Guild Wars 2 has been around for a long time and still remains as one of the biggest and most popular massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) today. This is all thanks to how it treats its players and how generous the game can be. Over the years, however, it has undergone some massive changes and tweaks.

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One of the most affected areas in the game because of the ongoing changes would be the player classes. The nine classes of Guild Wars 2 are diverse but for "minmaxers" and those that want to see the biggest numbers on-screen, certain classes are better than others. DPS depends a lot on the type of combat (raids, open-world, dungeons, WvW, PvP, etc.), whether they're in a party or not, and the player's build and skill level - you'll see varying stats for what sustained damage a certain class can reach. Thus, this is a loose list and should be taken with a grain of salt. The classes on the upper end of the scale are all viable and provide impressive damage under the right conditions.

Updated on August 5th, 2021 by Gabrielle Huston: Guild Wars 2 is a game constantly changing. Regular updates (and expansions) add new maps, bosses, opponents, and story quests. As a result, the meta is constantly in flux. This article has been updated to reflect the current meta and include some tips on maximizing damage for each class. Take these tips with a grain of salt, however, since your character's overall gear, build, and playstyle will have a significant impact - these are simply meant to get you started.

9 Warrior - Started At The Top, Now It's Here

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Warrior Class

One would think that the Warrior is a pure damage class that walks up to the enemy and hits it repeatedly until it explodes like a pinata. However, the Warrior is anything but and has been for many years in Guild Wars 2. It's mostly a support class right now with limited DPS.

Its banners, regardless of the specialization, are what give it value in raids. Still, don't let that dissuade you, the Warrior can go either condition damage or raw power and still be viable in raids. As for the open world, pick whichever you want with the warrior.

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Tips To Maximize Damage As A Warrior

  • Use Berserker specialization
  • Wield greatsword and at least one axe
  • Use Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup (food consumable)
  • Use Superior Sharpening Stone (utility consumable)
  • Get Berserker or Maurader gear

8 Engineer - Like A Fine Wine, This Class Is Only Better Over Time

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Engineer Class

Engineers used to be an avoided class when it comes to endgame content due to how many buttons you need to press to do the same damage as other classes. With the introduction of Holosmith, however, things have changed.

This elite specialization made the Engineer viable once again for raids. Its other specialization, the Scrapper, is also not bad when it comes to open-world enemies. Both excel in bringing down the enemies' defences.

Tips To Maximize Damage As An Engineer

  • Use Holosmith specialization
  • Take Prime Light Beam elite skill
  • Equip Runes of the Scholar
  • Get Berserker Gear

7 Necromancer - Excellent PvP Class

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Necromancer Class

Often dubbed as the king of PvP, the Necromancer can absorb as much damage as it can deal with essentially two health bars. With the patches and updates, it got a bit surpassed by other classes when it comes to raids.

Its latest elite specialization, the Scourge, isn't really in demand when it comes to raids and is overshadowed by Reaper. Yet, even the Reaper falls short compared to what the other classes can offer. As usual, you can't go wrong with the necromancer in the open world, just like in most classes.

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Tips To Maximize Damage As A Necromancer

  • Take Reaper specialization
  • Wield a Greatsword
  • Get Maurader's, Viper's, or Berserker's gear
  • Use Scoop of Mintberry Swirl Ice Cream or Prickly Pear Pie (food consumables)

6 Elementalist - Great Damage Class Despite Being Squishy

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Elementalist Class

The difference between the damage and utility that the Guardian and the Elementalist can deal is marginal at best but since Guardians are better tanks, they tend to have a more consistent output.

Even so, the Elementalist packs a punch and their Tempest or Weaver elite specializations are both in demand in raids. As for open-world events and quests, you can't go wrong with either specialization as the Elementalist will deal good damage regardless.

