Solasta 2 Best Classes Tier List: Every Subclass Ranked (Early Access)

Categories: Solasta 2 – Latest Update: March 22, 2026

Find the best builds in Solasta 2 with our Subclass Tier List guide. We rank all 13 archetypes based on the new 2024 SRD rules and Early Access meta in Tactical Adventures’ Solasta 2.

Solasta 2 has finally arrived in Early Access, bringing with it the 2024 SRD ruleset. With a level 4 cap and 13 unique subclasses available at launch, picking the right party composition is more tactical than ever. This tier list ranks every class and archetype based on their effectiveness in the treacherous lands of Neokos.

What you will learn in this article:

Which classes dominate the Level 4 meta.
How the 2024 SRD changes (like Bonus Action Smites) affect rankings.
The best subclasses, explaining pros and cons

Solasta 2 Early Access Tier List

TL;DR: The Aether Warden Fighter and Mana Painter are currently the kings of Early Access damage, while the Life Domain Cleric remains the ultimate “glue” for any party. The Aether Warden Fighter possesses everything you need in one build: survival, spellcasting, and melee damage. Meanwhile, the Mana Painter is your high burst spellcaster with a resource sustain loop like no other in Solasta 2. Lastly, the Life Domain Cleric remains the ultimate support build that you cannot afford not to bring into your party.

Below are the tier list rankings with individual explanations on each class and subclass. Click the hyperlinked text to be taken to their respective builds if you need a step-by-step guide.

Rank	Subclass	Class	Tier
1	Aether Warden	Fighter	S
2	Mana Painter	Sorcerer	S
3	Life Domain	Cleric	S
4	School of Ruin	Wizard	A
5	Commander	Fighter	A
6	Shadowcaster	Rogue	A
7	Star Child	Sorcerer	B
8	Court Mage	Wizard	B
9	Battle Domain	Cleric	B
10	Oath of Liberation	Paladin	C
11	Oath of Judgement	Paladin	C
12	Oblivion Domain	Cleric	D
13	Scavenger	Rogue	F

Ranking Criteria

Early Game Power: Since we are capped at Level 4, classes that “come online” late are ranked lower.
2024 SRD Synergy: How well they utilize the new Weapon Mastery and Action Economy changes.
Sustainability: Ability to handle multiple encounters between long rests.
Simplicity: This is determined by how complex and complicated it is to play the build properly.
Combat Power: We weigh heavily in terms of combat power vs. pure exploration or Role Play (RP)

#1 Aether Warden (Fighter) – S Tier

The Aether Warden is the best overall class and subclass for Solasta 2 early access due to its Constitution spellcasting modifier; therefore we rank it S Tier. While Fighters are known for great action economy, this subclass gains not only spellcasting, but also uses your CON as your modifier. The result is an ultra-durable spellcasting build that absorbs damage and can use various weapons, armor, and even spells.

Aether Warden Pros

Spellcasting: not only are you able to cast spells, but using your Constitution gives you survivability without having to focus on intelligence.
Action Economy: Fighters always dominate early thanks to Action Surge. Having one extra combat action on the same turn makes a massive difference in early gameplay allowing you to deal consistent damage with good attack rolls.
Equipment Options: you won’t be locked into niche gear sets with a Fighter, pick nearly anything you want to use it effectively.

Aether Warden Cons

Mobility: don’t expect to traverse the battlefield quick with a Fighter. This is your biggest weakness early so make sure to use range spells when you cannot close the distance.
Weaker Spell Selection: you unlock two cantrips, and three level 1 spells at level 3, which isn’t a huge diverse range of options.
Two Ability Scores: you will need high strength and constitution if you want to melee and spellcast with your build.

Overall, you cannot go wrong with the Aether Warden during early access of Solasta 2. High survivability, spellcasting, melee damage, and it’s simple. Especially with the new 2024 ruleset, the Aether Warden Fighter remains a perfect choice when max level is 4.

#2 Mana Painter (Sorcerer) – S Tier

The Mana Painter Sorcerer is ranked S Tier thanks to Metamagic and its action economy utility at lower levels. With Metamagic, you can twinned (fork) a single target spell into two or use a bonus action to cast a spell. Even with lower level spells, this becomes an easy way to double your attack damage for one turn. Plus, the Mana Painter subclass gets Mana Drain, a way to melee attack opponents and regain Sorcery Points used for Metamagic.

