ARKS Operatives in Phantasy Star Online 2 are due for a massive overhaul as its upcoming PSO2: New Genesis completely revamps the game system and its graphics engine. With this free-to-play update celebrating PSO's 20th anniversary, Phantasy Star fans will now embark on a completely new journey a millennia after PSO2's events.

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Essentially, New Genesis tasks new ARKS Operatives to team up with the mysterious Meteorn to combat the threat of extraterrestrial Dolls. Thankfully, players still have access to PSO2's standard array of Classes to begin their adventure. However, just how did these Classes change for the massive New Genesis update?

Updated on September 3rd, 2022, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis having recently finished its Anniversary festivities, fans of the title might want to try out the game for its new features. These include new cosmetics, new quests, and new looks for a lot of the player’s already-stunning locales. And for players about to make new characters, they might want a bit more background regarding the base PSO2 Classes in the game. These include their core skill set and recommended playstyles, especially compared to their counterparts in the original Phantasy Star Online 2 title.

Classes: Beyond The RPG Triad

Class Briefing - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Players new to New Genesis and the Phantasy Star series would be surprised to know that this sci-fi MMO does, in fact, have Classes. As their names imply, these Classes more or less correspond to the basic Tank-DPS-Healer triad of RPG gaming.

However, the fast-paced combat of New Genesis and its signature Phantasy Star Class Mechanics make these Classes far beyond their RPG stereotypes. Here are some integral elements of Classes that New Genesis players need to remember:

  • Classes are not permanent: As with PSO2, the initial Class choice in Character Creation isn't permanent. This simply denotes the Class that players have to level up first in the meantime.
  • Classes are interchangeable: Thankfully, players don't have to create multiple alt accounts just to experience every Class. At some point in the Main Story, players can go to the Class Counter and change their Class. This allows them to experience the full breadth of New Genesis and its combat mechanics.

Class Features

Class Introduction - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Each Class in New Genesis has a wide range of features that make them unique from one another. Here are some of their most defining factors:

  • Class Skills: All Classes in New Genesis have unique Class Skills that determine their overall playstyle in the game. This is what makes Hunters the closest analog to a Tank in New Genesis, and at the same time makes the Rangers the staple DPS Class.
  • Weapon Restrictions: There are currently 12 Weapon Types in New Genesis, each of which compatible with specific Classes. These Weapons have unique Photon Arts or Techniques that serve as super moves for their wielders.
  • Sub Classes: In New Genesis, players can choose two Classes for their character - one Main Class and another Sub Class. The main rule here is that Sub Classes are capped at around five levels lower than the maximum level for an otherwise Main Class.

Hunter: Threat Mitigation

Hunter - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

The Hunter is an extremely straightforward Class in New Genesis, particularly for their penchant for close-ranged combat. Their reliance on melee makes them effective when facing enemies on the frontlines. And their particular specialization in boosting their defenses and forcing opponents to focus on them instead of their teammates gives them excellent potential for tanking and damage mitigation.

  • Damage Mitigation: A great deal of Hunter abilities focus on decreasing the overall damage of enemy attacks, greatly boosting the Hunter's survivability against tougher foes.
  • Threat Control: Some Hunter abilities can actively lessen or increase Threat towards them or their allies, making them effective tanks when it comes to controlling which enemies focus on their squad.
  • Swords, Partisans, Wired Lances: Weapon choices for Hunters include the straightforward Sword, the heavy Partisan, and the more flexible Wired Lance. Given their focus on slowly building offense while buffing their defenses, these Weapons enable Hunters to hold off enemies on their own without sacrificing mobility and flexibility.

