The Definitive Guide to Picking a Class in Guild Wars 2! 

For anyone completely new to the game, it's worth mentioning that basically nothing about your character's appearance is determined by your class or elite specialization. You can play any class as any race and there are so many options for skins and outfits that there almost is no destinct look for any class. It's up to your own fashion sense. Do you want your necromancer to look spooky? Go for it. Do you want them to look silly or cute instead? Go for it! :D

This is the single best class introduction video out there. It mentions what matters, doesn't wind up some lost thoughts and is generally on point imo. And on top of it all, it spares me my breath explaining to some of my friends the classes.

I like that this video focuses more on the feel of each class and what makes them unique/fun.

Even as a launch vet, these kind of videos are always entertaining. Good vid!

Excellent guide! And for anyone that hasn't tuned into Lara's streams before, you're missing out on some truly incredible sound effects that went alongside this footage ;)

My buddy is literally currently downloading GW2 for the first time at the time of writing and used this to help figure out which class to play. Thanks very much for the video!

I like how with every class I'm like "huh, that's different/interesting!". Really well designed.

"Harbingers can feel just as squishy as elementalists and are probably the hardest necro spec to play" as an ele main, that explains why I feel so at home as a harbinger!

I'm dedicated to Guardian, in particular the Firebrand with its group buffs.

Veteran here. Clicked on the video to see how well you do explaining it all and you absolutely knocked it out of the park. This vid should be watchable the class select screen. Not too much or too little detail (as one could easily talk for hours about each class/elite spec). Good skill demonstration, well edited, fashionable characters. 11/10. It's difficult to explain the awesomeness of elite specs to FTP new players. There's definitely a spec or play style they'll love, but identifying that one without trying or buying to try is difficult.. Subbed and definitely recommending this video to any player who feels lost in choosing.

I haven't played GW2 in ages and ages and have decided to revisit it. This video was so fun to watch and gave just enough information to get the feel for each profession and their specializations. Thanks so much for putting this together, great work!

Just discovered your channel, very informative and well explained, good footage of how spells looks. Thank you for making this video fun to watch as it helps understanding what you are talking about. I'll be sure to check your other video as well !

I'm glad the algorithm gods decided to throw this channel to me, there's a lot to learn! I've been playing GW2 since january, but mostly I've just run around doing story and solo over-world stuff. I went with Guardian (Firebrand) because most people said it was a good one if you're not really sure what to do yet. I got attached to her, but you've got me interested in making some alts later!

Outstanding summary! Great details and in game footage.

That was awesome to say the least. Fell in love with the engineer class back in the very early days of 2012 beta times. Still don't enjoy the Mechanist class until I can switch to a healer, still have a shit ton of of fun with my leaping/blasting Scrapper and still having the feeling I'm a complete scrub at playing Holo, but still what a Hell of a ride even I manage to land fumbles upon fumbles with my sword. Chrono, Deadeye and Soulbeast are my other favourites -especially Alacrity go for the eyes party chrono- though I'm discovering Revenant and Warrior after SO many years- of absence to be frank- and I love the approach, Herald seems very appealing in particular, at least for now. Take care, cheers

just starting out as a completely brand new player and have been replaying this vid for some time now and have decided to go guardian or revenant for my first class. looks complicated but they just look so fun. thanks for all the info!

That video was amazing 😍I already loved the small snippets you've shown on stream and now seeing the video being complete is so nice 🥰 I hope this will help lots of new players

I'm new to this game and found this guide really helpful. thanks so much.

Absolutely amazed that you can get so much info out in so little time, it's less than a min per spec!! 9/10 needs more wawawawawa and more shwoop :3

Absolutely fab. I don't necessarily need these types of videos -- but do I watch every single one that comes across my feed??? ... YES. I just like feeling like a new, starry eyed player, and you are such a great teacher. :3

An amazing vdieo that shows the theme and nature of each of the professions and specialization that Guild Wars 2 is filled with. A great guide for any new (or returning) player that's lost in the 21 different ways you can play the game. I'm sure lots of people will find it very useful!

This the best guide ive ever watched, you did an awesome showcase, so much now i dont know anymore lul which class to play, they look all great & fun ^.^

Amazing video as always, Lara! :D All the work you put into this one really shows, and it is such a good, nicely paced and comprehensive guide to the feel and theme of each spec! ^^

I recently got back into GW2 after a couple years... starting from scratch now. Have been bouncing between Necromancer and Engi cause both have been fun. Tried elementalist cuz you made it sound super fun! It is! And now i have three characters and i cant decide who to focus on XD Such good class design.

