In Dragon’s Dogma 2 you do not choose a class in the classical sense, but rather take on different paths, called vocations. We will tell you what you need to know about Fighter, Thief, Mage, and Co. and how to switch classes and unlock all the paths.
How do the classes work in Dragon’s Dogma 2? At the beginning of the game, you choose one of four so-called paths: Fighter, Mage, Archer, or Thief. Each path has a unique playstyle as well as individual strengths and weaknesses.
Up to six additional paths can be unlocked during your adventure. To become a Warrior or Archmage, for example, you need to bring a two-handed sword or a magic staff to Klaus from the guild hall of Vernworth as part of an early quest.
Each guild hall also allows you to switch between the learned paths and unlock or equip new skills.
Update from March 26, 2024: We have expanded our guides to the paths of Dragon’s Dogma 2 and added how you can unlock the six classes Warrior, Archmage, Mystic Blade, Illusionist, Magical Archer, and War Master.
These Classes and Paths Exist in Dragon’s Dogma 2
What classes are there? In addition to the four starting classes, you can unlock the following paths:
- Warrior
- Archmage
- Mystic Blade
- Illusionist
- Magical Archer
- War Master
At the beginning of your journey, you can also choose a path not only for your hero but also for your main pawn. Pawns can take on the following roles:
- Fighter
- mage
- Archer
- Thief
- Warrior
- Archmage
The special paths Mystic Blade, Illusionist, Magical Archer, and War Master are only available to the Awakened.
The launch trailer for Dragon’s Dogma 2:
How to Play the Paths in Dragon’s Dogma 2
In the following, let’s take a look at the peculiarities of the paths in Dragon’s Dogma 2. You can also enhance your classes with additional abilities you learn from master teachers. How to find them, you can read here:
Dragon’s Dogma 2: All Master Teachings in Overview – Find Masters and Unlock Paths
Fighter
How does the Fighter play? The perfect vocation for those who like to stand at the front with sword and shield in hand. The Fighter deals offensive blows and is also a good defender.
The balanced style of Fighters allows them to switch between charging the enemy line from the front and defending their comrades while they block blows with their shield and deliver quick strikes with their sword.
Mage
How does the Mage play? The Mage is a classic ranged fighter who can cast both offensive and defensive spells. He uses staves in combat.
Additionally, he serves as support for the whole group, for example with healing spells. Or he increases the striking power of allies by enchanting their weapons.
Since the Mage is relatively weak on his feet, he should maintain some distance from enemies. However, he can make a significant difference in battle with strong offensive spells or by supporting his companions.
Thief
How does the Thief play? The Thief is a new starting class within the world of Dragon’s Dogma. This class attacks with quick, targeted strikes in close combat. However, the Thief can take less damage than the Fighter, who can also function as a tank.
Therefore, caution is advised as a Thief. Knowing when to strike and when to slip away is key to their strategy. The high mobility, which can be further improved through various skills and evasive actions, helps with this.
And of course, as the name suggests, the Thief enjoys stealing items from enemies.
Archer
How does the Archer play? Like the Mage, the Archer is also a ranged fighter. He deals physical damage and is not particularly resistant to attacks. Therefore, the Archer prefers to evade enemy attacks and seeks new positions for his own attack.
Similar to the Thief, the Archer does not limit himself to single attacks. Instead, he fires at short intervals and keeps the enemies busy. He finds the weak points of the enemies and targets them with his special arrows.
At higher levels, he will be able to shoot multiple arrows at once. Additionally, his mobility increases, making it easier to dodge enemy attacks. With his Steady Shot, he can also deal significant damage to a target.
Warrior
How does the Warrior play? The Fighter is a classic frontline soldier who stands at the front and deals a lot of damage. He has a charged strike that deals extra damage and quickly decimates the enemies.
Warriors like to use powerful two-handed weapons like great swords or hammers. Compared to Fighters, Warriors can carry heavier weapons but do not have a protective shield.
How do I unlock the Warrior? Master the quest “Path Frustration” in the city of Vernworth by bringing any great sword to the pawn guild.
Archmage
How does the Archmage play? As an Archmage, you deal significant damage with a magic staff and your spell attacks. This specialization deals area damage and allows for better control of the battlefield. Unlike the Mage, Archmages are primarily offensive fighters.
A disadvantage is that many spells take some time to cast. If the Archmage is hit by an enemy during this time, he is interrupted. Therefore, it is advisable to find a safe spot before launching an attack.
How do I unlock the Archmage? Master the quest “Path Frustration” in the city of Vernworth by bringing any magic staff to the pawn guild.
This trailer will get you in the mood for the story of Dragon’s Dogma 2:
The following special paths are only available to the main character, the Awakened, not to the pawns.
