Which classes are best for PvP in Black Desert? Why? How can -you- make an informed and wise decision about PvP class choices? Read on to find out!
When traveling the world of Black Desert Online you’ll often find yourself in the heat of Player vs Player combat. Its a major part of the game and being -good- at PvP is a must when traveling between cities. So, what classes are good for PvP? What classes are the -best- for PvP? Important questions to ask and even more so to answer! We need to divide the classes into two realms first. Small and Large scale PvP. Not all PvP is the same! That’s the first step to understanding the nature of the beast and which class is best for which! Below is a comprehensive guide for the best… to the worst PvP classes in Black Desert Online.
S Tier
This tier is the absolute best of the best. The very pinnacle of PvP destruction. These classes command respect and dominate their respective battlefields. If you want power, ease of play, and resilience -these- are the classes you want to embrace. Again the nature of PvP in Black Desert is different depending on its scale and the S Tier classes follow suit!
(Tier S - Small Scale)
- Ninja
- Mystic
(Tier S - Large Scale)
- Witch
- Wizard
A Tier
The A tier is the collective of classes that are good, easy to use, and sustainable. However, they are not the best. They aren’t designed with the purpose of dueling their foes or wiping out hordes of weaker players. These are the reliable foundation stones that anyone can pick up with a small degree of skill and do well at their role in Small and Large scale PvP. No, you won’t be a rockstar and strike absolute fear into the hearts of your enemies just because of class alone, but you’ll keep them on their toes and give them a reason to focus for sure!
(Tier A - Small Scale)
- Kunoichi
- Striker
(Tier A - Large Scale)
- Dark Knight
- Musa
B Tier
It is in the B Tier that we start to see a drop-off. The classes in these tiers are decent at their role in respective PvP situations but they do not excel. It will take more skill, preparation, and practice to be a strong combatant with these classes. Give it time and patience and you will be Viable whilst using the following classes. But without said patience and practice you’ll find yourself lacking when it comes to slugging it out with other players.
(Tier B - Small Scale)
- Tamer
- Sorceress
(Tier B - Large Scale)
- Warrior
- Berserker
- Archer
C Tier
Here we are in the C Tier of PvP classes in Black Desert Online. With these classes, you’ll find that you need a -lot- of skill, gear, and support to pull your weight. In duels, you’ll find yourself unable to sustain well enough or even put out enough damage before getting a retaliation. In large scale fights you’ll find that some classes can just one shot you or chunk your hp without much effort. On top of that, you might struggle to properly CC an opponent or need to retreat often. All in all, these are the classes that you wouldn’t want to choose if you wanted an easy or enjoyable PvP experience in Black Desert Online.
(Tier C - Small Scale)
- Maehwa
- Ranger
(Tier C - Large Scale)
- Lahn
- Valkyrie
Ninja (S Tier - Small Scale)
None can match the ninja in close quarters single combat!
When it comes to one on one combat, there are none that surpass the ninja. Paired against most classes of equal gear, he will come out on top. His ability to CC, his mobility, damage output and ease of use make him a nightmare in duels. He might not be as strong in large scale combat but I honestly don’t think the ninja cares! His ability to wreck shop and move mountains in the dueling arena is the very top of the class.
Ninja strengths
- Extreme mobility
- Extreme control
- Extreme damage output
Ninja weaknesses
- Fragile defenses
- Can be combo’d down
- Weak to AoE
Mystic (S Tier - Small Scale)
Even her face shows that she's not impressed with your dueling skill...
The mystic is another PVP titan in the Arena! WIth outstanding defenses and natural magic damage mitigation, she excels at coping with magic damage wielding classes and keeping her opponents staggering. Her damage is nothing to scoff at and mobility keepers her on the offensive. On top of this all you’ll find that she is durable enough to ward off damage dealt due to mistakes and poor choices. Up until you get knocked down, then it’s lights out for this lovely brawler!
Mystic strengths
- High mobility
- High attack power
- Natural magic defense
Mystic weaknesses
- Needs gear to keep up with high tier duels
- Can be CC’d and melee’d down
- Takes a bit of practice
Witch (S Tier - Large Scale)
The orbs aren't for looks. They secret the power of mass damage and terrifying power!
With massive AoE magical damage, a block, a combat pet, and high damage output, the witch is a monster on the battlefield. Able to melt down waves of undergeared players like butter on a skillet, she’s not one to trifle with during large scale pvp. Guilds put a lot of value in high-level witches, built correctly, it’s hard to cope with the accurate smackdown of mass damage that she brings to the table.
Witch strengths
- Very high mass damage output
- Effective combat pets
- Good blocks
Witch weaknesses
- Can be CC’d easily
- Poor defenses
- Struggles when focused down
Wizard (S Tier - Large Scale)
Age means nothing when you're capable of clearing out the chaff from the battlefield with a single spell!