Great video thank you for highlighting everything so thoroughly!

I wanted to see a high level overview of all the classes so I could just pick the one that looks most fun. This video is perfect.

This was a great overview of all the professions. I'm a Revenant main and Herald is my personal favorite spec. I've also been enjoying Renegade too. My first character was a Necromancer; and while I still have him, I hadn't reach max level with him; but plan too soon so I have an second endgame character as I go through IBS soon for the first time for strike missions. During the recent weapon beta I tried Mesmer, Elementalist, and Thief. I was a bit disappointed with Mesmer specs, Thief was okay, but I was really surprised with how fun Elementalist was. I've heard its generally the most difficult profession in the game, but it clicked with me really well and fast. I could be a result of my experience with Revenant, so having access to multiple sets of skills at once was easier for me to adapt to. Tempest was my favorite spec I tested out. I'll definitely make an Elementalist in the near future.

I knew almost none of this. I will probably reference this guide often. Thank you for making it.

This video is amazing! I'm playing GW2 for the first time and the info overload was too much for me, but the fun way you explaind the clases gave me a better idea of who i want to be ima go with elementalist, it seems very fun

Really great intro to the classes. Very informative.

Thank you for this! Guardian Dragonhunter sounds like my next class to try out

I am very very grateful! An incredible and clear guide, just what I needed!

Really good guide, I will come back to this when I create another character! Thank you.

My advice for new players in doubt, exactly like i was, is to create any class and right after the tutorial, jump to the pvp area. In that area you have all abilities unlocked and every especs available. And then you can do a profound test to choose more carefully what you like. I'm actually maining ranger and it is a lot of fun. The class starts simple, but the elite specs are very complex and interesting.

The definitive guide indeed! Wonderful that Guild Wars 2 finally got the class overview video it deserves. Well done Lara!

Great video! Extremely helpful in making my choices thank you!

Fantastic guide! Strongly suggest Revenant and Guardian, but they are all great classes (I have one of each)

thank you for this video. you sound like you had a lot of fun recording this, was really pleasant to listen to it.

Just a small thing to add to this otherwise 10/10 video, is that in the holosmith class, dont worry if you dont wanna manage heat very well, there is a trait option to basically spam away and then explode (you still get damaged overtime, and even then I don't remember if there is a way to cleanse that dmg overtime ((maybe with condi cleanse?))) but what I mean is that there is a way to just spam the holoforge skills overriding that "oh no, I have to manage and be careful about heat". This is also a very much constant thing in Gw2, on each class and spec there are many ways to customize ur build to your playstyle, it's so cool!

This is the best class guide for the game because so many others either don't go into elite specs at all or go way too in depth

By far the best and most interesting video I have seen on this game. If I was deciding to get this game for the first time, your energy and pure joy about this game would convince me!

Downloaded the game yesterday.. have about 4 hours played. Ive watched this video over 5 times because I keep switching classes! I dont know what to stick with or what's even viable late game. Definitely earned a new sub tho!

I started out as a Necromancer, and really loved it. But I wanted to try another one of the classes, so I rolled a Guardian and OMG I'm having so much fun with it. :D I honestly can't wait to try all the classes eventually!

Great video!! I am on my 3rd attempt at playing this game and hopefully I am able too stick around. I am going too work on getting too lvl.80 as mesmer first then go and make a elementalist. If I can stick around I'll buy the DLCs when the time comes.

Fantastic overview of the classes! I've got a asura reaper Necro not far off having turned 80 but fancied change. Thief is fun but I'm not great at positioning so trying out a Sylvari greatsword mesmer which is quite different but a lot of fun. Might stick with it or tempted to try our ranger or guardian as a second full play through.

Thanks for not underselling scourge, As a scourge main I can tell you it has alot of depth to it and it can accomplish great things on its own that few others can. I play it because it's laid back, I can assist my allies by proximity not by intention while i'm doing my damage that i'm dealing and even applying alacrity nowadays! So much fun! Great video btw.

Awesome i just start play Gw2 and is full with stuff now i know wat i want to play ty Great Job!

Excellent video. So many awesome classes and I am not sure which to play lol

Here I am with over 4000 hours in game and playing since launch night (off and on over the years) watching a "how to pick a class" video. Love your videos!

