Weapon builds

These are complete example builds for unmodded PC 1.5.2.3. Choose a weapon role that fits the team, then adapt its Immediate combat level 2–11 order to the recruit and campaign. Level 1 grants no perk; the next ten levels provide ten picks. Each build gives gear, recruit priorities, tactics and tradeoffs.

When a guide names defenses or Health, assess the recruit before equipment bonuses. Colossus improves maximum Health, so account for it when allocating level-up rolls. Usable Fatigue is the maximum left after the full loadout, including bag gear. An ordinary brother recovers 15 Fatigue at turn start. “Fatigue-neutral” generally means a turn spends no more than it recovers; these two-hander examples use one move plus one strike on ordinary ground. Wounds, difficult terrain, weapon costs and extra actions can break that balance. Berserk refunds 4 AP once per turn after a kill; another attack still needs AP, Fatigue and a suitable target.

Choose a weapon family

Weapon family	Build
Axes	Two-handed axe
Maces	Mace
Hammers	Hammer
Flails	Flail
Swords	Sword
Cleavers	Cleaver
Daggers	Dagger
Whips	Whip
Bows	Bow
Crossbows	Crossbow
Firearms	Firearm
Throwing weapons	Throwing weapon
Slings	Sling
Spears	Spear
Polearms	Polearm
Fencing swords	Fencing sword
Estocs	Estoc

See recruiting, progression, perk reference and weapon reference for the surrounding systems and item details.

Student and Gifted

Gifted grants three permanent attribute choices; it does not raise character level or give experience or perk points. Student grants 20% more battle experience while active, then becomes inactive and returns one point at level 11. A build can use both: spend the returned point alongside the normal level-11 pick. Each weapon guide’s Student table lists only changed levels; use the Immediate combat order for unlisted levels. Student can be chosen at any level from 2 to 10 and can be delayed until the brother is safer. Only Manhunters’ Indebted return Student at level 7 and need a different plan.

Sources

Weapon and perk mechanics use the 1.5.2.3 game-data manifest. Build tradeoffs also draw on the In-Depth Perks Guide by turtle225 and Abel, accessed 2026-10-18. Recommendations are independently written for this wiki.