Best BDO Classes Tier List

Welcome adventurers! Are you new to Black Desert or looking to experiment with a new class? Then this Black Desert Online Classes tier list will be incredibly useful. We’ll help you discover the best class BDO has to offer, whether you prefer intense PvP battles or efficient PvE grinding.

BDO is one of the most recognizable MMOARPGs globally. Yes, we added the "A" for a reason—Black Desert features an action-packed combat system reminiscent of slasher titles like Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Rising, and God of War. Its dynamic combat mechanics and diverse roster of classes make it stand out from other MMOs. While the game does have its fair share of challenges, including a pay-to-win model that some players find frustrating, today we’re focusing on its best aspect—the best BDO class choices ranked in this tier list.

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Explaining the BDO Classes Tier List

With 27 available classes as of early 2024, determining the best class BDO offers can be challenging. Every class has unique abilities and mechanics, even those that appear similar—like Maehwa and Musa—have distinct differences. That’s why we’ve established some ground rules for this ranking.

This best BDO class tier list is primarily focused on PvE, as that’s where your character grows stronger and acquires gear. While PvP is highly competitive, it doesn’t contribute directly to character progression. Now, let's break down the ranking system:

• S-Tier – The strongest classes with high damage output and top-tier survivability, perfect for high-level farming.
• A-Tier – Nearly as strong as S-Tier, but often requiring more skill and complex combos to maximize effectiveness.
• B-Tier – Not the meta but still solid picks. These classes perform well with the right gear and player execution.
• C-Tier – Less versatile than higher-tier classes, though still playable, especially for experienced players.
• D-Tier – Not entirely useless, but these classes require much more effort to achieve similar results as higher-tier options.

Each class has its own strengths and weaknesses, and ranking them is no easy task. Additionally, every class has two distinct versions—Awakening and Succession—which can significantly affect their placement in this list.

Best Black Desert Online Classes Tier List

Here, you’ll find our best class BDO tier list, ranking every class and its Awakening/Succession variants. Some classes may appear in different tiers depending on which progression path is chosen.

Tiers	Classes
S-Tier	Sorceress Awakening, Warrior Succession, Ninja Succession, Witch Succession, Lahn Succession, Guardian Succession
A-Tier	Nova Awakening, Ranger Awakening, Berserker (Succession/Awakening), Tamer (Awakening/Succession), Musa Succession, Maehwa Succession, Ninja Awakening, Wizard (Succession/Awakening), Witch Awakening, Dark Knight (Succession/Awakening), Striker (Succession/Awakening), Mystic Succession, Archer, Shai, Guardian Awakening, Hashashin Succession, Sage (Succession/Awakening), Woosa Succession, Maegu Succession, Dosa
B-Tier	Warrior Awakening, Sorceress Succession, Musa Awakening, Valkyrie Awakening, Kunoichi Succession, Lahn Awakening, Hashashin Awakening, Corsair (Succession/Awakening), Drakania (Succession/Awakening), Scholar
C-Tier	Valkyrie Succession, Kunoichi Awakening, Woosa Awakening, Mystic Awakening
D-Tier	Ranger Succession, Nova Awakening

This tier list becomes most relevant once you reach level 55 and unlock the ability to choose between Awakening and Succession. At that point, you must complete a questline to select one of these progression paths.

Sorceress

• Awakening (S-Tier): Considered one of the best class BDO choices, the Awakening Sorceress wields a Scythe, making her easy to use. Her fluid combos and explosive damage allow for highly efficient mob farming.
• Succession (B-Tier): This version is more outdated and lacks the same versatility. While she can teleport to escape danger, her most powerful skills require her to stand still, limiting her effectiveness.

Warrior

• Awakening (B-Tier): This version offers immense damage but has fewer defensive options, making it riskier to use.
• Succession (S-Tier): A top-tier choice due to its superior defense with sword and shield. This version excels at stunning enemies and absorbing damage, making it one of the strongest best BDO class options.

Ninja

• Awakening (A-Tier): Features multiple katanas for increased power but sacrifices mobility.
• Succession (S-Tier): A top-tier PvE and PvP class due to its high speed and agility, making it a staple in the best class BDO rankings.

Witch

• Awakening (A-Tier): Requires more strategic gameplay, making it slightly less accessible.
• Succession (S-Tier): A high-damage dealer with powerful elemental magic, capable of freezing, knocking down, and inflicting sustained damage over time.

Lahn

• Awakening (B-Tier): Demands higher skill for effective combos, making it less beginner-friendly.
• Succession (S-Tier): A top-tier PvE class thanks to its fluid movement mechanics and wide-area damage combos.

Guardian

• Awakening (A-Tier): The Jordun weapon delivers high damage but is slower, making it less effective for fast PvE farming.
• Succession (S-Tier): Provides high burst damage with easier execution, making it ideal for clearing mobs efficiently.

Nova

• Awakening (D-Tier): The Sting rapier lacks efficiency and speed, making it a suboptimal PvE choice.
• Succession (A-Tier): A well-balanced option with strong defensive capabilities and good damage output.

Ranger

• Awakening (A-Tier): This version of the class combines a fast melee combat style with occasional ranged attacks, offering versatility in combat.
• Succession (C-Tier): The longsword is no longer as effective. While it provides mobility and some utility, it has been outclassed by other classes over time.

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 (B-Tier): 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.
• Succession (A-Tier): A much more option-rich variant that belongs to the A-tier, thanks to the Demon Blade ability that turns your character into an ultimate killing machine when activated.

