Whether you are coming to BDO for the first time or returning after a few years, one of the most common questions people ask is, “What class should I play?”.
Over the years, the game has gone through several updates since its launch, and many classes have been added. In this overview guide, I’ll be giving you the top 5 classes to pick in 2021. I’ll go over the best ways to play them and how they contrast to others on this list.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
List Overview
- #5. Sorceress
- #4. Nova
- #3. Striker
- #2. Valkyrie
- #1. Wizard & Witch
Parameters To Judge
Before we go into detail on the different classes, let me briefly touch on what parameters I’m going to use to judge the characters. I will be determining a class’s Grind Speed, Overal Strength, and Accessibility.
Grind Speed relates to how much time is required in order to get this class to the higher levels. Can they kill lots of enemies, netting you a lot of EXP, or can they only kill one opponent at a time?
Overall Strength refers to a class’s strength in 1v1 matches as well as large-scale matchups. How does your class fare in PvP or PvE matchups?
Class Accessibility refers to how accessible a class is for all players. Can every player pick up and use that class, or is it needlessly complicated for anyone other than an expert?
These three points will be used to determine how each of these classes rank so you can see what is most important for you when choosing a class.
#5. Sorceress
One of the oldest classes in the game, the Sorceress has a lot of great things going for her overall. While she is not the best at the lower levels in PvE, if you are willing to take the time and grind her out, she is far and away one of the best options out there.
In terms of PvP, while a bit niche, she is a reasonably well-rounded class. Depending on your skill level and having a rough understanding of your opponent’s class, she is just well-rounded enough that you should have no problem pulling a win.
Pros
- A super fun class to play in the game
- Doesn’t require a lot of gear to be competitive
Cons
- While fun, Sorcereress are not very accessible to new players
- Can be frustrating to build up in the game
#4. Nova
Now, in the span of things, Nova is one of the more recent class editions to the game, coming out on January 6th of 2021. As such, she has been met with some mixed feelings. And why is this? Well, honestly, it’s just that she’s pretty much broken as a character.
While her succession PvE is trash, when she’s awakened, the Nova class turns things on their head completely. Particularly for those that want a character that can grind a lot of EXP and raise levels super-fast, Nova is the one for you. She’s especially great in Elvia content, one of the best characters at endgame spots.
PvP is similar. She’s got a pretty high skill ceiling and may not be the best choice for those just starting the game for the first time. However, if there’s a character that you don’t want to match up with, it’s a Nova-class character with a player that knows what they’re doing. She can burst people down like no other class.
Pros
- Very much an intelligent choice for those that want to do better in the game eventually. Take the time to learn her, and you won’t forget it
- She has incredible PvP and PvE potential and, for many, she’s pretty fun to play with once you know what you’re doing
Cons
- The class has a pretty steep learning curve and can be challenging to learn, especially for new players
- Similarly, while her abilities can be pretty amazing once you know what you’re doing, that doesn’t take away the fact that they are pretty niche.
#3. Striker
Hardly the Tank of the group, the Striker class is one of the most accessible classes that a beginner can get into without dealing with a huge learning curve. It is excellent for PvE as you can get a lot more loot as a Striker than pretty much every other class right now while spending the same amount of AP.
As it is very beginner-friendly, you can grind pretty quickly with the Striker class and dramatically improve the character’s gear in a relatively short amount of time. It is a solid option in the lower-level 1v1 fights but does cap out relatively early compared to the other classes.
Pros
- The perfect base, beginner-friendly class to get started in
- Great for PvE
- Ideal counter against Wizards and Sorcerers
Cons
- Needs gear if you hope to use in any PvP matchups
- Very “squishy” even in the late game
#2. Valkyrie
The female comparison to the Warrior class, the Valkyrie’s name to fame is their protection offered in battle and crazy usefulness in PvE matchups. They have many of the benefits of the Striker class from earlier but only better. They are great for grinding at the later levels and endgame spots so that you can get some really good loot really fast.
If you thought that was where Valkyrie’s benefits ended, think again. She’s just as effective in PvP matchups as well, being incredibly versatile and having a truly impressive awakening in terms of either her damage or support.
Pros
- Legitimately The Most Versatile Class in the game
- Deals incredible damage no matter what situation she’s thrown in
Cons
- Her awakening isn’t “completely” broken compared to #1
#1. Wizard & Witch
While technically two separate classes, they are pretty much the same in every way that matters to the point that it’s fair to say the Witch is a slightly worse mirror class to Wizard.
So, what is so special about Wizards (and Witches)? Well… Everything.
Yeah, you heard me right. If you want the best Assassin, play a Wizard. If you want the best Tank, play a Wizard. If you want the best Necromancer, Glass Cannon, Healer, Rogue, Support, or DPS… play a Wizard. Their spells are so varied and so powerful, they really make every other class obsolete.
Their one downside is that, in some 1v1 PvP matchups, they will struggle. Even in these instances, the situation largely depends on the opponent and if they can outbox a Wizard’s casting times.
They are great for grinding in pretty much any area and are surprisingly accessible by even beginner players.
Pros
- A cheat class that your team will love and your opponents will hate
Cons
- Slow Casting Times
In Summary
As you can see, there are some great options for many players to consider, whether you’re playing the game for the first time, coming back after a long while, or simply want to change up and play as a different character type.
Ultimately, the point of the game is to have fun, and you don’t need to play as any of these five classes to do that. Remember, while this list is an excellent guide and a great overview of what classes have the most objective benefits, it shouldn’t be viewed as a requirement for having fun. You may want to play an entirely different class from the 5 listed. So long as you’re having fun and you’ve picked a class that resonates with what you want out of your play experience, that’s all that truly matters.