MMO Friday Fight Round 20: Pew-Pew Vs Backstabbers

The Friday Fights are back again with another epic class battle, pitting two classic archetypes against each other. In one corner, we have the pew-pewers of the MMO universe: archers, rangers, and other bow-using classes. In the other corner, we have the sneaky backstabbers: thieves, assassins, and rogues that use stealth and deadly burst damage to take down their enemies. Both archetypes can be a great addition to any party. But, just like every Friday Fight, in the battle between pew-pewers and backstabbers, there can be only one winner.

Pew-Pew

Bow-wielding classes offer one major advantage: range. Being able to deal damage from a distance means archers can kite enemies, whittling down foes before they even get close. This makes them particularly powerful in both solo and group content, as they can safely take down enemies without putting themselves in harm’s way.

Many ranged classes also have access to a variety of attack types, from steady single-target damage to devastating AoE barrages. Hunters and rangers often bring pets into the fight, adding an extra layer of utility and damage. Whether it's a loyal wolf or a ferocious hawk, having a companion means extra DPS, tanking potential, or even crowd control.

In PvP, bow users can keep melee opponents at bay with movement abilities, traps, or slowing shots. In PvE, their ability to attack from afar makes them valuable for raids and boss fights, where positioning is key. Add in elemental arrows, poison shots, and multi-shot capabilities, and you have a class that offers a steady, reliable damage output with plenty of adaptability.

Backstabbers

While bow users are great at wearing down opponents over time, rogues thrive on pure burst damage. These classes specialize in getting up close, striking hard, and then slipping away before their target can react. Their high damage-per-hit makes them ideal for assassinating key targets in both PvP and PvE scenarios.

Stealth is another major advantage. Rogues can bypass enemies, scout ahead, or initiate fights on their terms. Many MMOs give these classes sneak attack bonuses or critical hit multipliers for striking from behind or while hidden. When combined with poisons, traps, or bleed effects, rogues can bring a level of damage-over-time pressure that rivals even the most aggressive ranged classes.

Mobility is key for rogues. With access to dodges, teleports, or disengages, they can weave in and out of combat, making them incredibly difficult to pin down. Their high evasion stats and counterattacks allow them to survive encounters that would cripple a more stationary DPS class.

My Take

Both classes have their strengths, but I generally go with the backstabbers. While archers and rangers provide a reliable source of damage and control, nothing beats the sheer adrenaline rush of sneaking up on an enemy, delivering a massive burst of damage, and vanishing into the shadows. Their versatility in PvP, ability to avoid unwanted fights, and high-risk, high-reward playstyle make rogues the ultimate thrill-seekers of the MMO world.