Best melee classes with area damage

Explore the most effective melee classes for area damage across various RPGs and MMORPGs. This guide delves into character options that excel in Area of Effect (AoE) and cleave attacks, perfect for clearing groups of enemies swiftly. We analyse the abilities and strategies that make these classes ideal for crowd control and sustained damage in multi-target encounters. Discover your next favourite class to dominate the battlefield with powerful area attacks.

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  1. 1

    Dragonknight (The Elder Scrolls Online)

    309 Global Votes
    • High damage output (175K+ DPS)

      (+4)

    This class excels in melee combat and area damage, outperforming other classes in this regard. It plunges into combat with two-handed weapons to deal massive damage, making it a robust option for an aggressive and direct playstyle.

  2. 2

    Bulwark (Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine)

    224 Global Votes
    • Can do area damage with each perfect parry

      (+4)

    While often seen as defensive, the Bulwark is capable of aggressive builds focused on crowd control and area damage to everything that approaches. It's perfect for players who enjoy being in the thick of combat, absorbing damage while unleashing area abilities.

  3. 3

    Gladiator (Throne and Liberty)

    6 Global Votes
    • High AOE DPS

      (+4)

    This class is highly recommended for its exceptional area burst damage and high survivability, making it ideal for open-world farming and efficient clearing of enemy groups. Current builds focus on maximizing its offensive and crowd control potential.

  4. 4

    Gladiator (Aion 2)

    0 Global Votes
    • Deals amazing AoE damage

      (+4)

    Aion 2's Gladiator is a melee DPS class with impressive area damage, standing out for its ability to control combat through stuns and knockdowns. The most recent builds prioritize critical strike and stun pressure to maximize its effectiveness.

  5. 5

    Gladiator (Path of Exile - Duelist Ascendancy)

    0 Global Votes
    • Easily block 90% of incoming damage

      (+4)

    This ascendancy is an excellent choice for builds aiming for efficient and explosive map clearing, as it allows bleeding enemies to explode upon death, dealing physical area damage. It can also increase its area of effect with the 'Master of Arms' passive.

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  7. 6

    Gladiator (Florensia)

    0 Global Votes
    • Can play as tank/support tank

      (+4)

    Florensia's Gladiator is a robust class that can perform tank and DPS roles, with AoE builds focusing on its massive damage with two-handed swords. It's a solid option for those seeking high area damage and resilience.

  8. 7

    Warrior Arms (World of Warcraft: The War Within)

    0 Global Votes
    • Excels at 2 target damage

      (+4)

    Considered the best melee 'cleaver', Arms Warrior offers a versatile toolkit for single-target damage, cleave, and full AoE. Its ability to adapt to various combat situations makes it a prime choice for both PvE and PvP content.

  9. 8

    Outlaw Rogue (World of Warcraft: The War Within)

    0 Global Votes
    • Deals strong AoE damage against up to 5 targets

      (+4)

    Outlaw Rogue is known for having arguably the best sustained area damage in the game and being the easiest to execute, thanks to the 'Blade Flurry' ability. It's ideal for players looking for a melee DPS with a simple but effective area damage rotation.

  10. 9

    Windwalker Monk (World of Warcraft: The War Within)

    0 Global Votes
    • Massive damage increase for physical damage dealers (Mystic Touch)

      (+4)

    This class offers fantastic area damage with almost no damage loss when switching targets, combined with unparalleled mobility. Its unique design rewards using different abilities in sequence, making it a fluid and powerful option for area damage.

  11. 10

    Unholy Death Knight (World of Warcraft: The War Within)

    0 Global Votes
    • Rivaled AoE DPS

      (+4)

    Considered the 'Best Dungeon DPS', Unholy Death Knight offers a fast-paced playstyle where area damage benefits from minion summoning and spreading diseases. It's a fun and effective option for those who enjoy minion management and persistent area damage.

  12. 11

    Sacrier (Wakfu)

    0 Global Votes
    • Can do huge area damage

      (+4)

    The Sacrier is a formidable tank that is also capable of dealing massive area damage, making it an updated and effective option for those looking for a melee class that can both withstand and make a big impact on groups of enemies.

  13. 12

    Guardian Vigilance / Juggernaut Vengeance (Star Wars: The Old Republic)

    0 Global Votes
    • Incredible potential for AoE damage

      (+4)

    Considered one of the kings of area damage in Star Wars: The Old Republic, especially with specific tactics like 'Cut to Pieces'. It's an excellent option for players looking for a melee force class with a great capacity to clear enemy groups quickly.

  14. 13

    Hatchet (New World)

    0 Global Votes
    • Universal and power secondary utility option in PvP

      (+4)

    The Hatchet is a brutal melee weapon, ideal for hybrid classes, with many of its abilities having an area damage or cleave component. It's perfect for players who prefer a fast and aggressive weapon with good options for multi-target damage.

  15. 14

    War Hammer (New World)

    0 Global Votes
    • Provides powerful AOE damage

      (+4)

    In addition to dealing considerable damage, the War Hammer offers tanking abilities to control enemies, often including area-of-effect abilities to stun or knock down groups. It's an excellent option for those looking for a melee class that combines damage, area crowd control, and durability.

  16. 15

    Oni (Sailor Piece - Melee Specialization)

    0 Global Votes
    • Focuses on melee dominance

      (+3)

    The Oni specialization in Sailor Piece focuses on melee mastery, with significant bonuses to maximum health, damage, and a melee damage multiplier. Melee specializations in this game reward burst and AoE damage output, making it ideal for maximizing offensive potential.