Titanfall 2 is Respawn Entertainment's 2016 shooter, published by Electronic Arts and added to Steam on 18 June 2020 after years as an Origin exclusive. It runs on two layers at once: a Pilot who wall runs, slides and double jumps through the level, and a Titan, a forty foot mech that drops from orbit when your meter fills. The nine mission campaign puts rifleman Jack Cooper with a Vanguard class Titan called BT-7274 and runs roughly six to seven hours, including Effect and Cause, a mission that hands you a device for switching between two time periods mid firefight. Multiplayer is six versus six across modes such as Attrition, Bounty Hunt and Amped Hardpoint.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Weapons | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion | A | Balanced | R-201 Carbine | Yes |
| Scorch | A | Balanced | Volt SMG | Yes |
| Northstar | A | Balanced | CAR SMG | Yes |
| Ronin | A | Balanced | Kraber AP Sniper | Yes |
| Tone | A | Balanced | EVA-8 Auto | Yes |
New player? Start with Scorch. See our beginner's guide for why.
Ion
Ion is a strong option in Titanfall 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | R-201 Carbine |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Wall running and slide hopping |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with R-201 Carbine
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Pilot's Gauntlet to learn Ion-specific mechanics
- Focus on Wall running and slide hopping. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize R-201 Carbine as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ion build guide for the optimal gear progression
Scorch
Scorch is a strong option in Titanfall 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Volt SMG |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Titan meter and the orbital drop |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Volt SMG
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Pilot's Gauntlet to learn Scorch-specific mechanics
- Focus on Titan meter and the orbital drop. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Volt SMG as your first major upgrade
- See our full Scorch build guide for the optimal gear progression
Northstar
Northstar is a strong option in Titanfall 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | CAR SMG |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Titan cores and dash meters |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with CAR SMG
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Pilot's Gauntlet to learn Northstar-specific mechanics
- Focus on Titan cores and dash meters. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize CAR SMG as your first major upgrade
- See our full Northstar build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ronin
Ronin is a strong option in Titanfall 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Kraber AP Sniper |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Rodeo and battery swapping |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Kraber AP Sniper
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Pilot's Gauntlet to learn Ronin-specific mechanics
- Focus on Rodeo and battery swapping. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Kraber AP Sniper as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ronin build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tone
Tone is a strong option in Titanfall 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | EVA-8 Auto |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Pilot tacticals and kits |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with EVA-8 Auto
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in The Pilot's Gauntlet to learn Tone-specific mechanics
- Focus on Pilot tacticals and kits. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize EVA-8 Auto as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tone build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Scorch is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Ion is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with R-201 Carbine for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Tone offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Ronin shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Titanfall 2 Guides
- Titanfall 2 Titanfall 2 Overview
- Titanfall 2 Best Builds
- Titanfall 2 Tier List
- Titanfall 2 Walkthrough
- Titanfall 2 Beginner's Guide
- Titanfall 2 Tips & Tricks
- Titanfall 2 Weapons Guide
- Titanfall 2 Combat Guide
- Titanfall 2 Boss Guide
- Titanfall 2 Maps & Locations
- Titanfall 2 Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- Apex Legends Classes Guide: fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Classes Guide: fps game with similar mechanics
