Aion 2 Class Choices at Global Launch: All 8 Classes and Best Starter Picks

Aion 2’s global release hits in October, and players will get to choose from eight distinct classes right from the start. Recent tuning in the Korean version has also helped stabilize class balance, meaning there isn’t a single “always best” option or a class that’s universally unplayable—so the smartest early decision is picking the playstyle you actually want to commit to.

The 8 classes launching with Aion 2

For launch, the available classes are:

• Gladiator
• Templer
• Assassine
• Waldläufer
• Kantor
• Kleriker
• Magier
• Beschwörer

Why balance matters: no “best in every situation” class

After multiple adjustments over the past months, the Korean build is described as having a very good class balance. The game doesn’t currently feature a runaway damage dealer that wins in every scenario, and no class is framed as being completely unviable. The guidance for new players is straightforward: try the class you’re most interested in first, rather than chasing a theoretical meta.

Class-by-class: who each one is for

Gladiator (offensive melee / off-tank)

The Gladiator is positioned as a tough front-liner who fights with a two-handed weapon and can also support tanking when needed. It’s described as the most robust front-fighter with an offensive focus, capable of solid damage and self-sustain through life-steal style healing.

The trade-off is reach: it only deals damage when enemies are within sword range. Compared to several ranged options, its damage is less consistent, especially in situations where fights drag on or targets stay out of melee. Still, it’s rated highly as a beginner-friendly pick.

Templer (main tank / group control)

The Templer is the archetypal tank, built around heavy armor and a shield for controlling fights. It’s framed as forgiving enough to learn on, with crowd-control tools and the ability to take punishment comfortably.

The downside is damage output. Because the Templer leans into defense and control rather than offense, solo progression can feel slower. In groups, though, the class is described as highly valued—players will generally find it welcome in parties.

Assassine (melee burst striker)

The Assassin is presented as a “glass cannon” that excels at high-priority target deletion through stealth-style burst damage. Its mobility helps it stay connected to targets long enough to capitalize on that burst window.

However, it struggles if enemies are outside its blade range, and its effective melee reach is even shorter than the Gladiator’s. Area damage is also comparatively limited, and the class takes a lot of punishment when hit—so it demands sharper combat awareness and quicker reactions. For that reason, it’s rated poorly for new players.

Waldläufer (physical ranged DPS / kiting)

The Ranger emphasizes long-distance attacks plus traps, using control tools and mobility to kite enemies—pulling fights into the spacing it wants. Its main weakness shows up when an opponent manages to force close-quarters combat.

It’s described as highly position-dependent, which can be tricky for players still learning positioning. On the upside, when it’s allowed to shoot freely and you’re equipped properly, it can reach near the top of the damage charts—yet its performance is portrayed as especially gear-dependent.

Beginner suitability is rated medium.

Kantor (hybrid support: buffs, healing, and damage)

The Cantor can both heal and deal damage, but the guidance here is that it shouldn’t be chosen with maximum damage in mind. Instead, the class is framed as a support hybrid that offers a broader toolkit of auras and buffs, plus flexibility to help where the group needs it.

In solo play, that flexibility can make progression feel smoother than some pure specialists. It’s faster than the Cleric thanks to better damage, while still having emergency healing options. In endgame, the balance shifts: it’s said to lack the Cleric’s healing power and resurrection potential, yet it doesn’t reach the DPS levels of the more offensively focused classes.

Beginner suitability is rated medium.

Kleriker (healer)

The Cleric has a clear, essential identity: top-tier group healing and protective spells. In group content, it’s described as having the most defined role in the game, which should make dungeon and raid matchmaking straightforward.

Solo questing is also framed as comfortable due to strong self-healing. The major drawback is damage: its damage potential is described as the lowest among all classes.

There’s also an additional concern tied to the Korean version’s loot distribution system. Players report that loot is distributed based on damage contribution, and that Clerics who don’t meet the required numbers may fail to qualify for rewards at the end of encounters. A change is said to have been made so that healing contribution counts as well, but players continue to report that Clerics still can’t consistently reach the thresholds needed to qualify. How this will translate to the global release isn’t known yet.

Despite the damage limitation and the loot-system uncertainty, it’s rated very high for new players due to its straightforward group value and survivability.

Magier (magic offensive ranged DPS)

The Mage combines burst damage and area damage with strong control effects. If you can manage the class’s resource demands and control priorities, it’s described as one of the best choices for leveling quickly to the maximum level and for clearing spaces safely by dealing with groups.

The class comes with familiar fragility: you need to watch your mana, and if you get hit, you can be overwhelmed quickly. It’s still categorized as a “glass cannon” type, though updates have reportedly improved its survivability compared to earlier versions.

Beginner suitability is rated medium.

Beschwörer (magic support with pet)

The Summoner is for players who want to fight with a pet at their side. It uses floating companions and summoned spirits in combat. After the latest class adjustments, it’s described as having especially strong overall damage potential, with direct damage coming largely from the companions while the Summoner itself applies status effects and damage-over-time mechanics.

Compared to the Mage, it’s described as more durable. The trade-off is that it requires ongoing attention: managing pet control and tracking multiple effects can overwhelm new players in chaotic fights. Once the playstyle is learned, though, it’s framed as a very enjoyable option.

Beginner suitability is rated medium.

What about the Brawler?

The Korean version already includes a ninth class: the Brawler. It uses combat gloves and focuses on high melee damage. The global timing for this archetype isn’t confirmed in the provided information, but it’s implied that it may arrive later; the plan is to cover it when its global debut approaches.