Hunter Features

Hunter Feature - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Given their penchant for short-ranged combat, a lot of Hunter skills rely on a healthy balance of building defense and sustaining offense. Players who want to use a Hunter should take note of some skills:

  • War Cry (Active): This skill serves as the Hunter's bread and butter when it comes to threat generation. It resets Hate (threat) of nearby opponents and increases Hate Generation of the user - essentially taking on aggro.
  • Hunter Physique (Active): This defensive skill temporarily reduces damage from attacks. Moreover, this negates knockback effects from enemies.
  • All Guard: This helps Hunters block attacks from any direction with their Weapons. Thanks to this, Hunters can take on multiple enemies from all directions and get more mobility.
  • Iron Will (Main Class): This defensive skill activates after a fatal attack. Instead of downing the Hunter, it instead brings them to 1HP with momentary invulnerability. This is a great anti-death move that can help Hunters turn the tide of combat.

Fighter: High-Speed Melee

Fighter - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

The Fighter specializes in dealing lightning-fast attacks in melee range, serving as the primary melee DPS archetype in New Genesis. Given their attack power, they can deal extremely high damage numbers with the right combo strings. Likewise, their movement mastery enables Fighter to escape sticky situations to recuperate and get back into the fight.

  • Higher Skill Ceiling: Given their reliance on combos and movement, Fighters tend to demand more mastery from players. However, player effort pulls off when their Fighter can score soaring damage numbers with the right combo strings.
  • Damage Build-Up: As the melee DPS specialist, the Fighter has skills that help it build as much damage as possible in combat. Much of their skills give their already-fast combo strings more attack and mobility opportunities.
  • Punishing Counters, Dodges: Aside from their core combos, Fighters also specialize in deftly dodging attacks and - when the timing is right - score devastating counters that can tear through an enemy's HP.
  • Lowered Defenses: In place of the Fighter's attack power and speed comes its lowered defense. As such, Fighters rely more on their finesse and evasive movements in order to dodge attacks.
  • Double Sabers, Twin Daggers, Knuckles: Due to the Fighter's speed specialization, its Weapons also contribute to their flashy combat.

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Fighter Features

Fighter Feature - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Contrary to the more straightforward Hunter, the Fighter loves to use its speed and sheer attack power to devastate foes up close - only to run as fast when they catch their attention. In turn, their skills majorly focus on either building damage or repositioning the Fighter whenever necessary. Players who want to use a Fighter should pay attention to these skills:

  • Overload (Active): The primary damage buff of Fighters, activating Overload gives the Fighter a temporary boost in their Weapon's damage output. However, they do receive increased damage as well.
  • Defeat Advantage: Incentivizing more complicated setups, this skill increases the Fighter's damage when hitting Downed enemies. With the right rotation, Fighters can constantly pummel foes to the ground and keep them there.
  • Overload Endurance (Main Class): Instead of dying, Fighters who take lethal damage in Overload will instead cancel the effect. This will bring the Fighter to 1HP with a brief moment of invulnerability.

Ranger: Target Domination

Ranger - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

The Ranger brings the sci-fi aspect of New Genesis into the fray with their specialization towards ranged combat. They can use a plethora of firearms and unleash ammunition of different types - allowing them to take on threats both as DPS and support units. While Hunters boast greater defense, the Ranger instead has more room for unleashing their versatile skillset.

  • Generous Cooldowns: Rangers make up for their lower defense with lower cooldowns for skills - giving them more room to pull off complicated maneuvers and adjust to combat situations more appropriately.
  • Various Ranged Combat Options: Aside from the firing modes of their Weapons, Rangers can also imbue them with other specialized shots. In turn, Rangers can aid allies in combat with a wide variety of ranged combat options.
  • Assault Rifles, Launchers: As expected of their straightforward long-ranged nature, Rangers use Weapon types that help them deal damage in any ranged combat opportunity. Skills involving these weapons give Rangers a healthy balance of damage and support capabilities.

