In The Finals, the Medium class can often seem like the bland middle child — not the high-health, shield-smashing Heavy or the zippy, damage-pumping Light. Its base stats are dead-center: average health, average mobility, average damage. But what many overlook is that Medium isn’t just a midpoint — it’s a class that becomes exceptional through specialization and gadget synergy.

This guide outlines three distinct builds for Medium, each crafted around a different specialization: Support, Lockdown, and Area Damage. Whether you’re holding the front line or sneaking behind enemy walls, Medium can do it — with the right strategy.

---

Build #1: The Support Specialist (Healer Beam + Team Utility)

This is the go-to strategy for team-minded players who thrive in keeping others alive and in the fight. Your main role? Stay alive, keep others alive, and reposition smartly.

• Specialization: Healing Beam
• Core Gadgets:
  • Defibrillator (almost non-negotiable for reviving fast)
  • Jump Pad (quick repositioning, accessible to all teammates)
  • Flex Slot: Frag Grenade, Glitch Trap, or Zipline

Key Playstyle: You’re not front-lining — your damage role is supportive. Position yourself behind or just off to the side of your teammates. Shoot when they shoot, and be ready to switch to your healing beam when their health dips. Stay behind cover while healing; you don’t need to expose yourself just to keep your beam connected.

Jump Pad vs. Zipline: Both offer repositioning, but jump pads are faster and less predictable. Use them to gain vertical distance and maintain line-of-sight for your beam.

Weapon Choice: Mid- to long-range weapons are preferred. Avoid riot shield or dual blades — you won’t be close enough to make them effective. The AK or LH1 makes a solid primary.

This build is unique to Medium. No other class can fill this role with healing and instant revives — making it an ideal starting class for new players.

---

Build #2: The Lockdown Defender (Guardian Turret + Mines)

Perfect for those who want to bunker down and create impassable zones. Whether you’re holding a cash out site or defending a terminal, this strategy excels in control and denial.

• Specialization: Guardian Turret
• Core Gadgets:
  • Gas Mines (top-tier for objective denial)
  • Explosive Mines or Glitch Traps (personal preference)
  • Flex Slot: Defibrillator, APS Turret, or additional mines

Key Strategy: Place gas mines on the objective, especially if it might shift or fall. The gas delays enemies even after your team gets wiped. Since a full steal takes about 5 seconds, that delay alone can ruin an enemy’s timing. Pair that with your turret and mines, and enemies will struggle to even approach.

Mine Placement:

• Explosive Mines: Just beyond corners — most enemies won’t clear them in time.
• Glitch Traps: Wider coverage; doesn’t need to be stepped on. Use them to disable specializations, especially in indoor areas.

Turret Tips:

• Place it where it can see most of the room but also avoid obvious angles. Indoors = ideal.
• Outdoor objectives still work but are less defensible.

Weapon Tips: Avoid the CL-40 (risk of blowing up your own mines). The riot shield can work, especially in tight objective rooms, but lacks range when you’re mobile. A balanced pick like the Model 1887 offers surprising range for its class.

This build shines in terminal attack defense, but it’s versatile enough for Cash Out too. If you’re a control freak (in a good way), this is your jam.

---

Build #3: The Disruptor (Dematerializer + Explosives)

This is the trickiest — and most high-ceiling — build. It’s all about creating surprise openings, dishing out area damage, and playing unpredictably. When executed well, it deletes players before they can react.

• Specialization: Dematerializer
• Core Gadgets:
  • Frag Grenade or Pyro Grenade (essential for burst damage)
  • Explosive Mines (best paired with frags) or Gas Mines (if running pyro)
  • Flex Slot: Additional throwables, defibrillator, or more mines

Playstyle Strategy: This build is all about creativity. Use dematerializer to open sudden angles — flank, peek, throw — and slam the wall shut again.

• Combo Execution: Open wall → toss frag → plant mine → close wall → profit.
• The frag detonates the mine before enemies react, maximizing damage.
• You’ll need fast hands: specialization → throwable → mine → weapon. Muscle memory is key.

Retreat Option: If you’re being chased, drop a throwable at your feet, then a mine. Even if one misses, the other likely won’t. And if you dematerialize a wall as you escape, close it again to cut off your pursuer.

Weapons: Similar to Lockdown. Anything mid-range works. CL-40 would technically fit, but only if it gets buffed. Until then, ARs or shotguns are safer.

This is a high-skill, high-reward build. It demands precision, map awareness, and quick thinking. It’s also one of the best for countering entrenched defenses and turtle comps.

---

Why Medium Deserves More Love

Medium fills gaps. It can flex into support, defense, or disruption depending on team needs. And while it doesn’t have the stat extremes of the other classes, it has more build diversity and team synergy than either.

For new players especially, Medium teaches map awareness, positioning, gadget synergy, and team support — all without relying on raw aim or movement tricks. If you’re looking for a strong starting point or want to elevate your game with a flexible class, Medium’s your best bet.

Thanks for reading, and good luck out there in the arena!