The latest update to 99 Nights in the Forest has introduced two game-changing classes that completely transform how you survive the haunted wilderness. Players everywhere are wondering which of these new classes will give them the best chance to survive all 99 nights. This comprehensive 99 Nights in the Forest Brute & Explorer Guide breaks down everything you need to know about these new classes, their unique abilities, and how to use them effectively whether you’re playing solo or with a team. We’ll cover each class’s abilities, leveling requirements, strategies, and help you decide which one suits your playstyle best.
Key Takeaways
- The Brute class costs 50 Diamonds and is a defensive tank class focused on damage reduction and crowd control
- The Explorer class costs 80 Diamonds and specializes in speed, resource gathering, and map exploration
- Brute players spawn with a special shield that can block damage and taunt enemies
- Explorer players start with Compass and Map blueprints for better navigation
- Brute is ideal for beginners and team players who want to protect their group
- Explorer is perfect for solo players who prefer speed, scouting, and efficient looting
- Both classes can be upgraded to Level 3 by completing specific in-game challenges
- The classes work great together in a team, with Explorer gathering resources while Brute protects the group
Understanding the 99 Nights in the Forest Class System
Classes in 99 Nights in the Forest are special character types that give you unique abilities, perks, and starter items. Think of them as different jobs or roles you can play in the game. Each class comes with three main perks that you unlock as you level up, plus special starting equipment that gives you an advantage right from the beginning.
The class system is one of the most important features in this Roblox survival game because it determines how you’ll approach challenges, what strategies work best for you, and how you interact with other players. The 99 Nights in the Forest class system recently expanded with the addition of the Brute and Explorer classes, giving players even more options to customize their survival experience.
To unlock classes, you need to purchase them from the Class Shop using Diamonds, which are the premium currency in the game. Classes range in cost from 10 to 600 Diamonds, with the Brute costing 50 Diamonds and the Explorer costing 80 Diamonds. Once purchased, you can switch between your unlocked classes at any time from the main menu.
Each class can be leveled up from Level 1 to Level 3 by completing specific challenges related to that class’s abilities. For example, the Brute class levels up by taunting enemies and blocking damage, while the Explorer levels up by opening chests and traveling long distances. This progression system rewards you for playing your class in its intended role.
If you’re new to the game or want to see how these new classes compare to others, check out our complete 99 Nights in the Forest classes tier list to see where Brute and Explorer rank among all available options.
The Brute Class: Your Unbreakable Frontline Defender
The Brute is one of the two new classes added in the 99 Nights in the Forest update, designed for players who prefer a direct approach to combat and want to be the unbreakable wall that protects their team. This class is perfect for beginners and players who struggle with combat, as it focuses on defense and survivability rather than complex mechanics.
Cost and How to Unlock
The Brute class costs 50 Diamonds to unlock from the Class Shop. This makes it relatively affordable compared to many other classes in the game. You can earn Diamonds by completing daily challenges, surviving for certain numbers of days, defeating bosses, or by purchasing them with Robux if you want to unlock the class immediately.
Brute Class Abilities
The Brute class abilities focus on defense, crowd control, and protecting teammates. Here’s what you get at each level:
Level 1 Brute Class Abilities:
- Brute Shield: You spawn with a special shield that significantly reduces incoming damage when equipped
- Taunting Shout: Force nearby enemies to target you for a short duration, drawing their attention away from teammates
Level 2 Brute Class Abilities:
- Demoralizing Taunt: Enemies affected by your Taunt now deal reduced damage for a few seconds, making you even more durable
Level 3 Brute Class Abilities:
- Obsidian Shield Upgrade: Your shield evolves into a more powerful version with new capabilities
- Charge Attack: Unleash a powerful charge that can knock back enemies and create space
- Shockwave: Slam the ground to create a shockwave that staggers all nearby foes, giving you excellent crowd control
How to Level Up the Brute Class
To progress your Brute class and unlock its full potential, you need to complete specific challenges:
- To reach Level 2: Taunt enemies 100 times and block 800 damage with your Brute Shield
- To reach Level 3: Continue using your taunt and shield abilities to build up your class mastery
The best way to level up your Brute is to actively seek out combat situations, use your Taunt ability whenever enemies are near, and keep your shield raised to block incoming attacks. The Cultist Stronghold is an excellent place to farm these requirements, as it has plenty of enemies to taunt and damage to block.
