Black Desert Mobile is one of the hottest new games on mobile devices today. This iOS and Android MMORPG has a ton going on within the game, but one of the things people always wonder about is what class to use.

If you’re a veteran of MMORPG’s, you probably have some sort of idea what the strengths and weaknesses are of each class, but if you’re new to the genre or you just want to discover the nuances of the game a little better, then it’s good to know what the most useful classes are.

Read on for a full guide to all of the classes, strengths and weaknesses, and awakening them in Black Desert Mobile!

To begin with, you have five classes to choose from, although more are planned to be added with a future update to the game (they’re already available in the Southeast Asia region). Your classes are the Warrior, Ranger, Witch, Giant, and Valkyrie.

Warrior

The Warrior is your classic “balanced class” whose offense and defense are neither too high or too low. He comes with a longsword and a shield, allowing for heavy sword slashes against each opponent.

Your Warrior is light on AoE, has no range, and no healing or support powers, though, limiting their effectiveness in the arena. Warriors awaken into Berserkers.

Ranger

Rangers have strong attacks with their bow and arrow (ranged) and with their daggers (melee). Rangers are especially good at boss fights, because they can hit and run and avoid.

What Rangers are weak at, though, is the AoE (they have essentially none), and defense, so when teaming up, make sure you have a good tank on the team. Rangers awaken into Windwalkers.

Witch

Basically, the Witch is a magic-using version of the Ranger, using a dagger for melee attacks and spells for ranged attacks. There is more AoE potential here, as well.

The main weakness for witches is that they are a glass cannon – VERY low on defense. So keep at a distance and fire away, or team up with a good tank. Witches awaken into Archmages.

Giants

Giants are very good at defense and taking a lot of punishment, and are good at attacking large groups of enemies. Giants are best used for AoE damage.

Giants can awaken into Destroyers. They don’t have too many weaknesses, but their slow speed can make it very difficult to hit-and-run against bosses.

Valkyries

The Valkyrie is the only one of this bunch who has healing and support abilities. Not only that, but she shares most of the Warrior’s attacks, since she uses a shield and a longsword.

Her defense is low, but her attack is good, and her support qualities will make it so that you are in HIGH demand for team play. She awakens into the Lancer.

Other classes that are coming soon

Right now, the classes that are in preview form in the SEA region are Dark Knight, Sorceress, and Musa.

Dark Knights are a balanced offense/defense type that use ranged and melee attacks. Sorceresses use magic spells for debuffs and ranged attacks, and a scythe for attacking. Musa are speedy ninjas with high attack and low defense.

Awakening

Once you hit Level 65, you can Awaken your character and change their class entirely. This changes the available equipment and skills, and can even change the style of play.

While the style of play does change, it will be most similar to your original class; for example, awaken a Valkyrie into a Lancer and she will still be able to use healing and support skills.