Ranger Features

Ranger Feature - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Thanks to their flexible ranged capabilities, the Ranger is a great Class to play for newcomers who want to familiarize themselves with New Genesis combat from a comfortable distance. However, their toolkit can enable both newcomers and PSO2 savants to provide decent firepower to any team. Interested players need to take note of these Ranger skills:

  • Bad Condition Ward: The Ranger's specialization in fighting from afar makes them more resistant to status ailment.
  • Blight Rounds (Main Class): When activated, the Ranger's shots will weaken the enemy parts they hit. In turn, this increases the overall damage enemies will take should the Ranger and their allies hit those particular body parts.
  • Slow Landing Attack-Ranger: Performing normal attacks with Ranger Weapons will reduce the falling speed for Rangers. This greatly gives them much-needed flexibility to outmaneuver opponents.

Gunner: Armament Specialist

Gunner - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

While the Ranger already has flexible ranged combat options, the Gunner further expands the movement option of firearm wielders in New Genesis. Essentially, the Gunner adds more mobility opportunities to ranged combatants — allowing them to switch between their normal attacks and special skills (Weapon Actions, Photon Arts) with more ease. In turn, Gunners have more access to flashier displays of skills helping them provide more firearm support to the front lines.

  • Higher Skill Ceiling: Contrary to the Ranger, the movement-fueled Gunner needs a bit more skill for players to maximize their potential. This makes them similar to the Fighter in that aspect.
  • Damage Build-Up: Again, like the Fighter, Gunners also have various ways of slowly building up their damage output. Aside from being able to perform firearm combos, their skills also help them recover PP faster - giving them more windows to unleash powerful attacks.
  • Assault Rifles, Twin Machine Guns: Given their mobile nature, Gunners need Weapons that support their fast-paced approach to combat. Thanks to Assault Rifles and Twin Machine Guns, the Gunner can have better access to faster attacks without worrying about leaving any openings for enemy counters.

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Gunner Features

Gunner Feature - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Thanks to the Gunner's penchant for speed, Gunners can quickly enter and exit combat with ease. Moreover, their combo-reliant DPS nature incentivizes Gunners who head straight to the frontlines and devastate opponents with their attacks. Since they have a lot of footwork options, skilled enough Gunners can pepper through enemies in no time. Players interested in the Gunner need to focus on these particular skills:

  • Chain Trigger (Main Class): Unleashing a charged Twin Machine Guns Photon Arts will trigger this ability. Consecutive attacks will increase Chain Count, which can end with a powerful Chain Finisher if the Gunner attacks again with a charged PA.
  • Overwhelm: Gunners can increase their rate of PP recovery whenever they attack non-boss enemies.
  • Attack PP Recovery: Gunners can increase their PP recovery rate whenever they attack.
  • Slow Landing Attack Gunner: Whenever Gunners use Gunner weapons to perform normal attacks, their falling speed decreases. This leaves them with more room for mobility.
  • Stylish Rolls: Gunners have various Stylish Rolls that provides them with more mobility options throughout the course of combat.

Force: Elemental Master

Force - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Unlike other damage Classes, it's the Force that has the most straightforward approach to combat. Thanks to their attachment to the magic damage stereotype, Force can use a plethora of magic-like spells to devastate the battlefield. Moreover, their penchant for identifying an enemy's elemental weaknesses can help them tailor their attacks specifically to annihilate the opponents in front of them.

  • Techniques: Instead of Photon Arts, Forces can use Techniques - essentially spells that have different properties and effects.
  • Elemental Affinities: Using attacks of certain Elements will grant additional effects against enemies. Players can fine-tune their attack strategies with these attacks to maximize their damage output and potential effects.
  • Rods, Talises: Given their magic-oriented abilities, Forces can use Rods and Talises to augment their playstyle. Rods allow Forces to have a more combo-oriented approach in combat, whereas Talises further expand the Force's Technique options.

