Overview
The third of the successor classes. To unlock Etoile, you have to be at least level 75 on two other classes. You are unable to pick a subclass along with this class.
Taking the title of “most floaty class” from Bouncer and Phantom, Etoile allows you to continuously attack while blocking or sidestepping any incoming enemy attacks. Etoile also boasts extremely high defensive capabilities through Damage Balancer and Etoile Boost, which reduce incoming damage by a large percentage. The cost is that any healing besides items and Etoile skills is reduced to 1.
Unlike Hero and Phantom, Etoile does not have a “time” ability. Instead, each weapon has its own gear gauge that can be expended for damaging moves on a more regular basis. This allows for more freedom in when you want to use your burst move compared to the finishes from Hero and Phantom.
Double Saber (S-atk)
Double saber has extremely long Photon Arts (PAs) that can be reduced by choice with the Double Saber Skip Arts skill. Because of this, you can basically have 8 PAs on any given weapon palette, giving you a versatile array of moves. The weapon action performs a backflip called a “Deflect” that can be followed up by additional attacks if the weapon action is used again. If you successfully perform a “Deflect” against an enemy attack, the additional attack will do increased damage. Double Saber’s gear gauge can be consumed by taking reduced damage if you are hit. Alternatively, you can expend the gauge by holding down the regular attack for an enhanced version.
Pros: Decent bossing, decent mobbing
Cons: A little too well-rounded
Dual Blades (S-atk)
Dual blade PAs range from the narrow light wave to the sweeping Distortion Pierce. Dual blades have a unique Edge system, where part of your PA becomes kind of detached from you as if it is a separate attack. Dual blades’ weapon action can put up a temporary shield while you are attacking, allowing you to attack continuously without getting hit. If you use your weapon action after a dodge, your gear gauge can be consumed to perform a “Connect” that does sweeping slash and can be followed up by a “Full Connect” that swings a huge sword of light vertically for massive damage. Because blocking lets you build gear faster, dual blades excels in environments where attacks can be continuously guarded.
Pros: High bossing potential
Cons: Mediocre mobbing, relatively stiff compared to other weapons
Wand (S or T-atk?)
Someone double-check me on this, but I think the Wand Special Ability Plus skill means that the damage will go off of your S or T-atk based on which one is higher affixed on your weapon. Due to Wand Special Ability Plus, the affix contribution will only refer to the highest of your S or T attack affixes on your weapon. On everything else, Wand scales off S-attack.
Wand allows you to keep moving around in the middle of attacks. There are many wide range, sweeping PAs that give Wand extremely high mobbing potential. Alternatively, using the weapon action right at the start of a PA can turn it into a “Focused” version for a smaller range but more damage. Holding the weapon action normally puts up a shield that consumes the gear gauge. Consuming enough of the gauge then dropping the shield releases an damaging sphere of light around you. The more gear gauge consumed by the shield, up to two stages, the stronger the light becomes.
Pros: Great mobbing and versatility, easy guarding
Cons: Super awkward to use effectively, high PP consumption
PSO2: Classic Guides 