ARKS Operatives in the upcoming New Genesis update of Phantasy Star Online 2 will have to embark on new adventures 1,000 years after the events of the main PSO2 game. As part of the 20th anniversary of PSO, Phantasy Star goes all out with New Genesis that revamps not just the game system but PSO2's graphics engine as well. In turn, players can create stunningly gorgeous characters to stop the threat of Dolls with the help of the mysterious Meteorn.
However, the updates don't just stop there. Alongside New Genesis and its new plot remain the traditional sets of Weapons for ARKS Operatives to use. However, with staple swords and guns mixed with unique weaponry, just which Weapons should New Genesis players use in their first playthrough?
12 Sword (Melee)
Swords make a return in New Genesis as a staple melee weapon of choice for most Operators. Their flexible melee nature can make them extremely useful for both ground-based and airborne combat. Moreover, the chargeable nature of the Sword, combined with unique Photon Arts, can dramatically change damage output in firefights.
Thanks to its weapon action, players can use the Sword to reduce incoming damage. This is a great way to incentivize staying in the front lines, especially since Swords almost always get associated with roles and Classes that specialize in tanking attacks and sponging damage.
11 Partisan (Melee)
Partisans serve as two-handed melee weapon counterparts to the Sword. They have wider, longer attacks - allowing melee specialists to reach further opponents without having to resort to a firearm. Photon Arts associated with the Partisan often involve hard-hitting sweeps that can obliterate multiple enemies with harsh damage numbers.
Given its heavy nature, the Partisan's weapon action is a handy parry that can guard against fierce attacks. Moreover, with the right timing, players can actually use this parry in between Partisan attacks - ensuring harsh offense and almost impenetrable defense.
10 Double Saber (Melee)
Sometimes, just a one-edged weapon won't cut it. Players who want a more versatile version of the Sword can rely on the Double Saber. As the name implies, these double-bladed weapons excels in dealing AOE damage to various enemies at once. As expected, Photon Arts of the Double Saber involve whirlwind attacks and devastating burst attacks that work best against multiple enemies.
Thanks to its weapon action, the Double Saber can give players the opportunity to parry attacks. With the right timing, the Double Saber can help players nullify and render certain enemy attacks useless. This weapon action is a great way to make openings in the enemy's defense that can maximize the Double Saber's devastating AOE attacks.
9 Twin Daggers (Melee)
Twin Daggers rule mobility when it comes to the melee space. Despite their sheer size, Twin Daggers enable players to fight enemies not just in close range but in mid-air. Thanks to its Photon Arts, Twin Daggers can help players move in quick bursts while dishing out devastating attacks too fast for the eye to see.
Moreover, its unique weapon action allows players to actually nullify damage with an attack. This weapon action serves as a great way to stay on the offensive while at the same time rendering the enemy's aggression virtually useless.
8 Assault Rifle (Ranged)
Assault Rifles serve as the opposite of Swords in terms of ranged combat. Being a staple ranged weapon of choice for marksmen, the Assault Rifle can attack targets that are larger, further, and even airborne. Their Photon Arts specialize in alternating projectiles and imbuing them with special effects.
Thanks to its weapon action, players can initiate a quick sidestep counter against opponents. When timed properly, this effectively gives players a great opportunity to dodge incoming attacks while still dishing out ranged damage in intense firefights.
7 Launcher (Ranged)
Launchers serve as the heavier counterpart of Assault Rifles. Despite their slow and sluggish nature, their rounds serve as artillery — capable of dealing devastating AOE damage to faraway enemies. Its special charge mechanic can greatly enhance the destructive power of its otherwise ordinary normal attacks. In turn, the Launcher is a great weapon of choice for more aggressive players who want to dish out as much damage as possible.
Players who use its weapon action releases a sticky bomb that explodes when attacked. Aside from dealing damage, this sticky bomb gives lets players regain PP - useful for setting up harsh offensive maneuvers.
6 Twin Machine Guns (Ranged)
Marksmen know that more's the merrier - and Twin Machine Guns give players that kind of extra kick they need off their ranged weaponry. Serving as the ranged variant of Twin Daggers, the Twin Machine Guns provide remarkable mobility to ranged attackers. In turn, players can now dish out harsh and fierce projectiles in mid-air, while at the same time being fast enough to dodge any potential counters.
Given its mobile nature, Twin Machine Guns get attached to a maneuvering weapon action. When activated, players can utilize a special dodge action that give them a much-needed mobility boost.
5 Knuckle (Melee)
Unlike other weapon types, the Knuckles serve as the only melee weapon to give way in unarmed combat. This emphasizes specialized punches and kicks — ideal for melee combatants who love to dish out prolonged combos while maintaining mobility. Their Photon Arts and weapon actions give way to fierce and harsh counterattacks.
Moreover, utilizing the Knuckle's weapon action unleashes a swaying counter move. Not only can this help players dodge complicated attacks, but this is also a handy way of punishing enemies with devastating counter assaults and other aggressive maneuvers.
4 Wired Lance (Hybrid)
Interestingly, a new weapon will soon arrive that can change the flow of combat in New Genesis. Called the Wired Lance, this weapon is designed to look like a pair of wires connected to a spear blade. Based on gameplay animation, the Wired Lance functions like a yo-yo - designed to hit enemies at various ranges and angles.
Thanks to its weapon action, the Wired Lance essentially becomes a grappling tool against opponents. When used properly, the Wired Lance can latch itself to opponents and drag players towards enemies. Similar to Nero's Devil Bringer in Devil May Cry, the Wired Lance's weapon action is a great way to close distance and initiate combos.
3 Rod (Magic)
Unlike other weapon types, Rods serve as the primary casting weapon of choice in PSO2. Whereas weapons have Photon Arts, Rods allow Forces to utilize Techniques. Similar to RPG Spells, the Techniques from Rods can range from damaging spells, to supporting spells, as well as staple healing. Using the full brunt of Techniques in New Genesis is a worthy reward in place of Photon Arts.
Its weapon action is a special parry that can nullify damage with the right timing. This makes the Rod a great companion when supporting more aggressive teammates - especially when facing mobile enemies with multiple attack options.
2 Wand (Magic)
Thankfully, players with a penchant for both magic and smashing opponents at the same time can use Wands for their benefit. In the Phantasy Star universe, Wands allow users to channel Techniques and Photon Arts in close range. They specialize in hurting enemies through their elemental weaknesses. In turn, Wands act like maces that channel elements in the form of various attacks.
Its weapon action allows the Wand to nullify incoming damage with a special guard move. This makes the Wand a practical weapon to bring in more aggressive incursions or when defending from the frontlines.
1 Talis (Magic)
Spellcasters who want more flexibility in their Techniques can combine both Photon Arts and Techniques with Tails. These hybrid weapons allow players to dish out extremely powerful Techniques but at the same time deal damage with Photon Arts — making them quite handy for characters who want to take on more flexible roles in combat.
Thanks to its weapon action, players can deploy the Talis in mid-air and let it attack opponents around it periodically. This move gives players enough time to recuperate and plan other actions in combat.