Torchlight 2: Ranking the Classes from Weakest to Strongest

Torchlight 2 is an outstanding Diablo-style game that aims for simplicity and direct combat, while also incorporating some lighthearted elements. In this fantasy realm, players are tasked with tracking down a former hero known as the Alchemist, who has become obsessed with a mysterious substance called Ember.

Torchlight 2 features four distinct classes: Outlander, Embermage, Berserker, and Engineer. Each class offers a unique playstyle and specific advantages for dominating in combat. While every class has its pros and cons, there is one class that is widely recognized as the most powerful, while another presents a more challenging experience for players.

Updated by Erik Petrovich on October 28, 2023: When it comes to the four classes in Torchlight 2, it's challenging to determine the best class due to the diverse range of builds available. While the Engineer is often regarded as the top class, even the weakest Engineer build pales in comparison to the most effective Berserker build. In order to assist newcomers to Torchlight 2, this tier list now provides two powerful build options for each class, ensuring players start off on the right track. Ultimately, all builds have their merits, and it is up to players to find what suits them best while still providing an enjoyable experience. However, by following these new tips for class builds in Torchlight 2, players can have confidence that their build will remain effective throughout the entire game.

4. The Berserker Class

Playstyle: Melee bruiser that likes to get into no-holds-barred brawls

Group Role: Damage

Difficulty: Difficult, thanks to low health pool

The Berserker class in Torchlight 2 can be likened to barbarians, fighters, and other melee classes found in classic RPG archetypes. Unlike some of the other classes, there isn't much lore surrounding them. They are portrayed as nomadic warriors, driven by their thirst for treasure, combat, and glory throughout the world.

However, the Berserker class is not solely restricted to close-range attacks. They possess a unique skill set that allows them to summon animal spirits as allies. This ability assists them in overcoming the class's inherent weakness, which is their limited capability to engage with only a few enemies simultaneously.

Strengths of the Berserker Class

Undoubtedly, the Berserker class is considered the weakest in the game, which is rather unfortunate considering the immense thrill of embodying a Berserker. These untamed savages possess a remarkable ability to inflict immense damage upon their foes, relying on astonishingly acrobatic strikes designed to pummel their opponents into submission. It's a common spectacle to witness Barbarians fearlessly plunging into battle with their wild and ferocious assaults.

They also possess numerous advantageous abilities and passive traits to drain the health from adversaries, gracefully spin into a cluster of foes, and unleash their primal power to cause chaos among their opponents.

Downsides of the Berserker Class

The downside of the Berserker is their single-minded focus on fighting. They have limited area of attack abilities and rely mainly on targeting individual opponents. While the Berserker is capable of delivering powerful strikes, their impact is confined to one enemy at a time. Consequently, this fighting style exposes their vulnerability as they lack the stamina to withstand sustained attacks.

Although their ability to drain health helps to some extent, the Berserker's battle strategy primarily revolves around dealing more damage than their opponent. However, this approach can become challenging when facing larger groups or formidable bosses, which is the majority of encounters. While the Berserker is an enjoyable class, failing to remain mindful of their rapidly decreasing health bar can result in frequent deaths.

Best Torchlight 2 Berserker Builds & Skills

Dual Wield Berserker Build

Build Playstyle

Rapid melee fighter that takes advantage of critical hits to increase otherwise relatively low damage output

Important Skills

Howl, Blood Hunger, Executioner, Shred Armor, Cold Steel Mastery

Gear Stat Priorities

Focus on Critical Hit Chance and Damage, Attack Speed, and Life Steal to make the most out of fast-paced melee attacks

Frost Damage Berserker Build

Build Playstyle

Uses a combination of Permafrost and other abilities to turn the Berserker into a mid-range caster

Important Skills

Permafrost, Glacial Shatter, Shatter Storm, Wolf Shade, Rage Retaliation

Gear Stat Priorities

Focus on bonuses to damage, Critical Hit chance, and casting speed to maximize Frost damage windows

3. The Embermage Class

Playstyle: Stay at a range to deal massive damage with a reliance on mana

Group Role: DPS and Crowd Control

Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

The Embermage class in Torchlight 2 embodies the traditional sorcerer archetype but with the added touch of uniqueness that defines the game. Armed with fire, frost, and lightning powers, they dominate the battlefield with their versatile spells capable of both area-of-effect and single-target attacks.

