TL;DR
- This guide ranks all Crystal of Atlan classes based on PvE and PvP performance in the Sandstorm Journey meta.
- The tier list highlights top-performing subclasses like Berserker, Mystrix, and Scytheguard.
- Includes class system breakdowns and recommendations for both beginners and experienced players.
Disclaimer: This summary was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Crystal of Atlan has become one of the most anticipated MMO action RPGs thanks to its fast-paced combat, futuristic fantasy world, and flexible class system. With the arrival of the major Sandstorm Journey update, many players are now searching for the Crystal of Atlan tier list to determine the best classes for both PvE and PvP content.
Through this article, youβll get a complete guide to the Crystal of Atlan tier list based on subclass performance, an overview of the class system, and class recommendations for beginners.
SEE ALSO: Genshin Columbina Best Team Comps: Optimal Lunar Reaction Teams
Overview of Crystal of Atlan and Sandstorm Journey

Crystal of Atlan is an MMO action RPG that emphasizes real-time combat, aerial combos, and skill chaining. The game blends futuristic technology with magic and ancient ruins, creating a dynamic world full of exploration and intense battles.
Sandstorm Journey is a major update that introduces a desert-themed setting, new regions, challenging PvE content, and class balance adjustments. This update plays a significant role in shaping the current meta, especially when it comes to choosing the most effective subclasses.
Class System in Crystal of Atlan

At the start of the game, players can choose one of the following five base classes:
- Swordsman β A close-range fighter with an aggressive playstyle
- Fighter β A flexible melee class with multiple combat stances
- Musketeer β A long-range DPS class using firearms
- Puppeteer β A control-focused class that fights using puppets
- Magister β A magic-based class wielding various elements
Upon reaching level 15, each base class unlocks advanced subclasses:
- Swordsman β Magiblade, Berserker
- Musketeer β Bounty Hunter, Gunner, Mystrix
- Magister β Elementalist, Warlock, Magician
- Puppeteer β Blademaiden, Scytheguard
- Fighter β Cloudstrider, Starbreaker
From level 15 to level 45, players can freely switch between subclasses within the same base class without any penalty. However, after reaching level 45, the chosen subclass becomes locked unless a special item is used. This makes understanding the tier list early on extremely important.
Crystal of Atlan PvE Tier List (Sandstorm Journey Update)
This PvE tier list is based on damage output, survivability, utility, and ease of use in dungeons, raids, and endgame content.
TIER 0 β Top Performance

Mystrix
Mystrix is a long-range DPS with exceptional aerial combat capabilities. Its burst damage is extremely high and relatively safe thanks to airborne attacks. This class is best suited for experienced players willing to master complex mechanics.
Berserker
Berserker is known as one of the most forgiving classes in the game. With strong lifesteal and a temporary death-immunity passive, it excels in PvEβespecially in challenging Sandstorm Journey content.
Scytheguard
Scytheguard is a highly valuable hybrid support-DPS class. With healing and buffing abilities, it shines in dungeons and raids, particularly during early progression.
TIER 1 β Strong but Execution-Dependent

Magiblade
Magiblade has an extremely high damage ceiling but relies heavily on precise combo execution and skill timing. In skilled hands, it can rival Tier 0 performance.
Blademaiden
Using a puppet and fusion mode, Blademaiden excels in extended fights. It offers solid survivability but requires good understanding of its mechanics to perform optimally.
Gunner
Gunner is very beginner-friendly, featuring stable ranged attacks and strong shield-breaking capabilities. Its damage is consistent, though not overly explosive.
Warlock
Warlock focuses on curse stacking and sustain. While not the highest DPS, it performs well in long PvE encounters introduced in Sandstorm Journey.
SEE ALSO: Columbina Materials: Ascension, Talent & Weapon Guide
TIER 2 β Situational Choices

Elementalist
Elementalist is easy to play but vulnerable due to its relatively close-range casting style. Its damage output also falls short in endgame content.
Magician
Magician offers excellent survivability thanks to its body double mechanic, but its overall damage contribution in group content is relatively low.
Bounty Hunter
Although it has high damage potential, Bounty Hunter often struggles with positioning and hitbox issues, leading to inconsistent performance.
TIER 3 β Least Effective in the Current Meta

Cloudstrider
Cloudstrider features unique mechanics and a flexible combat style, but its damage and durability are underwhelming in Sandstorm Journey PvE content.
Starbreaker
Slow animations and low damage output make Starbreaker a weak choice for high-difficulty PvE encounters.
Crystal of Atlan PvP Tier List Overview
PvP meta emphasizes mobility and burst damage, resulting in a different ranking compared to PvE.
- Tier 0 PvP: Berserker, Bounty Hunter, Magician
- Tier 1 PvP: Starbreaker, Scytheguard, Cloudstrider, Magiblade
- Tier 2β3 PvP: Gunner, Warlock, Blademaiden, Elementalist
For PvP-focused players in the Sandstorm Journey era, classes with high mobility and fast burst damage are generally the strongest.
Best Classes for Beginners
For new Crystal of Atlan players, these base classes are the most beginner-friendly:
- Fighter β The most flexible and easiest to learn
- Magister & Puppeteer β Safe choices with clear mechanics
- Swordsman β Powerful but requires adaptation to melee combat
- Musketeer β The most challenging option for beginners
How Sandstorm Journey Affects the Meta
The Sandstorm Journey update introduces enemies with new attack patterns, expansive desert environments, and encounters that demand both sustain and mobility. As a result, classes with lifesteal, shields, healing, or aerial combat have become increasingly valuable.
Berserker, Mystrix, and Scytheguard stand out as top picks due to their ability to survive and perform effectively under the harsh conditions introduced by Sandstorm Journey.
SEE ALSO: Genshin Ineffa Builds: Weapons, Artifacts, and Best Teams
Understanding the Crystal of Atlan tier list is crucial before locking in your subclass at level 45. With the arrival of Sandstorm Journey, the meta now favors classes that balance damage, survivability, and utility.
Whether you focus on PvE, PvP, or casual play, choosing a class that fits your personal playstyle is key. While this tier list serves as a helpful guide, comfort and mechanical mastery remain the most important factors for fully enjoying the world of Crystal of Atlan.
TL;DR
- This guide ranks all Crystal of Atlan classes based on PvE and PvP performance in the Sandstorm Journey meta.
- The tier list highlights top-performing subclasses like Berserker, Mystrix, and Scytheguard.
- Includes class system breakdowns and recommendations for both beginners and experienced players.