Mana Painter Sorcerer Pros

Sorcery Points: with Mana Drain, you can gain back Sorcery points mid-fight. This is helpful to avoid constant long rest and keeps your action economy going.
Action Economy: Quickened Metamagic feature lets you use a bonus action to cast a spell. This means, you can launch two level three spells in one turn, doubling your damage!
Shield: You gain temporary HP anytime you use a spell starting at level 3. This helps you maintain strong survivability every turn.

Mana Painter Sorcerer Cons

Requires Melee: you’ll likely play a hybrid style to use Mana Drain and therefore experience some melee combat with simple weapons.
Lower Burst: you won’t have much pure burst damage as a Paladin.
Less Spell Selection: unlike the Wizard, the Sorcerer spell selection is a bit weaker.

If you love turn one alpha nukes, this is your class and subclass. Since you are high in Charisma, you can use this build as your main protagonist and influence dialogue more easily. However, be aware of the melee need to get back Sorcery points, but if you can manage that, nothing will beat the spellcasting of Mana Painter in early access.

#3 Life Domain (Cleric) – S Tier

The Life Domain Cleric remains one of the strongest support builds in Solasta 2, and we rank it S Tier. Thanks to the new 2024 D&D 5e rule set, Disciple of Life grants additional HP when you heal. Plus, your Channel Divinity spell Preserve Life helps heal you and your party without using a spell slot. Combining incredible support spells with good equipment options, Life Domain remains a strong choice for any party.

Life Domain Cleric Pros

Healing: you’ll have two ways to heal per turn, action and bonus action. Plus, you can use Channel Divinity resource rather than spell slots for an AOE burst heal.
Equipment Options: Instead of just Medium Armor, now you get Heavy Armor proficiency at level 1, making you much tankier at the start of your campaign.
Spells: Cleric’s don’t only get healing spells, but some huge damage dealing ones too. Every turn you feel impactful casting spells or cantrips to aid your party.

Life Domain Cleric Cons

Mobility: like the Fighter, you are dreadfully slow and will likely take one turn to get near a enemy.
Lower DEX: with lower Dexterity, you are vulnerable at the start of combat when you go near last in combat order.
Concentration Heavy: most of your buff spells require concentration which can be interrupted.

Most parties will want some type of support character and build in Solasta 2. Nothing beats the rule utility and healing potential of the Life Domain Cleric. We suggest you use this character anytime you need that extra umph when it comes to survivability.

#4 School of Ruin (Wizard) – A Tier

If you want big area damage spells, spell variety, and a glass cannon spellcaster, then the School of Ruin Wizard build is for you. We rank this build as A Tier because of its damage potential and usefulness in any party that wants a diverse spellcasting arsenal. What holds it back from being S Tier is the lack of Metamagic or any means to increase Action Economy in comparison to the Sorcerer.

School of Ruin Wizard Pros

Spell Selection: wide variety of spells at early levels because of the Ruination Savant bonus at level 3.
Extra Damage: you gain one additional damage per dice roll with Destructive Magic, making Scorching Ray a killer at early levels.
Utility: spells help not only combat, but explorations combined with Intelligence skills.

School of Ruin Wizard Cons

Squishy: No defensive subclass features like the Court Mage.
Weaker Utility: Highly specialized in damage; less utility-focused.
Positioning Required: Often needs to be close for cone spells like Burning Hands.

While the School of Ruin Wizard lacks in Metamagic and survivability, it makes up for it with two additional spell selections at level 3. With spells like Scorching Ray and Shatter, you have many elemental spells to pick from making each fight that more strategic. If you love a traditional spellcasting class and subclass, this is your pick.

#5 Commander (Fighter) – A Tier

The Commander Fighter is a solid selection for those martial melee players who favor more support capabilities. While this Fighter build won’t rival the Life Cleric for healing, it’s strong support skills give it an edge over other subclasses. For instance, the Rousing Shout ability helps grant all allies advantage on their next attack, perfect for a melee focus balanced party dealing damage. Therefore, we rank the Commander Fighter as a solid A Tier subclass and class combination to roll in Early Access.