Force Features

Force Feature - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Given their straightforward damage opportunities, players will love razing the battlefield with Techniques. Moreover, the sheer versatility of Techniques based on Weapon choice can help Forces become more combative or supportive. Players who want to consider using a Force will need to check out these skills:

  • Photon Flare (Active): Forces can increase their overall Force Weapon output and Max PP. This greatly aids builds that focus on casting as much Techniques as possible to annihilate foes.
  • PP Conversion: In exchange for decreased Max HP, a Force can increase their PP Recovery. This is an extremely handy skill, especially for builds that focus on dishing out a barrage of elemental attacks.
  • Eradication PP Gain: Forces can gain PP whenever they down enemies or are in the vicinity of defeated enemies. This is extremely handy in the front lines, as this essentially pumps Force with more than enough PP to dish out deadly attacks.
  • Resta Field Force: When Forces use a Restasign (Healing), nearby allies will also receive a bit of healing. This incentivizes support-based builds for the Force.

Techter: Selfless Support

Techter - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Contrary to other Classes in New Genesis, the Techter has perhaps the most inclination towards a support role. Their specialized skills allow them to brave the frontlines to buff their allies and give much-needed aid when it comes to boosting their overall skills. This might mean sacrificing in terms of overall attack or combat prowess. However, what a Techter lacks in offense, they make up for extremely versatile options for group play.

  • Techniques: Like the Force, Techters also use a wide variety of Techniques in place of Photon Arts. Unlike the Force, Techters do get more versatile options when it comes to the options they choose.
  • Versatile Technique Effects: In terms of overall skills, Techters actually provide intricate buffs depending on the situation happening around them. They may increase overall damage, provide extra healing, or even add certain effects to their abilities.
  • Talises, Wands: Contrary to Forces, Techters have access to more advanced casting Weapons in the form of Talises and Wands. These greatly expand the Techniques available for the Techter to use, allowing them to tailor their arsenal specifically for a team's needs.

Techter Features

Techter Feature - PSO2 New Genesis Classes

Given the more support-oriented nature of the Techter, their skills more or less focus on imbuing their allies with various benefits in combat. In turn, they don't always have as much abilities when it comes to beefing up their own offense and defense. Rather, the best Techters are able to bring out the best in their allies, especially in tricky situations. For interested players, here are some Techter skills to pay close attention to:

  • Shifta/Deband: Thanks to this ability, the Techter and their allies not only increase damage dealt to enemies but also decrease damage received This is a great way to boost offensive and defensive power of the entire party.
  • Weak Element Amplifier: Techters can get closer to a Photon Blast thanks to this skill. Essentially, attacks that use the elemental weakness of an enemy will increase the recovery rate of the Photon Blast Gauge.
  • Awake Aile: Techters can also gain a boost in their Photon Blast Gauge recovery whenever tough enemies are nearby.

Braver: All-Rounded Devastation

Braver in PSO2NG

Capitalizing on speed and precision, the Braver is the pinnacle of both short-ranged and long-ranged combat in New Genesis. Relying on the player’s mastery of the game’s mechanics and the environment, players can quickly switch from slashing through enemies with the Katana and deterring their assaults with a Bow in almost an instant, making this the perfect hybrid physical damage Class in New Genesis. Their strength in all ranged forms make them a great solo Class and a DPS asset in team settings.

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  • Countering Is Key: Unlike other Classes, the Braver excels in countering foes courtesy of its rotations. Being able to time perfect blocks and dodges allows Bravers to insert their combos more seamlessly and leaves enemies out in the open for the rest of the team to take out.
  • Katana Braver For Mobbing: The Katana Braver archetype is perfect for taking on mobs due to its agile movement with its attacks. Not only that, its Katana PA Combo will slowly build up damage depending on the times it’s been used, allowing Katana Bravers to rake up insane damage numbers based on the number of enemies they are fighting. However, the animation lock on a lot of its Skills does mean players need to pay attention to their surroundings when attacking.
  • Bullet Bow Braver For DPS: The Bullet Bow Braver archetype is perfect for maximizing what long-ranged could offer with regards to DPS, be it through quick shots or powerful charged shots. However, the lack of AOE variety for the Bow Braver means players are likely going to focus on taking down enemies at a time.