Best Strategies for Playing as a Brute
The Brute class shines in combat-heavy situations, especially during horde nights and late-game scenarios when enemies become more dangerous. Here are some key strategies for maximizing your effectiveness as a Brute:
- Always keep your shield equipped when entering combat – the damage reduction is significant and can mean the difference between life and death
- Use Taunt strategically to pull enemies away from injured teammates or to group enemies together for area-of-effect attacks
- Position yourself between enemies and your team – you’re the tank, so act as a shield for more vulnerable players
- Save your Charge Attack for emergencies or when you need to create space quickly
- Use Shockwave when surrounded to stun multiple enemies and give yourself breathing room
- Pair with ranged teammates who can safely attack enemies while you hold their attention
The Brute is particularly valuable in team play, where your ability to control enemy attention and reduce incoming damage makes you an invaluable asset to any group. For more general survival tips that work well with the Brute class, check out our guide on 99 Nights in the Forest consumables to keep yourself healed and well-fed.
The Explorer Class: Master of Reconnaissance and Loot
The Explorer is the second new class introduced in the latest 99 Nights in the Forest update, designed for players who prefer speed, efficiency, and gathering resources over direct combat. This class excels at mapping the environment quickly, finding valuable loot, and supporting the team with vital information and supplies.
Cost and How to Unlock
The Explorer class costs 80 Diamonds to unlock from the Class Shop, making it more expensive than the Brute but still reasonably priced compared to many other classes. You can earn Diamonds through the same methods mentioned for the Brute class: completing challenges, surviving days, defeating bosses, or purchasing them with Robux.
Explorer Class Abilities
The Explorer class abilities focus on mobility, resource gathering, and map awareness. Here’s what you get at each level:
Level 1 Explorer Class Abilities:
- Fog Runner: Gain a temporary speed boost after clearing an area of fog on the map
- Keen Cartographer: Uncover a larger radius of the map from the start, giving you better awareness of your surroundings
- Pack Mule: Gain +2 additional inventory slots, allowing you to carry more resources and items
Level 2 Explorer Class Abilities:
- Vigorous Explorer: Your hunger depletes at a slower rate when you are far from a campfire, making long exploration trips more sustainable
Level 3 Explorer Class Abilities:
- X-Ray Vision: See treasure chests through walls when you are in close proximity, making it much easier to find valuable loot
- Deft Hands: Open chests significantly faster, allowing you to loot more efficiently and spend less time vulnerable
How to Level Up the Explorer Class
To progress your Explorer class and unlock its full potential, you need to complete exploration and looting-related challenges:
- To reach Level 2: Open 80 chests and travel a total of 2500 studs in the game
- To reach Level 3: Open 200 chests and travel a total of 10,000 studs
The best way to level up your Explorer is to focus on exploration and looting. The Cultist Stronghold is an excellent place to farm chests, as it contains multiple treasure chests in its prize room. For traveling long distances, simply exploring the map and clearing fog will help you accumulate the required distance quickly.
Best Strategies for Playing as an Explorer
The Explorer class excels in the early and mid-game by accelerating your team’s progression and resource gathering. Here are some key strategies for maximizing your effectiveness as an Explorer:
- Prioritize clearing fog at the beginning of each run to activate your Fog Runner speed boost
- Use your expanded map view to plan efficient routes and avoid unnecessary backtracking
- Focus on looting rather than combat – your strength is in gathering resources, not fighting
- Take advantage of X-Ray Vision in dense areas or buildings to find hidden chests quickly
- Stay on the move to make the most of your reduced hunger drain when away from campfires
- Share resources with your team, especially weapons and healing items for more combat-focused players
The Explorer is particularly valuable for solo play, where your self-sufficiency in looting, mapping, and resource management can make a significant difference in your survival chances. In team play, you act as the vital support who ensures everyone is well-equipped with the best gear and resources.
If you’re looking to get more Diamonds to unlock the Explorer class or other valuable items, check out our guide on working 99 Nights in the Forest codes for free rewards that can help you progress faster.
Brute vs Explorer: Which Class Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Brute and Explorer classes depends largely on your personal playstyle and whether you prefer to play solo or with a team. Both classes offer unique advantages that cater to different approaches to the game.
Direct Comparison
| Feature | Brute Class | Explorer Class |
| Cost | 50 Diamonds | 80 Diamonds |
| Playstyle | Defensive, tank | Mobile, scout |
| Starter Items | Brute Shield | Compass & Map Blueprints |
| Best For | Team play, beginners | Solo play, experienced players |
| Combat Role | Frontline defender | Avoidance and escape |
| Resource Focus | Protection and survival | Gathering and efficiency |
Which Class is Better for Solo Play?
For solo players, the Explorer class is generally the better choice. Its abilities focus on self-sufficiency, resource gathering, and map awareness – all crucial skills when you’re surviving alone. The extra inventory slots, reduced hunger drain when away from campfires, and ability to see chests through walls give you significant advantages in gathering the resources you need to survive.
