Shaiya has twelve classes, but only six roles. Each role exists once in the Alliance of Light and once in the Union of Fury under a different name, with the same job in a party. This guide explains what each role does, what it is good and bad at, and who will enjoy playing it on Justice Online.
Light and Fury: which class is which
Pick your faction first, because it decides which races and class names you get. The role stays the same on both sides.
The front-line damage dealer. Fighters and Warriors hit hard at close range, can fight several monsters at once and are sturdy enough to survive mistakes.
Weapons
One-handed weapon with shield, dual weapons, two-handed weapons and spears. Fighters carry swords, Warriors axes; both use blunt weapons.
Strong at
Steady damage against one target and groups, simple rotation, good survivability while leveling alone.
Weak at
Has to reach the enemy first. Ranged classes can keep it at a distance, and it brings little utility for the party besides damage.
Play it if
you want a forgiving first character that levels well alone and is always welcome in a party.
DefenderGuardian
Defender / Guardian
Tank
The tank. Defenders and Guardians hold the attention of bosses and monsters, soak damage and lock enemies down with stuns and taunts so the rest of the party can work.
Weapons
One-handed weapon with shield for tanking; two-handed weapons when more damage is needed.
Strong at
Highest durability in the game, crowd control, protecting healers and casters in group fights.
Weak at
Low damage. Leveling alone is slow, and the class depends on a party to shine.
Play it if
you like leading a group, starting fights and being the player a boss party cannot do without.
ArcherHunter
Archer / Hunter
Ranged physical damage
The ranged physical attacker. Archers and Hunters deal damage from a distance, slow or hold targets and choose when a fight starts.
Weapons
Bows on both sides. Archers also use crossbows, Hunters use javelins.
Strong at
Safe damage from range, picking off single targets, kiting monsters and players.
Weak at
Light armor. When a melee class reaches it, the fight turns quickly.
Play it if
you prefer positioning and distance to trading blows, and enjoy hunting single targets in PvP.
MagePagan
Mage / Pagan
Ranged magic damage
The ranged caster. Mages and Pagans use elemental magic to damage many enemies at once and to root or disable them.
Weapons
Staves and daggers.
Strong at
Area damage, elemental attacks against the right target, controlling groups in large battles.
Weak at
The most fragile role. Casting takes time and mana, and a caught caster rarely survives.
Play it if
you want the biggest area damage and accept that you must stay behind your front line.
RangerAssassin
Ranger / Assassin
Stealth melee
The stealth fighter. Rangers and Assassins move unseen, open on a target of their choice and take it out of the fight with stuns, debuffs and burst damage.
Weapons
Daggers, reverse daggers and knuckles.
Strong at
Surprise attacks, shutting down a healer or caster, escaping after a kill.
Weak at
Weak in a long open fight. The role needs timing and knowledge of other classes, so it is harder to learn.
Play it if
you enjoy solo PvP, patience and choosing the one moment that decides a fight.
PriestOracle
Priest / Oracle
Healer and support
The healer and support. Priests and Oracles keep a party alive, strengthen it with buffs and bring fallen players back.
Weapons
Staves and daggers.
Strong at
Healing, buffs, resurrection. Every boss party and every organized PvP group needs one.
Weak at
Low damage alone, slow solo leveling and the first target enemies go for.
Play it if
you like being needed, playing with friends or a guild and winning fights through others.
How to choose
Playing mostly alone: Fighter / Warrior or Archer / Hunter level smoothly without help.
Playing with a friend: a Defender / Guardian or Priest / Oracle paired with any damage class covers most content.
Here for PvP: Ranger / Assassin and Archer / Hunter reward individual skill; Mage / Pagan and Priest / Oracle decide large battles.
Not sure: start with a damage class, learn the maps and dungeons, then create the support or tank your guild is missing.
Common questions
How many classes does Shaiya have?
Twelve: six in the Alliance of Light (Fighter, Defender, Ranger, Archer, Mage, Priest) and six in the Union of Fury (Warrior, Guardian, Assassin, Hunter, Pagan, Oracle). They form six roles that mirror each other across the factions.
Is a Fighter the same as a Warrior?
They fill the same role. Names, races and some weapon types differ by faction, but the job in a party is the same.
Which class is best for beginners?
Fighter / Warrior is the most forgiving, and Archer / Hunter is the easiest ranged choice. Both level well alone.
Can I play both factions?
A faction is chosen per account on a server, so decide with your friends or guild before you create your first character.
Are the classes balanced on Justice Online?
Class and PvP balance is one of the things being tested during Closed Alpha, and numbers can change. The roles described here do not.
