There are a handful of useful classes or professions to try out in Guild Wars 2, and while all of them are a ton of fun to try out, some perform better solo than others do. Not every class is particularly easy to use as a beginner, but the options can become unlimited once you’ve mastered how each class works.
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The various specializations within each given profession add an additional layer of complexity to deciding on a great character. Understanding the different specializations available for given professions is key in finding any kind of success when playing solo. It may be complex, and classes may vary in usefulness depending on playstyles, but some can call themselves the best of the best for solo play.
It's important to know that you can pick any class. Although some may exceed while playing solo, there is no 'bad' option.
Updated November 15, 2022 by Jacqueline Zalace: We've refreshed the ordering of this list, reflecting the current state of all of these classes in Guild Wars 2. Additionally, you can now find the elite specialization for each class listed, just in case you aren't quite familiar with them all yet.
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9 Elementalist
Elite Specializations:
- Tempest
- Weaver
- Catalyst
The punishment that can be dished out with the right build makes the Elementalist an alluring class, however in early-game, you may struggle to keep yourself alive. Elementalists are glass cannons, which can be detrimental if you are alone and swarmed by enemies.
Each specialization is useful in its own unique ways, so we recommend getting to level 80, choosing an elite spec, and finding a build that works for you. Until take caution, and be sure to have the very best gear!
8 Guardian
Elite Specializations:
- Dragonhunter
- Firebrand
- Willbender
As far as the best classes for solo go, many people don't choose Guardian with this in mind. It makes sense the more you dig into the class; it's meant to act as a support even if it can dish out some good power.
It’s not a particularly complicated class, and it’s fairly reliable in terms of both damage output and intake, so a new player looking to go solo may be interested in trying it out. That said, while any class can work solo in the open world, Guardian is the least suggested by many players, but maybe you can still use it to earn some gold.
7 Warrior
Elite Specializations:
- Berserker
- Spellbreaker
- Bladesworn
In most games, choosing a Warrior class is usually a reliable choice, but that’s not entirely the case for Guild Wars 2. It’s one of the easier classes to understand, and you’ll likely see plenty of solo success with it, but you’ll probably begin to hit a wall the higher level you become.
The Warrior generally becomes best-suited to play as a support class toward the late game, something that may make high-level solo play a bit of a bummer. The Spellbreaker specialization is overall great, but it’s easy to argue that it is still best suited as a support profession.
6 Ranger
Elite Specializations:
- Druid
- Soulbeast
- Untamed
A lot of people love the Ranger profession not only because it’s great for a wide variety of situations and playstyles, but also because you can have plenty of trusty companions by your side. For later solo play, both Untamed and Soulbeast builds can be incredibly useful.
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So long as you do your in-depth research and understand the big weaknesses of a Ranger, you should be able to mitigate most issues you’ll come across, making it a rewarding class to play as a solo player. The huge list of available pets only adds to the potential flexibility of your character.
5 Thief
Elite Specializations:
- Daredevil
- Deadeye
- Specter
A lot of Guild Wars 2 players will swear by the potential devastation that can be brought by the hands of a skilled Thief player. They may be less useful while playing solo, but that doesn’t make the profession any worse of a choice than the very best.
Obviously, the character revolves around some degree of stealth and overall mobility, but as your Thief grows, and you choose a specialization, you’ll be able to handle the toughest situations with ease.
4 Mesmer
Elite Specializations:
- Chronomancer
- Mirage
- Virtuoso
There is a lot to consider when deciding to choose the Mesmer profession. On one hand, you’ll be getting one of the best classes in the game for a huge array of situations - on the other hand, it’s also an incredibly tough class to learn to play.
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The reason it’s tough is due to everything you need to keep track of, but with enough practice, the profession is unbeatable in the right hands. Solo players who enjoy magic, and learning more complex mechanics, will really enjoy choosing Mesmer and the various specializations, which later on, give the character a lot of potential.
3 Engineer
Elite Specializations:
- Scrapper
- Holosmith
- Mechanist
The Engineer profession, namely the Mechanist spec, is making waves through the Guild Wars 2 community. It’s also another class that is often best suited to play a support role throughout much of the game. Due to the nature of the Engineer tool belt, the class can be a bit complicated for someone who isn’t prepared to put in a lot of work.
That said, with the right build and a lot of practice, the Engineer profession can see some success in solo play. If you are playing as a Mechanist, you can conquer hordes of enemies with your Jade Mech at your side.
2 Revenant
Elite Specializations:
- Herald
- Renegade
- Vindicator
The Revenant profession is actually an expansion class, and as such, it's more suited for players that are very familiar with the game. With that said, those that are willing to take on a steep challenge or already consider themselves experts will enjoy playing a Revenant.
With the right build and confidence, you should have no problem while going solo, and further specializing as a Renegade will make you a force of destruction. Heavy damage dealing and a passive heal are always something that is useful for a solo player.
1 Necromancer
Elite Specializations:
- Reaper
- Scourge
- Harbringer
While some players have changed their tune a bit, most players agree that playing as a Necromancer is a choice you won’t regret. Once you adjust to the unique playstyle, you’ll have little issue dominating as a solo player.
The class is incredibly easy to use, has tons of great tools at its disposal, and is hard to put down. One of the only real downfalls is that it can play slow, but specializing as a Scourge will change the game even further making you nigh-unstoppable.
