Choosing your class in Black Desert might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting – or starting over.
Things have changed a lot since the game’s launch (they changed a lot since last year, actually!), but worry not – today, I am here to share the updated tier list of BDO classes, so that you can pick the best for your play style.
Whether you prefer wearing plate armor, swinging mighty axes, casting dark magics, striking enemies from the shadows, or unleashing a barrage of ranged attacks with bows, each class offers a distinct playstyle, and some are better than others.
Here is a quick overview of the classes, and where they land on the tier list this year. Note: For the top tier characters, I am also including the path to take at level 56 – Awakening or Succession, as that matters a lot.
| Tier | Classes |
| S | Drakania (Awakening), Sage (Succession), Nova (Awakening), Wizard (Succession), Maegu (Succession), Woosa (Succession), Guardian (Succession), Berserker (Awakening) |
| A | Musa, Hashashin, Ranger, Valkyrie (Succession), Dark Knight, Sorceress, Lahn, Witch, Warrior |
| B | Striker, Mystic, Corsair, Kunoichi, Tamer, Archer, Nova |
| C | Maehwa, Shai |
If you are trying out different open-world action games, check out our guide on the best armor for the late game in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Now let’s get a bit more in-depth with the top picks for Black Desert Online, and see why they’re better than the others!
Drakania (Awakening)
Drakania has quickly climbed to the top thanks to recent improvements to her mobility, AoE coverage, and sustain – general buffs that changed the game and made her much better than before.
Now, Drakania moves easily through grind spots, clearing packs at impressive speed. Her skills make it easy to chain together attacks without losing tempo, which means less downtime and more silver per hour. An easy pick!
Sage (Succession)
While gamers usually pick Awakening, things are different with Sage, who is better if you opt for Succession instead. He stands out for his ability to wipe out huge groups of monsters with wide-reaching skills and nearly nonstop action, which makes him a perfect choice and a solid overall character.
His toolkit favors players who want fast-paced PvE, and the forgiving mechanics make him easy to pick up and difficult yet rewarding to master. Even at higher spots, Sage delivers consistently high clear speeds and rarely slows down, so he’s a great class to play this year in BDO.
Nova (Awakening)
Nova makes her way to the top with heavy-hitting, multi-target skills and improved sustain this year.
The class received a series of buffs that make her one of the most reliable choices for grinding, especially in crowded areas where efficiency counts. Her shield-based playstyle provides a nice balance of offense and defense, perfect for long sessions.
Also read: For Honor Tier List
Wizard (Succession)
Another class that’s best if you go for Succession, the Wizard brings huge ranged AoEs and consistent damage to every grind spot.
His low gear requirements and simple rotation make him especially attractive for newer players or those who want to relax while grinding. Wizard is always welcome in groups and excels in both solo and party play, and even though he doesn’t seem too special, he remains a top choice.
Maegu (Succession)
Maegu is one of the few classes ranking in the S tier, just like last year. She remains a favorite thanks to her blend of flashy spells, quick clears, and smooth movement.
She excels in fast-paced environments and can adapt to many grind spots without a hitch. While not the absolute best at every location, her flexibility and damage keep her at the top for most of the content.
Woosa (Succession)
Woosa rivals her sister in speed and control. Her range and mobility help her stay one step ahead of the competition, while her AoE skills deliver fast, satisfying clears.
Woosa is especially fun if you enjoy weaving together spells for a seamless grind. And, let’s face it – she’s pleasant to the eye as well!
Guardian (Succession)
Guardian, even though considered basic, shines in high-end spots where tankiness and sustained damage are required.
She’s forgiving, hard to kill, and packs a punch with every swing. Guardian’s clear speed is consistently strong, and she offers an easy entry for players who prefer a more relaxed playstyle and/or are fans of playing tanks in their games.
Berserker (Awakening)
Berserker rounds out our S-tier ranks thanks to his improved movement and devastating attacks he can now perform.
He clears packs quickly and can handle even the toughest monsters without slowing down. Berserker’s playstyle rewards aggression and timing, making him an excellent option for players who want to feel unstoppable, and those who prefer a more aggressive, active type of game.
A-Tier Classes: Still Excellent
I won’t go in-depth with each class afterwards, as only the best really matter, but I wanted to say something about the A-Tier classes, in general.
They all remain strong choices for nearly all PvE content, as they efficiently clear most spots. They might require a bit more effort or better gear to keep up with the top tier, but some of them (like Dark Knight, Sorceress, or Lahn) bring unique playstyles that are really fun to experience, and can easily reach S-tier performance if you insist on playing them.
Here are some related tier list articles from CSG, to make sure you’re always on top:
- Apex Legends Tier List
- Apex Girl: Best Girls in the Game
- Arena of Valor Tier List
- Rush Royale 2025 Best Cards Tier List
Final Thoughts
There are many classes you can pick in the game, and with the different slots given you can always pick and choose who you save.
You can grind your favorite, and then give a try to the classes that stand on the top of the tier list to see if one of their playstyles could possibly fit you better, as a player. Even if they don’t cover your personal needs, you can erase them and move on.
It’s important to remember that class tier lists can shift with each patch. Your preferred grind spot, gear, and playstyle can all influence how well a class performs for you. With these in mind, comment below and let us know which is your favorite class in Black Desert this year!
With thousands of hours played on Nintendo systems since the original Gameboy, Nikiforos is happy to share his endless passion for Nintendo franchises and everything he can get his hands on.
- Black Desert Online: Class Tier List – Best Classes in BDO [2025 Update] - June 12, 2025
- Master Patricia in Atelier Ryza 3:The Best Crit-Rate Build - May 6, 2025
- Ark Survival Evolved: How to Level Up Fast - May 6, 2025