The Finals is one of the most unique shooters available right now. The destruction engine, the Cashout format, and the three very different classes make it unlike anything else. But that uniqueness also means there's a learning curve. This guide gets you up to speed fast.
What kind of game is The Finals?
The Finals is a free-to-play team-based first-person shooter built around a gameshow concept. You play in teams of three, competing against other teams to steal and bank cash. The defining feature is full environmental destruction — floors, walls, ceilings, and entire buildings can be destroyed mid-match, completely reshaping how fights play out.
It is not a traditional shooter where the team with the most kills wins. Kills only matter insofar as they help you control the cashout. This is the single most important thing to understand as a new player.
How Cashout mode works
Every match revolves around cashout stations — large vaults scattered around the map. Here's the basic loop:
- Your team finds a cashout station and starts opening it. This takes time and makes noise.
- Other teams will try to stop you or steal the cashout once it opens.
- When the vault opens, one player must stand near it to transfer the cash to your team's bank. This takes about 30 seconds and is when you're most vulnerable.
- The team with the most cash banked when the match ends wins.
You can also steal a cashout that another team has almost finished — moving in at the last second and taking the bank from them. This is one of the highest-skill plays in the game.
The three classes — which one should you start with?
Every player chooses one of three classes before spawning. Each feels completely different. Here's the beginner-friendly breakdown:
Medium — Start here
The best class for beginners. You have a Healing Beam to keep teammates alive, a Defibrillator to revive them instantly, and solid weapons. Your team will love you and you'll learn the game through the eyes of a support player.
Heavy — Good second pick
High health, powerful weapons, and gadgets that create cover or destroy the environment. Forgiving to play because you can take more punishment. Good choice once you understand how fights work.
Light — Not for beginners
Low health, high mobility, high skill ceiling. Light rewards players who already understand the map, enemy positions, and escape routes. If you're new, Light will feel frustrating — save it for later.
The destruction engine — use it, don't ignore it
Destruction is not just a visual effect. It is a core mechanic that the best players actively use every single match. Here's what new players miss:
- Floors can be destroyed beneath enemies — drop them into a lower level mid-fight
- Walls between you and a cashout can be removed — create your own entry point instead of using the obvious door
- Cover you're hiding behind can also be destroyed — don't anchor behind a single thin wall against a Heavy with explosives
- Destroyed buildings change the entire map layout — stay aware of new sightlines opening as the match progresses
As a beginner, you don't need to master this immediately. But start noticing it. Ask yourself in every fight: "Is there a wall I could remove here?" The answer is often yes.
What to play first — casual or ranked?
Play casual modes first. At least 10–15 hours before touching ranked.
Ranked in The Finals is unforgiving for brand new players. You will be matched against people who understand the destruction system, know all the map layouts, and have mastered their class. Getting destroyed repeatedly in ranked before you understand the basics makes the game feel worse than it is.
Casual modes let you learn the Cashout loop, get comfortable with your class, and understand the maps without the pressure of losing rank points.
The most common beginner mistakes
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Chasing kills across the map | Stay near the cashout — that's where the game is decided |
| Ignoring the cashout timer | Always have one eye on where the active cashouts are |
| Playing Light as your first class | Start with Medium or Heavy until you know the game |
| Not using gadgets | Your gadgets are as important as your gun — use them every fight |
| Pushing alone | The Finals is a team game — stick with your squad |
| Ignoring revives | A revived teammate is worth more than a kill — always revive when safe |
First settings to change
Before your first serious session, make these two changes:
- Turn off motion blur — it makes fights harder to read and adds no value
- Turn off in-game music — game audio (footsteps, reload sounds, cashout timers) gives you critical information. Music masks it.
For a full settings breakdown, see our Best Settings guide.
Understanding the rank system
When you're ready for ranked, The Finals uses a Rank Score (RS) system with six leagues: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Ruby (top 500 players only). You gain RS by winning matches and lose it by losing. Where you finish in the match and the ranks of your opponents both affect how much you gain or lose.
For the full breakdown, read our Ranking System Explained guide.
Already past the beginner stage?
If you're stuck in a rank and want to climb faster, our boosting service gets you to your target rank safely and quickly — with a full refund guarantee.