Tier List
Guild Wars 2 Class and Specialization Tier Lists for PvP, PvE and WvW. Ordering within each tier is random and is not set in stone due to the nature of how Tier Lists work.
PvP Conquest
DISCLAIMER: This list is meant to help (mostly newer) players get a grasp on roughly what they can expect from each specialization in sPvP, especially in ranked. The rankings should be indicative of what the best builds of a core profession and its elite specializations are generally capable of. Success with them may vary based on personal skill, experience, ratings, and team comps. Even some specs seen as lower tier could be capable of pushing high ratings in the right hands.
S | |
---|---|
A | |
B | |
C | |
D | |
F |
Fractal
Condi and Power builds form two distinct groups in fractals, so ratings must be taken in the context of the group type you're playing with. Only viability in CMs are considered as regular T4 fractals have too many variables to consider, and frankly for most groups, anything works. The efficacy of power builds is only considered in Nightmare and Shattered Observatory, and the efficacy of condi builds is only considered in Sunqua Peak and Silent Surf.
A specialization's rating is based on its strongest build, though having multiple strong builds may earn it a higher rating. See the build pages for more details on the available builds.
![text-middle Toggle](/wiki/images/thumb/e/e1/Toggle.webp/18px-Toggle.webp.png)
![Stability](/wiki/images/thumb/9/9e/Stability.webp/24px-Stability.webp.png)
![Superspeed](/wiki/images/thumb/7/77/Superspeed.webp/24px-Superspeed.webp.png)
![Stealth](/wiki/images/thumb/9/9e/Stealth.webp/24px-Stealth.webp.png)
![Quickness](/wiki/images/thumb/1/1a/Quickness.webp/24px-Quickness.webp.png)
In the right situations A-tier builds can be every bit as strong as those in S tier, but lack the versatility to earn them the higher rating.
Dragonhunter and Weaver are leagues ahead of other power DPS specs, with only Soulbeast reliably besting them. Holosmith is a strong all-rounder with a power build that excels in less organised groups, and an impressive condi build if you're able to pull off the rotation. Scourge and Virtuoso are incredible DPS in the two latest CMs, which heavily favour ranged damage. Like other thief builds, Specter brings all the power of a venom precast, and can deal a huge amount of its damage from range as well as providing group support in the form of barrier and Alacrity.
B-tier builds will perform very well in less organised groups and can easily rival builds in the higher tiers, but they will usually start to fall behind the better the group is.
C-tier builds are still strong builds in their own right, but are usually outclassed by other specs, or their use is too niche to justify a B-tier ranking.
D-tier builds are able to perform their respective roles, but have some specific drawbacks that mean they struggle in fractals and generally shouldn't be taken if other options are available.
S | |
---|---|
A | |
B | |
C |
Open World
This tier list ranks specializations for both group and solo play in open world. When ranking these specializations, we look at factors such as versatility, innate defense (defense without losing DPS), DPS (both group and solo), party utility, mobility, and a handful of other factors. S-Tier specializations typically are either hyper-versatile or the absolute best at their specific role. A-Tier are those that perform exceptionally well in a variety of content. B-Tier contains specializations that hold their own in most content and may have a specific niche they excel in. C-Tier is made up of those that have few shining qualities or have significant roadblocks to open world performance. Note that the difference between each tier is rather small - For example an A-Tier Spec will perform quite closely to an S-Tier. However, an S-Tier spec is going to significantly outperform anything in C-Tier.
S | |
---|---|
A | |
B | |
C |
Raid & Strike
Due to the wide range both in what roles a specialisation can fill, and the relative strength of any given specialisation depending on the encounter and skill of the group, any list is going to be very subjective. The tiers below represent a class's viability both across different encounters and across different groups.
A specialization's rating is based on its strongest build, though having multiple strong builds may earn it a higher rating. See the build pages for more details on the available builds.
In the current Meta, practically every class has at least one very strong build. Because of this, A-tier has been split in two to highlight those that are a cut above the rest, but not enough to land in S-tier.
![text-middle Toggle](/wiki/images/thumb/e/e1/Toggle.webp/18px-Toggle.webp.png)
![Quickness](/wiki/images/thumb/1/1a/Quickness.webp/24px-Quickness.webp.png)
![Alacrity](/wiki/images/thumb/c/c4/Alacrity.webp/24px-Alacrity.webp.png)
![Quickness](/wiki/images/thumb/1/1a/Quickness.webp/24px-Quickness.webp.png)
Individual A-tier builds are just as strong as those in S-tier, but lack the variety to push the spec itself up a rank. Not only will they excel on the right bosses, but they are versatile enough to be taken almost anywhere without feeling underpowered.
B-tier builds may still be meta on certain bosses, but suffer more noticeably on suboptimal encounters.
C-tier builds are typically only great when performing specific roles, but have the potential to outperform higher-ranked builds in the hands of an experienced player.
D-tier builds are those that should only really be used in very niche cases.
S | |
---|---|
A+ | |
A | |
B |
WvW Roaming
Roaming builds are created mostly for solo WvW players who enjoy smaller fights like 1v1, 1vX or flipping camps on their own. If you're unfamiliar with this subcategory of WvW gameplay then be sure to check out our beginner's guide to WvW roaming.
S | |
---|---|
A | |
B | |
C | |
D | |
F |
WvW Zerg
List is for large zerg sizes (50+), some classes belong at different places for other group sizes
S | |
---|---|
A | |
B | |
C | |
D | |
F |
WvW GvG
List is for 15v15. Anything in A tier has ~100% usage, anything D tier or below is basically never played
S | |
---|---|
A | |
B | |
C | |
D | |
F |
Enjoy an ad-free experience & support the website, for less than $1 per month! Upgrade to Premium
We are looking for experienced build admins and guide writers for Throne and Liberty. Get in touch with Galaxian#1640 on Discord if you're a good fit for the role or know someone else who is. Those are paid position.
![Split](/wiki/images/d/d3/Split_1.png)
![Metabattle Logo](/wiki/images/c/c9/Logo.png)