Subclass Class Pros

Action Economy: Action Surge grants an extra action once per combat and is still overpowered.
Party Buffs: Shouts grant allies advantage, helping support other party members.
Simple: If you’re new to D&D and want something simple, this is a solid choice for Solasta 2.

Subclass Class Cons

Resource Management: You will need constant short rest to replenish your subclass resources.
Positioning: Your shouts won’t work if you’re not near anyone, so positioning and mobility become critical to manage.
Lacks AOE: Your damage will almost always be single target, so bring an AOE Wizard or Sorcerer to the fight with you.

If you want simple, look no further than the Commander Fighter. The base class is optimized for good damage with certain weapons and ease of play. While having an extra utility support ability gives it a nice feature. However, this subclass won’t rival the others in terms of raw power.

#6 Shadowcaster (Rogue) – A Tier

If you’ve played any classic RPG then you’re well aware of the usefulness of a Rogue, Assassin, or general stealth character. This is where the Shadowcaster Rogue fits into Solasta 2, providing the party with classic utility such as lockpicking and trap detection. However, this subclass grants additional utility with Wizard spells starting at level 3. Plus, you can use Sneak Attack on spell casting! While the Shadowcaster Rogue might not be as powerful in combat as others on this list, it’s a solid A Tier subclass to choose and complement any party.

Shadow Caster Rogue Pros

Magical Utility: gaining access to the Wizard spell kit complements your melee damage and stealthy utility while exploring.
Good Early: Sneak Attack and Advantage scale well at early levels, and you won’t need to multiclass to keep the power flowing.
Mobility: Rogues can move across the battlefield via Cunning Action and have a much easier time reaching targets than a Fighter.

Shadow Caster Rogue Cons

Weaker Burst: This subclass won’t provide the most damage possible, especially in melee.
More Complex: With spells added to your actions, the build and subclass become more complex each turn. Avoid if you want a ultrasimple Rogue.
Spell Slot Management: With little spell slots to start, you won’t be able to cast many spells without a long rest.

There’s little reason to not take the Shadowcaster subclass if you want the classic Halfling Rogue in your party. While it does make the build more complex, the extra utility will be beneficial to your party. What you lack in raw damage you make up in group utility. Consider bringing a Rogue a must to every party and this should be your preferred subclass.

#7 Star Child (Sorcerer) – B Tier

The Star Child Sorcerer is a powerful subclass thanks to the Sorcerer’s innate Metamagic utility. The subclass itself gains a weak Shooting Star bonus, dealing extra force damage with Metamagic. However, with a level cap of four and no way to get back Sorcery points easily like the Mana Painter, your subclass choice is much weaker than the alternative. Therefore, we rank the Star Child Sorcerer B Tier for its lack of interesting subclass bonus and wish it had more utility early.

Star Child Sorcerer Pros

Extra Damage: Your subclass feature gives you extra force damage when using metamagic which is helpful.
High AC: With 16 Dexterity at Character Creation, your ability to avoid attacks will be high relative to other spellcasters.
Metamagic: Starting at lower levels, you can manipulate magic changing its effect and helping with overall combat power.

Subclass Class Cons

Sorcery Points: You won’t have a way to get back Sorcery points so your Extra Damage bonus will be infrequent at best.
Less Burst: While you can apply extra force damage, you won’t have the same consistent burst potential since Early Access limits levels to 4.
Long Rest Dependent: Expect to constantly long rest to replenish those spell slots and Sorcery Points.

The Star Child Sorcerer build has some potential as the game progresses, specifically at level 6 with another subclass feature. However, at the outset of Early Access, there’s less reason to use this than the Mana Painter. Getting back Sorcery points on demand even in melee range makes it a much stronger subclass to pick.

#8 Court Mage (Wizard) – B Tier

The Court Mage Wizard tries to play the role of a hybrid tank and spellcaster. You’ll gain Spell Shield and are able to help protect allies. The problem is, the Life Cleric does this (supporting allies) much better while retaining good offensive spellcasting. While the Wizard class innate benefit using intelligence and having a wide spell selection is great, it feels like this is another subclass for support when it really needs more damage subclass bonuses. Therefore, we rank the Court Mage B Tier on this list.

