Aion 2 Tier List: Best Classes for PvE and PvP
Ranking the 8 classes in PvE and PvP, with strengths, weaknesses and the optimal raid setup.
by IruminatiIntroduction
This tier list ranks the eight Aion 2 classes in PvE and PvP. It is based on my own playtime (Assassin, Chanter and Ranger) and on feedback from experienced players. One warning first: Aion 2’s balance is tweaked almost every week, so a ranking can shift a lot from one patch to the next.
The tier list
S = dominant · A = very good · B = situational
Class breakdown
The Cleric is the only truly mandatory class in every high-end activity. It is the only one able to provide enough healing and debuffs to survive the hardest mechanics, while heavily buffing its group. On top of that, its damage stays solid, around 80% of a pure DPS.
In PvP it is fearsome in 1v1 and mass fights alike. Naturally tanky, it combines healing, an invulnerability it can cast on an ally and a reset mechanic. It can also resurrect teammates, which is huge in group play, and its damage is more than enough to kill any target.
The Chanter is the best buffer in the game: damage, movement speed and resistance bonuses for the whole team. It also acts as a secondary healer to relieve the Cleric, with decent heals but longer cooldowns. Its own damage sits around 80% of a regular DPS, and its range lets it keep attacking when the boss moves.
Very sturdy and hard to kill thanks to its shields, heals and tankiness bonuses, the Chanter shrugs off most bursts. It hits well both in melee and at range, making it a valuable support over the course of a fight.
The Ranger is currently one of the kings of PvE DPS. It chains three of the best self-buffs in the game (Bow of Blessing, Vaizel Authority, Supporting Fire) and, above all, its range lets it hit the boss non-stop, where melee classes fall off during mechanics.
In duels it excels at kiting: stuns, slows, mobility and even invisibility to take control. Its range also makes it very effective in mass PvP. Its weakness: an Assassin who manages to stick to it can one-shot it.
The Summoner has enormous damage, a good chunk of which happens on its own: its pets keep hitting even while you handle a mechanic. Add the range that keeps it on the boss when melee must back off, and you get one of the most reliable DPS in the game.
Big damage, excellent control and a key trick: sharing its health bar with a summon to avoid getting bursted. Its pets stick to their target and deal continuous damage, which is very annoying to deal with. Its real weakness remains its poor mobility.
Like the other ranged DPS at the top of the list, the Sorcerer puts out huge damage while staying far from the boss. A safe pick for PvE, as long as you place your spells well and manage your positioning.
In PvP it is a double-edged sword: it can one-shot many classes, but it is extremely fragile. Its lack of mobility and survival tools drops it to the bottom of the ranking as soon as it gets focused.
In PvE the Gladiator suffers the same issue as the Assassin: it is melee, so it falls off during movement phases. It depends less on back attacks, though, takes hits well and can act as a real raid tank. Versatile, but a little short on damage right now.
In PvP it is probably the best class in the game. Heavy damage, impressive life steal and a very long invulnerability that sometimes lets it chain several kills during its duration, all with excellent mobility.
Paradoxically average yet essential. The Templar taunts the boss, holds aggro and buffs its allies’ damage. Its own damage is below average, which keeps it from being as essential as a Cleric or a Chanter, but a raid always needs a tank, so it keeps its spot.
Excellent in 1v1 and mass PvP. Its grab to focus a target makes it a real threat, especially since its PvP damage stays decent. It lacks the mobility and kill-farming ability of an Assassin or a Gladiator, hence its A rank rather than S.
The Assassin went from king of PvE to one of the hardest classes to make shine. Its damage depends heavily on its buffs and on staying glued to the boss’s back to trigger its passive. But bosses move and chain mechanics: when it can free-DPS without moving it rivals the best; otherwise it falls behind.
This is where it shines: arguably the best class for Solo Abyss. Invisibility, and above all going invisible again after a kill, let you farm frags if you are well geared. Beware of invulnerability classes (Gladiator, Cleric) and the Seed of Detection resource, which reveals you and cuts stealth’s value.
FAQ
What is the best PvE class in Aion 2?
The Cleric is the most essential PvE class: healing, debuffs and buffs are mandatory at high level. For pure damage, the Ranger, Summoner and Sorcerer dominate thanks to their constant ranged DPS.
What is the best PvP class?
The Gladiator is probably the best PvP class: heavy damage, life steal and a very long invulnerability. The Assassin rules Solo Abyss thanks to invisibility, and the Cleric stays fearsome in 1v1 and mass fights.
Which class should a beginner pick in Aion 2?
The Cleric and Chanter are always wanted and easy to fit into a group. For simple, effective damage, the Summoner and Ranger forgive mistakes and barely suffer from lag.
Does lag really affect damage?
Yes. In Aion 2, roughly 100 ms of extra latency costs nearly 50% of your damage. The Assassin is the most penalised, the Summoner and Sorcerer the least affected.
Is this tier list up to date?
Balance changes almost every week, so the tiers move from patch to patch. This ranking reflects the current meta and the opinion of experienced players, but gear remains the number-one factor.
Conclusion
Aion 2 has no throwaway class. The Cleric and Chanter are must-haves for any high-end content, Ranger, Summoner and Sorcerer top the PvE damage charts, while the Gladiator and Assassin rule PvP. Keep in mind the two real constants of the game, though: your gear and your latency often matter more than your class choice. And since the meta shifts every week, come back and check this tier list regularly.
