Permafrost Classes & Specializations

Permafrost's 3 starting classes differ by their starting kit, and the 4 specializations each add +1 to three skills. Every item and skill below links to its page.

Classes
3Hunter, Smuggler, Survivor
Specializations
4Engineer, Marksman, Scavenger, Tracker
Biggest kit
Hunter10 items
Skills
16level through use
Related guideThe three classesPermafrost Skills & Classes Explained: 16 Skills, 3 Classes, 4 Specializations

Starting classes

Game data

Data: Permafrost Early Access preview build 0.44.2.4552-playtest — refreshed at the Oct 9 launch. How we source this

Specializations

Game data

Picked at character creation. Each adds +1 to three skills; the skills themselves still level through use.

  • Engineer

    Specialization

    A practical person with a steady hand for tools, repairs, and understanding how things work.

    Skill bonuses

  • Marksman

    Specialization

    A calm and focused individual with experience in handling ranged weapons and keeping steady under pressure.

    Skill bonuses

  • Scavenger

    Specialization

    An observant and resourceful person, used to searching carefully and making use of what can be found.

    Skill bonuses

  • Tracker

    Specialization

    Someone with patience and attention to detail, used to noticing signs that others might overlook.

    Skill bonuses

Skill bonuses compared

Which specialization starts which skill higher.

Skill bonuses compared
SkillEngineerMarksmanScavengerTracker
Running+1—+1—
Axes+1———
Toughness+1———
Accuracy—+1——
Firearms—+1——
Bows—+1—+1
Lockpicking——+1—
Sneaking——+1—
Skinning———+1
Knives———+1

Values are starting-level bonuses from the specialization data assets.

Starting kits compared

What each class is wearing and carrying on the first morning.

Starting kits compared
ClassWornCarried
Hunter Casual Backpack Casual Gloves Wolf Head Hat Casual Jacket Casual Pants Casual Boots Building Tool Makeshift Bandage Improvised Coffee Instant Oatmeal
Smuggler Casual Backpack Casual Gloves Casual Hat Casual Jacket Casual Pants Casual Boots Building Tool Makeshift Bandage Energy Drink Chocolate Bar
Survivor Casual Backpack Survivor's Gloves Survivor's Hood Survivor's Uniform Survivor's Trousers Survivor's Boots Building Tool Makeshift Bandage Improvised Tea Granola Bar

Permafrost offers 3 starting classes (Hunter, Smuggler, Survivor); each is a starting kit rather than a locked playstyle. The 4 specializations (Engineer, Marksman, Scavenger, Tracker) each add +1 to three skills — Engineer boosts Running, Axes, Toughness. Because skills level through use, a class choice sets your first hour, not your ceiling.

See Also

SkillsClothingWarmth PlannerDifficultyQuests
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Classes FAQ

What is the best class in Permafrost?

There is no stat difference: the 3 classes (Hunter, Smuggler, Survivor) only change the starting kit. Pick the kit that covers your first hour — a weapon if you want to hunt early, tools if you want to build.

What is the difference between a class and a specialization?

A class is a starting kit (worn gear, inventory, known recipes). A specialization is a permanent +1 to three skills chosen at character creation. You pick one of each.

Which specialization should I pick?

Match it to the skills you will use most: Engineer starts with Running, Axes, Toughness. The bonus is +1 level each, so it is a head start, not a build-defining choice.

Can you change class later?

Not in the preview build: class and specialization are set at character creation. Skills keep levelling through use regardless of the pick.