Court Mage Wizard Pros

Better Survival: Access to physical shields and the Shield spell.
Support Abilities: Grants temporary HP to allies.
Utility Focused: Helping allies in a support fashion vs. pure damage spellcasting.

Court Mage Wizard Cons

Resource Intensive: Spell Shield uses an action and limited charges.
Lower DPS: Lacks the raw damage bonuses of an Evocation Wizard.
Cloth Dependency: Vulnerable if caught without Mage Armor active.

If you want a tank-style Wizard build, then the Court Mage is for you. However, Solasta 2 already has many subclasses that can fulfil this role better. Thus, there are better choices for spellcasters who value damage rather than group utility.

#9 Battle Domain (Cleric) – B Tier

The Battle Domain Cleric is a subclass that focuses on melee damage through the Decisive Strike subclass feature. While it has some good utility and combat power, it doesn’t compare to the Fighter for the best melee subclasses in Solasta 2. We rank it B Tier partly because the subclass wants to play as a melee fighter, spellcasting damage dealer, and healer. Battle Domain emphasizes melee damage with Martial Weapons and Heavy Armor while also granting temporary HP with a bonus action. This hybrid approach is overall helpful, but limiting in pure power from some of the top subclasses in Solasta 2.

Battle Domain Cleric Pros

Survivability: With heavy armor and healing spells, you’ll be tough to take down. Plus, you can use a bonus action to get temporary HP.
Action Economy: Since you have built in bonus action utility, this ensures each turn feels impactful as this subclass.
Melee Damage: the Decisive Strike feature allows you to burst targets with melee force damage. They also have to pass a CON check or be incapacitated.

Battle Domain Cleric Cons

Hybrid: You are part spellcaster, healer, and melee damage dealer but lack a focus on any one aspect.
Movement: Expect one or two turns to get closer to targets in order to hit with melee.
Initiative: Heavy Armor means low Dexterity which in turn means lower initiative. Expect to go later in combat order which is when you are most vulnerable.

With the additions of Aether Warden, fulfilling the role as Melee DPS and spellcaster, and Life Cleric as true support, it’s hard to pick the Battle Domain. You could make an argument that it’s much higher on this list, but we prefer some simpler with higher combat power and potential than the Battle Domain subclass.

#10 Oath of Liberation (Paladin) – C Tier

Next is the Oath of Liberation Paladin. The biggest change coming to the Paladin class is Divine Smite now requires a spell and a bonus action. This completely changes the broken Smite melee playstyle and lowers their Action Economy. The Paladin overall is still a solid class, but moves into more of a healer hybrid DPS role than a pure melee powerhouse. The Oath of Liberation Paladin is your best choice, ranking C Tier, mainly because it can Blind targets at range. This gives you better options early, especially where mobility can be an issue.

Oath of Liberation Paladin Pros

Crowd Control: Can neutralize ranged threats via Blinding.
Equipment: They can still use heavy armor and martial weapons, giving you massive choices.
Mobility Support: Prevents the party from being pinned down by Entangle or Hold Person.

Oath of Liberation Paladin Cons

No Hard CC: Unlike the Judgment Paladin, you cannot “Restrain” targets to stop movement.
Resource Competition: Your Channel Divinity and Smites both compete for your tactical focus.
Focus on Utility: You may feel less “tanky” than the Judgment build, requiring better positioning.

Overall, we miss the Divine Smite busted multiclass Paladin builds from BG3. In their current state, they feel like a weaker Cleric with little reason to choose them outside of bonus action Divine Smite.

#11 Oath of Judgement (Paladin) – C Tier

Since Paladin now requires a bonus action to use Divine Smite, this limits the class’s overall action economy in comparison to others on this list. The Oath of Judgement is ranked C Tier on this list since it’s a hybrid support with little utility outside a purge of negative status effect within 30 feet. Complex, limited spell slots, and with better tanking options present, Paladins don’t feel that strong with only four levels and the current ruleset.

Oath of Judgement Paladin Pros

Superior Control: Can restrict enemy movement.
High Burst: Smite mechanics to delete high-threat targets.
Durability: High AC combined with Paladin saving throw bonuses.

