As part of Star Wars: The Old Republic's Legacy of the Sith expansion, subscribed players gained the option to select a secondary combat style for their characters. However, it can be hard to decide which class to commit to with so many great options at hand. After all, when it comes to MMOs, almost everyone is looking to play the strongest, most visually impressive class available.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is no exception to this rule. Whether players want to set enemies ablaze, decimate opponents with lightning or tear apart the battlefield with an assault cannon, SWTOR certainly isn't lacking in awe-inspiring flash. As for raw power, many veterans will admit that every class is powerful in their own right, although a few combat styles seem to top the damage charts almost every time. Based on statistics and performance, these are SWTOR's best damage-per-second classes for 2022.
Sorcerer/Sage Classes Are Among the Strongest for Ranged DPS
Lightning Sorcerers and Telekinetic Sages excel in outputting fantastic area of effect damage and the ability to quickly swap targets, making them perfect for both clearing large groups of enemies and dealing with additional mobs in boss fights. Furthermore, their high mobility makes it easier to avoid damage while continuing to harass opponents with barrages of spells. Unlike other ranged classes, such as Sniper / Gunslinger, who are mainly required to remain stationary, Sorcerers/Sages experience hardly any drop in DPS output when dealing with boss fights.
Despite receiving nerfs back in 6.0, Lightning/Telekinetics remain among the strongest ranged DPS classes. Thanks to their fantastic rotational area-of-effect damage, they're able to output insane bursts in both PvP and PvE environments, although they perform better in the latter. In particular, the Lightning class has remained one of the most popular combat styles throughout SWTOR's history, thanks to the visual impressiveness of their abilities and likeness to the iconic Darth Sidious. Still, the tranquility of playing a Jedi Sage is a pretty attractive option as well. Overall, players looking to pick up a ranged DPS should look no further than Lightning Sorcerers/Telekinetic Sages.
SWTOR's Powertech/Vanguard Classes Have Limited Survivability
Bounty Hunters and Stormtroopers are popular archetypes within the Star Wars universe, so it's no surprise that many players opt to try out their combat styles in SWTOR. The Pyrotech Powertech and Plasmatech Vanguard offer extremely high damage outputs applied over time. Primarily seen in PvE, but not lacking damage in the PvP setting, Pyrotechs / Plasmatechs have some of the highest parsing specs in the game. With fantastic potential in all areas, they offer not only damage-over-time, but also incredible burst, sustain, and AoE damages.
Like most other melee DPS classes, Pyrotechs/Plasmatechs have limited survivability. Both classes lack the ability to cleanse themselves from debuffs like the other combat styles, meaning positional awareness is vital on top of the need for careful resource management. Still, players who take the time to master the Pyrotech/Plasmatech combat style are rewarded with one of (if not the strongest) DPS classes and some of the most fun mechanics in the game. Plasmatech is an excellent option for players looking to execute order 66, while fans of The Mandalorian are sure to enjoy the Pyrotech combat style.
Operative/Scoundrel Classes Are Tricky, But Worth It
It's hard to deny the amusement of playing as a stealthy Operative or Scoundrel, especially when players get to hear their characters laughing while causing utter chaos on the battlefield. Concealment Operatives/Scrapper Scoundrels sacrifice survivability for higher damage output as a melee DPS character. Considered the most demanding spec in the game, Concealment/Scrapper challenges players with tricky priority systems, high APM requirements and short-ranged abilities on top of their tight resource management. However, the trade-off is entirely worth it.
Players wanting to try out a Concealment Operative/Scrapper Scoundrel should look to make the most of the stealth capabilities in PvP. Both specs devastate opponents in a one-on-one situation, with access to quick rotations and massive single-target damage. Still, while their main strengths lie in one-on-one combat, Concealment/Scrappers function brilliantly in a PvE setting. Additionally, they have fantastic single-target burst damage. Concealment Operatives/Scrapper Scoundrels also provide excellent utility, with the unique ability to revive fallen teammates while in combat. Concealment/Scrappers are the perfect combat style for players looking to hit their enemies where it hurts and get out before things turn ugly.
When it comes to selecting a DPS class in SWTOR, plenty of fantastic options are available, and the fun to be had by players won't be ending any time soon. Veterans of the game will always recommend that players select whatever style they enjoy most, as the essential part of any game is having a great time. Still, for players seeking to take over the galaxy, these are the most substantial DPS choices to get the job done.