As you venture through the exciting and vast world of Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, you may find yourself drawn to the Hunter class. With its versatility in combat and formidable defensive capabilities, the Hunter class is a popular choice. However, mastering the Hunter class can be challenging, especially for beginners.

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In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of the Hunter class and provide you with the tools you need to become successful with it. From combat techniques to skill builds, let's dive in and discover what it takes to become a top-tier Hunter in PSO2: NGS!

Weapons And Photon Arts

Character leaping through the air wielding a sword, in Phantasy Star Online 2 gameplay

In Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis, the Hunter class has a variety of Photon Arts that they can use to deal massive damage to enemies.

Sword

The Sword is considered the best weapon for Hunters in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis due to its versatility and high damage output.

It is a balanced weapon that offers a good mix of range, speed, and power. It's best for when you enjoy methodical, counterattacking gameplay and are a jack of all trades in combat.

The best Sword Photon Arts are as follows:

Name

Description

Notes

Spiral Edge

Ascend in a vertical, spiraling motion. The potency is increased by charging.

Performs two vertical slashes while uncharged, and 12 more strikes during charging on the first slash.

Twisting Zapper

Rise in a horizontal slashing, spiral ascent. Charging increases the number of spins.

Performs four uncharged spins and five charged spins that impact nearby targets. During this PA, if you are not locked-on to a target, you are free to move in any direction.

Calibur Streak

Unleash a powerful slash. By hitting the PA button after the slash, one can launch up to three attacks. The number of hits for each strike will rise as it charges.

To chain the following cut, activate the PA once more immediately after the prior cut. When the PA is charged, a residual field remains from the point of the slash, gradually delivering more harm. Charge each lingering slash in two seconds. Charged swings result in ten hits.

Wired Lance

The Wired Lance is a weapon with huge AoE damage that can also fly around like a deadly missile.

These weapons are good for both groups of enemies and for solo foes, making it a balanced choice.

These are the best Photons Arts for the Wired Lance:

Name

Description

Notes

Cutting Layer

Launch a wide attack in front of you repeatedly.

Carries out seven broad cuts. Using the PA during its sixth hit allows you to move in any direction. How long the movement input is held determines the distance.

Vane Mixture

Whirl and sever adversaries before striking them with a devastating last blow. Can be applied while moving.

Performs two wide spins, then a cleave. You can move in any direction while spinning.

Turbulent Train

Launch a vertical slash while spinning aggressively.

Carries out four vertical slashes. You can ascend or descend with forward or backward inputs when engaging the PA, on the first two slashes, and while locked on a target. When you are a little above the target, the PA will also prevent you from ascending.

Partisans

While Swords are versatile weapons that are effective against a variety of enemy types, Partisans are particularly useful for their long reach and ability to hit multiple enemies at once.

This makes them excellent for clearing out large groups of enemies, as well as for targeting specific weak points on larger foes.

Here are the best Partisan Photon Arts:

Name

Description

Notes

Cleaving Scythe

Kills enemies in front of you quickly. Charge to begin a different assault.

Performs a single attack while not charged and a second, delayed attack while charged.

Fatal Tornado

Spin the weapon to engage the enemy nearby. Charge to begin a different assault.

Spins the partisan twice, striking the adversary once each when not charged. When being charged, twirl the partisan once before striking the adversary four times and ending with two slashes. Following each spin, you will advance even in the absence of input, and if the corresponding inputs are held during the PA, you will move diagonally to the left or right. While charging, you can additionally momentarily travel in either direction prior to the initial slash.

Thrusting Javelin

After a thrust, fire the weapon at the target. To shove until your PP is gone and then throw, press, and hold the PA button.

If the PA is not held, performs a single thrust and a javelin throw. If held, causes you to keep thrusting, with the sixth thrust seeing an increase in pace.

Skills

Screenshot of the Hunter skills screen in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

In New Genesis, there are 20 skills that you can upgrade to increase your Hunter's strength. For skill distribution, you can do this:

  • One point each to upgrade every skill.
  • 1/5 Hunter Physique.
  • Extra points into Flash Guard.

The Hunter has two main class skills: War Cry and Hunter Physique.

War Cry is a Hunter class skill that can be used to increase the damage output of all nearby allies for a short period of time.

This can be incredibly useful in group content, as it allows you to support your allies by increasing their damage potential. Additionally, War Cry can also taunt enemies, drawing enemy attention away from other party members and allowing you to protect their allies.

Meanwhile, Hunter Physique reduces damage taken whilst active by up to 70 percent. This makes the Hunter much more durable in combat, allowing you to survive longer and continue dealing damage even in difficult situations. With higher survivability, Hunters can be more effective in group content, where you often serve as the front-line fighter and tank.

How To Use Hunter

Hunter Class Gameplay in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

When playing as a Hunter in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, your main role is to deal heavy damage to enemies, draw aggro, and support your teammates with various defensive abilities. Hunters are well-rounded melee fighters who excel in close-range combat and can equip a variety of weapons, including Swords, Wired Lances, and Partisans.

In battle, Hunter's primary goal is to draw enemy aggro and take the brunt of the damage, while other teammates deal damage from a distance. You can do this by using War Cry, which is a powerful taunt that forces enemies to target you instead of your allies. You can then use your melee attacks to deal damage while your teammates provide ranged support.

Hunters also have several defensive skills that can help keep you alive in combat. Flash Guard is one of the most important skills for a Hunter, as it allows you to block enemy attacks and counter with a powerful strike. This skill requires precise timing, but it can be a game-changer in tough battles.

Another defensive ability for Hunters is Iron Will, which allows you to survive a fatal hit with a small amount of health remaining. This can be a lifesaver in difficult fights, as it gives you a chance to heal or escape before being taken down.

Overall, playing as a Hunter in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis requires a mix of offensive and defensive skills, as well as good positioning and teamwork with your allies. With the right strategy and loadout, Hunters can be a valuable asset to any team in the game.

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