At the beginning of *Citizen Sleeper 2*, players face a crucial decision: selecting one of three distinct classes—Operator, Machinist, or Extractor. Each class offers unique abilities and starting skills that can significantly influence your gameplay experience. Here's a detailed look at each class to help you decide which one aligns best with your preferred play style and role-playing aspirations.
Operator
The Operator class begins with a + in Interface, alongside base levels in Intuit and Engage, but lacks any initial points in Engineer. Notably, Operators cannot level up Endure. Their unique ability allows them to accrue Stress in exchange for re-rolling their lowest dice, offering a strategic advantage in certain scenarios.
While the Operator class can become quite powerful as you upgrade your abilities, it may present challenges in the early stages of the game. The Interface skill is robust, making it a solid choice if you can navigate through the initial difficulties. However, the re-rolling mechanic might not always yield favorable outcomes, which can be a drawback.
From a role-playing perspective, the Operator is versatile, allowing you to embody a wide range of characters. If you enjoy flexibility and adaptability, the Operator might be the class for you.
Machinist
The Machinist class starts with a + in Engineer, complemented by base levels in Interface and Intuit, but no points in Endure. They cannot level up Engage. Their ability lets them gain Stress to add +2 to their lowest dice, and they also reduce 2 Stress on a Positive outcome. As the game progresses, Machinists can enhance their dice and further manage Stress.
Having played through *Citizen Sleeper 2* as a Machinist, I found it to be the most enjoyable class. The ability to modify dice rolls and manage Stress effectively is invaluable, especially given the frequent Engineer and Interface checks throughout the game. This class excels in navigating the game's technical challenges and maintaining mental stability amidst its demanding mechanics.
For those who relish diving into the mechanical intricacies and technical aspects of the game's world, the Machinist class in *Citizen Sleeper 2* is a perfect fit.
Extractor
The Extractor starts with a + in Endure, base levels in Engineer and Engage, but no points in Interface. They cannot level up Intuit. Their ability allows them to gain Stress to add +2 to their crew's lowest dice, and they can further enhance their crew's performance as the game progresses.
The Extractor's ability is particularly useful for managing crew dynamics during Contracts, reducing the risks associated with these missions. Given the abundance of Endure checks in the game, starting with a bonus in this skill is highly beneficial. However, you might find yourself with a surplus of crew members skilled in Endure and Engage, which could limit your team's versatility.
If you're drawn to a more rugged, combat-oriented playstyle, the Extractor in *Citizen Sleeper 2* aligns well with a rough-and-tumble bruiser role.
Ultimately, the choice of class in *Citizen Sleeper 2* hinges on your preferred play style and the type of character you wish to embody. Whether you opt for the versatile Operator, the technically adept Machinist, or the resilient Extractor, each class offers a unique path through the game's rich narrative and challenging mechanics.
