Choosing Your Path: A Comprehensive Guide to Classes in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

So, you’re ready to set sail in the Deadfire Archipelago and embark on an epic adventure in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire? One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting your character’s class. The class you choose significantly impacts your gameplay experience, shaping your combat style, role in the party, and even your narrative interactions. But with so many options, which one is right for you?

The short answer is: there isn’t a single best class. It depends on your preferred playstyle, your desired party role, and even your approach to the game’s story. That said, some classes stand out for their versatility, power, or beginner-friendliness. Let’s break down some of the key considerations and highlight some top contenders.

Top Class Recommendations Based on Your Needs

For Beginners: The Paladin

If you’re new to Pillars of Eternity or even CRPGs in general, the Paladin is an excellent starting point. Paladins are a straightforward class offering a good blend of melee combat prowess and support capabilities. They’re durable, can dish out decent damage, and their abilities like healing and buffs make them valuable additions to any party. Paladins are also easy to understand, reducing the learning curve and letting you focus on enjoying the story and gameplay.

For Strategic Power: The Wizard

The Wizard is a powerhouse capable of controlling the battlefield with a vast array of spells. They are arguably the strongest class in the game, especially in terms of sheer damage and crowd control. With their sprawling list of abilities, Wizards can adapt to almost any situation, making them indispensable in most playthroughs. However, Wizards require a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics to maximize their potential, and they may not be as beginner-friendly as Paladins.

For Solo Play: The Barbarian

Want to go it alone? The Barbarian is your best bet for a strong solo experience. This class combines high damage output with considerable tankiness. They are designed to withstand punishment while still dealing devastating blows to their enemies. The Barbarian’s powerful passives and critical hit bonuses allow them to excel in a solo context.

For a Mix of Utility and Damage: The Cipher

The Cipher is a unique class offering a compelling blend of abilities. They excel at using their psychic powers to weaken enemies, making them easier for your party to take down. Ciphers are often regarded as one of the best classes, thanks to their versatility and powerful abilities. Also, if you appreciate the story aspect of Pillars of Eternity, the Cipher often makes a strong narrative choice, given their unique connection to the world’s mysteries.

For Melee Domination: The Fighter

The Fighter is a highly versatile class that can be tailored to suit many different playstyles, focusing on either defense or offense, melee or ranged. They’re reliable, adaptable, and a great choice for both beginners and veteran players alike. Fighters can be built into excellent tanks, hard-hitting damage dealers, or even a combination of both.

More Class Considerations

Beyond these highlighted options, consider the following:

• The Druid: A flexible class that can switch between melee and ranged combat, control the battlefield, and heal allies. They are also highly adaptable to various team compositions.
• The Rogue: Specializing in sneak attacks and debilitating debuffs. One of the best sub-classes for single-class rogues is the Trickster, which mixes in illusion magic.
• The Monk: Can deliver devastating damage, and their unarmed combat is their wheelhouse. Consider carrying spears or hatchets to inflict non-crushing damage.
• The Chanter: Specializing in summoning and buffs. They can be great in a support role and powerful enough to solo the game as a summoner.

Making Your Final Decision

Ultimately, the best class for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is the one that best suits your preferences and playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different options. Consider your favorite combat styles and how you enjoy engaging with the game’s story. The game allows you to re-spec your character, so you’re not locked into your initial choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best class to tank with in Pillars of Eternity 2?

Fighter combined with Rogue is a popular choice for tanking. Barbarian can also build very tanky while still dealing high damage.

Which class is the best for crowd control in Pillars of Eternity 2?

Wizards have access to many powerful spells which allow them to excel at crowd control, making them excellent in this role.

Is a Paladin a good class for beginners in PoE 2?

Yes, Paladins are excellent for new players because they are a mix of melee and support with straightforward abilities.

What is the hardest class to play in PoE?

The Shadow class in Path of Exile is considered one of the more difficult to play, requiring a high degree of strategy and thought. This question isn’t as applicable to PoE2, but there are comparable complexity gaps between the classes.

What is the best melee class in Pillars of Eternity 2?

The Barbarian is frequently cited as the best option for a pure melee class, combining damage with tanking abilities.

Which class is the best for solo play in Pillars of Eternity 2?

The Barbarian stands out as an ideal class for solo play due to its high damage and survivability.

What are some races that are good for a Cipher in PoE 2?

Elves, Orlans, and Godlike races are excellent for Ciphers, with subraces that enhance their natural abilities.

Which race is best for maximizing stats in PoE 2?

Aumaua, Dwarf, and Orlan are special races that allow you to get up to 20 in a stat from the start, before your background selection.

Is it possible to solo the game with certain classes in PoE2?

Yes, some classes like the drug addict Monk, blood mage, and summoner Chanter are capable of soloing the game.

What weapon types should Monks use in Pillars of Eternity 2?

Unarmed combat is the Monk’s strength, but it’s useful to carry spears, hatchets or other weapons for inflicting different types of damage.

Does gender matter in Pillars of Eternity 2?

Gender doesn’t have a significant impact on the game. You’ll have limited race-specific dialogue, but you won’t be locked out of any quests due to race or gender.

What is the strongest wizard build in Pillars of Eternity 2?

A no-subclass Wizard is actually one of the strongest single-class builds in the game, as it gives you the greatest versatility of spells.

How long does it take to beat Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire?

On average, completing the main objectives takes about 61.5 hours, and 100% completion can take about 132 hours.

What are some of the best weapons in Pillars of Eternity 2?

Some top weapon choices include Modwyr (Sword), Stalker’s Patience (Spear), and Whispers of the Endless Paths (Great Sword).

Is Pillars of Eternity 2 based on D&D?

Pillars of Eternity is not based on D&D, but it draws inspiration from some of the mechanics of D&D 4th edition.