Tears of Metal Builds Guide for Wallace, Brienne and Ruadh

A Tears of Metal build is not one fixed inventory list. Weapons and permanent upgrades determine the starting moves, while Emblems, Charms, route rewards, commanders, and army traits shape the campaign as it unfolds.

Start with a repeatable combat loop, then take rewards that strengthen it or cover its failure. Do not abandon a functioning run because a named Emblem family did not appear.

Build comparison

These are supported directions, not a universal tier ranking. Each has current-build data and player clear reports behind it, but reward randomness still changes the final campaign build.

How to build a run

1. Choose one safe action. Identify the short string, Dodge, Block, or command that works before any reward appears.
2. Choose one payoff. Heavy finishers, Direct-Hit scaling, or Ally Commands need a reliable setup.
3. Add one defensive answer. Healing, damage reduction, crowd control, or movement is part of the build, not a wasted damage slot.
4. Read every replacement. An active Emblem can remove the only action currently applying a status.
5. Plan for the next encounter. Economy value early in an Act is different from immediate boss value.

Emblems and reward randomness

Emblem offers are not fully controllable. Version 0.11.57863 favors families that have not appeared yet, but does not let a player order one complete family on demand.

Build around functions rather than a single name:

The Emblems guide explains the seven current families and setup-payoff structure.

Charms and equipment

Choose the current tooltip, not a rarity label. A rare Charm with an unused trigger contributes less than a common effect supporting the hero’s repeated action.

Priorities by hero:

• Wallace can use Ally damage, command support, Block recovery, health, or finisher bonuses depending on the selected route.
• Brienne values Dodge recovery, movement safety, repeated-hit value, and only then finishers she can land consistently.
• Ruadh values Heavy reliability, shield or armour answers, healing, and crowd control.

See the Charms guide for rarity, stacking, and acquisition rules.

Solo and co-op changes

Solo leaves one player responsible for every objective and makes a developed commander roster especially valuable. Co-op adds more heroes and battlefield coverage, but the active army allocation and revive plan change.

Before copying a solo build into co-op, ask:

• Is the main damage coming from the hero or that player’s commanders?
• Can another player apply the setup or control effect?
• Who is preserving Special meter for revives, healing, or boss safety?
• Does the build still work when the boss targets someone else?

What not to treat as confirmed

• A single best Emblem family for every weapon and route.
• Guaranteed access to a named reward during one campaign.
• Identical commander Monikers always stacking.
• A community damage number applying after every balance patch.
• A third-party “Artifact” tier list; the current verified data does not document a separate Artifact system.

Frequently asked questions

Which hero is easiest to build?

Ruadh has the clearest supported Heavy-and-healing loop, while Wallace offers a flexible starting kit. Brienne is less forgiving because damage taken resets Direct-Hit momentum.

Should I force one Emblem family?

No. Keep a working setup and payoff, then mix families only when the new reward contributes immediately.

Is there one best build for co-op?

No. Co-op rewards complementary roles and changes army allocation. A solo Ally Command setup may not transfer unchanged.

Do I need the fourth weapon?

No. Every hero has a current-build route using earlier weapons. Later weapons expand options rather than invalidating the starting kit.

Last updated August 9, 2026