Definitely the best video I've seen on the different classes in GW2! Thanks so much!

Great video, summarizes the classes really well! Not sure if this helps anyone, but a reference to FF14. Keep in mind, that every class can at least be two out of the three use-cases in late-game PvE, that is: - Healer (+Tank) - DPS (power & conditions) - DPS Support (Boons & Buffs) So you're not "bound" to be a Tank as Guardian e.g., as you are as Paladin in FF14, but you can be all of the above with different builds. Paladin: Guardian Warrior: Warrior (Berserker) Dark Knight: Necromancer (Reaper) Gunbreaker: Warrior (Bladesworn) Monk: Doesn't have an equivalent. Warrior (Berserker), Thief (Daredevil) and Necromancer (Harbinger) gets a bit closer. Ninja: Thief Bard: No exact equivalent; Ranger commonly uses Longbows. Black Mage: Elementalist Summoner: Elementalist Samurai: Warrior (Bladesworn) Reaper: Necromancer (Reaper) Mechanist: Engineer Dancer, Red Mage, Astrologian, Scholar, Sage: None really fits this schema. There're many variants of Healers, but none fits this 1:1. That being said, if you like the "flow" of Dancer & Red Mage, Elementalist/Weaver is worth a try. For Astrologian and Scholar, if you like the 'Barrier' Mechanic, try Necromancer/Scourge. GW2's Revenant and Mesmer don't have proper comparison in FF14, imo., but maybe others find some.

Nice guide, I now have a good idea what class to pick.

Alright so... Guardian, Thief, and Ranger would be the ones I would try when I decide to actually get down and try this game someday. Really comprehensive guide with lots of great explanations! Great job and thank you!

Wow. The camera work and fashion is fantastic here Lara!

Thanks!! Very informative.

Great video! I love some your takes on the classes and their concepts, instead of just focusing on gameplay, which is also represented here. Lovely! You also have some wonderful skins here! Just beautiful. I have to ask, what is the top and bottom for your Reaper? And Firebrand and Untamed. Thanks so much for the video and inspiration!

Love this class guide, thank you for the good vibes you share in your content !

I'm a piano player myself, just like you. I love my engi (specially Holo, but I'm loving my Scrapper recently too). I'm still kinda new to the game, but I've tried Ele and I love it, I plan on playing more with it, but I want to gear up my Engi first. Those 2 are, without a doubt, my fav classes in the game. I plan on making a Mesmer too, looks pretty awesome and unique!

Excellent guide !

Great video, thanks for the help!

i have almost 900 hours on thief and i am still very in love with it it was a great guide keep it up

I really liked how each profession/spec has it's own outfit for the video

Super helpful! Thanks alot!

I've been playing the beta and the first few years, but then kind of lost interest when HoT came out. After recently returning to the game, I was stoked to find so many new subclasses and was taking my time unlocking and figuring them all out. Your list is well done and you concisely sum up what each elite is about. Bravo! to add just one thing for new players: you don't have to pick one elite specilisation, but you can unlock all three for each class on one character and switch between them freely.

Mesmer main since 2012!

This beautiful video will attract more new players to the game

I'm pretty new to GW 2 and find your videos very helpful. I play mostly ranger (Soulbeast) and engineer (Mechanist) atm. But I dabbled with the other classes and plan to do more so, since I find something fun in every one of them. I also want to try out the Untamed spec with my ranger, because I like my pet with me, and finish the holosmith spec with the engineer (I have already started collecting the HP for it).

I’m a holosmith main, but those dragoon jumps of the newest revenant spec look so sick, I might have to give that alt some love!

Amazing video, helping a lot of!

The correct answer is Elementalist for my masochists out there!

Honestly I've gotten so invested in the game that I've gotten one of every class and I'm at 5/9 to max level... Still haven't even touched most of the endgame content but it's a BLAST.

Great guide. I think though that you‘ve missed to clarify that a character doesn‘t necessarily have to pick an elite specialization and that sometimes the basic classes are a viable option especially for players who don‘t want to financially commit to buying the addons. Therefore every class kinda has 4 endgame options.

Elementalist main since launch here! Dagger/dagger Ele is the funnest setup I’ve found.