Mystic Blade
How does the Mystic Blade play? This path combines melee combat and magic. If you cannot decide between the two combat styles, the Mystic Blade is perfect for you.
With the dual spear, a special weapon, the Mystic Blade cuts through enemies. Additionally, magic can be used to stun enemies or to throw items at them telekinetically.
Overall, the Mystic Blade feels like a very dynamic class that attacks quickly and deals sufficient damage.
How do I unlock the Mystic Blade? For the quest “The Return of Evil,” you need to defeat an enraged dragon in Melve. With the help of the local warriors and the clearly visible weak points of the monster, this should not be a problem for you.
Important: The quest is not available from the start, but only during a later visit of your hero. As a reward, you will receive the path of the Mystic Blade from Sigurd. You will find him in the house on the cliff near the village of Harve.
Magical Archer
How does the Magical Archer play? Shooting magical arrows at enemies from a safe distance – that’s the essence of this vocation and makes it quite unique. The arrows deal different damage – depending on the weakness of the enemies, you should have the right ones in your inventory.
This vocation can not only shine in offensive combat but also heal group members and provide additional support. The Magical Archer has an exclusive ability that deals significant area damage but simultaneously reduces the user’s health bar.
How do I unlock the Magical Archer? For this path, you need to go to the volcanic island of Agamen and help Gautstafr with his back pain. Bring three wildflowers (like sunflower, grand flower, honor root, twilight herb, or syrup leaf) and you can provide immediate relief.
Afterwards, accompany Gautstafr east to the next settlement. As a reward, you will receive gold and a laurel wreath. But afterwards, make sure to speak with Cliodhna, Gautstafr’s wife. She will hand you the Paradox of the Archer and grant you the path of the Magical Archer.
Illusionist
How does the Illusionist play? This vocation, known as Trickster in English, relies on an unusual weapon: the incense burner. With it, the Illusionist, as the name of the class suggests, creates illusions. This can deceive enemies so that they start fighting each other, for example.
Or you create a clone of yourself. The Illusionist can also enhance the powers of allied pawns for a certain period. Thus, the class seems to focus primarily on support apart from offensive capabilities.
How do I unlock the Illusionist? To do so, you need to visit a shrine in the second major area of the game. You can find the exact instructions in our guide to the Illusionist.
War Master
How does the War Master play? This vocation was recently introduced in a new trailer. It is certainly the most flexible of all classes. With it, you can switch between all kinds of weapons and try out the play styles of other vocations.
However, there is also a disadvantage: the War Master has relatively low stats. Therefore, depending on the situation in the game, you should adapt your gear to respond best to the challenge.
This vocation can therefore be used in combat as well as in support and defense. You just need to show some brainpower and have a lot of skill in various combat styles.
Here you see the War Master in action:
How do I unlock the War Master? For this path, you need to go to the Volcanic Island Camp (on the volcanic island of Agamen) and accept the quest “The Intoxicated Sage” from Lamond. For the assignment, you need Molch liquor, which you can find in Bakbattahl – Earland sells the liquor near the road to the Flame Palace for 2,000 gold.
A second bottle of Molch liquor is hidden in the research lab for forbidden magic, specifically in the chemicals lab. Lastly, you can also combine fruit wine and lizard tail to obtain the liquor.
If you bring Lamond all three bottles, he will teach you the War Master path. Additionally, there is a tome for the War Master skill Re-arming.
Here are some gameplay impressions from Dragon’s Dogma 2:
Which Class Suits Me?
Since you can switch between all learned paths at any time in the guild hall, nothing stops you from trying out all play styles. Alternatively, the developers of the game offer a quiz on the official Dragon’s Dogma 2 website that allows you to find out which class suits you. The quiz consists of only a few questions and is quick to complete.
Which Class is the Best for Beginners?
The short answer to this question: Thief for fans of full-contact action and the Archer for those who prefer to act from a distance. The long answer can be found in the following article:
How Do I Improve and Change My Class?
If you visit the guild hall of a city, you can change the path of your hero and your main pawn there. Useful: Once you invest the so-called DP points to unlock a known path, you automatically receive weapons and armor pieces that fit the new class.
For each path, you can unlock special weapon and core skills through DP points. You pull the weapon skills into your four ability slots. Core skills, on the other hand, expand your basic skills – for example, a Thief can learn a wall jump.
The general abilities are available to all paths. Through Satisfaction, for example, you gain some health points when you defeat an enemy. Refinement, on the other hand, ensures that you are targeted less often by opponents. Do you already know which class you will choose in Dragon’s Dogma 2? Let us know in the comments. Releasing the character editor before the release of the game was a brilliant idea.
