Dune: Awakening Classes Tier List 2025: Top Picks for New Players

If you're like me and have been hyped for Dune: Awakening ever since it was first announced, you know that jumping into a brand-new survival MMO can be overwhelming—especially when your first big choice is picking a starting class. In a game as deep and gritty as Dune: Awakening, the right class can mean the difference between dominating Arrakis or getting steamrolled by sandworms and rival players.

This tier list and guide break down the best starting classes and their key skills, all updated for May 2025. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned MMO grinder, you'll find everything you need here to make an informed pick. And hey, if you're also looking to boost your in-game wealth, check out Dune Awakening Solari on PVPBank— a solid option for in-game currency services.

Why Your Starting Class Matters in Dune Awakening

Dune: Awakening doesn't stick you in a box like old-school MMOs. Instead, it offers a flexible class system where your starting archetype sets the tone for your early game but doesn't chain you to one path. You can branch out, learn new abilities, and blend skills from other classes as you level up.

That said, your first class will shape how you experience the early game. Some classes make the brutal deserts of Arrakis a bit more forgiving, while others are high-risk, high-reward picks that pay off if you master their quirks.

All Starting Classes in Dune Awakening

Let’s break down each starting class, their focus skills, and what kind of player they suit best:

1. Trooper

• Skill Focus: Offense and Demolition

• Starting Ability: Shigwire Cable – Fires a barb that pulls you toward a surface.

• Playstyle: Troopers are built for aggressive players who like things that go boom. Perfect for storming enemy bases or holding your ground in PvP. You’ll be tossing grenades, setting traps, and turning the battlefield into chaos.

2. Mentat

• Skill Focus: Recon and Strategy

• Starting Ability: Battlefield Calculation – Scans enemies and objects for tactical data.

• Playstyle: If you’re a thinker who likes to plan three steps ahead, Mentat is your jam. Great for scouting, analyzing threats, and making sure your team stays one step ahead of the enemy.

3. Bene Gesserit Acolyte

• Skill Focus: Physical Mastery and Manipulation

• Starting Ability: Voice: Compel – Forces an enemy to move toward you.

• Playstyle: This one’s for the players who love psychological warfare. You’ll be manipulating enemies, using mind tricks, and controlling engagements in subtle ways. It’s a finesse class that rewards smart plays over brute force.

4. Swordmaster

• Skill Focus: Close-Quarters Aggression

• Starting Ability: Deflection – Enters a defensive stance to block dart attacks.

• Playstyle: Swordmasters are your front-line warriors. Pure melee specialists who thrive in tight, fast-paced battles. If you like getting up close and personal, this is the class for you.

Dune Awakening Classes Tier List (May 2025)

Now for the real meat of it: the tier list. This ranking is based on current beta data, early access feedback, and my own hands-on experience.

S-Tier: Swordmaster

Why It’s Top-Tier: Swordmasters are absolute beasts in both PvE and PvP right now. Their mix of offensive and defensive capabilities makes them super reliable. Whether you’re soloing or in a group, this class brings consistent value, and the skill ceiling is high enough to keep things interesting even after dozens of hours.

A-Tier: Trooper

Why It’s Solid: Troopers offer a ton of firepower and crowd control, making them extremely versatile. They’re especially good in team fights and sieges, and the Shigwire Cable adds surprising mobility for such a heavy hitter.

B-Tier: Mentat

Why It’s Good (But Situational): Mentats shine in coordinated group play, offering tactical advantages that are hard to beat. Solo players might find them a bit lacking in direct combat, but in the right hands, their utility can turn the tide of battle.

C-Tier: Bene Gesserit Acolyte

Why It’s Tricky: This class is super cool from a lore perspective, but it’s definitely not beginner-friendly. The manipulative playstyle is powerful but situational, and you really need to know the game’s mechanics inside and out to make the most of it. Still, a great pick if you’re in it for the long haul and love a challenge.

Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most immersive MMOs in years. The class system is just the tip of the iceberg, and while your starting class sets the tone for your early adventures, remember that flexibility is baked into the game’s DNA. Whether you pick the brawny Swordmaster, the explosive Trooper, the brainy Mentat, or the sly Bene Gesserit, you’ll find endless ways to evolve and adapt as you journey through the deserts of Arrakis.

And don’t forget: staying competitive isn’t just about picking the right class—it’s also about making sure your rig and connection are up to par. If you're on the grind for in-game currency, Dune Awakening Solari and PVPBank are solid options to explore.

So get out there, pick your class, and start carving your legend in Dune: Awakening. See you on Arrakis!