If gamers are looking for a way to lop the limbs of rival knights like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, they need not look any further than Chivalry 2. The sequel to the long-awaited follow-up to 2012's Chivalry pits 64 players against each other like Battlefield games of old (and new). However, instead of guns and tanks, they've got swords and shields.

Related: Chivalry 2 Preview: Screaming for Honor, Vengeance, and Fun

This pure multiplayer experience of Chivalry 2 features three different ways to play and four different classes to choose from. Each of those classes divides into three types that tailor to the player's preferred fighting style. This guide will focus on every class in Chivalry 2 and how to use them in combat.

Chivalry 2: Every Playable Class

Chivalry 2 Every Playable Class

Players will have four classes to choose from in Chivalry 2 and will unlock more customizable weapons and items for that class as they level up. The available classes are Archer, Vanguard, Footman, and Knight. Each class comes with its own advantages and disadvantages to keep balance on the battlefield.

Choosing to fight for Agatha or Mason does not affect a player's level and class build. Players will be randomly assigned to a team on each new map. Players can edit their cosmetics from the main menu and their weapons in-game.

Chivalry 2: The Knight

Chivalry 2 The Knight Class and Subclasses

During the tutorial, players will learn all the combat basics using the Knight's primary weapon, a longsword. The Knight will be the easiest class to master, as the base longsword is simple to wield. Combat-wise, fighting as a Knight in Chivalry 2 is reminiscent of being charged by guards in The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. The base stats for Knights are:

  • Health: 175
  • Speed: 80
  • Stamina: 80

The Knight has the largest health pool of any class but is also the slowest. Their heavy armor weighs them down, and they'll have a tough time retreating from overwhelming forces. The better option is to swing the Knight's longsword wildly when multiple enemies are heading toward them.

The Knight's special ability, the Trumpet, will heal allies in their line of sight. This is best used when the Knight's allies are pushing an objective or deadlocked in battle since it will give them the healing edge. The Trumpet also heals the Knight who blows it, but players shouldn't waste it on themselves. The Knight should make sure there are plenty of allies in range before blowing the horn.

The Knight's subclasses will give them a broader range of weapons and defensive capabilities:

  • The Guardian: Comes with a Shield used to defend themselves from incoming attacks. Shields also guard against arrows and make it much harder for Archers to hit their mark, so players in this class tend to ignore enemies with Shields. The Guardian's special ability, Banner, plants a flag into the ground that will continue to heal nearby players.
  • The Crusader: The tank build of the Knight class. Every weapon, except the Two-Handed Hammer, does max damage while maintaining average speed and reach. It's the Crusader's throwing axes that make them deadly from range as well. Their special, the Oil Pot, should be familiar to anyone that played the tutorial.

Chivalry 2: The Archer

Chivalry 2 Archer Class and Subclasses

The Archer is fairly self-explanatory. They're meant for long-range engagements but can still defend themselves with a short-range weapon. Archery isn't the easiest skill to master in Chivalry 2, as it's tough to place well-aimed shots without hitting teammates. The base stats for Archers are:

  • Health: 90
  • Speed: 100
  • Stamina: 50

The Archer is a pane of glass when it comes to close-quarters combat. Players should do their best to keep their distance and flank around to the left or right. Archers are pretty useful in chokepoints and are especially good at defending castle walls from the attacking team. Archers on the attacking team will be at a disadvantage as their team keeps punching the front line. Their special, the Brazier, will plant a source of fire on the ground and allow the Archer to shoot flaming arrows when standing near it.

The Archer subclasses give them more lethal potential and ways to protect themselves:

  • The Crossbowman: Shoot a deadly crossbow that's highly effective against Knights and Footmen. However, Crossbowmen will have to stand still to reload the crossbow. They, too, can plant a banner to heal nearby allies.
  • The Skirmisher: Equipped with Javelins and Throwing Axes. Both can be used for melee purposes but still thrown for ranged damage. While the Skirmisher isn't as effective at range, they can better protect themselves.

Chivalry 2: The Vanguard

chivalry 2 The Vanguard Class and Subclasses

The Vanguard is a glass cannon, meaning they will deal huge amounts of damage with their devastating one-hit capable weapons. However, their health pool is very low. The Vanguard can wield the most powerful weapons in the game, similar to the Crusader subclass for the Knight. The base stats for Vanguards are:

  • Health: 130
  • Speed: 120
  • Stamina: 100

While they're quick on their feet, even wielding heavy two-handed weapons, Vanguards are easy targets because of their low health pool. The base Devastator class comes with an Oil Pot for their signature move.

The Vanguard subclasses allow them to be more powerful and devastating in combat:

  • The Raider: The only class in the game that can equip two Primary weapons. If players block too many hits, their weapons can break. This often leaves them with a petty ax or dagger. The Raider, however, can pull out another greatsword and get right back in the fight. Their special, The Trumpet, works the same way the Knight's.
  • The Ambusher: Focuses on flanking enemies, as they get a 35% damage buff when attacking from behind. They can't wield the most powerful weapons like the other Vanguard subclasses, but they do have their share of fast melee weapons. Players who prefer to run and gun may enjoy this subclass.

Chivalry 2: The Footman

Chivalry 2 The Footman Class and Subclasses

The Footman class in Chivalry 2 is all about keeping distance between themselves and the enemy. Players will have a handful of long-range melee weapons to choose from, The Halberd is the first weapon available to them. The Footman typically acts as the team medic, as they are able to deploy bandages with their special ability to help teammates heal. This works similarly to the healing medic mechanic in Battlefield V. Players choosing the Footman class will need to be careful not to hit teammates with the bandage box, as it will as team damage. The base stats for Footmen are

  • Health: 150
  • Speed: 100
  • Stamina: 80

While Footmen have plenty of survivability, they can't keep up the offensive as long as Knights and Vanguards. Players should keep their distance and utilize the Footman's range abilities to stay out of their opponent's reach.

The Footman subclasses allow them to be more powerful fighters or stronger saboteurs:

  • The Man At Arms: Turns the Footman into a close-range melee class. They'll have access to a sword, the Morning Star, Falchion, and One-Handed Spear.
  • The Field Engineer: Gives the Footman more medieval ordinances to use. They can deploy barricades, Spike Traps, and Bear Traps to control the battlefield and ensnare their enemies.

Next: First-Person Melee Games To Play While Waiting For Chivalry 2

Chivalry 2 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.