Like the witch, the wizard is a nightmare to contend with in large scale pvp. When geared correctly the wizard is able to lay down immense magical damage at range. Many classes are caught off guard if not properly geared to defend against it let alone under leveled. With proper practice and gear, you can put a lot of people down on battlefields with just a few clicks on the keyboard! On top of all of this, the wizard has mass buffs and support spells to lend his team in combat.
Wizard strengths
- Very high mass damage
- Has a grab
- Amazing large scale support
Wizard weaknesses
- Very fragile
- Takes practice
- Character level is -very- important for accuracy
Kunoichi (A Tier - Small Scale)
With an invisible strike, the Kunoichi can down you in 1 v 1 without trying. Good luck~
The kunoichi, much like the ninja, is fantastic for duels and small scale pvp. She has more control abilities than the ninja does and attacks more at range with Kunai than the ninja that is a mostly melee range focus. Her damage output, mobility, and the ability to go invisible make her a terrifying opponent to square off against one on one.
Kunoichi strengths
- More CC than the ninja
- Amazing damage combos
- Can go invisible
Kunoichi weaknesses
- Fragile
- Can be CC’d easily
- Struggles against skilled melee players
Striker (A Tier - Small Scale)
Imagine that ring of energy as your insides. That's why the striker wins his duels!
The striker is a powerful opponent to face. His damage in pvp is grotesquely high and the ability to surround an opponent with clones that do damage is very powerful! In one on one fights the Striker is fantastic at getting in, laying a smackdown, and getting out with high mobility and very damaging combos. Add in the natural magic damage resistance he has and you’re almost -forced- to fight with an up close and personal class, which is where his forte’ lies.
Striker strengths
- Natural magic damage resistance
- Very powerful combos
- Very high mobility
Striker weaknesses
- Not very good at CC
- Struggles to keep damage consistent outside of bursts
- Struggles against mobile classes that can keep up
Dark Knight (A Tier - Large Scale)
At least it's a pretty face you'll see before hewn in two or engulfed in dark magic...
With large attacks that cover a widespread, the Dark Knight seems like a natural for large scale pvp. She deals magic damage which a lot of classes struggle to mitigate and is a nightmare when you get CC’d in her wake. Though recently nerfed, the Dark Knight is still a powerful contender and with proper practice can earn her keep for sure with very high damage in battlefields.
Dark Knight strengths
- Powerful magic damage in melee
- Great for comboing down enemies
- Decent recovery
Dark Knight Weaknesses
- Not very mobile
- Has been nerfed hard
- Functions best with allies nearby
Musa (A Tier - Large Scale)
That blade is just -made- for lopping down foes like an ax to trees!
Like a lawnmower *For people*, the Musa is capable of mowing down hordes of undergeared, underleveled, under-practiced opponents in large scale pvp. Both the main hand and awakening weapon have a great range for their attacks and do immense amounts of damage. Though not the most mobile of classes and having less than stellar crowd control, he doesn’t really need to rely on it. The damage this class can put out in wide swathes is enough to either kill or critically opponents who aren’t truly ready for his keen-edged onslaught.
Musa strengths
- Immense aoe melee damage
- Great range and burst damage with the awakened weapon
- Versatile and adaptable
Musa weaknesses
- Poor CC ability
- Mobility can suffer
- Fragile if CC’d
Tamer (B Tier - Small Scale)
Beauty and the beast. Adorable and abominable. A tamer and her Heilang~
Despite her tiny size and affinity for the fluffy, the Tamer is no child to scoff at. Turn your back and you’re toast! The tamer is a melee class that can lay a smackdown, literally, on most classes who don’t keep on their toes. The combat pet, The Heilang, has amazing knockdowns and the Tamer herself can keep that going with her own CC abilities. Once you’re on your back she unleashes a maelstrom of down attacks that grind your hp bar into a fine red dust.
Tamer strengths
- Top Tier CC
- Brutalizing down attacks
- Powerful combat pet
Tamer weaknesses
- Very fragile
- Weak to CC’s
- Can be burst down if she doesn’t take combat initiative
Sorceress (B Tier - Small Scale)
I wouldn't give her a funny look... She's -good- with that scythe!
The sorceress is a powerful magical melee combatant with a dark and arcane flare. Many of her attacks are a vortex, hitting in all directions, even appearing as a swarm of bats. The sorceress finds her niche in small scale pvp, though she does take a -lot- of practice to be good. You’ll find yourself struggling to keep up with other classes that won’t need to be as geared or skilled at what they do to keep the pain flowing. However, if you put in the time and effort you’ll be able to show other players just why they should fear the darkness in every Sorceress’ skillset!
Sorceress strengths
- Wide range attacks
- Powerful magic damage
- Channeled abilities can rack up damage fast
Sorceress weaknesses
- Fragile
- Hard to master
- Can be CC’d and Combo’d down easily
Warrior (B Tier - Large Scale)
One wrong step and the blood on his sword will be yours!