The Brute can work for solo play, especially if you prefer a more combat-focused approach, but you may find yourself struggling with resource management and exploration efficiency compared to an Explorer.
Which Class is Better for Team Play?
In team play, both classes excel but in different roles. The Brute is invaluable as the team’s protector, drawing enemy attention and reducing incoming damage for more vulnerable teammates. The Explorer serves as the team’s scout and resource gatherer, ensuring everyone is well-equipped with the best gear and supplies.
Ideally, a well-balanced team would include both classes, with the Explorer gathering resources while the Brute protects the group and handles direct combat situations.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
From a pure cost perspective, the Brute class offers better value at 50 Diamonds compared to the Explorer’s 80 Diamonds. However, the Explorer’s abilities can lead to faster resource accumulation, potentially offsetting the higher initial cost over time.
If you’re working with limited Diamonds, the Brute is the more economical choice, but if you can afford the extra investment, the Explorer’s utility in resource gathering may pay off in the long run.
Playstyle Preferences and Recommendations
- Choose the Brute if:
- You prefer direct combat and being in the thick of the action
- You enjoy playing a supportive role in teams
- You’re new to the game and want a more forgiving class
- You like the idea of being an unbreakable tank
- Choose the Explorer if:
- You prefer speed and mobility over direct confrontation
- You enjoy exploration and resource management
- You’re an experienced player looking for efficiency
- You like the idea of being a self-sufficient survivor
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both classes and see which one feels more natural and enjoyable for your personal playstyle. Many players eventually unlock both classes to have options depending on the situation and team composition.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your New Class Potential
Whether you choose the Brute or Explorer class, these advanced strategies will help you get the most out of your new abilities and survive longer in the dangerous forest.
General Tips for Both Classes
- Know your role – Brutes should focus on protection and crowd control, while Explorers should prioritize scouting and resource gathering
- Communicate with your team – Let teammates know your class and playstyle so everyone can work together effectively
- Use the right tools – Brutes should always have their shield ready, while Explorers should keep their map and compass accessible
- Stay aware of your surroundings – Both classes benefit greatly from environmental awareness, whether for combat positioning or resource locations
How to Effectively Level Up Your Chosen Class
For Brute Players:
- Seek out combat situations – Don’t avoid fights; embrace them as opportunities to taunt enemies and block damage
- Prioritize shield usage – Keep your shield raised whenever enemies are near to accumulate blocked damage quickly
- Target groups of enemies – Multiple enemies give you more opportunities to taunt and block damage simultaneously
- Visit high-density areas – The Cultist Stronghold and other enemy-heavy locations are perfect for farming taunt and block requirements
For Explorer Players:
- Focus on exploration – Spend time clearing fog and visiting new areas to accumulate travel distance quickly
- Systematically search for chests – Create efficient routes that take you past known chest spawn points
- Prioritize chest opening – Even minor chests count toward your requirements, so open everything you find
- Use your abilities strategically – Clear fog to activate speed boosts, and use X-Ray Vision in complex areas to find hidden chests
Team Composition Strategies with Brute and Explorer
The Brute and Explorer classes work exceptionally well together in a team, creating a powerful synergy that combines defense with resource efficiency. Here are some team composition strategies:
- Classic Scout-and-Tank Duo – One Explorer and one Brute can form a highly effective two-person team, with the Explorer gathering resources while the Brute provides protection
- Balanced Four-Person Team – Two Brutes, one Explorer, and one damage-dealing class (like Alien or Cyborg) create a well-rounded team with defense, resources, and offense
- Large Group Support – In bigger teams, having multiple Explorers can ensure rapid resource accumulation, while multiple Brutes provide overlapping protection for the group
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing These Classes
Brute Class Mistakes:
- Neglecting your shield – Some Brute players forget to use their shield, missing out on its damage reduction and leveling benefits
- Overextending – Just because you’re durable doesn’t mean you’re invincible – don’t wander too far from your team
- Ignoring taunt timing – Using Taunt at the wrong time can pull dangerous enemies toward vulnerable teammates
- Forgetting about positioning – Good Brutes position themselves between enemies and teammates, not in the middle of the group
Explorer Class Mistakes:
- Getting greedy with loot – Taking unnecessary risks for minor treasures can lead to quick deaths
- Neglecting combat preparation – Even though you’re not a combat class, always have a weapon ready for emergencies
- Wasting speed boosts – Use your Fog Runner speed boost purposefully, not randomly
- Ignoring team needs – Don’t hoard all resources for yourself – share weapons and healing items with combat-focused teammates
For more general strategies that work well with both classes, check out our guide on the 99 Nights in the Forest Thanksgiving Challenge for event-specific tips that can help you survive longer and earn more rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which class is better for solo play in 99 Nights in the Forest?