Maehwa

• Awakening (B-Tier): 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 (A-Tier): 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 classes, 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 (A-Tier): Awakening Striker unleashes powerful punches and kicks, forming devastating combos that can quickly clear enemies in PvE.
• Succession (A-Tier): This version enhances Striker’s damage output with hard-hitting attacks and fluid combo chains, making it an excellent choice for PvE grinding.

Mystic

• Awakening (C-Tier): Although Mystic is similar to Striker, her Awakening version is less effective, placing her in the C-tier.
• Succession (A-Tier): Gauntlets and Vambraces make Succession Mystic a much stronger option, offering greater flexibility and damage output.

Archer

Archer is a unique class that remains highly viable in the current meta. Unlike other classes, his Awakening and Succession options are merged, giving him a distinctive playstyle. His primary weapon, the Wrist Crossbow, allows for rapid attacks and quick movement, while his Awakening weapon, the Longbow, delivers powerful charged shots. The ability to seamlessly switch between both weapons makes him a formidable force in BDO.

Shai

Shai’s blend of supportive abilities, utility, and adaptability secures her a place in the A-Tier. Her contributions make her a valuable asset in any party or group composition in BDO.

Hashashin

• Awakening (B-Tier): The Dual Glaives, while strong, are slightly slower than their Succession counterpart, making this version less efficient.
• Succession (A-Tier): The Shamshir/Haladie weapon combination offers a perfect balance of melee and ranged combat. This version excels in mobility and AoE capabilities, making it an excellent choice for PvE.

Sage

Sage is a powerful PvE class that may feel slow and underwhelming at first. However, when executed correctly with optimized rotations, he becomes one of the strongest classes in the game. Both versions of Sage belong in the A-tier due to their exceptional damage potential.

Woosa

• Awakening (C-Tier): Woosa’s Awakening is undeniably strong but slightly slower than its Succession counterpart. Its pacing places it in the C-tier.
• Succession (A-Tier): The Swallowtail Fan combat style is much faster and more mobile, making it the preferred version of the class.

Maegu

• Awakening (A-Tier): This version transforms Maegu into a ranged caster-type character, ideal for players who prefer magical combat.
• Succession (A-Tier): A balanced mix of melee and ranged abilities, making it a strong PvE option.

Valkyrie

• Awakening (B-Tier): Valkyrie wields a lance and shield, similar to Warrior’s sword and shield playstyle. However, it is slightly more niche, placing it in B-tier.
• Succession (C-Tier): A less popular variant, mainly favored by dedicated Valkyrie players. This version lands in the C-tier.

Kunoichi

• Awakening (C-Tier): The Sak Chakram is not as effective as Ninja’s katanas, resulting in a lower-tier ranking.
• Succession (B-Tier): The classic Shortsword and Shuriken combo offers greater reliability and efficiency, making it a stronger choice.

Corsair

Corsair excels at clearing mobs with stylish gun-and-sword combos, making her an appealing choice for players who enjoy fast-paced combat. The Awakening version utilizes a slightly different weapon while still blending melee and ranged attacks seamlessly.

Drakania

Although Drakania has been a Flavor of the Month (FOTM) class, she is not particularly dominant in PvE. While her kit is strong in PvP, her PvE performance is less impressive, making her a less favorable option for grinding.

Scholar

Scholar is a viable choice for both PvE and PvP, though she is not as adaptable or powerful as higher-tier classes. She requires careful attention to gear, stats, and combo execution. Due to the precision needed for optimal performance, she earns a spot in the B-tier.

Dosa

Dosa is the latest addition to BDO’s roster. He is a hybrid brawler-mage with wide sword swings and powerful AoE magic, making him comfortable for farming. While there isn’t enough data to determine his Succession vs. Awakening performance, he currently appears to be an A-tier class. As more players explore his potential, his ranking may be adjusted in future updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best class in Black Desert?

The best class BDO offers depends on your playstyle, but top choices include Sorceress, Warrior, and Lahn for their high damage and survivability. Succession versions are often stronger in PvE, while Awakening can shine in PvP.

What is the best class for PvE?

For PvE, some of the best BDO class options are Succession Guardian, Lahn, and Sage due to their AoE damage, fast clears, and efficiency in high-end grind spots. These classes make farming mobs much easier.

What is the best starting zone in BDO?

The best starting zone in BDO is Balenos, specifically Velia, as it offers easy quests, beginner-friendly grinding spots, and quick access to major content. It’s ideal for new players learning the game.

What are the best arena classes in BDO?

For PvP arenas, Ninja, Sorceress, and Warrior are among the strongest picks due to their mobility, burst damage, and strong defensive options. These classes excel in duels and large-scale fights.

What is the easiest class to play in BDO?

Guardian, Valkyrie, and Berserker are considered the easiest classes in BDO due to their high survivability, simple combos, and powerful AoE attacks. They are beginner-friendly and effective in both PvE and PvP.

Conclusion

We’ve examined all 27 classes in Black Desert Online along with their Awakening and Succession versions. Generally, Succession classes tend to outperform their Awakening counterparts. This may be because developers introduced them later with better balance adjustments. Regardless, Black Desert Online offers an incredible variety of classes, making it easy to find the best class BDO has to offer based on your preferred playstyle. No matter which class you choose, as long as you enjoy playing it, it can be considered your personal S-tier pick.

Simply knowing the best class BDO provides won't automatically make farming gear and levels easier. That’s why we’ll continue refining this list as new classes are introduced and balance changes occur. Stay tuned for updates, and good luck securing the best BDO class for your adventure!