Into the Breach is a turn-based tactical strategy game where each move can determine the fate of humanity. Choosing the best squad can mean the difference between a flawless mission and a devastating loss. Every squad in the game brings a unique combination of abilities, synergies, and tactical depth. Some squads excel in pushing enemies out of the way, while others deal heavy damage or manipulate the battlefield with clever tricks. For players aiming to secure consistent victories, unlock achievements, or climb the difficulty levels, knowing which squads are considered the best in Into the Breach is crucial.
Understanding Squad Composition
The Role of Mechs in a Squad
Each squad in Into the Breach consists of three mechs, typically categorized by their roles Brute, Prime, and Ranged/Science. A well-balanced team usually includes:
- Damage Dealer: Responsible for eliminating or disabling enemies.
- Control Unit: Specializes in pushing, pulling, or repositioning enemies to protect structures.
- Support Unit: Offers healing, shielding, or battlefield manipulation like smoke or fire.
The synergy between these roles is what separates average squads from the best squads in Into the Breach. Let’s break down the top squads that consistently perform well across various scenarios.
Rift Walkers: The Balanced Beginner Squad
Overview
Rift Walkers is the default squad and an excellent choice for players at any skill level. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and teaches the fundamentals of positioning and enemy control.
- Combat Mech: High melee damage, great for one-shotting Vek.
- Cannon Mech: Fires projectiles that deal damage and push.
- Artillery Mech: Indirect damage with area effect and pushback.
Why It’s One of the Best
The beauty of the Rift Walkers lies in their flexibility. They combine direct damage and effective enemy control with pushes and repositioning. The synergy between pushing and protecting objectives is perfect for mastering the game’s mechanics.
Zenith Guard: Power Through Electric Control
Overview
Zenith Guard features a unique approach to crowd control through electric damage and shielding. It’s ideal for players who prefer area denial and survivability.
- Charge Mech: Dashes through enemies, dealing damage in a line.
- Laser Mech: Fires a damaging laser beam in a straight line.
- Shield Mech: Protects allies and structures with shields.
Why It’s Effective
This squad shines in missions where protecting civilian buildings is vital. The shield mechanic prevents damage altogether, giving you more margin for error. The laser and charge attacks deal with groups efficiently, making Zenith Guard one of the best Into the Breach squads for aggressive control players.
Rusting Hulks: Smoke and Suppression
Overview
Rusting Hulks revolve around smoke a battlefield hazard that disables enemy attacks while dealing passive damage with upgrades. Though harder to use at first, their strategic potential is immense.
- Rocket Mech: Launches smoke-covered projectiles at enemies.
- Jet Mech: Leaves smoke trails when flying over tiles.
- Pulse Mech: Pushes enemies and deploys smoke in close range.
Why They Stand Out
Smoke is incredibly powerful, and Rusting Hulks capitalize on it better than any other squad. With proper upgrades, their smoke can deal damage while preventing attacks. It requires forward planning, but the payoff is huge in terms of area control and structure defense.
Flame Behemoths: Damage Over Time Experts
Overview
Flame Behemoths use fire as their primary weapon, focusing on long-term damage and map manipulation. They are excellent for players who want to control space while wearing enemies down.
- Flame Mech: Launches fireballs that set terrain ablaze.
- Swap Mech: Can swap positions with enemies or allies.
- Flame Thrower Mech: Sprays fire in a wide arc.
Advantages
This squad controls the board through fire spread and hazard creation. The swap ability adds a layer of tactical depth by letting you reposition units into fire or block Vek spawns. They reward creative thinkers who can see two turns ahead.
Frozen Titans: Battlefield Control Masters
Overview
Frozen Titans manipulate ice to trap enemies and control dangerous situations. While their damage output is low, their control potential is extremely high.
- Ice Mech: Freezes units, including itself, to halt action.
- Boulder Mech: Launches rocks that can block spawns and pin enemies.
- Mirror Mech: Fires both forward and backward, perfect for sandwich setups.
Strategic Strength
If you prefer surgical strikes and neutralizing enemies without relying on brute force, Frozen Titans are one of the best Into the Breach squads. Ice is a powerful mechanic that can completely shut down major threats, especially in boss missions.
Best Custom Squad Combos
Mix and Match for Power
Custom squads allow players to cherry-pick the best mech units from different squads. Some standout combinations include:
- Combat Mech (Rift Walkers)+Jet Mech (Rusting Hulks)+Shield Mech (Zenith Guard): This team offers raw damage, mobility, and protection.
- Laser Mech (Zenith Guard)+Swap Mech (Flame Behemoths)+Pulse Mech (Rusting Hulks): Great for area control and battlefield manipulation.
- Flame Thrower Mech+Mirror Mech+Jet Mech: An aggressive team that excels at spreading fire and causing chaos among enemy ranks.
Custom Tips
When creating a custom squad, aim for synergy. For example, pairing smoke or fire with position-swapping mechs can result in devastating combos. Try to avoid overlapping roles diversity in movement and attack range increases tactical options every turn.
Choosing the Right Squad for Your Playstyle
Aggressive vs Defensive Play
If you enjoy head-on combat and eliminating Vek quickly, squads like Rift Walkers and Zenith Guard are ideal. If you prefer more tactical, indirect strategies, Rusting Hulks or Frozen Titans offer a rewarding challenge. Flame Behemoths and custom squads sit comfortably in the middle, allowing for hybrid strategies.
Difficulty and Challenge Runs
For higher difficulties and island runs, choosing the best Into the Breach squad becomes more critical. Many experienced players use Zenith Guard or custom squads for hard mode, due to their consistent output and ability to adapt to map conditions. Rusting Hulks also gain favor as players become more familiar with the game’s predictive enemy behavior and start maximizing smoke efficiency.
Finding the best squad in Into the Breach ultimately depends on your playstyle and the challenges you’re trying to overcome. Rift Walkers offer simplicity and balance, Zenith Guard provides aggressive control, Rusting Hulks shine with status effects, and Flame Behemoths are great for area denial. For veterans, custom squads unlock deeper strategic possibilities. Whether you’re a new pilot or a seasoned commander, mastering a top-tier squad will make every mission in Into the Breach a tactical masterpiece.