It's not all the time that MMOs offer a versatile class system to its players. Thankfully, the much-awaited Phantasy Star Online 2 takes cues from the original Phantasy Star games with its flexible class dynamics. In PSO2, characters can freely switch in between classes. This option changes the available skills and weapons they can use in the game.

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Additionally, this system ties in perfectly with the game's plot. After all, in PSO2, the player has to explore the cosmos with other explorers in the ARKS organization. However, being an intergalactic explorer has its perils. Thanks to the ARKS' versatile class system, players can equip themselves with the right abilities and weaponry to take on the many threats they face in their journey. However, with nine classes to choose from in PSO2, just what should newbies choose?

Updated July 2, 2021 by Rhenn Taguiam: Unlike other MMORPGs, Phantasy Star Online 2 gives players the opportunity to tap into not just one but all of the available Classes to mix and match different builds. That way, players don't necessarily have to make alternate characters just to try out different Classes and skill formulas. Moreover, as with Phantasy Star tradition, players of PSO2 also have the opportunity to select one Main Class and one Subclass. That way, any character can utilize a mixture of Class combinations - each boasting unique synergies and battle strategies depending on playstyle and skill level. With the advanced roles in the form of Scion Classes into the mix, players have more options to consider when it comes to sticking to a Class of their choice.

13 Summoner: Let Them Do The Talking

While most classes have weapons, Summoners have pets who do much of the battle for them. These pets possess their stat blocks and skillsets. Since pets grow stronger as they level up, Summoners need to make sure they're well taken care of. As such, Summoners mainly work to make sure their pets get as many buffs as possible to deal maximum damage. Many players don't like taking Summoners for this purpose, as the need to manage pets makes them an expensive class.

Thanks to this, Summoners need skills such as Double Jump, Sidestep Jump, Air Reversal, and other dodging skills to ensure their safety while buffing their pets. They also make good mains to pair with other subclasses, so they can benefit from using weapons.

A key feature of the Summoner would be their Pets - all of which have unique rarities and get stronger as they level up. Moreover, Summoners utilize a Candy Box minigame where they have to manage an extra inventory box that they can fill with candy. The more candies placed inside the Candy Box, the more potent the Pet gets. Given these technicalities, Pets essentially become the Summoner’s version of a weapon - complete with their own Photon Arts. Of course, having to manage a Pet makes Summoners a relatively more expensive Class to maintain.

12 Bouncer: Jab, Jab, Straight

Bouncers fit players who want to make a mark on the battlefield as nimble fighters. While they don't deal as much damage as a melee class, they're also the fastest. Bouncers keep themselves safe thanks to their dodging abilities, but they also deal decent damage to various opponents quickly. This class easily makes battles fun and entertaining.

Bouncers can deal decent damage to mobs and bosses with Dual Blades. Meanwhile, they can also experiment with different status ailments and elemental attacks with Jetboots. Bouncers meet their full potential when they use skills such as Break Stance, Critical Field, and Rapid Boost. These skills not only increase their damage but also increase their crit chance and speed.

Thanks to the bouncy (no pun intended!) nature of the Bouncer as a short-to-mid-ranged melee specialist, they can excel in particular Class Combinations. For instance, the Bouncer/Hunter tandem works great for beginners, as this combo offers decent defense and damage mitigation with decent DPS. Likewise, those who want a risk-versus-reward element will appreciate the speed-oriented Fighter/Bouncer combo. Surprisingly, the Bouncer/Summoner provides decent-enough mobile DPS thanks to Pets as well.

11 Luster: Do It With Style

Luster - Phantasy Star Online 2 Best Classes

Quick, stylish, and lethal are all adjectives the Luster loves - and they deliver exactly that. This Scion Class favors players with a penchant for high-speed gameplay. They love the thrill of combat and specialize in manipulating their battlefield approach with a wide variety of options. Lusters have three distinct combat Styles that they can alter based on their weapon’s Element. In turn, Lusters can immediately force enemies to adapt to their own combat flow should the Luster want a change of pace.

The Luster specializes in using the Gunblade, with its combat approach being surprisingly aggressive and more complex compared to other Classes. Essentially, the Luster’s unique Styles can cater to various situations. For instance, the Fire/Dark Fomel Style specialize in single-target DPS, while the Wind/Lightning Zandi Style focuses on mobs. Lastly, the Light/Ice Baran Style is tailored for defense. Given this dynamic, it’s recommended that Lusters get three differently-Element Gunblades to tap into any Style they need.

A highlight for the Luster would be its Voltage. This additional gauge fills up as the Luster hits an enemy. As Voltage rises, the Luster gets a boost to both its offense and defense. This works best with its other mobility perks, including special combo attacks.

10 Hero: Live The Legend

Hero - Phantasy Star Online 2 Best Classes

Legendary in shape and form, the Hero is a Scion Class worthy of the name. Unlike their Scion Class counterparts, the Hero Class require Operatives to master two Classes before ever taking on the mantle. And once they become a Hero, they cannot bring a Subclass with them. That’s because the Hero’s repertoire of skills already give it the flexibility it needs to adjust to whatever dangers combat gives them.