What a versatile class! The warrior is very capable, fitting into most combat situations with ease, and was a hard pick. Though he’s easy to use, durable, has great blocks, can grab and attack during the grab, he just gets outshone in specific situations by other classes. LIke a swiss army knife, he’s good for many things, but not a titan for any single purpose. A jack of all trades… master of none. In large battlefields he’s able to block and withstand AoE's and combo onslaughts, he can grab to halt foes, and has great attacks. Though lacking in power at times, he’s a great asset to your large scale battlefield.
Warrior strengths
- Viable for most pvp scenarios
- Can block and CC very well
- Has decent damage
Warrior weaknesses
- Mobility is poor
- Out damaged by many classes
- Has to sustain very heavy burst duration in order to truly defeat geared foes
Berserker (B Tier - Large Scale)
If a Berserker gives you this look on the battlefield... Run...
Thundering across the battlefield is the Berserker. A mountain of fury and control, he excels at stopping opponents dead in their tracks with a slew of grabs. On top of this, he has plenty of iFrames that if used properly can keep him alive. The Bersker’s self-sustaining abilities are also very powerful and his innate durability and hp pool make him a natural for large scale pvp.
Berserker strengths
- Massive HP pool
- Fantastic crowd control
- Huge mobility and recovery
Berserker weaknesses
- Lackluster damage output
- Struggles badly if CC’d
- Requires a lot of practice
Archer (B Tier - Large Scale)
Those eyes aren't just for lookin' pretty! They can see your weaknesses and he -will- hit them!
This class has the best range of them all. Able to hit opponents from further, harder, than the other classes. He doesn’t have the best of AoE damage and does content with the physical armor of those he fights. The Archer is a class that requires a lot of skill and practice to be good with. If caught and combo’d he won’t fair well. His ability to CC is also lackluster. But, if played right, and kept at range you can truly be a menace on the battlefield.
Archer strengths
- Amazing range
- Can kite well
- Good damage output if ignored
Archer weaknesses
- Fragile
- Takes a lot of practice
- Poor CC
Maehwa (C Tier - Small Scale)
If anyone could give combat a sense of nobility, it would be the Maehwa.
The Maehwa is much like the Musa in her ability to dish out damage with impressive melee range. She has a good damage model and mobility with an okay ability to CC. Despite these good traits she isn’t as durable as some classes and isn’t capable of stringing together multiple CC’s to keep her opponents down. That paired with a need to continuously hammer a foe to keep the damage up and mitigate their recovery can make wins harder to come by. Despite her shortcomings, you’ll find the Maehwa not only enjoyable to play but elegant and beautiful in animations and styling!
Maehwa strengths
- Impressive melee range
- Powerful continuous combos
- Good mobility
Maehwa weaknesses
- Fragile
- Weak CC ability
- Requires a high level of skill
Ranger (B Tier - Small Scale)
She seems to be scoffing at your concept of melee only or ranged only combat. She uses both!
The Ranger, much like the archer, is a fantastic damage dealing class at range. Slightly more durable than the archer, she’s better suited for small scale pvp. She doesn’t have many CC options and her awakening weapon switches the combat style from range to melee. This can throw some players off and make pvp seem awkward or clunky. On top of that, she’s not quite as mobile as some of the other, more high tier dueling classes.
Ranger strengths
- Powerful at range
- Can use primary weapon well and doesn’t rely on awakening
- Can kite well if practiced
Ranger weaknesses
- Bad at CC
- Poor durability
- Poor recovery
Lahn (C Tier - Large Scale)
I wouldn't recommend running. The Lahn can glide over most things! Just hide...
The Lahn is an interesting class for sure. Her weapon has great melee range and damage but she relies heavily on accuracy as she naturally has less than other classes. With decent CC she can keep an opponent staggered for decent combos. Though in between bursts she needs to get out and survive cooldowns in order to rinse and repeat the process. With some needed practice, you can outlast your foe in duels for the win.
Lahn Strengths
- Good melee range
- Decent CC abilities
- Flows between awakened and primary weapon easily
Lahn Weaknesses
- Poor natural accuracy
- Fights turn into endurance tests
- Gets smoked if CC’d and combo’d
Valkyrie (C Tier - Large Scale)
The Valkyrie lives up to her name's Norse Origin with those braids and red hair!
The Valkyrie is a seldom played but decent class! Her awakened weapon has an amazing range and great linear attack patterns. With the ability to block and dish out heavy damage with her Lancia she can perform wonderfully on large scale fields by rushing in and unloading. That shield is needed though as her CC isn’t nearly as good as many others and the ability to one combo her foes isn’t easy to pull off at all.
Valkyrie strengths
- Very durable
- Amazing melee range
- Fantastic attack mobility
Valkyrie weaknesses
- Easy to CC
- Poor CC ability
- Poor continuous damage
