Party composition?

[Magna Kaizer]

Just putting it out there what are people running I personally run two archers two sword and board one spear and one witch/healer most of the time. The witch being the least crucial

[ⓇⓘⓒⒽ]

I run 1 archer, but then have a Healer guy with Leadership to give him his attack turn back, so I can basically always get 3 kills the first turn as long as they all not behind cover with quickfire plus bonus attack.
Then a sword and board, dual-wielder ax main, and spear.
Lastly a reviver with ax and shield (to get stuns, knockdowns and expose) but does almost no damage by herself.

[Sabrewylf]

MC: Shield and axe. Tanky guy who debuffs with the axe skills and can heal in a pinch. Has a bunch of handy skills like Protect and Taunt too. Probably gonna have him learn Galder at one point. Not sure what secondary I'd give him, maybe Dane Axe.

Ketill: Bow + Sling. If you max both out he can douse hexes in oil with the sling and then set them on fire with the bow. It's pretty damn cool. You can also use another party member with a sling for that but it's nice if he can do it on his own, especially if you give him a double turn with the leadership skill.

Nefja: Spear + Knife and shield. Maximum crits pretty much. Usually I keep her one tile behind my two tanky dudes, but she can hold the front herself if she needs to.

Roskva: Sling + Knife and shield. Also a supporting character with maxed out healing and witchcraft. Sling is handy for debuffs and the shield helps her stay alive.

Recruited character: Shield and sword.

Recruited character: Dual wield knife/axe + bow.

The others I keep for managing my camps. And yeah I use a lot of shields because I just think they're ridiculously strong.