Essentially, Heroes have access to skills that can quickly change the weapons they’re using. They can alternate between Twin Machine Guns, Talises, and Swords should they need to. In turn, Heroes always have an option to fight in any range, and in almost any circumstance. 

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In fact, Heroes have more unique ways of wielding and using certain weapons. For instance, can use both the Sword and Twin Machine Gun much faster compared to other Classes. Moreover, the Talis now lets the Hero throw cards to opponents and provide a swift warping action. These weapons, especially when used with a weapon-swapping rotation, can devastate foes from any vantage point.

9 Braver: One With The Katana

Bravers embody the famous samurai from Japanese culture. They specialize in using both the Katana and the Bow, giving them both melee and ranged attack capabilities. Thanks to their high mobility, Bravers can navigate the battlefield and switch roles quickly. Moreover, their skills focus on eliminating mobs quickly for their allies. However, Bravers shine with their counter-oriented attacks.

Skilled Bravers spam the guard button at the right moments to deal deadly counters to attackers. If Bravers use the Bullet Bow, they can deal a ton of damage with their high burst capabilities. However, Bravers should probably focus on just one weapon to maximize their skills' benefits.

Thanks to the stalwart Braver, its Class combinations majorly focus on maximizing its weapon options to provide more stability in combat. For Katana users, the Braver/Hunter combination works well due to both Classes specializing in increasing damage output. Meanwhile, Bravers who love the Bullet Bow will appreciate the ranged supremacy of the Ranger or even an added survivability component with the Etoile.

8 Techter: Buffs Away

Techters serve as PSO2's equivalent of support classes. However, Techters aren't pushovers. With their Wands, they can cause explosions that deal some of the highest normal attack damage around. Their other attack options also make Techters ideal for mobbing and even dealing damage to bosses should the need arise. Techters use Wands for their mobbing and the Talis for their long-range casting.

As the primary support Class in the game, Techters specialize in both buffing allies and debuffing enemies. Due to their support nature, they can use Gunblades, the Talis, and Wands. Contrary to popular belief, the Techter is less of a healer and more of a setup Class that leaves enemies weaker and allies much stronger.

Techters who want to fill staple support roles can focus on skills that add buffs and increase their Deband potential. For Techters who want to deal more damage, they can focus on Elemental Weak Hit as well as Light and Wind Mastery.

7 Phantom

Phantom - Phantasy Star Online 2 Best Classes

The Phantom leaves combat as coldly and silent as they enter it. They have no room for flashy theatrics. Rather, they just maximize whatever weapon they hold and finish combat without so much as a sweat. As a Scion Class, the Phantom also requires Operatives to master two other Classes before unlocking it. However, it may be worth the while as the Phantom specializes in providing amplified attacks that take enemies down. 

Essentially, the Phantom converts their staple Assault Rifle, Rod, or Katana into Phantom counterparts. This transformation gives them access to Shift Phantom Arts, which allow the Phantom to radically change the combat situation. 

Despite its status as a Scion Class, the Phantom is also another well-built companion for other Classes. Unlike the sustain-oriented Etoile, the Phantom adds a dash of versatility to Classes it’s paired to. In turn, the Phantom excels in providing more combat options to Classes outside of offense. As such, the Phantom works great when paired with Classes who specialize in complex gameplay (Techter), slower buildup for gear (Bouncer, Braver), or focus on utility (Summoner, Gunner).

6 Force: Explosions Away

Force serves as PSO2's equivalent of sci-fi offensive spellcasters. Unlike other classes, Force weapons don't have Photon Arts. Instead, Force relies on Techniques that makes use of three of six elemental specializations. Force serves as extremely powerful assets to deal damage in raids, but their weak stature means their allies should protect them. Characters using Force use the Rod for their basic elemental attacks or the Talis for long-ranged spells.

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Force can rely on Charge PP Revival and Elemental Conversion to maximize their elemental specializations. Choosing Charge Escape also lets Force users dodge while charging their weapons. Force users should focus on both dealing damage and gaining mobility to be able to stay away from damage.

Players who want a traditional offensive spellcaster will appreciate the Force/Techter combo. After all, this does incentivize huge damage numbers in range, as well as maximizing damage due to elemental weaknesses. Of course, this combo does require intensive care, as they tend to be very squishy. On the contrary, the Force/Fighter and Force/Hunter may work in terms of giving the Force a bit of an offensive edge and decent sustainability.

5 Gunner: Point Blank Shooting

Gunners prove guns aren't always for long-ranged combat. Their daredevil nature encourages them to stay up close and personal with enemies, shooting them while dodging their attacks. Due to the close-ranged nature of Gunners, they excel using the Twin Machine Gun, although players can also equip them with Assault Rifles. Twin Machine Guns maximizes the mobility of the Gunner, as they increase total damage output for each enemy attacked.

