What's will be a good main pawn combo?

[Nightchill]

I'm really interested in the Mystic Spearhand if for nothing else but style. But what pairs best with it? I'd normally think mage but since the main is a hybrid with magic is that optimal? Would an archer or thief work better?

What are some other good combos?

[Mechanique]

Main pawn being a mage is always a good choice IF you don't play mage or sorcerer yourself

Archer/magic archer pawn is sub-optimal regardless of your character's vocation

On the other hand, fighter/warrior are always OK, every character will benefit from more weight, HP meathsield and aggro split

Thief is also OK, but noticeably weaker compared to DD1 where 3 strider pawns made the game switch to the easy mode. Now fighter is straight up better, or warrior if you want more damage.

[Cheerows]

I thought about it and have no idea as another mystic spearhand. That being said, it'll take a while to find the vocation in the open world and I have no idea how sorcerers will work so I think I'll go with an archer pawn in the beginning for ranged damage while I level assassin in case the vocation abilities will come handy for mystic spearhand

[Blacie]

Well I think your options are really just super broad. You could select any of the classes to accompany you and you'd be fine.

But considering that mystic spear hand is going to be largely (I assume) physical and elemental damage based and close combat (DPS role), I would select a main pawn class that will be able to either hold the monster's aggro or cast blindness, silentium, torpor, and also heal & buff you; easing your fight with the monster.

In that regard I think a debuffing mage would suit you perfectly. Assuming they share similar spells to the last game. In the last game, finding a mage pawn of your level that fits your party perfectly was difficult, so it's not a bad choice. You can always change them to sorcerer later, should you decide later you prefer a AOE elemental DPS.
In regards to picking a caster class, they usually require that someone draw the aggro in order to get their spells cast. So bear that in mind, if you go this route.
But also if you go this route you can give your pawn the inclination utilitarian which will increase their likelihood to combine their magic with other sorcerers. Which is OP.

On another hand, warrior would be a good fit as well. They can draw aggro, and deal more damage than a fighter pawn. They can knock enemies down efficiently & are just very heavy combatants. Fun to pick I think.

Fighters are arguably better than warriors at drawing aggro, but don't have as high of damage. In addition, their swords are shorter- reaching less enemies in an immediate area. But they can tank hits far better. This is a great pick as well.

The thief is a high damage single target damage dealer. In DD2 they only have access to the daggers (so I assume they are stronger). As a mystic spearhand, you'll have abilities that let you go atop of enemies, so expect a lot of climbing damage chaos with a thief pawn.

Probably don't nerd it too much and just pick what you like. lol

[Tenoshii]

Originally posted by Talvi:

I'd normally think mage but since the main is a hybrid with magic is that optimal? Would an archer or thief work better?

I'd wager it's gonna boil down to which one yields the best consistent AI for the role you want. Because no matter how much theorycrafting you do based on their augments and abilities, poor execution as a result of AI can spoil the practical result.

Personally I'd like to think Thief might be better than you'd think because they should be nimble enough to have mobility based survivability and be relatively low maintenance along with the ability to deal with airborne enemies.

On the other hand It's just probably easier for Mage AI given you mainly want them weapon buffing and healing, a role they just need to stay out of harm to do well.

[GKNoMu]

Duo Mages... ALL MAGES... BLOW UP THE WORLD WITH MAGHICCCCCC

[Barrel-roll]

is archer for pawn good ?