Character Choices
Races Guide
What race tells you about a recruit, what else to inspect, and how to choose someone your settlement can support.
Quick Answer
Race is one part of a recruit's traits, alongside background and personality. Steam uses a Lizardman as an example, and patch v0.4.12 mentions Lycans. Those examples are not a complete roster. Our advice is to inspect the whole character and recruit for a job you need filled.
Compare backgrounds before choosing a raceRace Notes for Your Next Recruit
The official store confirms race affects traits, but does not publish a full race bonus table. The role ideas below are community examples, not automatic bonuses.
Lizardman
Officially named on Steam. A player build guide recommends a Lizardman with Shield and Blunt for the front line.
Check that the individual candidate actually has those trees.
Steam store + community build guideElf
The community guide describes Elf Bow and Nature Magic examples; exact racial modifiers are not verified here.
Compare available skills rather than choosing by race alone.
Steam community build guideLycan
Developer patch v0.4.12 confirms Lycans but only documents a portrait and facial-decal fix.
Read the current tooltip; do not infer a combat bonus from that patch.
Developer patch v0.4.12
How To Use This
Read Beyond the Portrait
A race label is a starting point, not the whole character. Read the background and personality traits as well as the skills on the candidate screen. Two recruits who look similar may fit different jobs; choose using the information on that individual rather than assuming a shared portrait means a shared build.
Recruit for a Missing Job
Our recommendation is to write down the problem before choosing a recruit. Is your expedition missing a durable front member, or is your settlement struggling to keep up? Compare candidates against that job. An interesting character is not automatically the most useful next hire.
Compare the Cost of Adding Someone
Plan for another person's food, shelter, and equipment before expanding. If your existing members are already short of supplies, solve that bottleneck first. We favor a smaller group you can support consistently over adding a recruit simply because their race sounds strong.
Lycan Appearance After v0.4.12
The developer corrected a mismatch between Lycan portraits and facial decals in v0.4.12. Previously recruited Lycans were unaffected; new recruits use the corrected appearance. This is an appearance fix, not evidence of a combat bonus or penalty.
What Players Can Rely On
- Steam describes member traits based on race, background, and personality.
- The public description gives an example of a curious Lizardman with a drifter past.
- The game includes recruiting candidates and helping them grow through leveling.
What Can Still Change
- Playable race list.
- Settlement bonuses or combat differences.
- Background and personality effects.
- Best race for beginner, combat, crafting, or food economy.
Before Your Next Run
- Decide whether you need an expedition member or a settlement worker.
- Read the candidate's traits and skills before recruiting.
- Compare their strengths with the members you already have.
- Check that you can provide the food, shelter, and equipment they need.
Official Links
Check the official store page, patch notes, and current player discussions when a version-specific detail matters.
Open Dungeon Settlers on Steam
Use the Steam page for price, screenshots, system details, reviews, and official launch updates.
Open Steam pageRead official updates and patch notes
Use the Steam news hub to check patches, roadmap posts, balance changes, and release announcements.
Open Steam newsBrowse player discussions
Check current bug reports, gameplay questions, and solutions shared by Dungeon Settlers players.
Open discussionsFAQ
Are races confirmed in Dungeon Settlers?
Race-related mechanics are confirmed at a high level. Steam says traits can be based on race, background, and personality, and mentions a Lizardman example. Exact race names and bonuses still need verification.
Is there a verified best race for beginners?
We do not yet have a tested ranking. Choose by the candidate's actual traits, skills, and the role your current group needs.
Should beginners pick the strongest race?
There is no verified strongest-race ranking here. Compare each candidate's Major Traits, skills, and current needs before recruiting.
Sources
Facts are checked against official pages and clearly linked third-party reporting where noted.