I haven't seen an in-depth analysis of each of the classes and think this will help new players determine what to be for PVP. Everyone has a different play style and appreciates different aspects, so please keep that in mind. Below is my analysis and rankings based on playing each class. Please read and I look forward to your feedback!
Summary of Findings:
I determined that there is 4 dimensions to assess each class in PVP (Lethality, Survivability, Areana Points, and Versatility). I gave them each scores to provide a numeric way of ranking the classes. This scoring can be somewhat subjective and my vary based on playstyle. The highest score a class can get in one of the 4 dimensions is 5, with 1 being the lowest.
Lethality is a character's ability to kill, inflict damage, and crowd control. Some classes may have better single-target DPS while others have greater group damage via an Area of Effect (AOE) skill. I determined this was the most important in the matrix granting it a score of 4!
Survivability is the character's ability to stay alive in PVP matches through a variety of attributes to include movement speed, defense, magic defense, dodge, health points, or skills effects (mana shield, shield spikes, etc). I determined this also important, and scored it a 3.
Arena Points is the characters ability to earn points in arena matches. This may be arguably one of the hardest to capture, however, through multiple screenshots shared in discord and experience I was able to score each class. This was given a score of 2.
Versatility is the characters' ability to adapt to many different functions or activities. Again, this is kind of difficult to score, but can this class do multiple things through its skills. What capabilities does this character have in regard to offense, defense, summoning, healing, resurrecting, buffing, de-buffing, and other team functions. This was given a score of 1.
1. Mage
Strengths: Range skills, Magic User, Crowd Control, Varying elemental skills, AOEs, Enhanced Mana Shield, Damage Output, High Magic Defense
Weaknesses: Low HP, Low Physical Defense, Mana Shield Cooldown
2. Support Cleric
Strengths: Mana Shield, Block Rate, Individual Heals, Group Heals, Crowd Control, High Magic Defense, De-buff Removal, Effect Resistance, Movement Speed
Weaknesses: Extremely Low Damage Output, Low HP, Medium Physical Defense, Mana Shield Cooldown
3. 3-way tie (Bow Scout, Katar Raider, Dual Raider)
Bow Scout Strengths: Long Range, Burst Damage, Invisibility Skill, Dodge Rate, Elemental Skills, Movement Speed, Summoning
Bow Scout Weaknesses: Low HP, Medium Magic & Physical Defense
Katar Raider & Dual Raider Strengths: Damage Per Second, Dodge, Invisibility Skill, Cloak Skill, Elemental Skills, Movement Speed
Katar Raider & Dual Raider Weaknesses: Low HP, Medium Magic & Physical Defense, Limited Range Skills
4. 2-way tie (Cannon Bourg & Crossbow Knight)
Cannon Bourg Strengths: Area of Effect Damage, Damage Over Time, Range, Buffs
Cannon Bourg Weaknesses: Low Physical Defense, Medium Magical Defense, Limited Crowd Control, Medium HP
Crossbow Knight Strengths: High HP, High Physical Defense, Buffs, Range, Taunts, Damage Over Time
Crossbow Knight Weaknesses: Low Damage Output, Low Movement Speed, Low Magic Defense
5. Spear Champion
Spear Champion Strengths: Dodge Rate, Area of Effects, Medium Damage Output, High HP, Buff & AOE Debuffs
Spear Champion Weaknesses: Low Magic Defense, Medium Physical Defense, Limited Ranged Skills
6. Melee Knight
Melee Knight Strengths: High HP, High Physical Defense, Buffs, Area of Effects, Taunts
Melee Knight Weaknesses: Low Magic Defense, Limited Ranged Attacks, Low Movement Speed
7. Gun Bourgeois
Gun Bourgeois Strengths: Long Ranged Skills, Damage Per Second
Gun Bourgeois Weaknesses: Medium HP, Low Physical Defense, Medium Magical Defense
8. 2-way tie (Offensive Cleric & Sword Champion)
Offensive Cleric Strengths: Block Rate, Dodge Rate, Mana Shield, Ranged Attacks, Summoning, Attack Speed, Crowd Control, High Magic Defense
Offensive Cleric Weaknesses: Low Skill Damage, Low HP, Low Physical Defense, Limited Heals
Sword Champion Strengths: Mute Skill, Area of Affect Skills, High HP
Sword Champion Weaknesses: Low Magic Defense, Medium Physical Defense, Limited Ranged Skills
9. Axe Champion
Axe Champion Strengths: High Damage Skills, Limited Area of Effect Skills
Axe Champion Weaknesses: Low Accuracy, Low Magic Defense, Medium Physical Defense, Limited Ranged Skills
10. Crossbow Scout
Bow Scout Strengths: Medium Range, Block Rate Dodge Rate, Elemental Skills, Movement Speed, Summoning
Bow Scout Weaknesses: Low HP, Medium Magic & Physical Defense, No Invisibility or Cloak
11. Artisan
Artisan Strengths: Crafting Abilities, Long Ranged Skills, Accuracy, Damage Over Time, Limited Harmful Effects
Artisan Weaknesses: Low HP, Low Physical Defense, Medium Magical Defense