The Engineer class is a major shift in how survival works in 99 Nights in the Forest. Unlike traditional classes that rely on direct combat, Engineer is built around automation, positioning, and long-term control. It is the first six-star class in the game, and it introduces fully automated turrets that can fight enemies on your behalf.
At 1000 Diamonds, Engineer is the most expensive class ever released. That price reflects its power and the fact that it fundamentally changes how players approach nights, resource gathering, and high-risk areas.
Overview of the Engineer Class
Engineer is a defensive-focused class designed to reduce the need for constant manual combat. Instead of reacting to every threat, you prepare the battlefield in advance.
When starting a run as Engineer, you automatically receive a Candy Turret Blueprint along with a Hammer, allowing you to begin constructing automated defenses immediately.
This starting equipment allows you to immediately begin building automated defenses. Turrets fire on their own, target nearby enemies, and use rifle ammunition. Once placed, they continue working even while you are looting, crafting, or repositioning.
Engineer starting equipment
How to Unlock Engineer Class
Engineer is purchased directly from the Class Shop for 1000 Diamonds, making it the most expensive class in the game. It is only available for a limited 10-day window, but during that period it has full stock availability, meaning no shop refreshing is needed. As long as you have the required diamonds while it is available, you can buy the class immediately without relying on luck or rotations.
Engineer Progression System
Engineer progression is tied directly to turret usage. You level the class by building turrets and allowing them to secure kills.
Level 1: Base Functionality
At Level 1, Engineer can:
Build turrets at workbenches using gears
Convert scrap materials into gears at grinder stations
Start each run with one Candy Turret
This level introduces the core gameplay loop of scrap collection, gear production, and turret placement.
Level 2: Improved Efficiency
Requirements
Build 15 total turrets
Achieve 300 kills using turret fire
Rewards
Turrets spawn with increased starting ammo
Chests begin dropping scrap as bonus loot
Level 2 is a major power spike. Increased ammo allows turrets to stay active longer, reducing downtime and making larger defensive setups possible.
Level 3: Maximum Effectiveness
Requirements
Build 40 total turrets
Achieve 600 kills using turret fire
Rewards
Turrets gain increased fire rate
Cultist enemies begin dropping scrap
At Level 3, Engineer becomes self-sustaining. Enemies provide the scrap needed to build more turrets, which then eliminate more enemies.
Scrap Gear Economy
Turrets are built using gears, and gears are produced from scrap. Managing this economy correctly is essential.
Scrap Types:
- Bolts: Common drops from mechanical enemies
- Sheets: Found in industrial areas and supply crates
Each piece of scrap converts to exactly one gear at grinder stations. There's no loss in the conversion process, making scrap incredibly valuable.
Warning
Scrap doesn't carry between runs. Convert everything to gears before your session ends, then stockpile those gears for your next playthrough.
Once you reach Level 2, chests start dropping scrap as bonus rewards. Level 3 adds cultist enemies to the scrap loot table, creating a sustainable farming loop. Kill cultists, collect their scrap, grind it into gears, build more turrets, kill more cultists.
Turret Placement Strategies
Turrets are powerful, but poor placement limits their effectiveness. Smart positioning is what separates average Engineer players from strong ones.
Base Defense
Place your initial turret near the base entrance. This creates an early defense line and prevents enemies from reaching structures easily. As you gain more gears, expand turret placement outward to create layered protection.
High-Traffic Areas
Placing turrets near areas where animals frequently spawn allows you to draw enemies toward automated fire. This is an efficient way to farm resources and turret kills with minimal risk.
Resource Protection
Turrets can be placed near ore nodes or rare resource spawns. This allows uninterrupted gathering while the turret handles incoming threats.
Cultist Strongholds
Before entering a stronghold, placing turrets near the entrance provides cover during retreat. When alarms are triggered and enemies spawn, the turrets can thin enemy numbers while you escape.
Crossfire turret setup
Recommended Weapons for Engineer
Engineer performs best with ranged weapons that allow you to stay behind your defenses.
Recommended options include:
Rifle: Shares ammo with turrets, making resource management easier
Crossbow: Silent and useful for controlled engagements
Shotgun: Reliable backup for emergencies at close range
Melee-focused builds are not recommended for Engineer. The class is strongest when distance and automation are maintained.
Tips & Tricks for Engineer Class
Do not build all turrets at once. Deploy one, allow it to secure kills and generate scrap, then use those resources to fund the next turret.
Use Level 2 ammo increases to stockpile rifle ammunition while turrets remain active.
Place turrets so their firing arcs overlap. Enemies caught in crossfire take significantly more damage and fall much faster.
For players exploring different playstyles, the Trick or Treater Class Guide offers another unique approach to the game's challenges.