A game that balances accessible first-person-shooter gameplay with the seriousness of military simulator teamwork, Insurgency: Sandstorm is the best of both worlds. Sandstorm does a lot for fans of both genres, but picking the right class and working with your teammates is definitely the name of the game.

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Whether you like to go in guns blazing or as tactically as possible, there is a class for you. But, which of the classes is best to be avoided, and which is the one you should always try to get ahold of before your teammates? Here are the classes of Insurgency: Sandstorm ranked.

8 Observer

Insurgency Sandstorm Soldier Aiming M4 With Tactical Gear

The Observer is the class with a lot of nuance to it. When considering team dynamics, it is invaluable to have an Observer around. For the commander to be able to call in any sort of support the Observer must be within proximity to actually make the call. This means if there isn't a dedicated amount of players actively playing as this class then you may just be left with small arms to get the job done.

Playability-wise, this class doesn't have a lot going for it. There isn't enough weapon or item variation in comparison to other classes to really make it a fun class to play. You're pretty just puppy-dogging whoever is playing commander. Although, some players who like support roles will enjoy this.

7 Rifleman

Insurgency Sandstorm Insurgents in Gas Masks Aiming Out Window

The basic class of Insurgency: Sandstorm, and by far the most widely available. For the most part, you can have as many of these guys as you want on your team. They have a fair amount of equipment available, as well as the classic main battle rifles and handguns you would expect for the average rank and file.

Te basic midrange weaponry from AK's to M16's are here for you in this class A great option for new players or just ones wanting to run a classic option and hone their gunplay.

6 Advisor

Insurgency: Sandstorm Gameplay

Advisors are perhaps the most flashy of the classes. They're a great choice for those who want to specialize a bit more than the classic Rifleman but don't want to give up the frontline combat role.

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With the range of weaponry from submachine guns all the way to marksman rifles there is a good wealth of variation you can have from another player who has chosen the same class. All-in-all this class is perfect for mid-range engagements or being a tertiary role in close-quarters battles. The wide range this class has gives it a lot of boons.

5 Marksman

Insurgency Sandstorm 50 Cal Sniper Rifle Aiming

If you're wanting a class that gives you more options in longer-range engagements then Marksman is probably the one you want. There are a good amount of options for sniper rifles and DMRs from modern-day all the way back to rustic weapons from decades prior.

A Marksman with the right weapon and in the right spot can pick off reinforcements before they even become a threat to their teammates and be a sniper's dream. Sadly this class does lose out in close-quarters combat where a lot of the weapons and loadouts aren't as optimal as those of other classes.

4 Gunner

Insurgency Sandstorm Maps a first-person perspective view of an LMG with a soldier running away in the distance against a wall of grey buildings in the background

If more of a spray-and-pray method is your speed then the Gunner is where it's at. Their machine guns with large ammo capacity are great for cutting through enemies or at least keeping their heads down.

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The Gunner is a great balance of support and assault. You'll want to stay back a bit from the height of the action as some of your weapons are a little unwieldy, but staying close enough to be able to let loose a burst of lead at a moment's notice. This class does take some skills to get used to finding the right places to be and the flow of the game.

3 Commander

Insurgency Sandstorm Insurgent Characters Running Towards Camera-1

A great choice for those that want a little bit of extra purpose in their matches. The Commander is the one responsible for calling in any support. Anything from smoke mortars to gunships can be summoned by the Commander, but you'll need the help of an Observer if you actually want that order carried out.

The right Commander can change the tide of a fight in seconds, whereas the wrong one is little different from the average Rifleman.

2 Demolition

Insurgency Sandstorm Reloading RPG On Battlefield

Think of a Rifleman, but with all the explosives you could ever want, that is the Demolition class. While their main weapons are somewhat bland, where they shine is their equipment.

RPGs and grenades aplenty are the calling card of the Demolition class. While it may not seem like much, a properly placed explosive can wipe a squad or shock one enough for your team to take care of the rest. Explosives in this game aren't like that of CoD, they don't take much to leave you sitting in the respawn screen.

1 Breacher

Insurgency Sandstorm Breacher Aiming Shotgun

The heaviest hitter of the classes by far - not simply due to the weapons that are present, but for how wide of a range of engagements these weapons can be used in. There are a few basic rifles and some great submachine guns that make close-to-midrange fights very realistic for this class.

Perhaps the most commonly used weapon in this class are the shotguns that are so synonymous with the Breachers. These shotguns are one-hit-kill machines even at a range, when masterfully using slugs these weapons are like elephant guns. Once you get a good flow going you can be the leading edge of any assault in Insurgency: Sandstorm.

Next: Insurgency: Sandstorm - Beginner Tips