Wardogs Factions Explained: Which to Choose
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Wardogs Factions Explained: Which to Choose

25 September 2026 · 3 min read · Gaming

Wardogs has three mercenary factions — Lonestar, Valkyra and Manticore — and in every match you pick one to fight for. They function as the three teams in the 100-player battle rather than classes with unique powers, so the smart choice is less about faction identity and more about which side is balanced or winning. You can even switch mid-match. Here’s how the factions work and how to choose.

Because Wardogs is a three-way fight, faction balance is a core part of strategy. Here’s what each faction is and how to play the numbers.

3
Factions in every match

33
Players per faction in a full match

Any
You can join any faction that isn’t full

Switch
Change factions mid-match if needed

The three Wardogs factions

The three mercenary sides you can fight for.

Faction Role in the match
Lonestar One of the three teams competing for the zone
Valkyra One of the three teams competing for the zone
Manticore One of the three teams competing for the zone
The three Wardogs factions: Lonestar, Valkyra and Manticore
The three Wardogs factions fighting over the control zone.

How factions work

In each match, up to 100 players are divided across the three factions — ideally around 33 per side. You choose your faction when you join, and all three share the same goal: control the zone and reach 100 points before the others. Crucially, the factions are teams rather than distinct classes, so you don’t get faction-exclusive weapons or abilities — everyone draws from the same cash economy and gear pool. That means your choice comes down to team balance and where you’ll have the most impact, not a permanent identity.

Which faction should you pick?

Pick with the scoreboard, not your heart.

⚖️
Join the underdog
Balance
A faction short on numbers needs you most — and there’s more to do

Best impact

👥
Follow your squad
Teamwork
Play the same faction as friends — coordination beats faction choice

For groups

🏆
Ride a winner
Momentum
Joining the leading faction can be the safer route to a win

Safe play

🔄
Stay flexible
Adaptation
You can switch mid-match, so reassess as the balance shifts

Advanced

New to Wardogs? Our Wardogs beginner’s guide covers the basics, and the best loadouts and money guide help whichever faction you pick.

When to switch factions

Switching is a tool — use it deliberately.

🔄
Switch to balance the fight or chase the win
If one faction is being steamrolled or a side is clearly about to win, moving over can either give you a better fight or a share of the victory — as long as that faction isn’t full. Your cash wallet is yours and carries across, so switching costs you nothing but the gear on your current life.

Wardogs factions FAQ

What are the factions in Wardogs?
There are three: Lonestar, Valkyra and Manticore. In every match up to 100 players are split across these three factions, each trying to control the zone and reach 100 points first.

Which faction is the best in Wardogs?
None is inherently stronger — the factions are teams, not classes, and all share the same weapons and economy. The “best” choice is whichever is balanced, has your friends, or is winning, since impact comes from numbers and teamwork.

Do factions have unique weapons or abilities?
No. All three factions pull from the same cash economy and gear pool, so there are no faction-exclusive guns or perks. Your loadout depends on your budget, not your faction.

Can you switch factions mid-match?
Yes, as long as the faction you want to join isn’t already full. Your cash carries over when you switch, so it’s a useful way to balance a lopsided match or join a winning push.

How many players are on each faction?
In a full 100-player match, the players are split into three teams of around 33. Faction caps stop everyone piling onto one side, which is why the game nudges balance across all three.

🕹️
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EverythingEdinburgh Gaming
EverythingEdinburgh Gaming
Gaming Editor

The EverythingEdinburgh Gaming team covers esports, PC, console and gaming industry news.