Choosing the right class is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting your journey in Lineage 2M. With a massive open world, deep progression systems, and intense PvE/PvP encounters, your starting class will shape your early experience and determine how quickly you can adapt to the game’s challenges. Some classes are L2M Diamonds easy for beginners, while others require precise knowledge of skills, rotations, and equipment.
To help new players progress smoothly, this guide from MMOexp breaks down the best starter classes in Lineage 2M, explaining their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal playstyles. Whether you want to deal heavy damage, support allies, or tank monsters, this list will help you choose the perfect class for your adventure.
Why Choosing the Right Starter Class Matters
Lineage 2M features five main weapon categories, each branching into multiple specialized classes. Early progression can feel overwhelming: you need to level quickly, acquire gear, survive tough zones, and complete missions efficiently. A beginner-friendly class should offer:
Straightforward skill rotations
Good survivability in early zones
Low gear dependency
Strong solo and group performance
Affordable upgrade costs
The classes below hit these marks, giving new players the strongest possible start.
1. Bow (Ranger Line) – Best for Fast Leveling & Safe PvE
If your first goal is to level quickly without taking unnecessary risks, the Bow user is one of the best beginner choices. The range advantage makes it incredibly safe and efficient in all PvE environments.
Why Bow Is Beginner-Friendly
Long-range attacks:
You can deal damage while avoiding most melee hits.
High early DPS:
Bow classes have some of the strongest basic attacks in early zones.
Easy skill rotations:
Most of your damage comes from simple auto-attacks and a few skills.
Excellent farming capability:
Perfect for players who want a class that can farm efficiently with minimal gear.
Weaknesses
Very squishy in close-range PvP
Requires arrows (consumables) early on
Positioning matters
Who Should Choose Bow?
Players who want fast progression, safe grinding, and a strong PvE class that performs well even with budget gear.
2. Sword & Shield (Knight Line) – Best for Survivability & New Players
If you’re worried about dying too often or want a tankier playstyle, Sword & Shield is the most beginner-friendly melee option. It offers defense, crowd control, and balanced damage.
Why Sword & Shield Is Excellent for Beginners
Very tanky:
You’ll survive fights that would easily kill squishier classes.
Easy to learn:
Defensive skills, blocks, and taunts are straightforward.
Flexible role:
Useful in both solo play and party dungeons.
Cheap to build:
You can perform well without rare weapons or expensive enchantments.
Weaknesses
Lower damage compared to DPS classes
Slow kill speed in early farming areas
Who Should Choose Sword & Shield?
Players who value survivability, want a relaxed melee class, or enjoy tanking in group content.
3. Dual Swords (Warrior Line) – Best All-Around Starter for Balanced Gameplay
Dual Swords offer a perfect balance of attack power, survivability, and utility. They are arguably one of the most well-rounded beginner classes in Lineage 2M.
Strengths of Dual Swords
Strong offensive power:
High DPS makes leveling faster.
Good defense:
More durable than archers and mages.
Simple combo rotations:
Easy to learn special skills and cheap L2M Diamonds combos.
Adaptable:
Works well in PvE and PvP.
Weaknesses
Not as tanky as Sword & Shield
Requires some gear investment later to stay competitive
Who Should Choose Dual Swords?
Anyone wanting a balanced class that performs well in every situation—solo quests, party dungeons, open-world PvP, and boss fights.
4. Staff (Mage Line) – Best Burst Damage & Group Utility
Magic users are powerful in Lineage 2M, especially those who master staff weapons. Mages offer some of the highest damage potential in the game but require positioning and resource management.
Why Staff Can Be Great for Beginners
Huge AoE damage:
Excellent for farming groups of monsters.
High burst potential:
Boss fights become faster with magic attacks.
Useful support spells:
Some staff classes provide crowd-control and utility.
Weaknesses
Very fragile, especially early on
Mana management can be difficult
Requires more skill knowledge to play well
Who Should Choose Staff?
Players who love magic damage, explosive skills, and fast farming—but don’t mind being fragile and learning to avoid damage.
5. Dagger (Assassin Line) – Best for High Risk, High Reward Gameplay
Although not the easiest class for new players, the Dagger class offers fast-paced, stealthy action. With high single-target DPS, Daggers excel in PvP and boss encounters.
Why Some Beginners Choose Dagger
Fast and deadly attacks:
High crit damage makes boss fights rewarding.
Mobile and evasive:
Dash skills help you avoid damage.
Strong PvP potential:
Deadly in 1v1 and small-scale fights.
Weaknesses
Very fragile
Requires good positioning
Gear-dependent to reach full potential
Who Should Choose Dagger?
Players who enjoy high-speed combat, burst damage, and a more challenging learning curve.
Best Starter Classes Summary (Quick Comparison)
ClassDifficultyStrengthsWeaknessesBest For
BowEasyFast farming, long rangeSquishy, arrow usePvE leveling
Sword & ShieldVery EasyHigh defense, simpleSlow DPSNew players, tanks
Dual SwordsEasyBalanced power & defenseNeeds gear laterAll-rounders
StaffMediumHigh AoE & burstFragile, mana issuesMage fans
DaggerHardHigh DPS mobilityGear dependentPvP players
How to Choose the Best Starter Class for You
When selecting your class in Lineage 2M, consider your preferred playstyle:
1. Do you like fast leveling?
Choose Bow.
2. Do you die often or prefer a safer playstyle?
Choose Sword & Shield.
3. Do you want a balanced, flexible class?
Choose Dual Swords.
4. Do you enjoy spellcasting and AoE damage?
Choose Staff.
5. Do you want a challenge with big PvP potential?
Choose Dagger.
Your class choice defines the early-game experience, but remember: Lineage 2M allows branching into advanced classes later, so you are never truly locked in.
Final Tips for New Players in Lineage 2M
To make your journey smoother, keep these beginner tips in mind:
Focus on Main Quests First
Main quests unlock essential features, regions, and rewards.
Don’t Overspend on Early Gear
Most low-level items get replaced quickly.
Join a Clan
Clan buffs, shared hunts, and support make progression much easier.
Use Auto-Hunt Wisely
Find safe spots, especially if you’re a squishy class.
Visit MMOexp for Resources
Guides, strategies, and more can help you stay ahead as you progress.
Conclusion
The best starter class in Lineage 2M depends on your personal playstyle, but for most beginners, Bow, Sword & Shield, and Dual Swords provide the easiest path to early success. Whether you enjoy ranged attacks, tanky melee combat, or balanced aggression, Lineage 2M offers a class that fits your preferences.
Choosing the right class sets the foundation for a smoother adventure—and understanding each class’s strengths ensures you’ll enjoy every moment of your exploration across the vast world of Lineage 2M.