Classes are the determining factor for a character's stats and abilities in Phantasy Star Online 2. There are currently nine basic classes - only six of which may be selected on character creation - and three successor classes, with a fourth on the way. A character may freely change between their available classes in the ARKS Lobby at the Class Counter, with each one earning experience and levels independently of one another. Through the completion of Koffie's Subclass License order, a character may also select a subclass - out of any besides Hero.
Basic Classes
Hunter (ハンター)
Weapons: Sword Partizan Wired Lance Gunslash
Hunter is a class boasting high HP and defenses, as well as skills suited to melee combat and holding enemy attention. This class may be selected during character creation.
Fighter (ファイター)
Weapons: Double Saber Twin Dagger Knuckles Gunslash
Fighter is a close-range class with high S-ATK suited to dealing a lot of damage quickly. Though this class may not be selected during character creation, it is freely available from the start to be switched to.
Ranger (レンジャー)
Weapons: Assault Rifle Launcher Gunslash
Ranger is a long-range class with a fair amount of R-ATK with access to skills that may assist themself and others deal more damage to weak points; it uniquely has the ability to see traps in the field. This class may be selected during character creation.
Gunner (ガンナー)
Weapons: Twin Machinegun Assault Rifle Gunslash
Gunner is a class with a high amount of R-ATK, and numerous abilities specializing in close- to mid-range combat. Though this class may not be selected during character creation, it is freely available from the start to be switched to.
Force (フォース)
Force is a long-range class with high T-ATK and access to Techniques of all elements, though alone it only benefits Fire, Ice, and Bolt. This class may be selected during character creation.
Techer (テクター)
Techer is a close-range class with access to Techniques, but it thrives mainly on support and striking enemies with its Wands. Though this class may not be selected during character creation, it is freely available from the start to be switched to.
Braver (ブレイバー)
Weapons: Katana Bullet Bow Gunslash
Braver was a class introduced in Code:EPISODE 2; it features high S-ATK and R-ATK, with emphasis on both close- and long-range combat depending on the situation. This class may be selected during character creation.
Bouncer (バウンサー)
Weapons: Dual Blades Jet Boots Gunslash
Bouncer was a class introduced in Mission:EPISODE 3; it boasts both S-ATK and T-ATK, with emphasis on close-range combat and access to Techniques. This class may be selected during character creation.
Summoner (サモナー)
Summoner was a class introduced in Reborn:EPISODE 4; rather than focusing on weaponry, it raises Pets and supports them in combat. This class may be selected during character creation.
Successor Classes
Successor Classes may be unlocked after completing Koffie's Successor Class Unlocking Trial, which requires the character to have at least two classes raised to level 75. They reuse weapons from other classes, but with a unique set of Photon Arts available only to them. When being used, the character may not use a subclass.
Hero (ヒーロー)
Weapons: Sword Twin Machinegun Talis Gunslash
Hero is the successor class introduced for Heroes:EPISODE 5; it fluidly swaps between its weapons during combat in order to get the most out of them all, with a primary focus on dealing damage quickly. This class may also use Techniques, but cannot be used as a subclass.
Phantom (ファントム)
Weapons: Katana Assault Rifle Rod Gunslash
Phantom is the first successor class introduced during Stars:EPISODE 6; it can utilize any one or multiple of its available weapons, specializing in either close- or long-range combat as the situation demands. This class may also use Techniques, and is available as a subclass.
Etoile (エトワール)
Weapons: Double Saber Dual Blades Wand Gunslash
Etoile is the second successor class introduced during Stars:EPISODE 6; its weapons are all melee-oriented, though it can also fight at a medium range. It does not have access to Techniques, but is available as a subclass.