Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 Classes Guide
Six distinct roles. Pick your marine, build your squad.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 launches with six distinct classes. Five are available from the start — Marauder, Duelist, Machinist, Hunter, and Medic. The Specialist is unlocked by levelling all five base classes to maximum rank. Each class plays differently, carries different tools, and contributes differently to a squad’s success.
This hub links to detailed pages for every class. For progression strategy and Specialist unlock guidance, see the How to Unlock Specialist guide.
Class overview
| Class | Role | Signature Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Marauder | Heavy / Tank | Shoulder-mounted heavy weapons, explosive area control |
| Duelist | Flexible DPS | Two primary weapon slots, mobile rifle combat |
| Machinist | Tech / Control | Turrets, drones, plasma area denial |
| Hunter | Precision / Control | Railgun, slow and weak-point damage |
| Medic | Support / Sustain | Combat stims, healing stations, revive speed |
| Specialist | Custom Endgame | Mix fragments from all five base classes |
Picking your first class
Start with Machinist. Turrets and drones hold a lane while you learn room layouts, they cover the flank you have not spotted yet, and they carry solo runs with companion bots better than any other kit. That is why it tops our Best Beginner Class pick and our How to Play Solo advice.
Duelist is the strongest second choice: it rewards accurate rifle play but hands you two primary slots so you can adapt mid-mission. Marauder looks beginner-friendly because heavy weapons need little aim, but rocket and flamethrower friendly fire punishes new players hard from Intense upward — see Difficulty Levels & Insane.
Medic is the hardest class to play effectively in random squads because it requires teammates to respond to healing cues, but it becomes exceptionally powerful in coordinated groups. Hunter is the most aim-dependent kit: it rewards precise weak-point shots and enemy knowledge, so it reads better once you know the enemy dossier.
Class tier context
Class tiers in Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 are situational rather than absolute. A class that dominates in Horde may underperform in campaign missions. The tier list on this wiki rates each class across three contexts: Campaign, Horde, and Solo.
Related pages
- Tier List — Classes for ranked ratings across game modes.
- How to Unlock Specialist for the Specialist progression guide.
- Tier List — Horde Builds for recommended class combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2.
Can I unlock all classes on one save file?
Yes. All five base classes are available on every save file. The Specialist requires you to level all five base classes, but you can switch between any base class at will on any save.
Are some classes better in solo play?
Machinist is the strongest solo pick: turrets and drones cover angles your companion bots ignore. Medic and Duelist follow, since neither depends on squad coordination.
Do I need to level each class separately?
Yes. Each class has its own independent XP track. Level progress does not carry between classes — a Level 10 Duelist does not give you a Level 10 Medic.
Is the Specialist better than all base classes?
Specialist offers hybrid builds no base class can match, but pure specialised builds at maximum level will outperform a generalist Specialist in their dominant role.