FIELD MANUAL // 02

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 — Classes & Expert Class Guide

Master every class in the Colonial Marines arsenal. From the steady Gunner to the devastating Demolisher, and the revolutionary new fully customizable Expert Class — find your perfect loadout and skill combinations.

UpdatedAug 25, 2026
Classes6 Base + Expert
Builds10+ Recommended

Class System Overview

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 features six base classes, each with unique abilities, weapon proficiencies, and team roles. The biggest addition in the sequel is the Expert Class — a fully customizable class that lets you mix and match primary and secondary skills from any base class, creating truly unique playstyles.

Each class has:

  • Primary Ability: A class-defining skill with a moderate cooldown (15-30 seconds)
  • Secondary Ability: A supportive or utility skill with a longer cooldown
  • Ultimate: A powerful team-wide ability that charges through combat
  • Passive Trait: A permanent bonus that defines the class role
  • Weapon Proficiency: Bonus damage and handling with specific weapon types

Gunner

The backbone of any fireteam. The Gunner is a versatile damage dealer with team-focused buffs and steady, reliable output. Ideal for players who want to deal consistent damage while supporting their squad.

AbilityNameEffectCooldown
PrimaryOverclockIncreases fire rate and reload speed for you and nearby teammates20s
SecondaryStim PackGrants temporary damage resistance and health regen45s
UltimateBullet StormTeam-wide infinite ammo and increased damage for 10 secondsCharge-based
PassiveSteady HandReduced recoil on all weapons; bonus mag size for assault riflesPassive
BEST FOR

Beginners, players who enjoy assault rifles, and squads needing a reliable damage anchor. The Gunner's team buffs make them valuable in any composition.

Demolisher

The heavy weapons specialist. The Demolisher brings devastating area damage and crowd control, perfect for clearing hordes and breaking enemy formations. Slow but incredibly powerful.

AbilityNameEffectCooldown
PrimaryMicro MissilesFire a volley of homing missiles that explode on impact25s
SecondaryImpact GrenadeThrow a grenade that stuns and knocks back enemies in a radius30s
UltimateOrbital StrikeCall in a devastating airstrike on a targeted locationCharge-based
PassiveHeavy ArmorIncreased max health; resistance to knockback and staggerPassive
BEST FOR

Horde Mode, players who enjoy heavy weapons, and squads needing crowd control. Pair with a Technician for sentry coverage and you have an unstoppable defensive line.

Technician

The engineer and support specialist. The Technician deploys automated sentry guns, repairs armor, and provides team utility. A well-played Technician can turn a losing fight into a rout.

AbilityNameEffectCooldown
PrimarySentry TurretDeploy an automated turret that targets enemies for 30 seconds35s
SecondaryArmor RepairRestore armor to yourself and nearby teammates; cures status effects40s
UltimateFire SupportDeploy multiple turrets and a portable ammo crate for the teamCharge-based
PassiveTinkererSentries deal more damage and have more health; faster revive speedPassive

Recon

The precision marksman and scout. The Recon excels at eliminating high-value targets from range, marking enemies for the team, and providing critical intelligence through enhanced motion tracking.

AbilityNameEffectCooldown
PrimaryFocus FireEnter aim mode with increased damage and weak point bonus for precision shots20s
SecondaryRecon DroneDeploy a drone that marks all enemies in an area and reveals weak points35s
UltimateDeadshotEvery shot is a guaranteed critical hit for 8 seconds; team gains weak point bonusCharge-based
PassiveEagle EyeEnhanced motion tracker range; bonus damage to marked enemiesPassive

Doc

The combat medic. The Doc keeps the fireteam alive through healing, status removal, and defensive buffs. Essential on higher difficulties and a force multiplier in any squad.

AbilityNameEffectCooldown
PrimaryHealing PulseRelease a wave that heals all nearby teammates over time25s
SecondaryTrauma KitInstantly revive a downed teammate and restore them to 50% health50s
UltimateCombat StimTeam-wide full heal, damage immunity for 5 seconds, and increased movement speedCharge-based
PassiveBedside MannerIncreased healing effectiveness; passive health regen for nearby teammatesPassive

Expert Class (NEW in Fireteam Elite 2)

The Expert Class is the biggest innovation in the sequel. This fully customizable class allows you to select one primary ability and one secondary ability from any base class, creating unique hybrid playstyles that were impossible in the first game.

How It Works

  1. Select Primary Ability: Choose from any base class's primary ability (Gunner's Overclock, Demolisher's Micro Missiles, etc.)
  2. Select Secondary Ability: Choose from any base class's secondary ability (can be from the same or different class)
  3. Select Ultimate: Choose one ultimate from any base class
  4. Select Passive: Choose one passive trait from any base class
  5. Weapon Proficiency: The Expert Class has no weapon restrictions — use any weapon type effectively
UNLOCK REQUIREMENT

The Expert Class is unlocked after completing the campaign on any difficulty, or by reaching Account Level 15. It is not available from the start — spend your first playthrough with a base class to learn the mechanics.

Top Expert Class Combinations

Build NamePrimarySecondaryUltimatePlaystyle
The JuggernautMicro Missiles (Demo)Armor Repair (Tech)Heavy Armor (Demo)Tanky damage dealer with self-sustain
The Combat MedicHealing Pulse (Doc)Overclock (Gunner)Bullet Storm (Gunner)Healer who also boosts team damage
The Sniper SupportFocus Fire (Recon)Sentry Turret (Tech)Deadshot (Recon)Precision damage with area coverage
The Horde MasterMicro Missiles (Demo)Sentry Turret (Tech)Fire Support (Tech)Ultimate crowd control for Horde Mode
The Revive SpecialistTrauma Kit (Doc)Stim Pack (Gunner)Combat Stim (Doc)Never lose a teammate on Insane/Nightmare

Best Builds by Content Type

Best for Campaign (Standard/Hardened)

  • Gunner with Overclock + Stim Pack — reliable damage and survivability
  • Technician with Sentry + Armor Repair — turrets handle trash mobs while you focus objectives
  • Expert: The Juggernaut — once unlocked, this build trivializes most campaign encounters

Best for Horde Mode

  • Demolisher — area damage is king in horde mode
  • Technician — sentry turrets provide consistent damage between ability cooldowns
  • Expert: The Horde Master — the ultimate horde-clearing build

Best for High Difficulty (Insane/Nightmare)

  • Doc — healing is non-negotiable on higher difficulties
  • Recon — precision weak point damage eliminates elites before they can threaten the team
  • Expert: The Revive Specialist — prevents wipes from unexpected team downs

Best for Solo Play

  • Technician — sentry turrets effectively give you a fifth squad member
  • Gunner — team buffs also apply to AI teammates
  • Expert: The Juggernaut — self-sufficient damage and survivability

FAQ

How do I unlock the Expert Class? +
The Expert Class is unlocked by either completing the main campaign on any difficulty, or by reaching Account Level 15 through multiplayer and Horde Mode. It is not available at the start of the game.
Can I respec my class abilities? +
Yes. You can change your class, abilities, and loadouts at any time in the Barracks between missions. There is no cost or penalty for respecing. During a mission, your loadout is locked.
What is the best class for beginners? +
The Gunner is the best starting class. Its abilities are straightforward, it deals consistent damage, and its team buffs are valuable in any squad. The Demolisher is also beginner-friendly if you prefer heavy weapons and area damage.
Do classes level up separately? +
Each class has its own progression track and unlocks. However, your account level and weapon unlocks are shared across all classes. You can switch between classes freely without losing progress on others.