Best Black Desert Online Classes Tier List

Welcome adventurers! Are you new to Black Desert or are looking to try out a new class? Then you will find this Black Desert Online Classes tier list extremely helpful. We’ll tell you all about the best classes whether you prefer to constantly engage in PvP or farm to your heart’s content in PvE.

BDO is one of the most recognizable MMOARPGs in the world. We sneaked in the “A” in that abbreviation for a reason. Black Desert is known for its insane combat system that is very much akin to slasher games such as Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Rising, God of War, and others. Its immaculate combat system and a cast of unique characters (or classes) make this MMO stand out from its competition. Yes, BDO has got its fair share of issues, with the aggressive pay-to-win model being one of the biggest. But today, we’re not talking about the game’s problems. Instead, we’re going to focus on the game’s best feature - the Black Desert Online characters tier list.

But before we start, we’d like to remind you that you can always level up your character, no matter which class, to any level you want with SkyCoach. All you have to do is buy BDO Powerleveling service at SkyCoach website. Skycoach is the leading provider of in-game services. They specialize in many popular games. All services are done by professional gamers hired by SkyCoach. For BDO services, it means that you can forget about wasting your time on the endless level of farming in this game. Your character will be leveled up by veteran BDO players so that you can enjoy high-level content.

 

 

Explaining the BDO Classes Tier List

With a total of 27 classes as of the first half of 2024, it can be really difficult to name the best Black Desert Online class. All classes have abilities and strengths that are unique to them only. Even similar in style classes such as Maehwa and Musa have their differences. Therefore, it is really important to lay down some ground rules and explain our tier lists. Speaking of a Black Desert Online tier list, we’re going to be focusing mainly on the PvE side of the content since this is how you actually make your character stronger and get its gear. While PvP gets extremely competitive, it doesn’t add to a character’s growth. So, here we go:

• S-Tier - the most powerful classes in BDO. They have massive damage output and the best survivability. They’re the best classes to use on high-level farming spots.
• A-Tier - same as a higher tier; these are the best classes when it comes to raw damage and survivability. However, they usually require more practice and have more complex combos.
• B-Tier - while not part of the Black Desert Online meta, these classes are still solid choices, as they can still be great, especially with the best gear and good execution skills on the player’s side.
• C-Tier - these classes are less versatile in different activities. They’re not bad by all means, but they might be difficult for newer players to pick up.
• D-Tier - While not completely useless, these classes require more effort to get similar results as classes from higher tiers.

As we’ve said before, each class has its strengths and weaknesses and getting Black Desert Online Classes ranked is no easy task. Let’s also not forget the fact that every class has basically two versions - Awakening and Succession. In our Tier Lists, we’ll be mentioning both versions.

Best Black Desert Online Classes Tier List

Here, we have our Black Desert Online characters tier list, which lists all classes and their variations. The same class could be placed in several tiers because its Awakening could be way too different compared to Succession.

This tier list starts to really weigh in once you unlock the progression paths on your class And you won't be doing that until level 55. Then you'll have to pick up and complete a questline, which will unlock either Succession or Awakening. BLOG20

Sorceress

• Awakening - belonging to the S-tier, this version of Sorceress might as well be called the best class in Black Desert Online. Her Scythe-based combat style makes her extremely easy to use. Her fluid combos and explosive damage make farming mobs an easy and enjoyable experience.
• Succession - this version is in the B-tier because it is way more basic and outdated compared to the awakening verison. She can use her teleport to move out of danger, but she has to stand still to cast her most damaging skills.

Warrior

• Awakening - this version is in the B-tier because it offers extremely high damage, but it is way more risky to use with fewer protection options compared to Succession.
• Succession - this is the S-tier version of the Warrior because the shield and sword give you the ultimate version of this class. As much as the greatsword is powerful, you can’t deny the sword and shield its ability to stun enemies and withstand any amount of damage dealt to you,, making it part of the Black Desert Online meta classes among other classes like Sorceress, Ninja,, and a few others.

Ninja

• Awakening - this version is in A-Tier because it is much slower than the original. The multiple katanas style makes your Ninja less mobile yet much stronger.
• Succession - easily belongs to the S-Tier and current Black Desert Online meta since it's much faster and agile compared to the slower Awakening version.