The Explorer class is generally better for solo play in 99 Nights in the Forest. Its abilities focus on self-sufficiency, resource gathering, and map awareness – all crucial skills when you’re surviving alone. The extra inventory slots, reduced hunger drain when away from campfires, and ability to see chests through walls give you significant advantages in gathering the resources you need to survive without teammates to support you. While the Brute can work for solo play, especially if you prefer combat, you may find yourself struggling with resource management compared to an Explorer.
Can the Brute class deal good damage despite being a tank?
The Brute class is primarily designed for defense and crowd control rather than high damage output. Its strength lies in survivability and protecting teammates rather than dealing massive damage. However, at Level 3, the Brute gains access to the Charge Attack and Shockwave abilities, which can deal respectable damage to multiple enemies at once. While you won’t match the damage output of dedicated damage-dealing classes like the Alien or Cyborg, a well-played Brute can still contribute meaningfully to team damage while providing invaluable protection and crowd control.
Does the Explorer’s chest vision ability work on all containers?
The Explorer’s X-Ray Vision ability specifically works on treasure chests, not on all containers in the game. This means you’ll be able to see through walls to locate the special loot chests found throughout the map, but it won’t work on ordinary storage containers, cabinets, or other types of containers. The ability is most useful in dense areas like buildings or caves where chests might be hidden behind walls or obstacles, allowing you to loot more efficiently and spend less time searching.
Is the Brute’s Taunt ability effective against all enemy types?
The Brute’s Taunt ability is effective against most regular enemies in the game, forcing them to target you for a short duration. However, like many games with taunt mechanics, certain special enemy types or bosses may have partial or complete resistance to taunt effects. The game doesn’t specify exact exceptions, but it’s common for boss enemies or special event creatures to have some resistance to crowd control abilities like taunt. For the majority of regular enemies you’ll encounter during normal gameplay, the Taunt ability will work as intended.
Which class should I unlock first if I have limited diamonds?
If you have limited diamonds, the Brute class is generally the better choice to unlock first. At 50 diamonds, it’s more affordable than the Explorer’s 80 diamonds, making it more accessible for players working with a limited budget. Additionally, the Brute is more beginner-friendly and forgiving, with its focus on defense and survivability making it easier for newer players to learn the game mechanics. Once you’ve accumulated more diamonds, you can then unlock the Explorer class to have both options available depending on your needs and playstyle preferences.
How do I level up my Brute or Explorer class faster?
To level up your Brute class faster, focus on combat situations where you can actively use your Taunt ability and block damage with your shield. High-density enemy areas like the Cultist Stronghold are excellent for farming these requirements quickly. For the Explorer class, prioritize exploration and looting – clear fog to activate your speed boost, systematically search for and open all chests you find, and cover large distances by exploring new areas of the map. Both classes benefit from focusing on their specific playstyle and actively working toward their leveling requirements rather than trying to play like other classes.
Can I switch between classes mid-game?
Yes, you can switch between unlocked classes mid-game, but only at designated safe zones or when starting a new run. You cannot change your class in the middle of active gameplay or while in dangerous situations. To switch classes, you’ll need to return to a safe area like your base camp or the lobby, then access the class menu to select a different unlocked class. This flexibility allows you to adapt your approach based on the situation or team composition, but you’ll need to plan your class changes carefully as you can’t switch in the heat of combat.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Brute and Explorer classes has added a vital strategic layer to 99 Nights in the Forest, giving players new ways to approach survival in the haunted forest. The Brute serves as the unbreakable frontline defender, perfect for players who want to protect their team and control enemy aggression. The Explorer excels as the master of reconnaissance and loot, ideal for those who prefer speed, efficiency, and resource gathering.
Whether you choose the Brute for its defensive capabilities or the Explorer for its utility and mobility, both classes offer unique advantages that can significantly improve your survival chances. The key is to play to your class’s strengths – Brutes should focus on protection and crowd control, while Explorers should prioritize scouting and resource gathering.
For the best results, consider unlocking both classes to have options depending on the situation and team composition. In team play, having both a Brute and Explorer creates a powerful synergy that combines defense with resource efficiency, giving your group the best chance to survive all 99 nights in the forest.
Now it’s time to jump into the game, try out these new classes, and discover which one fits your playstyle best. Whether you’re protecting your team as an unbreakable Brute or scouting the wilderness as a resourceful Explorer, these new classes will transform how you experience 99 Nights in the Forest.
