Canopus is one of the most iconic characters in the Tactics Ogre series, known for his unique background, versatile stats, and powerful potential in battle. Choosing the best class for Canopus can be a difficult decision, especially for players seeking the optimal build for both early game efficiency and late-game dominance. With his natural ability to fly and his balanced stat distribution, Canopus can thrive in multiple roles. This topic explores the best class options for Canopus, considering his strengths, weaknesses, and synergy with various weapons and skills across different phases of the game.
Understanding Canopus as a Unit
Canopus is a Vartan by default, a class unique in its ability to fly across terrain and wield both melee and ranged weapons. He joins early in the game, allowing him to grow alongside your party. His versatility is what makes him a fan favorite, but it also raises the question: should you keep him in his default class or transform him into something more specialized?
Base Attributes and Natural Advantages
Before exploring alternative classes, it’s important to understand what makes Canopus special:
- Flight: As a Vartan, Canopus can fly over terrain and obstacles without penalty, making him one of the most mobile units on the battlefield.
- Balanced Stats: His stats support both physical and magical roles, though he slightly favors physical builds.
- Early Availability: Joining in Chapter 1, Canopus can be customized and leveled into any class of your choice early on.
Top Class Options for Canopus
There are several excellent class options for Canopus depending on your team composition and combat goals. Below are the top classes ranked by overall utility and synergy with Canopus’s natural strengths.
1. Vartan The Classic Choice
The Vartan class is Canopus’s default and still one of his best options, especially in the early to mid-game.
- Flight Mobility: No other class (except those given flying through equipment or special items) matches the natural mobility of Vartan.
- Weapon Flexibility: Can equip both bows and axes, allowing for a hybrid approach to battle.
- Map Control: Canopus can reach high ground easily and strike from unexpected angles.
Keeping him as a Vartan allows you to maximize his unique mobility while dishing out consistent damage with bows or axes. This makes him a strong flanker and harasser unit in any battle.
2. Archer Long-Range Powerhouse
If you’re looking to increase Canopus’s damage output, transitioning him to an Archer can be a smart move. His agility and flying ability give him excellent positioning for ranged attacks.
- Enhanced Bow Skills: The Archer class improves accuracy, range, and damage output for bows, making Canopus deadly from afar.
- Access to Finishers: As he levels up, Canopus will unlock powerful bow finishers that can deal massive damage to enemies.
- Positioning Advantage: His flight enables him to access ideal sniping spots that ground units cannot reach.
This class is especially effective when Canopus is equipped with high-damage longbows and passive skills that increase critical hit chance or strengthen ranged attacks.
3. Ninja High-Speed Assassin
For players who want Canopus to become a fast, hard-hitting melee unit, the Ninja class is a solid alternative. It offers speed, dual wielding, and powerful finishers.
- Dual Wielding: Allows Canopus to equip two one-handed weapons, doubling his attack output.
- Mobility Synergy: Combine flight with Ninja speed to outmaneuver nearly every enemy.
- Evasion and Accuracy: High dexterity and agility give Canopus strong survivability in close combat.
This class is ideal if you want Canopus on the front lines, delivering quick and deadly strikes before flying to safety.
4. Dragoon Anti-Beast Specialist
While not a universal option, the Dragoon class makes Canopus extremely effective in battles involving dragons or beasts.
- Beast Slayer Skills: Dragoon abilities give bonuses against dragons, griffins, and other creature types.
- Heavy Weapons: Can use spears and other strong weapons to pierce through high-defense enemies.
- Situational Utility: Ideal for maps filled with monsters or bosses of beast-type.
This class isn’t for general use, but rotating Canopus into a Dragoon temporarily for specific missions can be a strategic decision.
5. Rune Fencer/Valiant Hybrid Spellblade Role
If you want to explore Canopus’s magical side, the Rune Fencer (or Valiant) class allows for a combination of magic and melee skills.
- Magic Access: Can cast low- to mid-tier elemental spells and healing magic.
- Balanced Stat Use: Works well with Canopus’s naturally balanced physical and magical stats.
- Support Role: Can assist with healing or buffs while still dealing melee damage.
This build is best suited for players who enjoy tactical flexibility and prefer Canopus to support the frontlines with both offense and utility.
Weapon Synergy Based on Class
Choosing the right weapon is just as important as choosing the right class. Canopus benefits most from the following weapon types, depending on your selected build:
- Bows: Ideal for Vartan and Archer builds; offers range and consistent damage output.
- Axes: Used in Vartan class for burst damage in melee encounters.
- Swords or Daggers: Best for Ninja class and fast dual-wielding builds.
- Spears: Effective in Dragoon class, particularly for beast-slaying roles.
- Wands or Rods: Paired with Rune Fencer or Valiant for magic-enhanced combat.
Class Comparison Summary
Below is a quick comparison chart for convenience:
| Class | Role | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vartan | Hybrid | Flight, flexibility | All-purpose play |
| Archer | Ranged DPS | Bow mastery, positioning | Long-range damage |
| Ninja | Melee DPS | Speed, dual wield | Hit-and-run tactics |
| Dragoon | Anti-Beast | Bonus vs. monsters | Monster-heavy maps |
| Rune Fencer | Magic Hybrid | Healing, elemental magic | Support roles |
Final Recommendation
For most players, keeping Canopus as a Vartan provides the best overall balance of mobility, utility, and combat power. However, if you’re looking to specialize him further, Archer and Ninja are excellent offensive options, while Dragoon and Rune Fencer offer situational or supportive advantages. The best class for Canopus ultimately depends on your team composition, playstyle, and the challenges you expect to face.
Whether you choose to maintain his flight advantage or reshape him into a specialized attacker, Canopus will continue to be one of the most valuable assets in your party. His adaptability makes him a reliable choice no matter what class path you pursue.