Witch

• Awakening - the sphere weapon is in the A-tier because it is a slightly less popular option that requires more thorough and methodical gameplay.
• Succession - this version is the S-tier material because it is the ultimate DPS class. Wanna know who is the best class in Black Desert Online? The Witch has a huge variety of elemental magic that has different properties, such as damage over time, freezing, knocking, and much more.

Lahn

• Awakening - this version is in the B-tier because it simply requires higher skill in execution of combos. Succession is more noob-friendly option.
• Succession - belongs to the S-Tier and one of the top Black Desert Online classes because of the unique movement style and incredible AoE combos utilizing signature Crescent Pendulum/Noble Sword weapons duo.

 

Guardian

• Awakening - the Jordun weapon is even slower but still deals a lot of damage. Generally, the faster you are, the better. So, that’s why it'ss A-tier in the Black Desert Online tier list 2024 and a solid choice for those whowant to have a bit of everything in a class.
• Succession—This version is definitely S-Tier because it is an easy-to-execute combo that deals an impressive amount of damage, allowing you to clear spots of monsters super fast.

Nova

• Awakening - sadly, not as good and not nearly as popular, the stabby Sting rapier is not really fit for quick mob farming. We put it into D-tier.
• Succession - a very strong variant that gives you an equal amount of damage potential and protection, which is ideal for PvE worthy of A-Tier.

Ranger

• Awakening - this version of the class combines fast melee combat style with occasional ranged attacks, which makes it super versatile and worth of A-tier.
• Succession - the longsword is not as good these days. While it has some great utility and movement-based attacks that will keep you on the move, this version of the class has been outdated and outranked by other classes a long time ago.

Tamer

Both versions of the class are taking their place in the A-tier since both are equally good. The Succession version uses a shortsword and the tamed beast to attack enemies. Meanwhile, Awakening’s Bo Staff is just as amazing as Musa’s halbert with its spinning AoE attacks.

Musa

• Awakening - the Crescent Blade offers the most fluid combat style in the game. Its simple directional attacks fluently change into one another,, making you look like a tornado. Unfortunately, this weapon is not great at dealing single-target damage. Therefore, its place is B-tier..
• Succession - a much more option-rich variant that goes to the A-tier thanks to the demon blade ability that turns your character into an ultimate killing machine when activated.

Maehwa

• Awakening - much like Musa, the female version of the so-called blader class uses the same weapons in both versions. So, Maehwa takes B-tier with its Lanza flamberga for the same reasons as Musa.
• Succession - the Sable/Arco compuesto combo is a bit better at handling different situations, so it belongs to A-tier.

Wizard

Both versions are extremely good and belong to the A-tier. Often regarded as one of the best Black Desert Online characters, his combat style is a question of preference. Your choice will determine the weapon of choice, but Succession seems to be more popular among PvE players, while Awakening is often chosen by PvP players.

Dark Knight

It is one of few classes whose Succession and Awakening variants both belong in the same Tier. The Awakening skills of Dark Knight offer a wide range of AoE attacks and mobility options, making her effective in both PvE grinding and PvP engagements. Succession enhances the class's damage potential, providing access to powerful single-target and AoE skills.

Striker

• Awakening - The awakening skills of Striker provide a wide range of powerful punches and kicks, allowing for devastating combos that can quickly overwhelm opponents in PvE.
• Succession - enhances the class's damage potential, providing access to hard-hitting attacks and combo chains that can deal significant damage to enemies. That’s why both versions are in the A-tier.

Mystic

• Awakening - even though Mystic is equivalent to Striker, her Awakening version is not as good and belongs to the C-tier.
• Succession - on the other hand, is A-tier material. Gauntlets and Vamraces are the better weapons for this class.

Archer

Archer is a unique class who is very much meta by all accounts. It'ss unique because his awakening and succession options are merged together,r, which gives him a unique playstyle. His main weapon is the wrist crossbow with fast attacks and faster dashes. His Longbow is his awakening weapon with much more powerful attacks that need to be charged sometimes. Switching between both weapons is what makes him so strong.

Shai

Shai's unique combination of supportive skills, utility, and versatility earns her a place in the A-Tier, making her a valuable addition to any group or party composition in BDO. BLOG20

Hashashin

• Awakening - Dual Glaves are a bit inferior to the Succession variant because they’re a bit slower. So we put them in B-tier.
• Succession - this variant is in A-tier because of the blend of melee and ranged combat provided by the Shamshir/Haladie weapon. You can zip around the battlefield and cast torrents to deal single-target or AoE damage.

