All Classes In Escape From Tarkov: Arena

Escape From Tarkov: Arena puts a fresh spin on the intense gunplay the series is known for by introducing a class-based system. Instead of customizing your loadout from scratch like in the main game, Arena gives players a selection of predefined classes, each with its own gear, weapons, and playstyle. Whether you prefer rushing into fights with SMGs, holding angles with rifles, or supporting your team with utility, there’s a class for every kind of player. In this article, we’ll break down every class available in Escape From Tarkov: Arena so you can figure out which one fits your style best.

#4: Scout

The Scout class in Escape From Tarkov: Arena sounds great on paper—high mobility, quick-firing SMGs, and access to powerful injectors should make them kings of close-range combat. But once you climb out of the early tiers, the cracks start to show. Scout presets are all over the place, with some offering solid ammo but limited mags, while others give you more bullets but weaker performance overall. The real issue is that Scouts lack strong armor and almost never get decent helmets, which means they’re easy targets for any enemy with decent gear.

Even when you manage to catch someone off guard, if they’re running a mid or high-tier CQB or Assault preset, you’ll often lose the fight simply because your bullets can’t punch through their defenses. That leaves you relying on headshots—which is risky when your survivability is paper thin. Scouts are great for early progression and can help you level quickly at the start, but once the matches start getting more competitive, their flaws become too hard to ignore. Unless you’re reaching the very top-end presets, Scout just doesn’t hold up in the Arena’s midgame brawls.

#3: Marksman

The Marksman class in Escape From Tarkov: Arena is a mixed bag. You’ll either be rocking a DMR or a bolt-action sniper, and both options come with clear strengths—and some serious drawbacks. DMRs are powerful, accurate, and surprisingly versatile, making them a solid pick for mid-to-long-range fights. But here’s the issue: Arena maps just aren’t built for range. Most of the time, you’re forced into tight quarters, where that versatility doesn’t really matter if you can’t land a quick shot before someone with an SMG or shotgun barrels into you.

Bolt-actions have it even worse. While they can deal massive damage, you’re not really one-shotting anyone unless it’s a clean headshot—and that’s assuming your enemy isn’t rocking high-tier helmets. You’ll usually have a backup weapon, but once you’re switching to that, you’re already in the kind of close-range fight you weren’t built for. Add in the fact that most Marksman presets come with weak armor and minimal helmet protection, and you end up being a glass cannon that’s easily outclassed in close fights. Unless you’re a headshot god or sniping on a map with long sightlines, the Marksman class is tough to thrive with in Arena.

#2: CQB

The CQB (Close Quarters Battle) class in Escape From Tarkov: Arena is exactly what it sounds like—fast, brutal, and built for chaos. If you enjoy charging headfirst into fights and taking the enemy by surprise, this is the class for you. Most CQB presets give you powerful shotguns or fast-firing SMGs, along with top-tier armor and helmets that let you tank a few hits and keep pushing. You’re meant to get up in your enemy’s face and end fights before they know what hit them.

What makes the CQB class so strong is how well it fits the Arena’s tight, enclosed maps. You don’t need to worry about long-range accuracy—just reaction speed and positioning. And with injectors, heavy armor, and high-damage weapons, you can often win 1v2s if you catch your enemies off guard. The only real downside is that you’re not going to do great in open spaces or against someone with good aim at range, but on most Arena maps, that’s rarely a concern. CQB is one of the most consistent and beginner-friendly classes in the game—and easily one of the strongest if you know how to use it.

#1: Assault

The Assault class is hands-down the most well-rounded and reliable class in Escape From Tarkov: Arena. It offers the perfect balance between firepower, survivability, and versatility, making it an easy favorite for both new players and experienced veterans. Most Assault presets come equipped with solid mid-to-long range assault rifles, decent armor, and strong helmets, giving you everything you need to adapt to any situation on the map.

What sets Assault apart is that it doesn’t really have a clear weakness. You’re not limited to close quarters like CQB or vulnerable at range like Scout. Whether you’re locking down lanes, clearing objectives, or flanking enemies, the Assault class gives you the tools to do it all—and do it well. It also scales beautifully as you climb through the tiers, with better gear and more reliable ammo options, letting you hold your ground even when the competition gets tougher. If you’re looking for the safest bet to carry games and level up consistently, Assault is absolutely the class to pick.

Conclusion

Each class in Escape From Tarkov: Arena has its own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different playstyles and strategies. Whether you prefer the close-quarters chaos of CQB, the balanced approach of Assault, or the fast-paced mobility of Scout, there’s a class that can match your pace and preference. While some classes like Assault stand out for their versatility and consistency, others may take more effort to master or shine only in specific situations. No matter which you choose, learning each class’s role and mastering its gear loadouts will give you a major edge in Arena’s high-stakes firefights.