Divinity 2: The Definitive Class Guide for New Adventurers

So, you’re diving headfirst into the rich, reactive world of Divinity: Original Sin 2. Excellent choice! But with so many character options staring back at you from the character creation screen, paralysis by choice is a real danger. Let’s cut through the noise and answer the big question right up front.

What is the best class for new players in Divinity 2?

The absolute best class, or more accurately, starting class combination, for new players is the Knight with a few tweaks. Why? Because it offers a fantastic balance of survivability, straightforward gameplay, and the flexibility to adapt to different combat situations. You’ll be wading into the thick of it, learning the ropes of melee combat, armor systems, and tactical positioning without being overly reliant on complex spell combinations or micromanaging a dozen different status effects. Focus on building a Knight that emphasizes Strength, Constitution, and ** Warfare** skills. This allows for easy-to-understand damage dealing and survivability, which is perfect for getting to grips with the game. And speaking of learning, there’s a wealth of information available through communities like the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/), which can really help you deepen your understanding of game mechanics.

Diving Deeper: Why the Knight Reigns Supreme (For Beginners)

Let’s break down why this initial recommendation works so well:

• Durability: Knights are built to withstand punishment. High armor values and health pools mean you can make mistakes (and you will make mistakes) without instant death. This is invaluable when learning enemy attack patterns and tactical positioning.
• Simple Mechanics: The focus is on hitting things hard with melee weapons. While you’ll still have access to some utility skills from the Warfare tree, the core gameplay loop is very direct. This lets you focus on understanding fundamental concepts like line of sight, action points, and armor types without being overwhelmed by spell management.
• Adaptability: While you start as a Knight, you’re not locked into that role. Divinity 2’s class system is incredibly flexible. As you gain levels, you can invest in other skill trees like Polymorph (for utility and mobility) or even dabble in Necromancy for some self-healing. The Knight provides a solid foundation from which to experiment.
• Strong Starting Skills: The starting skills (like Battering Ram and Battle Stomp) provide early game utility and crowd control, which are very useful.

Crafting Your Ideal Beginner Knight: Key Tips

Here’s a few quick tips to make your initial Knight build even more effective:

• Attributes: Prioritize Strength to increase damage output and Constitution to bolster your health. A point or two in Memory won’t hurt as you learn more skills, but these should be the main focus early on.
• Abilities: Max out Warfare first. The damage bonus applies to all physical damage, making it extremely effective. Then focus on Two-Handed or One-Handed (depending on your weapon choice) for even more damage.
• Talents: Opportunist allows you to perform attacks of opportunity on enemies who move away from you, granting free damage. Executioner provides extra AP on kills, speeding up your turns. Picture of Health provides a bonus to Vitality, further enhancing your tankiness.
• Early Game Gear: Prioritize armor with high physical armor values. Look for weapons with high damage. Don’t underestimate the power of crafting! Even simple upgrades can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for New Divinity 2 Players

Here are 15 FAQs, answering many common questions asked by new players in Divinity: Original Sin 2:

1. Can I respec my character later in the game?

Yes! Divinity 2 is very forgiving. Once you reach Act 2 and gain access to the Lady Vengeance, you can respec your character attributes, skills, and even talents at any time using the mirror in the ship’s hold. This allows you to experiment with different builds and correct any mistakes you might make early on.

2. What difficulty should I play on?

For your first playthrough, Explorer difficulty is highly recommended. It allows you to learn the game mechanics and enjoy the story without being constantly frustrated by overly difficult encounters. You can always increase the difficulty later if you find it too easy.

3. Should I play with a pre-made character or create my own?

Both options are viable. Pre-made characters (like Lohse, Red Prince, and Fane) have unique storylines and quests, adding depth to the narrative. Creating your own character gives you more freedom in terms of customization and roleplaying. If you’re unsure, starting with a pre-made character is a good way to get a feel for the game.

4. What’s the deal with elemental surfaces?

Elemental surfaces (like fire, water, and oil) play a crucial role in combat. They can be created by spells, items, or even environmental interactions. Be mindful of how you use them, as they can affect both enemies and allies. For example, setting fire to an oil slick can create a large explosion, but walking through fire will damage your characters. Consider freezing water to create ice surfaces where enemies will slip, or electrifying water to stun nearby combatants.

5. How does the armor system work?

Divinity 2 features a dual armor system: physical armor and magic armor. Physical armor protects against physical damage and certain status effects (like knockdown), while magic armor protects against magical damage and other status effects (like burning or poisoned). To apply a status effect, you must first deplete the target’s corresponding armor type. This adds a layer of strategic depth to combat.

6. What are the best skills to focus on early in the game?

For a Knight build, focus on skills from the Warfare skill tree. Battering Ram and Battle Stomp provide mobility and crowd control. Phoenix Dive (from the Warfare tree) is an excellent mobility spell later in the game. First Aid (from the Hydrosophist tree) is a useful early-game healing spell.

7. How important is crafting?

Crafting is surprisingly important in Divinity 2. You can craft potions, scrolls, weapons, armor, and even food to enhance your character’s abilities. Experiment with different recipes and don’t be afraid to look up crafting guides online.

8. What are Source Points, and how do I get them?

Source Points (SP) are a limited resource required to cast powerful Source skills. You gain SP by filling your Source bar, which is often done by absorbing Source from corpses or special fountains. You can increase your maximum SP by progressing through the story.

9. How does persuasion work?

Persuasion allows you to influence NPCs and resolve conflicts without resorting to combat. Your persuasion success rate depends on your Persuasion skill, your character’s attributes (like Intelligence or Strength), and the NPC’s attitude towards you.

10. What’s the best way to manage my inventory?

Inventory management can be a bit cumbersome in Divinity 2. Use bags to organize different types of items (potions, scrolls, ingredients). Send one character with high strength to act as your “mule”. Use the teleportation pyramids to quickly transfer items between party members, or to escape a dangerous encounter.

11. Should I pet every animal I see?

Absolutely! Many animals in Divinity 2 can talk to you using the Pet Pal talent. They can offer quests, provide valuable information, or simply add a bit of humor to the game. Pet Pal is well worth taking.

12. How do I deal with undead enemies?

Undead enemies are vulnerable to healing spells and resistant to poison. Using healing spells on undead will damage them. Using poison skills on them will heal them. Be sure to stock up on healing potions or learn some healing spells to effectively combat undead foes.

13. Can I play Divinity 2 with friends?

Yes! Divinity 2 supports both local and online co-op for up to four players. Playing with friends can be a lot of fun, but it also requires good communication and coordination.

14. What happens if my character dies?

If a character dies in combat, they become incapacitated. You can revive them using a resurrection scroll or spell. If all party members die, it’s game over, and you’ll need to reload your last save.

15. Where can I find more resources and guides for Divinity 2?

There are many excellent resources available online, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels. The GamesLearningSociety.org website can also provide insights into the educational aspects of game design, further enhancing your understanding of Divinity 2’s mechanics.