Know Your RPG Classes

If you have never played an in-depth tabletop RPG game of something like Dungeons & Dragons, I highly recommend it. Why? Because it allows you to control the tempo of the game and play the way you want to.

DnD characters in a fantasy setting can range from your standard human fighter to an Aarakocran bird person. Yes, that’s a real thing.

If you are a gamer who loves RPGs, JRPGS, or CRPGS, you probably know some character classes basics. However, where do these classes in Final Fantasy, Baldur’s Gate, and other series come from?

If you’re someone who only knows a little about RPG game classes, then we have the ultimate guide to introduce you to your next favorite character class. Let’s get some background on RPG classes, skills, abilities, subclasses, and archetypes.

RPG Classes

What are the RPG classes?

RPG classes are the character frameworks and templates you use when playing a role-playing game. Character classes differentiate characters from one another by wielding different weapons and possessing different skill sets utilized by players.

Standard RPG Class Types: Form and Function

Whether you are playing something like Final Fantasy X, or World of WarCraft, you have your basic class type. These range from fighters and warriors who specialize in strength and power to wizards and clerics who cast spells.

Are you bold and brash? Into heavy combat with swords and axes? Then you might want to be a warrior or barbarian.

Or are you someone who likes to hang back and let other players get hit in combat? Cast some spells and invoke religion, and maybe you’d do better as a mage or cleric.

Character Class: History

The grandfather of them all, Dungeons and Dragons, was the first to introduce character classes. Ever since its inception, Dungeons and Dragons have influenced nearly every RPG class system that has ever existed.

The RPG class system may have shifted over time, particularly with the changing of the basic Dungeons and Dragons tabletop RPG rules. Regardless, the main tactics and skills have remained.

Different tabletops RPG and evolving forms of gameplay allowed for creating different variations on classes and gameplay.

Class Archetypes: Unique Skill Sets & Variations

Class archetypes are subclasses for characters. These enhance game classes and add flavor to your playing experience. You could have a ranger who also has a ranger archetype of a beastmaster. These open up new skills and make these standard classes even more unique and fun to play.

For example, I play as an elf rogue who has an inquisitive archetype. While I can partake in all sorts of things enjoyed by the rogue classes, I can further enhance a role-playing game by acting like a detective. Sure, I like to act like a thief and use my sword to intimidate, but I also love investigating the game setting.

Inquisitive turns my elf rogue into a fast-talking, perceptive investigator. If an enemy doesn’t give men an answer I like, I’m not afraid to shoot an arrow or throw a knife their way. It all depends on how you play the game.

On the other hand, you could choose the assassin archetype. You can see how even in one RPG class, changing your archetype can alter the story’s course from game to game.

List: Common Character Archetypes

Different archetypes allow players to gain useful skills, powers, and abilities at different levels. For example, at level 3, 7, and 15, the arcane archer gets various unique skills.

While there are tons of variations to these character archetypes, we’ll list just a few interesting ones to explore. We’ll list their basic makeup, along with unique skill sets.

Fighter Archetypes

Arcane Archer

Arcane archers use their bow proficiency to deal with devastating magical bow damage to anyone in their path.

• Proficiency in arcane or nature
• Ability: Magic Arrow, Arcane Shot, Curving Shot, and more

Battle Master

A battle master learns all the different ways to, well, master battle.

• Combat Superiority
• Maneuvers: these enhance attacks
• Know Your Enemy: this allows the player to learn about an enemy or ally outside of combat. Hitpoints, armor class, and class level are things battle masters can see.

Champion

Champions are all about physical excellence and devastation. This is the perfect archetype for those who want to deal with raw damage.

• Improved Critical: This improves your chance at landing a devastating critical blow
• Remarkable Athlete: You get extreme proficiency bonuses to acrobatics and
• Survivor: You get an impressive addition to hit points during battle if you’re on death’s doorstep.

Knight

Knights are chivalrous characters who specialize in combat and protecting allies in the heat of battle.

• Implacable Mark: When hit, an enemy is marked by you. They’ll get a disadvantage on any attack.
• Hold the Line: This allows the knight to slow enemies by delivering a decisive blow.
• Defender’s Blade: This ability will enable knights to strike back with a vengeance. You can get an attack of opportunity twice, as well as getting AC +1 when wearing heavy armor.

Samurai

Like their real-world counterparts, samurai in RPG games are hardy warriors who will stop at nothing to conquer foes.

• Fighting Spirit: Gives you an advantage on all attack rolls and adds five extra hit points.
• Elegant Courtier: This gives players a massive boost to Charisma
• Rapid Strike: In certain situations, you can attack a target an additional time per turn

Rogue Archetypes

Assassin

Assassins are hired killers, those who deal in death. They can do it for profit or the art of it.

• Assassinate: You get the element of surprise, as well as advantage on any creature that hasn’t had a turn in combat yet.
• Infiltration Expertise: You can take time to falsify your identity. This is perfect if you’re trying to infiltrate an organization, crime family, or other tightly guarded groups.
• Impostor: This allows you to mimic a character in nearly every way.
• Death Strike: If you strike a character who doesn’t pass a constitution saving throw, they receive double the damage.

Inquisitive

These rogues love to learn secrets, expose plots, and solve mysteries.

• Eye and Ear for Deceit: This allows the rogue to determine if someone is lying or spot hidden creatures and objects.
• Unerring Eye: You are incredibly perceptive, and almost nothing can get past you. Shapechangers, arcane magic, illusions, and more can’t fool you.
• An eye for Weakness: This gives you insight into the enemy’s weaknesses.

