Runner Shell Tier List (Solo Mode)

Assassin

Assassin outright might be the strongest solo character in the game. It does shine somewhat in squad play, but it's abilities are tuned for solo the most.

First off the Active Camo ability is perfect for sneaking around buildings and pushing up on solo players that don't see you coming.

Having essentially free movement around the map without being seen is insane. Also using your Smoke Screen is perfect for one on ones since you immediately activate your Shroud when surrounded by this ability. Sneak up on targets, stab them in the back and peel out with your loot.

Thief

TheThief name alone should let you know how good this character is in solo play. Getting the ability to see loot through walls with X-Ray Visor and use you Grapple Device around the map for height is unbeatable. Sure this is something that would also thrive in squad play, but for solos this is an immediate top 3 choice.

Note that the Thief wasn't available for the Server Slam and is launching with Season 1, so we'll make sure to adjust our rankings if our prediction isn't on the mark!

Rook

Now this one might be a shock to many players, but Rook is an easy choice for S-Tier. Getting not only a free session in the game but also having to not run PvE due to Signal Mask is very good. Not to mention you also have built in healing with Recuperation means you can keep the fight up even when you seem out.

A large reason we chose S-Tier as well is the faction trees and their capstones. Once you start unlocking these you receive free gear at the start of your runs with Rook that immediately set you above the rest. Some players might fight themselves looking to extract immediately so they can bag that free loot for later runs with other shells. Don't count this little bot out of the fight!

Vandal

It shouldn't be a big surprise that Vandal would find themselves higher up on this list. The Disrupt Cannon is very good for one on one fights and knocking enemies out of cover. Many players have also found this is great for elevated movement as well so it's not only offensive.

Having access to multiple movement abilities and a prime of Amplify to push fights means they are a solid pick for experienced PvP players.

Destroyer

Destroyer has a good mix of abilities that makes it a good choice for solos. Thruster for movement and Search and Destroy for offense means you'll have the edge in most fights. The biggest reason for it's ranking is the Riot Barricade ability.

This is great for soaking up damage and closing the gap, but does sometimes help enemies. If you're being pushed while having your barricade up you likely will take more damage when releasing it due to not being able to have a weapon out. It's not a make or break, but can be a disadvantage.

Recon

Recon is a squad focused shell that has advantages in solo, but doesn't shine. First your Tracker Drone and Echo Pulse are great no matter what mode you're in. Both give advantages in a fight, but shine the most in squads.

Second, your Stalker Protocol is nice for those fights since if you break a targets shield they can't hide from you since their footsteps are highlighted for you. Unfortunately though Interrogation is mostly useless since most players won't be pinging you in solos. Also the finisher side of it has no real use since there's no team to ping.

Triage

Triage unfortunately suffers in solos due to it being a squad focused shell. You have personal advantages like healing with Med-Drone and EMPs with Battery Overcharge, but lose out on your last two abilities.

Shareware.exe only works when you have a squad to boost with your drone and without them it's a dead space. Also Reboot+ is great for taking out enemy shields, but is mainly used for bringing back teammates in a fight. Not a bad choice, but there is way better options.