Sage

Sage is a super strong PvE class that can be a bit offputting for new players. His starting weapon and moveset is super slow and it can make an impression of being weak. However, when a proper rotation of combos is used, he is one of the strongest classes in the game in both versions. That’s why it’s A-tier class. 

Woosa

• Awakening - being one of the newer classes, Woosa’s Awakening is super strong. However, it is a bit slower than Succession's combat style, which uses the Swallowtail Fan. Being slow gets Awakening Woosa C-tier.
• Succession - unlike using Soul Tome, the fan combat style is much more mobile and fast placing it into A-tier.

Maegu

• Awakening - this version of the class turns her into a ranged caster type of character. It’s a great combat style if you prefer this type of gameplay.
• Succession - this is the A-tier class version that combines melee and ranged moves.

Valkyrie

• Awakening - being the only class that uses a lance and a shield, Awakening Valk can be compared to Warrior’s sword and shield, although a bit more niche, so - B-tier.
• Succession - a generally less popular version of the class that is used by only the real fans of the game. It goes to C-Tier.

Kunoichi

• Awakening - the Sak Chakram doesn’t compare to Ninja’s katanas in effectiveness and, therefore, takes its place in the C-tier
• Succession - the classic Shortsword and Shuriken combo is a much more reliable option, placing itself in B-tier.

Corsair

Dodge, shoot, slash! Great at clearing mobs with flashy gun & sword combos. It's fun for mobile fighters who love fast-paced combat. The awakening version uses a slightly different weapon while still combining melee and ranged attacks.

Drakania

While being FOTM (Flavor of the Month), Drakania is not amazing in PvE on either spec and she's being spammed in PvP because her kit is pretty good there. While she is great in PvP, she is way less popular in PvE.

Scholar

While not as powerful or adaptable as the classes from higher tiers, Scholar is still a good choice for PvE and PvP. She does come with a few flaws, so you really need to pay attention to your build, gear and stats as well as get your combos and rotations perfected. Because she requires a more mindful approach, Scholar earns her place in B-tier.

Dosa

Dosa is the latest addition to the roster of classes in BDO. He is a brawler slash mage type of character with wide sword attacks and magical AoE spells that make it pretty comfortable to farm spots with him. While do not have enough data on his Succession vs. Awakening performance, he seems deserving of A-tier so far. We'll update his position in the near future as players discover his true potential.

Conclusion

We’ve taken a look at each of the 27 classes and their Awakening/Succession variants. It would appear that, in general, Succession classes are far better than Awakening alternatives. It could be because the developers released them after Awakening and focused on class balancing. Whatever the case may be, Black Desert Online has a great range of classes to choose from. You can pick any class from the list, and as long as you have fun playing it, it can be included in your personal S-tier.

Knowing what is the best class in Black Desert Online won’t help you get better at farming levels and gear. But, we’ll keep updating this list as more classes are sure to follow. So stay tuned for those updates and good luck farming those high-level spots!

F.A.Q.

Which Black Desert Online class is best?

There are a few classes that can be regarded as the best in the game:

1. Sorceress Awakening
2. Warrior Succession
3. Ninja Succession
4. Witch Succession
5. Lahn Succession
6. Guardian Succession

Who is the best class in Black Desert Online?

Any class that you feel a connection with on a personal level and fits your playstyle can be considered the best. The community believes that the best classes are:

1. Sorceress
2. Warrior
3. Ninja
4. Witch
5. Lahn
6. Guardian

Is Warrior a good class?

Warriors have always been one of the strongest classes. Awakening variation used to be the only choice of progression for warriors, but with the addition of Succession, you really have to think about what kind of class you want.

Is Scholar Good in Black Desert Online?

Scholar is one of the latest classes in the game. She is yet to find her place in the meta, however, many players say she is underwhelming and lacking in the DPS department.

Who is the strongest class in Black Desert Online?

The tankers class in BDO is Warrior

Who should I main in Black Desert Online?

You should main someone who you think looks the coolest. A lot of top players pick their class based on personal preference and style rather than based on community data.

What is the most popular Black Desert Online class?

A lot depends on the region and type of content. Drakania seems to dominate PvE, while Sorceress seems to be the most popular overall.