade and contracts, these strategies will help guide your company from humble beginnings to legendary status.