Within the game, Embermages are a rare and skilled group, harnessing the formidable power of their deadly skillset. While they may have lower health and melee capabilities, they compensate with their ability to unleash devastating attacks, making them one of the most powerful classes in the game.

Strengths of the Embermage Class

Embermages are formidable long-range fighters, utilizing mighty elemental spells to immolate, freeze, and electrify their opponents. They boast impressive DPS and, unlike the Berserker class, aren't required to engage in close combat to unleash their devastating attacks. Embermages possess a selection of potent spells capable of inflicting immense damage upon both gatherings of enemies and formidable bosses alike.

They are widely regarded as the most straightforward class to play, as their focus is solely on dealing damage and evading the enemy. The choice of their weapon is of little significance, as it merely enhances their spells even further by possessing a high attack attribute. Engaging in combat with Shocking Burst at its maximum power is undeniably one of the most thrilling indulgences in this game, as opponents are literally torn apart by the electric bolts coursing through their bodies.

Downsides of the Embermage Class

The Embermage is considered easy to play due to its simplicity. Players can simply learn a powerful spell and continuously use it until their mana pool is depleted. However, this style of play can become monotonous quite quickly. While Shocking Burst may be enjoyable against weaker enemies, its appeal diminishes as players progress further into the game.

The reason the Embermage isn't highly ranked is because they heavily rely on mana. Once their mana is depleted, they become significantly weaker, comparable to a mere well-trained peasant. Players are then left to dodge attacks and make do with whatever inefficient weapon they have until their mana regenerates, allowing them to resume casting spells.

Best Torchlight 2 Embermage Builds & Skills

Fire-Focused Embermage Build

Build Playstyle

Uses damage over time caused by Burn damage to wear down targets, while hurling other Fire-type spells at engulfed enemies

Important Skills

Blazing Pillar, Firestorm, Elemental Boon, Magma Spear, Charge Mastery

Gear Stat Priorities

Focus on bonuses to elemental damage (in this case, Fire) as well as faster casting speed and bonuses to All Damage

Electricity-Focused Embermage Build

Build Playstyle

While the Fire build focuses on burning small groups down, the Electricity Embermage is better at AoE thanks to its Shock damage

Important Skills

Thunder Locus, Shocking Orb, Lightning Brand, Elemental Boon, Charge Mastery

Gear Stat Priorities

Like the Fire build, focus on gaining bonuses to Electricity Damage, All Damage, and casting speed

2. The Outlander Class

Playstyle: Ranged and Melee prowess with a little magic thrown in there too

Group Role: Damage and Crowd Control

Difficulty: Intermediate

The Outlander class in Torchlight 2 offers a more intricate gameplay experience than your typical rogue or thief archetype found in most RPGs. In addition to mastering stealth and utilizing hidden blades, Outlanders wield the exceptional Glaive weapon, which plays a significant role in their Warfare, Lore, and Sigil abilities. These skilled outlaws are driven by their pursuit of ancient knowledge and forgotten artifacts.

Drawing a parallel to the world of Dishonored, Outlanders can be compared to Corvo, the assassin who combines dark magic with martial weaponry to eliminate adversaries using a combination of stealth and direct combat. However, it is worth noting that the Outlander class does have a weakness in terms of vitality, as it possesses the lowest health pool amongst all the classes in Torchlight 2.

Strengths of the Outlander Class

The Outlander, distinguishable as the group's gun/bow wielder, maintains a constant level of threat regardless of their mana availability. These adept manipulators possess a wide array of crowd control abilities, effectively immobilizing, decelerating, or even stunning their adversaries.

The game revolves around status effects, and Outlanders excel at it. Opponents will find it challenging to catch up with you and land a hit, as you have the ability to slow their movement speed, immobilize them, and unleash spells that double as traps if they choose to follow your path. Count yourself lucky if you never have to face an Outlander in this game, but enjoy the thrill of inflicting pain.

Downsides Of the Outlander Class

Unfortunately, Outlanders are skilled manipulators out of necessity. They are extremely vulnerable, with weaker health and defenses than Berserkers. Their survival depends on constant movement, manipulating and anticipating enemy actions, and evading boss attacks.

