Ragnarok: The New World launched on PC and mobile with eight base classes to choose from, and picking the wrong one early can cost you hours of progress. Classes here are called jobs, and you won't unlock your first one until you hit level 10. Every job has a path to an advanced form, so the choice you make now shapes your entire progression. This guide breaks down all eight options by strength, accessibility, and how well they hold up across PvE and PvP.
What are the best classes in Ragnarok: The New World?
After spending time testing each class across both solo content and group play, the ranking below reflects which jobs perform best right now at launch. All eight classes are technically viable with the right build, but some are significantly easier to get value from and others scale harder into the late game.
Here's the full tier breakdown at a glance:
Choose your job at level 10
S-Tier Classes
Gunslinger
The Gunslinger is the standout class at launch. Burst DPS output is high, and the AOE attacks let you hit multiple enemies at once, which makes clearing content faster than most other jobs. It works well for new players because the damage numbers speak for themselves without requiring complex ability rotations, but experienced players can push the scaling even further.
Once you reach the advanced job tier, you trade some mobility for a broader offensive toolkit. That tradeoff is worth it. The Gunslinger's ceiling is high enough that it's the safest bet if you want to feel powerful from the start.
Ragnarok: The New World Class Tier List: Best Jobs Ranked
Swordsman
The Swordsman is the most balanced class in the game. Good attack, solid defense, and combo chains that reward players who take the time to learn them. What makes it especially appealing is that gear dependency is lower than most other classes, so you won't feel underpowered while working through mid-game content.
Advancing into the Knight job makes things noticeably easier, with improved abilities that reinforce the Swordsman's already reliable foundation. If PvP isn't your main focus, this is arguably the safest long-term pick.
Druid
The Druid is the most demanding class to play well, and also one of the most rewarding. It operates across three distinct roles: melee, ranged, and magic. Switching between them efficiently is the entire skill expression of the class, and players who master that will find the Druid performs well in both PvE and PvP.
The Druid is also the newest class added to the game, so it's worth keeping an eye on how it develops. Right now it leans toward PvE strength, but the PvP ceiling is there for players willing to put in the time.
A-Tier Classes
Mage
The Mage has the fastest leveling path of any class, which is a significant advantage early on. AOE damage lets you clear maps quickly, and the skill tree branches out in multiple directions as you level up. The tradeoff is survivability: the Mage is fragile, and you'll need to actively manage positioning and defense to stay alive in tougher content.
Masters of the Mage class can clear content faster than almost anyone else. Players who struggle with staying alive will find it frustrating.
Archer
The Archer covers ranged offense and trap-based utility, giving you multiple ways to deal damage depending on the situation. Advancing to the Hunter job speeds up leveling noticeably. Like the Mage, the Archer requires good movement and dodge habits to survive, but players who develop those habits will find it competitive in both PvE and PvP.
Archer skill tree and Hunter path
Acolyte
The Acolyte is the support class of the group, and in party play it's arguably the most valuable job in the game. Healing and support abilities are strong, and advancing to Priest unlocks significantly better tools. Solo play is slower because offensive output is limited, but the class pays off in group content.
B-Tier Classes
Thief
The Thief is built for PvP, specifically solo PvP. Burst damage and crit-focused builds make it one of the best options in that context. The problem is PvE: the Thief clears content poorly compared to other classes, and it's heavily gear-dependent, meaning your performance is tied directly to the quality of your equipment at any given level.
If PvP is your entire focus and you're prepared to invest in gear, the Thief delivers. For anything else, there are better options.
Merchant
The Merchant is a class built around the game's economy rather than combat. You'll get meaningful advantages when trading for items and goods, but the combat leveling speed is slower than every other class. This is a niche pick for players who want to engage with the economic side of the game above all else.
Which class should you pick as a beginner?
For players new to adventure games of this type, the Swordsman is the most forgiving starting point. Low gear dependency, a clear progression path into Knight, and a well-rounded kit mean you won't hit a wall early. The Gunslinger is the better pick if you want to feel powerful immediately and don't mind a slightly steeper learning curve at the advanced job stage.
Avoid the Druid and Thief as first picks unless you already have experience with the genre. Both classes reward players who understand the game's systems deeply, and learning those systems while also learning a complex class is a rough combination.
For more breakdowns on builds, progression tips, and job-specific strategies, the full Ragnarok: The New World strategy guides collection has everything you need to make the most of whichever class you choose.