Top RPG Classes and Archetypes
Classes and archetypes are often used in shorthand to describe a character's background and role in the game. While characters in RPGs can be wildly different from one another, some class designs have stood the test of time, appearing in countless titles over the years.
From the classic archetypes you'd expect to find in a list like this, to some more bizarre options, we've got the widest selection of RPG classes you could hope for, as well as a few joke options for those of you with a sense of humor. Our list is in alphabetical order, because we're nice like that.
Knight
Known as tanks, Knights are heavily armored fighters with high hit points, and the ability to draw attention away from their less sturdy allies. Standing tall as a classic RPG archetype, Knights in games will typically wield a sword and shield, or axe and shield, and can often be relied on to inflict massive amounts of damage at the expense of their own safety.
In many games, Knights will be among the few classes capable of wielding heavy armor and powerful weapons, while Barbarians and Soldiers will have to make do with lighter gear if they want to deal damage. Knights can also be found using a range of defensive abilities like Guard, which can significantly reduce damage dealt to a party member standing directly in front of them.
Some games will differentiate between Knights and Paladins, with Paladins being holy knights dedicated to righteousness, while Knights are a little less virtuous. Paladins will often be equipped with healing and smiting abilities, while Knights will be more concerned with dealing damage.
Paladin
Wizard
Soldier
Rogue
Archer
Engineer
Monk
Summoner
Beastmaster
Joker
Toad
In most RPGs, you'll find a character that can use magic to deal damage from a distance. These characters will typically have high MP and SP stats, allowing them to cast multiple spells before running out of energy. Some games will feature a variety of magic users, while in others, there will only be a handful of options.
From the classic Wizard and Black Mage, to more recent options like the Wizard's apprentice, Vivienne, in Dragon Age: Inquisition, these magic damage dealers typically have access to a variety of elemental spells. Some games will differentiate between the damage inflicted by these elemental attacks, while others will offer status infliction as an alternative to dealing damage.
White Mages, also known as healers, are crucial for any team, as their ability to heal and offer defensive skills to protect the party is invaluable. Other support options include stat buffs, increasing the party's attack or defense, and reviving fallen allies. Some games will choose to differentiate between the healing abilities of White Mages and the defensive skills of Blue Mages or Curative Curators.
Other, more versatile magic users include Red Mages, or Sages, who are able to utilize both offensive and supportive magic. This archetype, commonly found in games across the spectrum of RPG genres, is excellent for party support, as they can heal and defend when necessary, while also dealing damage from a distance.
Rogues are agile, sneaky characters that are found among the archetypal RPG classes, as they typically specialize in physical damage dealing. Rogues have high evasion, making them difficult to hit, and often have access to weapons and skills that allow them to deal massive amounts of damage to a single target.
Archers are long-range specialists, boasting high attack power, and often dealing serious damage to targets from a safe distance. By targeting the elemental weaknesses of enemies, Archers can inflict status ailments and even stop enemies from moving. Some Archers also have the ability to use magic, while others, such as the Mercenary from Dragon Age 2, are more like Fighters, but with bows instead of swords.
Sometimes a character isn't an obvious fit for a class, but can offer unique utility to a team. These characters aren't typically labeled as a specific class, but rather, have unique traits and abilities that make them a valuable asset in the right situation.
Engineers are tech-savvy characters, who often wield guns, but can also specialize in the use of turrets, as well as analyzing enemy weaknesses and the ability to inflict status ailments. The Engineer is typically found in action-RPGs, as they're a great fit for the genre's fast-paced combat.
Bare-handed fighters, or Monks, are usually agile fighters, who can counterattack enemies with ease and sometimes possess spiritual powers. Monks are another archetype that can be found in a variety of genres, but will always be excellent at hand-to-hand combat, with a special gift for countering.
Another relatively recent trend in RPG games is the inclusion of tech-savvy characters who specialize in the use of turrets. While these characters are not typically labeled as an Engineer, they do offer unique utility in a similar way to the character archetype.
Summoners are mages who summon powerful creatures or entities to aid them in battle, while Beastmasters form strong bonds with specific pets, gaining additional party member slots in the process. These two archetypes offer unique party member options, but can surprise players with unexpected utility or powerful abilities in certain situations.
