Dragon’s Dogma 2 classes – The director’s best class tier list

When you first start the game, Dragon’s Dogma 2 classes will be your first major choice in the Capcom RPG, as you’re faced with picking a starting Vocation. The Dragon’s Dogma 2 best class tier list we’ve published below is subject to change as we better discover the game, but there are already some key learnings to help you pick.

By visiting a Vocation Guild, players can freely switch to the best Vocations in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Thankfully, you’re not restrained to just your initial choices, so you can switch mid-game. The first instance will likely be in Vernworth, where you’ll find a reason to look for a Bunch of Flowers, fancy clothes for the Masquerade, and a way into the Rose Chateau Broderlie as well.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 classes – Best class tier list

Until we have more data and players inevitably discover a broken class that warrants any sort of tier list, we’ll just say this: the best class in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the one you enjoy playing the most.

We appreciate that’s not much help when you’re choosing your first Vocation, but it’s where the idea of freely switching later down the line becomes a breath of fresh air.

That being said, there are pros and cons to each class that will influence their appeal to you.

With unlockable Vocations as well, you won’t be able to pick some of the potentially more powerful options at the start of the game. But that’s a problem for another time.

The best starting class in Dragon’s Dogma 2

So, straight from the mouth of the game’s director for GamesRader+, Hideaki Itsuno has outlined who might enjoy which Vocation in the game, with the Archer and Thief being the recommendations for those new to the genre:

Fighter – best for ARPG fans

This sword-and-board brawler is as capable of taking blows as it is dealing them. The shield offers great defensive capabilities and can even be used to reliably knock targets off balance, interrupting attacks and opening up the target to being tossed against a rock, off a cliff, or at another target. Istuno suggests this one for those coming from similar melee-focused action RPGs.

Thief – best for damage

Another choice for reactive combatants, the dual-wielding Thief is fast on its feet, delivering rapid stabs and slashes while stepping out of harm’s way in a split second. If you’re the type to dodge and roll the moment you see a blade or boot coming your way, this is the one to try.

Archer – best for FPS/TPS fans

Itsuno notes that the Archer Vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is best used by those looking to scratch that trigger-happy shooter itch. If you typically play third or first-person shooters and don’t know which class to choose, striking true with various types of imbued arrows could be the ticket.

Mage – best for flashy combat or support

If flashy spells and ranged versatility sound good to you, the Mage could be the best Dragon’s Dogma 2 class to get started with. Able to heal, buff, and blast all at the time, it’s a high-damage option with wonderful support potential, making it great for dealing with monsters or helping your Pawns dispatch them at speed.

The best advanced class in Dragon’s Dogma 2

As you play around in the world, you’ll eventually unlock six additional Vocations — Sorcerer, Warrior, Magick Archer, Mystic Spearhand, and with enough effort, Trickster and Warfarer.

Aside from Trickster and Warfarer, which are hybrid classes unique to the Arisen, the advanced classes in Dragon’s Dogma 2 tend to be more damage-oriented plays on their base options.

One example is how the Warrior drops the shield of the Fighter, instead using a heavier two-handed weapon to deal more damage, knock back foes with greater ease, and resist damage and interruptions through sheer force of will.

Similarly, the Sorcerer gains access to stronger offensive magicks over the Mage, potentially losing its support-oriented heals, elemental weapon buffs, and party-wide boons.

When it comes to the Hybrid classes, the Warfarer is a class that allows you to merge aspects from every other to help you adapt to the situation. The Trickster takes on a more support-oriented approach by turning targets against each other and buffing Pawns to exceptional heights.

Further reading

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Guides Hub

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Unless we find out that the simple Fighter can whack a cyclops into the stratosphere, the best Dragon’s Dogma 2 Vocation will be the one you enjoy the most. they all have pros and cons that can quickly turn an innocent discussion into a heated argument, and that’s never worth stressing about.

For a handy list of guides, tips, and tricks to keep on hand as you play, consider loading up our Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides hub in another tab. Spoilers are kept to an absolute minimum, and you can easily scroll away from quest pointers you might not want to tempt yourself with.