Braver Features

Braver using a Bow

Due to their capability of tackling both close-ranged and long-ranged threats, the Braver has a myriad of abilities that allow them to adapt to any combat situation much faster than other Classes. These elements make the Braver become one of the strongest character types, both in the game and in Phantasy Star lore. Here are some of their most notable features:

  • Brave Combat Finish Prize (Main Class): Players get HP and PP healed at the end of Brave Combat depending on the number of hits they’ve landed during the Brave Combat period.
  • Brave Combat: Players get an aura that decreases PP Consumption up to 80 percent for 30 seconds. Using this again performs a powerful finisher - a slash-shockwave (Katana) or an aerial arrow blast (Bow).
  • Brave Combat Close Range: During Brave Combat, a normal attack will have players jump towards the locked-on target. This works with the Katana only.
  • Brave Combat Arrow Main: During Brave Combat and while activating a Photon Art, players can cancel a knockdown or launching effect. This works only with the Bow.

Bouncer: Aerial Supremacy

The Bouncer in PSO2NG

Serving as a hybrid melee and casting Class, the Bouncer dominates aerial combat with their Jet Boots and specializes in keeping enemies firmly rooted on the ground. They rely heavily on knockbacks, knockdowns, and stuns, with much of their toolkit revolving around dishing out fast attacks that aim to incapacitate enemies at the end of rotations. These traits make them great as both frontline DPS and backline defenders, depending on their party’s approach and playstyle as well as Battle Power in the Phantasy Star title.

  • Team Knockdown Setter: Due to their reliance on knocking down and incapacitating enemies, the Bouncer makes for the perfect frontliner and entry attacker. With the right approach, a Bouncer can destabilize the enemy position by knocking them down, leaving them wide open for their allies to finish off.
  • Soaring Blade For Aerial Combat: Key to the Bouncer’s toolkit are their Soaring Blades, a pair of long blades worn on the feet that they use to launch attacks. Aside from being able to hit a wide area at once, the Blades possess Variant Attacks that have elemental properties. Not only that, the Photon Blades will allow players to release a ranged variant of the Soaring Blade attacks, giving players ranged utility.
  • Jet Boots Diversifies Techniques, Photon Arts: Aside from its exploration component, Jet Boots actually gives Bouncers more options in combat. Holding down Photon Arts will release new attacks with the Jet Boots, while the Jet Boots Elemental Set can add elemental components to other attacks. Likewise, its Trick Bounce allows players to deftly dodge attacks in mid-air.

Bouncer Features

The Bouncer dishing out some attacks

Given their supremacy in aerial combat, the Bouncer can quite literally “bounce” from one battlefield to the other. In team settings, this makes the Bouncer an ideal Class to bounce from being a defender to an attacker much faster than other Classes. The fast-paced nature of New Genesis versus Online 2 makes the Bouncer’s additional mobility more apparent. Here are their other notable features:

  • Defeat PP Gain (Main Class): Bouncers regain PP whenever a nearby enemy gets downed, perfect for the Bouncer’s arsenal of knockdown-inducing attacks.
  • Defeat Amplifier: Bouncers indue a higher down factor to enemies, with a maximum of 20-percent for Bouncer Main Classes and 10-percent for Bouncer Sub-Classes. This makes enemies stay on the ground longer, leaving more room for the rest of the party to dish out attacks.
  • Partial Destroy Advantage: When players destroy multiple parts belonging to a single enemy, the Bouncer gets boosted damage and additional damage mitigation.
  • Elemental/Physical Decline (Main Class): This allows Bouncers to induce Elemental and Physical-based down effects to enemies when using Photon Arts. Not only that, the effect of this Skill is boosted with the Decline Amplifier.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis is playable on the PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PS4

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