Very helpful, thank you

I'm an Everquest / EQ2 veteran that never has looked at Guild Wars 2 at all until now and the classes look really cool. Downloading the game now:)

Nice video. I wish anet would make alternative skins for mechs because I'm so tired of seeing them everywhere. Engineer is my main but Elementalist is also one of my most played classes for the same reasons you stated except mine are switched haha. I also like playing deadeye because it feels a whole lot different for me instead of just laying aoes and running in circles until the mobs are dead. Although I haven't tried all specs. I wouldn't worry too much about having a main class in GW2, the game is still super alt-friendly and switching classes during a week of gameplay feels really natural, just having them geared helps making the experience smoother and less annoying. The only thing I would recommend (for mortals) is having a main character but for bag opening, it's a must in this game.

Oh gosh. Every time I watch your videos I have the urge to play again aaaaaa XD Just reminds me how awesome GW2 is.

first of a really great guide and video for beginners! 👍 i have played gw2 for a very long time myself, but i still didn't really choose a main class yet. though i can say that i enjoy necro, engineer and ranger the most. mesmer is really great as well in my opinion, but requires too much concentration so i mostly play the other three classes. 😊

Great video!!!

I immediately gravitated towards Necromancer, and I decided on Reaper for elite. There was a learning curve, especially once I went to Reaper. But I persevered and I have no regrets. I barely ever touch my alts

This was such a helpful video! I've tried to get into Guild Wars 2 a few times now and just feel a little overwhelmed trying to figure everything out. This helped me narrow down what I'm looking for! I think I'm gonna give either FIrebrand or Druid a shot! Thanks for being so detailed and providing gameplay footage alongside everything!

Good video, thanks!

amazing video!

Very good, subscribed

Revenant is rlly fun and with GS herald, its going to be rlly strong

The whole Dark Edgelord throwing sand at my enemies really speaks to me XD.

Your ele fashion is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen!

Very amazing video! I enjoyed watching and also I'd suggest and send this to anyone if I want to introduce them to classes Thank you! Edit: Yes, after next expansion release should make a video to talk about the new Elite specs, it would also be a really nice video!

I LITERALLY THOUGHT TO MYSELF TODAY: hmMm i don't know what class i should play next, thank u so much lara

The Viktor and Archemorus banter between them is absolutely the best it's one of the reasons why I main vindicator

The idea of having all weapons for any elite spec is VERY appealing to me. There are weapons like the longbow for Guardians which I really like but are on a spec I don't enjoy playing. The main reason I even considered playing Dragonhunter was to get that bow, but the traps felt so clunky I just couldn't get into it. Now I can slap my holy archer flavor into my beloved Firebrand and be happy. In contrast, there are specs that I really liked but couldn't really enjoy their main weapon. It felt like a bit of a waste to grab the spec and NOT use their special weapon, but that just meant that for stuff like the Tempest I was stuck with the horn, which I thought was boring and didn't really wanna use. Now I can just put a hammer or a second sword on that and it will work like a charm. As someone who has just returned to the game and was only informed about this change through this video, I am glad to hear such good news.

Been playing since 2013, still cant decide on a main

great guide

I love your videos, energy and your love for this game! Great summaries of classes. Made me excited to go back to a few!

I've been playing since beta and never really sticked to any class or character for a longer time, which is why I currently have 19 of them, all at level 80. The ones I played the most though are Ranger, Warrior and Necromancer. Right now I consider my warrior my main because I absolutely love Spellbreaker, but I kinda switch back and forth between them. Before that, I considered my Sylvari Ranger my main. Obviously I have some classes multiple times, but I usually switch between a core of 3 characters. My ranger and warrior both have 100% map completion and I'm currently working on getting my necro there. Choosing a main in a theoretical way was always really difficult for me, so I just adapted to the idea of having a "team" of characters that I like to play with, based on my mood and usually my main is the one I play rather actively.

Great advice for anyone wondering because honestly since all classes are 99% of the time always viable what really matters is what YOU like in terms of fantasy and play style. Go crazy I say.

this video is gonna cost me so many character slots, goddamn... also, really well paced video, couldn't stop watching

Sand may be course and get everywhere, but you can't deny the power of throwing pocket sand in your enemies eyes.

When i played Path of Fire i played Necro, but i wish i had played Mesmer ngl. the Dragon xpac Mesmer looks AMAZE

M'lady, you did a fantastic job on this guide. Your narration was very informative and insightful. Honestly, I would love to just sit and watch you play open-world/endgame content. I bet it would be a blast! I would also like to add that your accent is very unique and endearing. I could listen to you narrate videos all day. Oh my.....I think I found my new crush😍😍😍