Scout

Scouts are naturals at scouting territory and living in the wilderness.

• Survivalist: a considerable boost to nature and survival skills
• Superior Mobility: Higher walking speed
• Ambush Master: Using your scouting expertise, you’re able to get an advantage at the beginning of combat.

Swashbuckler

Swashbucklers are masters of the blade and the arts of charisma. Duelists and pirates are swashbucklers.

• Master Duelist: Even if you miss an attack, you can roll again with an advantage. You’ll have to have a long rest to do this action again.
• Fancy Footwork: You strike and slip away from enemies with ease

Ranger Archetypes

Rangers are masters of the wild, light armor, and bows.

Beast Master

The beastmaster develops close bonds with beasts.

• Animal Companion: you bond with a creature from the natural world.
• Companion’s Bond: Further benefits to the beast you bond with

Hunter

The hunter focuses on combat. They try to thin the hordes of enemies from afar with bows.

• Hunter’s Prey: you get an advantage against a specific enemy type. Colossus Slayer for powerful foes, Giant Killer for big foes, and Horde Breaker against multiple creatures per turn.

Barbarian Archetypes

Barbarians are fearsome warriors that use rage and raw power to defeat foes.

Berserker

A berserker doubles down on rage and turns it on their foes.

• Intimidating Presence: This ability allows berserkers to indicate characters and frighten creatures.
• Frenzy: This allows the berserker to go into a frenzy, enhancing their attack powers

Cleric Archetypes

Clerics are the medics of the classes. They assist team members during a battle, making sure they’re healed up using religion, magic, and more.

Life

Clerics dealing in life magic heal the sick.

• Disciple of Life: More effective healing spells
• Blessed Healer: Your healing spells cast on you as well as a team member

Death

Clerics of death deal in negative energy and necromancy.

• Reaper: This allows the player to learn a variety of necromancy spells
• Inescapable Destruction: Your destructive death spells are more potent and get through enemy defenses.

Mage Archetypes

Mages, often cloaked in robes and wielding arcane powers, are a staple in RPGs. Renowned for their vast knowledge and spellcasting abilities, they can unleash devastating spells to decimate foes or weave protective enchantments for allies.

While their magical prowess is unmatched, mages are typically fragile, with lower physical defenses. This makes them vulnerable in close combat. Strategically positioning themselves and choosing the right spells are crucial for their survival.

Pros and Cons
✔ High magical damage
✔ Versatile spellbook
✔ Crowd control abilities

✘ Low physical defense
✘ Reliant on mana
✘ Often requires careful planning

How to Choose Your RPG Class

Now that you’re a little more knowledgeable in the art of some RPG classes and archetypes, you can get some friends together on a site like Roll20 and get going.

Feel free to experiment with the different classes, subclasses, and archetypes.

These add a lot of crucial skills to the game, modifying the way action and battle unfold and changing the basics of the game.

Choose which RPG class fits your style, and see how it pans out.

You always have a chance to spice things up later with subclasses and archetypes.

No matter if you choose a paladin, samurai, ninja, berserker, or summoner, they’re all part of the enormous repertoire of RPG classes.

Who Should You Play As?

Assassin

For those who love strategy and stealth, the Assassin archetype beckons. Dive into the shadows, plan meticulously, and strike with lethal precision. This role is perfect for players who enjoy moral dilemmas and the thrill of the hunt.

With the Assassin, every battle becomes a game of cat and mouse, and the satisfaction of a well-executed plan is unparalleled. Embrace the dark allure and become the silent force that shapes the game’s narrative.

Inquisitive

Ideal for the observant and curious, the Inquisitive excels in detection and deception. Dive deep into mysteries, spot hidden threats, and become the party’s detective. While rich in investigative prowess, its combat abilities might feel underwhelming.

The true joy? Unraveling enigmas and seeing through illusions, offering a nuanced, cerebral gameplay experience.

Scout

For those with a sharp instinct and love for the wild, the Scout is a perfect fit. Excel in stealth, navigate terrains with ease, and always keep your party ahead.

Relish in the thrill of ambushing foes, blending into nature, and being the group’s vigilant eyes and ears. Dive into a gameplay filled with strategy and unpredictability.

Swashbuckler

For those drawn to flair and finesse, Swashbuckler Archetype offers diverse combat styles, from stealthy infiltrators to gun-wielding duelists. Ideal for players seeking a blend of elegance and agility, these archetypes promise dynamic combat experiences.

The thrill? Mastering unique abilities, whether it’s throwing daggers with precision, wielding rapiers with grace, or maintaining secret identities, ensuring every battle is both strategic and theatrical.

Mage

For those who revel in strategy and deception, the Maze archetype is a captivating choice. Perfect for players who enjoy manipulating the battlefield, leading foes into intricate traps, and relishing their disarray.

The true joy? Outsmarting opponents with every twist and turn, ensuring a gameplay experience filled with unpredictability and cunning tactics. Dive into the challenge and master the maze.

Sources

https://levelskip.com/rpgs/Class-Balance-and-Archetypes-in-RPGs
https://www.enworld.org/threads/assassins-alignment-and-archetypes.670288/
https://www.caverns-and-creatures.com/rogue/inquisitive
https://2e.aonprd.com/Archetypes.aspx?ID=73