As a result, playing as an Outlander is incredibly challenging, requiring constant micromanagement. Even a momentary lapse in attention can spell certain death for your character. If you thrive on the intense gameplay that would impress a Starcraft champion, then the Outlander class is for you. However, if you prefer a more relaxed playstyle and dislike the constant need for attention and potion consumption, it is advisable to explore other character options.

Best Torchlight 2 Outlander Builds & Skills

Dual Wield Pistols Outlander Build

Build Playstyle

Great single-target damage using two pistols at midrange, but relatively lacking in AoE output

Important Skills

Venomous Hail, Long Range Mastery, Akimbo, Master of the Elements

Gear Stat Priorities

Focus on Critical Hit Chance & Damage, as well as Life Steal. Gear that grants Poison damage can also be useful for this build.

Ranged Bow or Crossbow Outlander Build

Build Playstyle

Very long range damage dealer that sacrifices attack speed for raw damage output. Works equally well with both bows and crossbows.

Important Skills

Rapid Fire, Long Range Mastery, Shadowling Brute, Venomous Hail

Gear Stat Priorities

Just like the Dual Wield pistols build, pick up gear that grants Crit Chance and Damage, Life Steal, and Poison-type damage.

1. The Engineer Class

Playstyle: Varies - can be Ranged, Melee, or Summon-oriented

Group Role: Tank and Damage

Difficulty: Intermediate

The Engineer class in Torchlight 2 is widely regarded as the top class, although it does have its drawbacks. Engineers have a rich and well-established lore, known as skilled technologists who serve the Empire and have been sent to Torchlight 2 to explore new territories.

Playing as an Engineer means combining the abilities of an artificer and a templar, with a focus on technology-based skills found in the Blitz and Construction skill trees. Additionally, they possess defensive skills and the use of shields in the Aegis tree. Due to its high survivability, the Engineer class is not only considered the best overall, but also the perfect choice for beginners to try out when playing Torchlight 2 solo.

Strengths of the Engineer Class

The Engineers are widely acknowledged as the dominant class in the game due to their exceptional abilities. Renowned for their remarkable strength, these formidable warriors are capable of enduring powerful blows. True to their designation as the tank class, Engineers possess impenetrable armor, an extensive pool of health, and a formidable weapon with which they can relentlessly pummel their adversaries.

Downsides of the Engineer Class

In addition to their versatility in combat and spellcasting, they offer various approaches to engage in battles. Players can opt for a melee-focused playstyle, utilizing magic to enhance their attacks. Alternatively, they can choose a ranged approach, specializing in area-of-effect skills. Another option is to embrace the necromancer archetype, commanding robotic minions and explosive spiders, effectively transforming into a one-person army. Overall, this class is both accessible and adaptable, making it a suitable choice for aspiring adventurers.

The Engineer class has a major drawback, as it is known for being sluggish. Their movement speed, attacks, and overall actions are all slow due to the weight of their armor. If you have previously played as an Outlander or another swift class, you may experience frustration before adjusting to their slower pace.

Fortunately, the Engineer's durability compensates for their sluggishness. They can withstand a considerable amount of damage before leisurely raising their wrench for a powerful strike against enemies. While they excel against bosses, they may struggle in group situations unless you have maximized your area-of-effect abilities.

Best Torchlight 2 Engineer Builds & Skills

Summon-Focused Engineer Build

Build Playstyle

Relies on the Construction tree to have three summoned bots available at all times, while lightly empowering the player

Important Skills

Healing Bot, Gun Bot, Sledge Bot, Spider Mine, Fire and Spark

Gear Stat Priorities

Look for gear that increases the damage and armor of pets and minions, as well as Mana Recovery improvements

Defensive-Focused Engineer Build

Build Playstyle

Plays like a tank, taking little damage, but dealing less damage than many DPS-oriented builds out there – survivability over offensive potential

Important Skills

Supercharge, Seismic Slam, Onslaught, Sword and Board, Aegis of Fate

Gear Stat Priorities

Focus on acquiring gear that grants chance to reflect Missiles, improves resistances, or otherwise increases the Engineer's Health and defensives

Torchlight 2

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox OneReleased September 20, 2012Developer(s) Runic GamesGenre(s) Action RPGESRB T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Violence