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06 Numbers and Powers

Best Classes in 100 Waves Later & Meta Explained

Card No. 06·54436 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Average pace 5.00 min/km
Average speed
12.00 km/h
Result
Finish time
50 min
You entered
Distance
10 km
You entered
You enter
Finish time, Distance
You get
Average pace, Average speed
Rounding
2 dp

The best classes in 100 Waves Later are the ones that combine high area damage with survivability, and the current meta revolves around stacking damage-over-time effects and crowd control. In this guide, you’ll learn which classes dominate the late-game waves, how the meta actually works, and how to choose the right class for your playstyle.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a given distance and finish time. The formulas are:

  • Pace = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
  • Speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

  • Finish time – the total time taken to complete the run, in minutes.
  • Distance – the length of the run, in kilometers.
  • Pace – the average time per kilometer, in minutes per kilometer.
  • Speed – the average speed, in kilometers per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values (50 minutes for 10 km):

  1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
  2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So the calculator returns a pace of 5:00 per km and a speed of 12.0 km/h.

Understanding the Meta

The meta in 100 Waves Later is not about a single “best” class, but about how classes synergize with the wave-based modifiers. The game’s core loop rewards classes that can handle large groups of enemies efficiently, especially after wave 50 when enemy density and health scale sharply. Damage-over-time (DoT) effects, such as poison or burn, are particularly strong because they bypass armor and continue dealing damage while you reposition. Crowd control (stuns, slows, knockbacks) is equally important to prevent enemies from overwhelming your defenses.

Top-Tier Classes

  • Pyromancer – excels at spreading burn damage across groups. Its ultimate sets the entire screen ablaze, making it a top pick for late waves.
  • Venomancer – poison stacks can melt tanky enemies. The longer the wave, the more damage it accumulates.
  • Frostweaver – slows and freezes enemies, giving you precious time to deal damage. Pairs well with any high-damage class.
  • Stormcaller – chain lightning hits multiple targets and can stun. Great for clearing mixed waves.

How to Choose Your Class

When picking a class, consider the wave modifiers that appear at the start of each run. If you see “enemies have extra armor,” choose a DoT class. If “enemies move faster,” crowd control becomes more valuable. Also, think about your own playstyle: do you prefer to kite enemies around the map, or hold a position? Kiting favors DoT and slow effects, while holding favors area damage and knockback.

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring wave modifiers – always read them before starting. They can make or break a class.
  • Overvaluing single-target damage – in 100 waves, you’ll face swarms, not just bosses.
  • Not upgrading your main ability – focus your resources on one or two skills rather than spreading them thin.
  • Forgetting to move – standing still is a death sentence. Use the environment to funnel enemies.

Comparisons and Synergies

Some classes work better in combination. For example, Frostweaver’s slow pairs perfectly with Pyromancer’s burn, as enemies stay in the fire longer. Similarly, Venomancer’s poison can be amplified by Stormcaller’s lightning, which triggers a “conductive” effect. Experiment with different combos to find what suits your playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best class for beginners?

Frostweaver is often recommended for beginners because its slow effect gives you more reaction time. It’s forgiving and doesn’t require precise positioning.

How do wave modifiers affect class choice?

Wave modifiers are random buffs or debuffs applied to enemies. If they have extra health, choose a class with percentage-based damage (like poison). If they have extra speed, use slows or stuns.

Is there a class that’s universally good?

Pyromancer is close, but it struggles against enemies that are immune to burn. No class is perfect for every situation, so it’s best to learn at least two.

Can I reset my class choice mid-run?

No, once you pick a class at the start, you’re locked in. That’s why it’s important to read the modifiers before choosing.

What’s the best way to farm gold for upgrades?

Focus on killing elites and mini-bosses, as they drop more gold. Also, try to maintain a kill streak multiplier by not taking damage.

Related

Formula used
in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2

Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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