At the time of writing, six classes exist in Chrono Odyssey. However, only three—Berserker, Ranger, and Swordsman—will be playable during the closed beta. The remaining classes—Sorcerer, Paladin, and Assassin—will be unlocked in later stages of testing.

In this detailed preview, we'll explore the weapon mechanics, class identities, and optimal playstyles for the three available classes, breaking down everything you need to know to dominate Chrono Odyssey's early game—and decide your perfect class and weapon combination before the beta begins.

Class and Weapon Overview

Unlike New World or Throne and Liberty, where your weapon choices define your class, Chrono Odyssey takes a more traditional approach. Weapons are class-locked, meaning your choice during character creation will permanently dictate which weapons you'll have access to. Want to use a bow? You must pick the Ranger. Dream of swinging a greatsword? Only the Swordsman can wield it.

Each class has three weapons available, with varying playstyles and special mechanics. Let's explore each class one by one.

Berserker

The Berserker thrives in the thick of battle. With raw aggression, health-draining power, and brutal crowd control, this is the class for players who love to be in the middle of the chaos. All three weapons—Chain Blades, Dual Axes, and Battle Axe—offer different takes on the melee DPS fantasy.

Chain Blades

· Playstyle: Sustain-focused melee with moderate range

· Special Mechanic: Bloodthirst (self-healing and damage buff)

· Debuff: Chill (slow → freeze at 3 stacks)

· Unique Move: Converts stacks into healing (up to 35%)

The chain blades are ideal for solo players thanks to their lifesteal and enemy-freezing capabilities. Stack Bloodthirst for massive DPS boosts and restore your HP mid-fight to stay alive longer in solo or sustained content.

Dual Axes

· Playstyle: High-risk, high-reward all-out DPS

· Special Mechanic: Berserk Mode (20% damage/speed buff, drains HP)

· Debuff: Bleed (DoT, defense reduction)

· Insane Skill: Immortal (can't die for 12 seconds, 150s cooldown)

The Dual Axes are the epitome of “go big or go home.” While Berserk mode drains your health, the increased damage and speed make you a whirlwind of death. Immortal is one of the most broken-feeling abilities right now—giving 12 full seconds of god-mode power.

Battle Axe

· Playstyle: Frontline bruiser/off-tank

· Mechanics: Bleed and Whirlwind Stacks (up to +35% damage)

· Special Move: Block (mitigates damage, synergizes with passives)

· Defensive Options: Shield abilities, taunts, and passives

The Battle Axe is slower but hits like a truck. Thanks to taunt abilities and damage mitigation, this weapon is suitable for players who want to tank in a group while still dishing out big numbers.

Berserker Class Masteries

· Level 10: Warrior Spirit (bonus damage at low HP) or Raging Storm (faster Rage generation)

· Level 15 Abilities: Avatar (basic attacks heal), Quaking Impact (huge AoE stun), Explosive Rage (leap + CC)

· Level 20: Crimson Frenzy (bleed enemies affected by CC) or Dominating Presence (reduces enemy attack power)

Recommendation: For raw DPS, go Dual Axes + Battle Axe. For solo survivability, Chain Blades + Battle Axe.

Swordsman

The Swordsman is the go-to tank in Chrono Odyssey, with the only class-wide access to multiple taunt abilities and strong damage mitigation. Its three weapons—Greatsword, Sword and Shield, and Dual Blades—offer everything from bruiser DPS to pure defense.

Dual Blades

· Playstyle: Hybrid tank/DPS

· Mechanic: Shock debuff (lowers enemy stagger resistance, can stack up to 99)

· Special Move: Block (builds shock and triggers passives)

With its ability to rapidly reduce enemy stagger bars and apply lightning strikes, the dual blades are best used as an off-hand to support full tank builds with Sword and Shield.

Sword and Shield

· Playstyle: Primary tank weapon

· Mechanics: Taunts, threat generation, damage mitigation, block counterattacks

· Buffs: Party-wide defense buff, reflect damage via Indomitable Cry

This is Chrono Odyssey's most reliable tanking weapon, offering blocks, stuns, taunts, and even the ability to reflect 50% of damage back to attackers.

Greatsword

· Playstyle: Heavy-hitting DPS with strong CC

· Mechanics: Charge Slash (massive damage based on charge time), Hyper Armor, Bleed

· Role: Ideal for burst DPS with wide AoE and knockdowns

Greatsword provides huge cleave damage and is best for PvE burst damage situations. You sacrifice speed for sheer raw power and durability via hyper armor.

Swordsman Class Masteries

· Level 10: Decimate (boosts stagger and damage) or Guardian Shield (self-healing after blocking)

· Level 15 Abilities: War Cry (rage generation), Absolute Defense (block costs zero stamina), Unyielding Will (super armor + lifesteal)

· Level 20: Fervor (stacks for extra ability damage) or Last Stand (50% damage reduction below 30% HP)

Recommendation: Go full tank with Sword and Shield + Dual Blades. Add Greatsword for solo DPS burst.

Ranger

The Ranger is the only ranged damage class in the beta and the only one that does not use rage, relying instead on vigor, stamina, and arrows. The weapons—Bow, Crossbow, and Rapier—offer unique ranged and melee versatility.

Bow

· Playstyle: Elemental long-range sniper

· Mechanic: Arrows (limited ammo types: frost, fire, poison, explosive)

· Special Move: Aim and charge arrow (increased range, damage, effect stacks)

The bow is the most complex weapon in the game due to its elemental arrows and ammo management. Excellent for AoE and long-range, but may underperform early without proper scaling.

Crossbow

· Playstyle: High-speed DPS with poison and crit buffs

· Mechanics: Precision (+crit rate, stacks), Spirit Venom (multiple DoTs and debuffs)

· Special Move: Trick Shot (dodge + damage roll in any direction)

The crossbow is currently the highest performing ranged weapon. It's fast, mobile, and loaded with DoTs and root effects. Precision stacking gives solid crit potential in PvE or PvP.

Rapier

· Playstyle: Agile melee support/DPS hybrid

· Buffs: Mark (increases damage taken by enemies), Blade Song (party-wide attack buff)

· Special Move: Charging Thrust (gap closer + dodge)

The rapier complements both bow and crossbow playstyles and allows you to dive in and finish off enemies or buff allies. One of the only support-oriented weapons in the current beta.

Ranger Class Masteries

· Level 10: Increased Dodge Distance or Jump Distance

· Level 15 Abilities: Windstep Strike (knockback), Wind Dance (boosts special move damage), Verdant Snare (root enemies)

· Level 20: Fruit of Perseverance (boost damage while stationary), Evasive Gale (AoE slow on dodge)

Recommendation: Crossbow + Rapier for meta DPS and utility. Bow is stylish and unique, but underpowered in the current state.

Missing Classes: Sorcerer, Paladin, and Assassin

Unfortunately, Sorcerer, Paladin, and Assassin are not playable in the June 20th beta, though datamined info and in-game descriptions suggest the following:

· Sorcerer: Primary spellcaster, likely AoE and healing via Manosphere

· Paladin: Likely tank/healer hybrid with a focus on sustain and crowd-control (uses mace)

· Assassin: High mobility melee burst class; weapons not confirmed but likely dual daggers or stealth-based

We'll have full breakdowns on these once Funcom releases more info or a future playtest includes them.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Play?

Each class in Chrono Odyssey brings a unique experience and feel to the battlefield. The combat system is visceral, loaded with visual flair and responsive controls.  Which class and weapon combo are you planning to run or buy Chrono Odyssey Gold here?