Grounded 2 Combat Archetypes Explained

Combat Archetypes, a feature new to Grounded 2, adds a layer of complexity to gear and build choice. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of them.

What are Combat Archetypes

Combat Archetypes are a new set of Perks that are themed around classes often seen in other RPGs. Each of these special perks grants greater power for a specific set of weapons, or similar bonuses, making them incredibly useful. They can also be mixed and matched to allow for greater flexibility on a single character.

In the current state of Early Access, there are only four Combat Archetypes available: Fighter, Mage, Ranger, and Rogue. Each has its strengths and weaknesses that can be very beneficial to gameplay when utilized properly.

How to Use Archetypes

Combat Archetypes take the form of Passive Perks found exclusively on Armor. Using any Archetype is as simple as equipping armor with the Archetype listed. These can be found on all Armor, with just a couple of exceptions, being the Clover Armor Set, as well as most one-off pieces that are not part of any set.

There are, however, many different sets for each Combat Archetype, each with different bonuses of their own. It’s these slight differences in bonuses that may push most Combat Archetypes into specializing in a given weapon or set of weapons.

Buggies should also be considered when it comes to deciding if a Combat Archetype works for you. Buggies can serve as a secondary source of damage and a good distraction if we need one.

For more information on Buggies, check out our Buggies Guide, which covers everything these helpful companions are capable of.

Combat Archetype Types

Below is each Combat Archetype, the Gear and Perks they have access to, as well as a quick summary of each Archetype’s playstyle.

Please note that the item details below are as complete as possible for the current content of Grounded 2’s Early Access. This will be expanded as more content is added.

Fighter

The Fighter Archetype is that of a typical tank role due to their Archetype Perk. This Archetype often gets bonuses to Blocking, Maximum Life, and Life Regeneration on their armor.

The Fighter’s Archetype Perks allow them to take charge of combat and keep enemies focused on them, rather than any companions with them. They’re also exceptional for newer players as their armor often provides the most protection on top of its additional survival benefits.

Fighter Armors

Below is a table of Fighter Armor Sets and their associated Perks.

Fighter Weapons

Below are the Weapons that work well for Fighters.

Mage

Mages specialize in the use of staves that deal Elemental Damage, which their Archetype Perk helps with. This Archetype often receives bonuses to increase their elemental Damage or status effects on their Armor.

Mages trade slower attacks for powerful AoE, just be careful not to hit friendly targets. This allows them to quickly dispatch multiple foes with ease, so long as they have a distraction.

Mage Armors

Below is a table of Mage Armor Sets and their associated Perks

Mage Weapons

Below are the Weapons that work well for Mage.

Ranger

Rangers specialize in ranged combat, preferring Bows and Spears, both of which excel at hitting Weakpoints and take full advantage of their Archetype Perk. This Archetype often receives bonuses that further empower these weapons.

Rangers want to capitalize on their range to land powerful opening shots, switching to their Spears for when enemies close the distance. This mitigates the glaring flaw of Bow, which inherently cannot block or parry and must otherwise rely on dodging. If the Ranger’s target isn’t focused on them, however, they have incredibly high damage output, so long as their target has a Weakpoint to exploit.

Ranger Armors

Below is a table of Ranger Armor Sets and their associated Perks

Ranger Weapons

Below are the Weapons that work well for Rangers.

Rogue

Rogues specialize in quick, dual-wielded weapons, which get the most benefit from their Archetype Perk due to their faster attacks. This Archetype often gets bonuses to reduce Stamina Consumption, empower their combos, and inflict or capitalize on Status Effects.

Like Rogues of other RPGs, they lean into ambushing and backstabbing enemies for greater damage. This makes them naturally pair well with a Fighter for Co-op play. For solo Rogues, a strong Buggy can provide a meaningful distraction in many cases, but not as consistently as a Fighter would due to their damage output.

Rogue Armors

Below is a table of Rogue Armor Sets and their associated Perks.

Rogue Weapons

Below are the Weapons that work well for Rogues.