Choosing the right race and class in Lineage 2 is one of the most important decisions for every player. Your race determines your gameplay style, strengths, weaknesses, and the class paths available throughout your journey.
This guide explains all five races, their characteristics, combat styles, and class progression paths so you can choose the perfect character for your playstyle.
How Classes and Jobs Work in Lineage 2
All classes in Lineage 2 can technically use any weapon type. However, every class has an affinity for specific weapons, which provides bonus effects and improves certain class skills.
Class Changes and Job Progression
As your character levels up, you unlock class specializations called Jobs.
Job changes happen at the following levels:
Level 20 — First Job Change
Level 40 — Second Job Change
Level 76 — Third Job Change
These job advancements define your character’s role and specialization.
The Five Playable Races in Lineage 2
Players can choose from five races:
Humans
Elves
Dark Elves
Orcs
Dwarves
Most races can choose between:
Fighter classes
Mystic classes
The exception is the Dwarf race, which only has fighter-type classes.
Human Race Guide
Humans are considered the most balanced race in Lineage 2. They offer solid overall stats and flexible class options for both beginners and experienced players.
Human Fighter
Human Fighters specialize in melee combat and commonly use swords, though they can later branch into ranged combat.
Human Fighter Class Paths
Warrior Path
Warlord — Spear specialists
Gladiator/Duelist — Sword specialists
Knight Path
Paladin — Defensive tank class
Dark Avenger — Tank with dark abilities
Rogue Path
Treasure Hunter — Dagger specialist
Hawkeye — Bow specialist
Human Mystic
Human Mystics use spells, staffs, maces, and magical swords. They excel at offensive magic, summoning, and support roles.
Human Mystic Class Paths
Wizard Path
Sorcerer — Fire mage
Necromancer — Dark summoner using undead magic
Warlock — Summoner class
Cleric Path
Bishop — Healing specialist
Prophet — Powerful support buffer
Elf Race Guide
Elves are known for:
High attack speed
Fast movement
Fast spell casting
High accuracy
Strong evasion
Their main weakness is lower physical damage compared to other races.
Elf Fighter
Elf Fighters use both light and heavy armor and excel at agile melee and ranged combat.
Elf Fighter Class Paths
Elven Scout Path
Plains Walker — Dagger specialist
Silver Ranger — Archer class
Elven Knight Path
Temple Knight — Defensive tank
Sword Singer — Support class using Songs
Elf Mystic
Elf Mystics specialize in magic damage, elemental magic, buffs, and healing.
Elf Mystic Class Paths
Elven Wizard Path
Spellsinger — Water mage
Elemental Summoner — Elemental summoning class
Elven Oracle Path
Elven Elder — Healing and support specialist
Dark Elf Race Guide
Dark Elves are known for high Strength and Intelligence, making them one of the most offensive races in the game.
Dark Elf Fighter
Dark Elf Fighters specialize in powerful melee combat and can also become strong ranged attackers.
Dark Elf Fighter Class Paths
Assassin Path
Abyss Walker — Dagger specialist
Phantom Ranger — Archer class
Palus Knight Path
Shillien Knight — Defensive tank
Blade Dancer — Support class using Dances
Dark Elf Mystic
Dark Elf Mystics are powerful offensive spellcasters with strong magical damage and support capabilities.
Dark Elf Mystic Class Paths
Dark Wizard Path
Spellhowler — Wind mage
Phantom Summoner — Dark summoning class
Shillien Oracle Path
Shillien Elder — Healer and support class
Orc Race Guide
Orcs are powerful, durable warriors with high HP and mana regeneration. Their downside is slower movement, attack speed, and casting speed.
Orc Fighter
Orc Fighters specialize in hand-to-hand combat and commonly use two-handed weapons or claws.
Orc Fighter Class Paths
Orc Raider Path
Destroyer — Powerful two-handed warrior specialized in raid boss combat
Orc Monk Path
Tyrant — Fast claw-based melee fighter using Totems
Orc Mystic
Orc Mystics focus on buffs, curses, diseases, and support magic.
Orc Mystic Class Paths
Orc Shaman Path
Warcryer — Physical support buffer
Overlord — Clan and alliance support specialist with powerful mass buffs
Dwarf Race Guide
Dwarves are unique because they are the only race capable of crafting items. They also have larger inventory capacity and excellent gathering abilities.
Dwarf Fighter
Dwarves are heavy armor fighters specializing in crafting, material gathering, and siege support.
Dwarf Class Paths
Artisan Path
Warsmith — Crafting specialist capable of creating weapons and armor
Scavenger Path
Bounty Hunter — Material and item farming specialist
Dwarves mainly use large axes and can also specialize in spear combat.
Which Race Should You Choose?
Each race in Lineage 2 offers a completely different gameplay experience:
Race
Best For
Humans
Balanced gameplay and flexibility
Elves
Speed, evasion, and support
Dark Elves
High damage and aggressive play
Orcs
Tanky melee fighters and strong support
Dwarves
Crafting and farming
Choosing the best race depends entirely on your preferred playstyle.
Final Thoughts
Lineage 2 offers one of the deepest class systems in MMORPG history. Every race has unique strengths, class paths, and gameplay mechanics that create very different experiences.
Whether you enjoy tanking, ranged combat, magic damage, support roles, crafting, or farming, there is a race and class combination perfectly suited for you.
