Guild Wars 2 allows for a lot of flexibility and variety when it comes to playing any given class. Changing a build is easy and straightforward, with gear being the only thing that could slow down the process. Many professions are accommodating of trying out different playstyles, from DPS to healers and tanks on the very same character.
Related: The Best Free RPGs On Steam
Things do get a little more complicated when it comes to end-game content like Raids and Fractals, where players tend to optimize their builds and team compositions. In group content like that, playing as a designated healer is much more enjoyable and efficient on a character that is well-built for the job.
8 Thief - Specter
This is a very fun and mobile option for those interested in healers. Specter is able to provide a myriad of boons and buffs, with some of them having almost endless upkeep. The play style and rotations are not too difficult to pick up even for newer players, and overall it is a much more “agile” healer out of the list.
There is also a good amount of CC for bosses and mobs, which can really help out a struggling party in certain situations. The heal itself is fairly powerful, albeit with a cooldown that is quite noticeable in the more intense battles, where an extra second could cost the outcome. At the end of the day, this is a fun and engaging class that does much more than stand on the side, spamming a single skill.
7 Necromancer - Scourge
Scourge is a great healer for many reasons, with its own unique mechanics that make it special. Being able to do consistent healing and manipulate barriers on top of that, allow Scourge to be utilized in almost any situation.
Related: MMORPGs That Have Changed A Lot Over The Years
What really sets it apart is the incredibly powerful ability to quickly bring the fallen allies back up. In the heat of battle or during a difficult raid boss, many players may fall to anything from a powerful attack to an environmental hazard. Being able to instantly help and send the allies back into the fray has saved many parties from a complete wipe.
6 Revenant - Herald
The Herald has some of the most powerful healing abilities in the game, being able to quickly bring the party’s health to full. While it may lack in buffs and utility when compared to other supports, it still provides a solid amount of boons and helpful mechanics.
With access to great CC and projectile blocking, it is a great class to help out with break bars and shield the party from an onslaught of missiles. The effective healing range is big enough that the Herald can comfortably sustain the party from a distance, with great survivability even by itself.
5 Mesmer - Chronomancer
The Chronomancer is a fantastic choice for a healer, as it brings so much utility to a party. Being able to switch on the fly from Alacrity to Quickness, can fill whatever boon the party or squad may still be lacking. With access to Aegis and Stability, the Chronomancer can ensure that the party is steady on their feet, as well as even tank a few hits themselves.
Related: MMOs With The Most Intense In-Game Economies
This class focuses more on preventing damage, and the healing itself may not be as powerful as some of the other healers. Yet with all the utility and boons, it is always a great support addition to almost any team composition. It is also worth pointing out, that this build can also be a stellar tank, easily taking on bosses while shielding and buffing allies.
4 Elementalist - Tempest
Tempest improves on a lot of the aspects of the Elementalist, shining more light on the elemental manipulation and connection. It can provide a number of empowering and regenerative boons, with great Alacrity upkeep. The AOE heals are incredibly powerful, sustaining the team even through the tougher boss battles, and providing defense and regeneration.
The Tempest boasts great area coverage from a fairly long distance, easily covering most of the battlefield while staying relatively safe and keeping an eye on the entire group. With access to different elements, the Tempest can tap into more damaging ones, to further help and support their teammates when the occasion calls for it. It is a great healer class that really shines and portrays the classical Mage.
3 Guardian - Firebrand
The Firebrand is a masterful healer and support class, renowned for its ability to both protect and empower its allies. It's a paragon of versatility, offering a wide range of abilities and tools that allow it to adapt to any situation and provide effective healing and support. At the heart of the Firebrand's prowess lies its ability to bestow powerful boons upon allies, enhancing their abilities and bolstering their defenses.
Related: MMOs That Have Wacky Immersion-Breaking Cosmetics
Firebrand possesses an array of potent heals and condition removals that enable it to keep allies healthy and in fighting shape, even in the midst of the most intense battles. In addition to its impressive defensive capabilities, it also boasts formidable offensive prowess, with its "Tomes" granting access to a variety of powerful abilities that can both heal allies and strike down foes.
2 Engineer - Mechanist
The Mechanist quickly took the Guild Wars 2 scene by storm when it was first released, both for its incredible offensive and supporting prowess. When the dust settled, it still remained a reliable healer that can look after any raiding party. With an amazing amount of shield generation and healing, the allies’ health rarely dips into the danger zone.
Aside from that, the Mechanist brings a lot of powerful utility abilities and buffs to the table, from Stability and Aegis to Alacrity and Swiftness. There isn’t an incredible amount of available CC, but the projectile block and many other defensive capabilities easily make up for it. It's also great that the Mech can heal and defend the group as well, helping out when its buddy could be in a pinch.
1 Ranger - Druid
The Druid is an incredibly agile and versatile choice for those looking to play as a healer. With their arsenal of healing skills, the Druid can keep their teammates up and fight for as long as it takes to finish the job. With an array of available empowering Spirits, they can easily adapt to different enemy types and encounters.
Overall, it is an excellent choice for any group in need of a dedicated healer. Many Druids take up the commanding roles when it comes to squad content, as they are great for managing even larger groups of eager adventurers.
Guild Wars 2 is available for PC.
More: Multiplayer Games Where Big Ping Is Not A Problem