99 Nights in the Forest Class Tier List (Zookeeper)

Screenshot by Mickey

Exploring character roles and their effectiveness? This ranking evaluates options for enduring challenges in 99 Nights in the Forest. Beyond building essentials, your chosen specialization significantly impacts success, granting distinctive advantages across scenarios.

Comprehensive Role Rankings for Forest Survival

Analyzed below are playstyles ranked by adaptability and strategic value. Identify the optimal match for your approach.

Elite Performers

Role	Initial Gear	Traits & Skills	Strengths & Drawbacks
Fire Bandit	x1 Infernal Crossbow x1 Wildfire	Tier 1 Infernal Crossbow and Wildfire potion Tier 2 Other tools may ignite foes Tier 3 10% Wildfire drop chance from chests	+ Offensive powerhouse + Crowd management + Effective at close quarters – Limited utility beyond combat
Poison Master	x1 Blowpipe x1 Poison Armor	Tier 1 Enhanced toxin effects Tier 2 25% postmortem poison spread Tier 3 Increased damage vs poisoned targets	+ Balanced offense/defense + Multi-target debuffs + Cost-effective + Starter equipment synergy
Pyromaniac	x1 Flamethrower	Tier 1 Refuel with canisters Tier 2 Increased fuel efficiency Tier 3 Speed boost per burning enemy	+ Sustained area damage + Mobility enhancement + Pre-cooked loot drops – High acquisition cost
Brawler	Leather Body	Tier 1 No ranged weapons +20% HP/30% melee boost Tier 2 Accelerated health regen Tier 3 5% damage mitigation	+ Enhanced durability + Melee compensation + Affordable for tier – Random defense mechanics
Cyborg	x1 Alien Armor x1 Laser Cannon	Tier 1 Overheat penalties Tier 2 Full-charge healing Tier 3 Energy recovery on kills	+ Premium starting kit + Sustain potential – Premium investment required
Assassin	x1 Katana + x120 Throwing Knives	Tier 1 Speed boost/HP tradeoff Tier 2 Initial critical chance Tier 3 Enhanced knife spawn rate	+ Agile combatant + Burst damage capacity – Steep resource requirements

High-Value Options

Role	Initial Gear	Traits & Skills	Strengths & Drawbacks
Chef	x1 Chef’s Station Blueprint x1 Recipe Book	Tier 1 Enhanced recipes Tier 2 New meal unlocks Tier 3 Additional recipes	+ Team buff potential + Simplified cooking – Gradual progression
Support	x1 Bandage	Tier 1 Shared damage bond Tier 2 Efficient rationing Tier 3 Unlimited bond visibility	+ Force multiplier + Resource management – Minimal combat focus
Hunter	x2 Bear Traps	Tier 1 Improved meat drops Tier 2 More pelts Tier 3 Extra pelt trades	+ Food specialization + Early-game advantage – Combat limitations
Ranger	x1 Flashlight + x1 Revolver + x18 Revolver Ammo	Tier 1 Ammo capacity Tier 2 Ammo conservation Tier 3 Enhanced ammo start	+ Immediate defense capability + Solo viability – Ammo scarcity risk
Lumberjack	x1 Good Axe	Tier 1 Improved wood yield Tier 2 Sapling bonus Tier 3 Enhanced wood collection	+ Resource acceleration + Construction advantage – Secondary combat utility
Blacksmith	x1 Hammer	Tier 1 Crafting tier boost Tier 2 Recipe discounts Tier 3 Scrap bonuses	+ Crafting mastery + Resource efficiency – Non-combat focus
Berserker	x1 Medkit	Tier 1 Self-revive mechanic Tier 2 Post-revival power surge Tier 3 Low-health damage boost	+ High-risk playstyle + Built-in safety net – No crafting benefits
Alien	x1 Raygun	Tier 1 Night vision tradeoffs Tier 2 Faster energy recovery Tier 3 Enhanced mobility	+ Superior firepower + Nighttime advantage + Movement upgrades – Upgrade dependency

Moderate Choices

Role	Initial Gear	Traits & Skills	Strengths & Drawbacks
Gambler	x1 Random Item	Tier 1 Risky chest upgrades Tier 2 Improved odds Tier 3 Coin drops	+ Loot potential + Surprise elements – Unpredictable outcomes
Medic	x2 Bandage	Tier 1 Swift revives Tier 2 Enhanced revival Tier 3 Medkit upgrade	+ Team sustainability + Early-game utility – Limited offensive tools
Camper	x1 Flashlight	Tier 1 Hunger management Tier 2 Night visibility Tier 3 Initial meal	+ Newcomer-friendly + Survival focus – Redundant long-term
Fisherman	x1 Fishing Rod	Tier 1 Accelerated skill growth Tier 2 Instant casts Tier 3 Rapid catches	+ Food optimization + Low barrier to entry – Situational relevance
Base Defender	x1 Defense Blueprint	Tier 1 Defensive infrastructure Tier 2 Structure upgrades Tier 3 Enhanced turret power	+ Early-game protection + Threat mitigation – Narrow specialization
Big Game Hunter	x1 Rifle and x12 Rifle Ammon	Tier 1 Pelt-based buffs Tier 2 Improved pelt drops Tier 3 Health augmentation	+ Progressive strength + Permanent upgrades – Selfish gameplay
Zookeeper	x1 Old Taming Flute	Tier 1 Taming proficiency Tier 2 Improved feeding Tier 3 Faster taming	+ Pet management + Non-combat utility – Limited combat impact

Niche Picks

Role	Initial Gear	Traits & Skills	Strengths & Drawbacks
Scavenger	None	Tier 1 Expanded storage Tier 2 Quicker looting Tier 3 Bonus scrap	+ Inventory flexibility + Material gains – No starting equipment
Cook	x1 Seasoning	Tier 1 Enhanced nutrition Tier 2 Faster cooking Tier 3 Special stew chance	+ Sustenance optimization + Minor healing – Marginal combat value
Farmer	x1 Watering Can	Tier 1 Rare crops Tier 2 Orchard potential Tier 3 Guaranteed pumpkin yield	+ Agricultural focus – Obsolete late-game – Redundant in teams

Limited Viability

Role	Initial Gear	Traits & Skills	Strengths & Drawbacks
Decorator	Hammer	Tier 1 Furniture variety Tier 2 Trader visibility Tier 3 Discounts	+ Base aesthetics – No gameplay impact
Default	None	None	– Base capabilities only

Unlocking New Specializations

Access specialization options via the in-game menu. Visit the western structure in the hub area to locate the role selection interface, where you can spend Diamonds to acquire new roles or switch existing ones.