Pay attention class(es)!
In Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire there are a total number of 11 classes you can choose from during the character creation process. It can feel overwhelming to try to figure out what class to go with. Sometimes you may prefer to say a weapon or use magic, but other times you are going in blind.
This guide I’ve created will help you figure out which one is right for you
1. Barbarian
Playing in a Barbarian class is probably the closest you can get to being Conan the Barbarian. The Barbarian is categorized by their strength and general aggression that lets them unleash a powerful attack. Despite their intense rage, they lack in the areas of healing and defense which can leave them vulnerable towards enemy attacks.
The best way to circumnavigate this is by one of three ways: pray to every deity you can think of, equip a lot of health potions, or invest in a Barbarian’s athletic points which gives them second wind.
What Barbarian excels In:
- Deals a good amount of damage with their carnage ability
- The frenzy ability cuts cast and recovery time in half.
- Second wind, which lets them remain in battle for a small amount of time.
Pick Barbarian if:
- You like relying on pure strength
- Being able to pass athletic checks with ease
- Having high endurance
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Barbarian
2. Chanter
Do you like being a hype man, woman, or person and cheering your companions on from the sidelines? If you do then this class is for you! Chanters use their knowledge about tales and legends in battle to form chants. By doing this, they aid their companions in battle, giving them all kinds of buffs.
What Chanter excels In:
- Providing buffs for their friends in battle, which grants them benefits.
- Using intellect to increase the range of their chants.
Pick Chanter if:
- You enjoy taking a passive role in battle and supporting your friends.
- Being able to weave together knowledge of myths, legends and stories to create an powerful attack.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Chanter
3. Cipher
Sometimes using a weapon is exhausting or maybe you just want to flex your oh-so powerful mind to show how superior you are. If either of these things apply to you then consider playing as a Cipher. Ciphers use the power of their mind to influence objects. They completely surpass Mages who must rely on ‘magic’. Hah, what tools.
What Cipher excels In:
- Building up focus which can make for some very powerful attacks
- Reaching directly in your own soul to channel its power.
Pick Cipher if:
- You like using your mind to channel attacks.
- You want to use the Ascendant, Beguiler, Psion, or Soul blade subclass.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Cipher
4. Druid
Druids are a class that are at one with nature and have an innate connection with it. Basically, they are the hippies of Pillars of Eternity. However, unlike your average hippie they can transform into mythical beasts. This alone makes them the superior one.
What Druid excels In:
- Spirit Shifting into their preferred animal.
- Increased amount of intellect that helps them with their animal form.
Pick Druid if:
- You love the idea of being able to transform into a beast.
- Having nature as the base of your power source
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Druid
5. Fighter
The fighter class is self-explanatory. In this class you have the chance to train and use a different variety of melee weapons in combat. It’s more than just swinging around a sword and using the pointy end to attack people with.
What Fighter excels In:
- Using a weapon along with their attacks to take down an enemy.
- Being able to hold their positions in battle.
Pick Fighter if:
- If you like the traditional method of attacking with a weapon.
- Charging straight into a battle, sword in hand.
- Gaining the Proficiency Unarmed ability automatically.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Fighter
6. Monk
Some monks are a silent order, but this ideology doesn’t apply to these monks. They use the damage given to them and can channel it through their weapons. This makes for a powerful attack against enemies.
What Monk excels In:
- Taking the damage given to them and turning it on the attacker.
- Being able to use weapons effectively with their abilities.
Pick Monk if:
- You enjoy taking using the transcendent suffering ability.
- Having access to abilities that can interrupt the enemy in their tracks.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Monk
7. Paladin
A Paladin is like a fighter in the sense that they both use weapons to attack their enemies. However, they also heavily rely on their shield in battle. This helps them deflect and minimize the amount of head injuries they’ll get from the constant attacks.
What Paladin excels In:
- Using sworn enemies and flames of devotion abilities to easily multiclass.
- High accuracy thanks to the flames of devotion ability.
Pick Paladin if:
- Being able to multiclass with ease.
- Giving off auras that give various effects and can be upgraded to be more powerful.
- Not getting a penalty for having a subclass.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Paladin
8. Priest
Okay so I know what you are thinking. Why would you want to play in the priest class? Don’t they take a vow-- first of all get your mind out of the gutter and two, this doesn’t even apply here. When playing as a priest you have the unique ability to aid your allies with a variety of spells thanks to their connection to the gods and prayers.
What Priest excels In:
- Healing their companions
- Casting spells and not needing the use of grimoire.
Pick Priest if:
- Having a bonus to athletics and lore skill.
- Healing your allies and granting boosts through blessings.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Priest
9. Ranger
Being a part of the Ranger class has nothing to do with keeping an eye on wildlife and national parks. This kind of ranger is an expert with any range weapon which can be a bow or even a firearm. The most impressive thing about hunters is their ability to attack the enemy from a distance. Not to mention having a bonded animal at their side too!
What Ranger excels In:
- Using ranged weapons such as crossbows, bows, and firearms.
- Being able to use their bond with an animal companion as an extra power pool.
Pick Ranger if:
- You enjoy an animal bond and having a companion creature by your side.
- Attacking from the outskirts of a battlefield where the enemy will not always see it coming.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Ranger
10. Rogue
The scariest part about a rogue is that an enemy may not know the attack is coming until the blade enters their body. Rogues are often associated with daggers but there is a myriad of weapons they can use while lurking in the shadows.
What Rogue excels In:
- Sneaking around in and out of a battlefield.
- Being mechanically inclined
Pick Rogue if:
- You enjoy sticking to the shadows and using speed to take down your enemies
- Having more luck with machines and contraptions than your companions.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Rogue
11. Wizard
Finally, is the wizard class which is my personal favorite. Wizards use magic to attack their enemies. This includes powerful spells that use the elements to inflict pain on their enemies. However, there are many diverse types of spells wizard’s use. The elemental spells are just the most common.
What Wizard excels In:
- Well the first one is pretty obvious. Magic. This is probably the biggest thing Mages excel in.
- Weaving spells to channel their magic into.
Pick Wizard if:
- You enjoy casting and using spells as a means of attack.
- Using the attack grimoire slam to literally slam your spell book into enemies sounds like a delight.
Details: https://pillarsofeternity2.wiki.fextralife.com/Wizard
And there you have it! Here are all 11 classes you can play in Pillars of Eternity 2 and what makes them special. Pick at your own risk… I mean enjoyment.