Oath of Judgement Paladin Cons

Bonus Action Heavy: Many Paladin features now compete for the same action type.
Slow Movement: It’s hard to reach a target on turn one.
Lower Initiative: Expect to go later in combat order.

You can flip a coin on which Paladin subclass you want to choose. Both have the same issues, bonus action dependent, lacking spell slots, and Divine Smite rework. They are not as powerful or fun as they once were, and Judgement doesn’t fill any urgent gaps in a player’s party.

#12 Oblivion Domain (Cleric) – D Tier

The Oblivion Domain Cleric is an odd subclass that balances life and death. You get two strange and nearly useless subclass bonuses. One gives advantage to targets making death saving throws. Two, you can deal AOE necrotic damage with Herald of Pain. Your death saving throw bonus requires a bonus action and you to be in range. Meanwhile the AOE Necrotic damage is nice, but uses your Channel Divinity so you can’t use it frequently. The result is a odd subclass when the Life and Battle Domains feel much stronger and useful.

Oblivion Domain Cleric Pros

Range: 30 feet for subclass abilities.
Base Class: The Cleric is strong from the outset thanks to it’s innate spells and equipment options.

Oblivion Domain Cleric Cons

Lower Initiative: Lower DEX results in longer before you can take your turn. This is where you are suspectable to stuns and CC.
Slow Movement: Movement per turn is the bane of every Cleric and Oblivion Domain is no different.
Weaker Action Economy: Very little ways to use your bonus action effectively unless you wait for someone in your party to die.

The Cleric class overall is strong, it’s just little reason to use Oblivion Domain subclass over Life and Battle. Sure you get some Necrotic damage, but how often would you use that vs. a burst heal or high damage melee attack? The answer is not much, and thus we rank it D Tier on our list.

#13 Scavenger (Rogue) – F Tier

It might seem odd to rank the Scavenger Rogue as the worst subclass in Solasta 2. The Rogue class has great utility outside of combat, good damage at the outset, and every party needs a stealthy lockpick. We don’t disagree with that premise. However, the Scavenger Rogue’s bonuses are weak, specifically Haggler. You can buy and sell items at a 10% discounted rate. Compare that with the Aether Warden spellcasting Fighter or the Mana Painter melee Sorcery point regeneration. The Serrated Edge bonus does give you some extra slashing damage on weapon attacks which is nice. But, you sacrifice spellcasting from the Shadowcaster in exchange for damage that won’t be noticeable as you level up.

Scavenger Rogue Pros

Burst: getting extra 1d6 on melee damage at level three can feel impactful.
Complexity: the only complex part of this build is positioning and advantage.
Consistent: each turn you should be able to get damage from range or melee.

Scavenger Rogue Cons

Position Dependent: you need advantage to trigger sneak attack and extra damage.
Lacks Spellcasting: this subclass sacrifices a lot specifically spellcasting.
Higher Levels: the higher levels you go, the weaker this subclass will feel.

Overall, this might be a bit harsh of a rating, but someone has to be in last place! We feel there’s little reason to take this subclass when one of the bonuses is completely useless in combat. However, if you’re more of an RP exploration player, factor that into your decision on what you pick.

Class FAQ in Solasta 2

What is the best party for Solasta 2 Early Access?

A balanced “Golden Four” would be an Aether Warden (Tank), Life Cleric (Heal/Support), School of Ruin (DPS), and Shadowcaster Rogue (Utility/Skills).

Is the Paladin weaker in Solasta 2?

Yes. The 2024 ruleset shift of Divine Smite to a Bonus Action means you have to choose between smiting and certain utility spells.

Can I multiclass in Early Access?

Yes! Solasta 2 supports multiclassing from day one, allowing for powerful combos like Fighter/Wizard.

Changelog & Build Updates

v1.1 – March 22, 2026 – Updated for Early Access release
v1.0 – February 11, 2026 – Created during Demo and Pre-Alpha

More Powerful Solasta 2 Builds!

Check out our complete list of powerful Solasta 2 builds to start your next adventure!

Solasta 2 Best Classes Tier List: Every Subclass Ranked (Early Access)