This factor encourages bouncing around the battlefield, dealing massive damage to opponents while dodging at the last second. Skills such as Perfect Keeper and Zero Range add lethality to the Gunner, as they increase the damage of ranged weapons in close range and while the player maintains full HP.

In terms of builds, perhaps the Gunner/Hunter is easily one of the best Class combos out there. It has perhaps the best survivability options thanks to skills such as Automate Halfline, Healing Guard, and Flash Guard. Likewise, the Gunner/Fighter boasts the highest damage in terms of Class combos provided they have the right rotation. Meanwhile, the Gunner/Summoner does great damage to single targets, with its skillset boasting both great defense and overall DPS.

4 Ranger: Damage At A Distance

Rangers serve as PSO2's general mid-range DPS class, perfect for those who want to try out the game's ranged weapon offerings. They make use of the Rifle to deal burst damage and Launchers with devastating AOE. These weapons, paired with utility skills such as Gravity Bomb and Stun Grenade, make it easy for Rangers to eliminate multiple targets at once.

As a Class, the Ranger is perhaps one of the easiest to learn and master. It already boasts solid DPS on the get-go, which increases based on proper aim and positioning. Meanwhile, alternating between Launchers and Rifles will already help Rangers accommodate any enemy type. In turn, the best Rangers can easily alternate between Rifles and Launchers with ease. They do need to stay wary of melee, as they don’t have a lot of defensive options there.

The long-range versatility of Rangers makes them perfect subclasses for melee mains. Moreover, skills such as Weak Bullet and Bullet Keep help Rangers maintain a diverse bullet economy and pulverize opponents with a diverse range of attacks with unique properties.

3 Fighter: Fast And Furious

Fighters turn the tide of battle with sheer speed and battle prowess. Due to their reliance on close-ranged melee, Fighters take advantage of their mobility to dodge and parry attacks that would otherwise be devastating for them. Popular multiclass builds have Fighters as subclasses thanks to their skill bonuses.

Fighters don't focus on just one weapon. Instead, Fighters can maximize their skillset by switching in between weapon loadout. Fighters can take on bosses with Twin Daggers, eliminate mobs with Double Sabers, and unleash deadly combos with Knuckles. Moreover, their Brave Stance and Wise Stance can increase damage output when attacking in front or from the back, respectively, giving Fighters multiple attack options.

When it comes to Class combinations, players can always go for the Fighter/Hunter combo. This pairing boasts not just superb survivability but also a ton of damage multipliers that just outright punish foes for getting closer. In fact, the Fighter/Hunter skill set synergizes well that their skills just cross over and amplify their overall DPS capabilities. For instance, Tornado Dance, Rumbling Moon, and Scissor Edge will already obliterate various mobs and elites with the right kind of positioning.

2 Etoile: Rule Support

Etoile - Phantasy Star Online 2 Best Classes

The Etoile shines brightly in the skies. Befitting its namesake (the French word for “Star”), the Etoile specializes in grabbing the attention of everyone else on the battlefield. They specialize in using the Wand, Soaring Blades, and the Double Saber. Thanks to their combat style, they can provide both great survivability with their own mix of damaging Photon Arts. 

Players who use Etoile will build a Focus gauge as they do damage. Focus can let the Etoile do different things based on the weapon they’re using. These include reducing damage taken (Double Saber), do powerful connect attacks (Soaring Blades), or provide boosted shields (Wand). 

Despite being a Scion Class, the Etoile is perhaps the closest equivalent to a Starting Class based on its compatibility as a Subclass for the others. For instance, the Ranger/Etoile combo gives players access to a bulkier ranged Class. In turn, they can enjoy the initial benefits of the marksman Ranger with the sustainability of the Etoile. Moreover, with the Etoile’s penchant to vastly increase survivability, it works best as a Subclass compared to a main Class.

1 Hunter: Versatile And Ruthless

Hunters arguably offer the most versatility across all of the classes in the game. As a melee class with decent mobility options, Hunters can do great as both a primary class and a subclass. The offensive options Hunters offer, combined with grabs and AoE attacks, can make them perfect for taking out a lot of enemies at once.

Hunters can use Gunslahes, Partizans, Wired Lances, and Swords. Their skills also complement their close-combat nature. Using Fury Stance can increase overall damage output, while Charge Parry helps Hunters guard while charing Photon Arts. Other skills help Hunters make up for their rather slower attack nature, such as Iron Will for invulnerability and Automate Halfline that automatically consumes mate when the Hunter is at half HP.

Thanks to their sheer versatility, a lot of Classes pair with Hunters well. This is majorly because the Hunter can either drastically boost damage to benefit solo missions or enhance survivability to last longer in combat. For instance, nearly all melee-oriented Classes (e.g., the Fighter, Bouncer, Braver) will appreciate the decent damage on top of the drastic survivability boost that the Hunter offers as a main Class. Likewise, the Hunter/Ranger pairing will give the Ranger much-needed defensive measures to compensate for its lack of melee protection.

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