Tips To Maximize Damage As An Elementalist

  • Use Weaver specialization for condition damage
  • Use Tempest specialization for power damage
  • Equip Runes of the Scholar
  • Take Conjure Fiery Greatsword as elite ability

5 Guardian - Hard-Hitting Paladin Class

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Guardian Class

Basically the paladins of Guild Wars 2, Guardians have held a top spot for DPS for many patches and updates now. It was so reliable as a class because it could take so much damage on top of giving it out. Although, as mentioned previously, "damage" has many aspects and leagues in Guild Wars 2.

In the open world and endgame content, the Guardian's famous Dragonhunter elite specialization is what makes it a force on the battlefield. It has numerous traps and burst damage potential that can quick work of any enemy in the open world and make raids a breeze.

Tips To Maximize Damage As A Guardian

  • Use Dragonhunter specialization for power damage
  • Use Firebrand specialization for condition damage
  • Equip Runes of Balthazar
  • Wield Scepter and Torch for condition damage

4 Mesmer - High DPS As Long As You Know What You're Doing

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Mesmer Class

Being the most complicated Light Armor class in the game, the Mesmer class punishes the ignorant newcomer but rewards knowledgeable players. In the right hands, they can provide tons of damage buffs to players in the form of Fury, Might, and Alacrity.

All those are made possible with the Chronomancer subclass which gives the Mesmer control over time to a certain extent. Meanwhile, their utility in the open world (specifically in jumping puzzles) is unmatched.

Tips To Maximize Damage As A Mesmer

  • Take Chronomancer specialization
  • Optimize quickness
  • Equip Time Warp as elite skill
  • Dual wield swords
  • Get Berserker or Assassin gear

3 Revenant - Condition DPS For Days

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Revenant Class

Speaking of complex classes, the Revenant is also something newbies ought to avoid. They require plenty of hero spirit switching in order to maximize their output so they can be viable in endgame content.

With that in mind, the Revenant's Renegade elite is quite peerless when it comes to dealing condition damage, which is a reliable way to whittle down huge health bars. Paired with Shiro or Kalla or Mallyx spirits, the Revenant can even compete with Guardian for damage to bosses with big hitboxes.

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Tips To Maximize Damage As A Revenant

  • Use Renegade specialization for condition damage
  • Use Shortbow for condition damage
  • Use Herald specialization for power damage
  • Dual-wield swords for power damage

2 Ranger - Among The Best DPS Classes And Easy To Learn

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Ranger Class

A Ranger with a greatsword is something that's quite common in raiding groups (which might appear ironic since it usually starts out as a ranged class). That doesn't mean you can't use the signature Longbow; the damage will fall off a bit, though not enough to worry most players.

Still, the Soulbeast specialization is what allows Rangers to be a decent melee raid component. It allows them to merge with their pets and gain new abilities and increased power and precision.

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Tips To Maximize Damage As A Ranger

  • Take Soulbeast specialization
  • Choose a pet with the Worldly Impact skill
  • Wield a greatsword and dagger
  • Equip One Wolf Pack as elite skill
  • Use Frost Spirit ability when in large groups

1 Thief - Masters Of The Raid

GW2 Wallpaper with art for Thief Class

The Thief class has held their ground as nasty single-target damage dealers, and that still holds true for raids. Give the Thief a Rifle, for example, and specialize it into the Deadeye subclass and you have yourself a boss sniper.

Its specialty is dealing extremely high damage to single targets. Unfortunately, Thieves are much less effective against multiple targets. That problem can carry over to the open world, in which case you can switch weapons when you're not raiding.

Tips To Maximize Damage As A Thief

  • Equip a Staff for power damage
  • Eat Tin of Fruitcake or Bowl of Curry Butternut Squash Soup (food consumables) for maximizing powder damage
  • Use Toxic Focusing Crystal, Tuning Icicle, or Potent Master Tuning Crystal (utility consumables) for maximizing condition damage
  • Equip Runes of the Nightmare or Runes of the Krait for condition damage

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