Fast answer

The answer before the background

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The halls of torment characters are class-shaped heroes whose main weapons, base statistics and exclusive trait branches create different run identities. The current original-game family includes the starting roster, later quest unlocks, the free-update Bard and the Boglands DLC heroes Crone and Alchemist. A character mark does not replace the selected hero; it adds access to another hero's class traits and a mark-specific base benefit.

Roster map

Separate origin from role before comparing heroes

GroupExamplesWhat the label changes
Core progressionSwordsman, Archer, Exterminator, Cleric, Warlock, Sorceress, Shield MaidenQuest and Hall progression unlocks; no Boglands ownership assumed.
Later base rosterBeast Huntress, Norseman, Landsknecht, SageAdvanced quests and systems may be required.
BardcoreBardFree update; unlocked after the game's outro condition in the official announcement.
The BoglandsCrone, AlchemistPaid DLC quest board and new Decay/Earth systems.
Free mobileStore advertises 11 classesDo not substitute the original game's complete roster or unlock table.

Choose a hero

Main-weapon behavior matters before maximum damage

Pick around the control problem the Hall creates. A directional or narrow main weapon rewards deliberate facing and lanes; a wider pattern can stabilize crowds; a summon-centered hero changes which count, duration and Force modifiers have value. The best choice for a first clear is the one that reaches its functional pattern using the traits and items already unlocked.

Named build searches should therefore state the stage and goal. Archer advice for a critical-hit quest may differ from a safe Frozen Depths clear. Exterminator can pursue burn and direct-hit objectives that do not fit Warlock summons. Sage's main-ability relationship changes the value of ability upgrades. Crone and Alchemist depend on paid content and mechanics unavailable in an unmodified base installation.

Marks

A mark shares a trait language; it does not copy the whole character

The community mechanics reference defines marks as symbols that grant access to the marked hero's class traits, together with a stated bonus or capability. That creates hybrid builds, but the receiving hero keeps the original main weapon and base identity. Record both names when documenting a result: selected hero first, equipped mark second.

Unlock instructions need a current quest name and edition. Do not promise that a hero appears merely by reaching an account level, and do not merge a DLC quest board with a base quest. If the character-selection screen and an old guide disagree, use the live screen, installed version and official update note as the boundary.

FAQ

Common questions

How many characters are there?

The answer depends on version and owned content. Official store totals differ across PC, console, Premium mobile and free mobile, so use the installed roster rather than one permanent number.

How do I unlock the Bard?

The official Bardcore announcement ties the Bard to seeing the outro after beating the Lord of Greed in the Vault; previously completed saves were intended to receive him.

Are Crone and Alchemist free?

They are described as heroes in the paid The Boglands DLC, unlocked through its quest board.

What does a character mark do?

It lets the selected hero access another hero's class traits and supplies the mark's stated bonus; it does not replace the main weapon.

Sources

What we checked

Official listings establish current availability and product facts. Community pages are used for mechanics and build history, then labeled separately.