History Main / CharacterClassSystem

* ''VideoGame/XCOMEnemyUnknown'' has each rookie soldier (randomly) specialize in one of the four fields upon reaching the Squaddie rank: Assault (close-range frontline combat), Sniper (long-range damage dealing), Heavy (suppressive fire and explosives), and Support (healing and buffing allies). Each class has a separate SkillTree that gives them unique abilities and bonuses as they LevelUp. Later in the game, soldiers who exhibit psionic potential can be upgraded into Psi-operatives. The ''Enemy Within'' expansion also allows promoted soldiers to reclass into MEC Troopers.

* ''{{VideoGame/Diablo}}'' likes to change it up. Each class has a unique SkillTree within the system of its own game, and some equipment can only be equipped by certain classes.

** ''Videogame/TheElderScrollsOnline'', an {{MMORPG}} prequel set 500 years prior to the start of the main series, goes for more of a SkillTree approach. Ultimately Subverted, as only three out of many more skill trees available to your character.

[[quoteright:400:[[VideoGame/{{Wynncraft}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wynncraft_classes_02.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:400:Which will you be?[[note]]Clockwise from bottom: [[LightningBruiser Warrior]], [[CloseRangeCombatant Assassin]], [[BlackMage Shaman]], [[TheRedMage Mage]], and [[GlassCannon Archer]].[[/note]]]]

[[caption-width-right:400:Which will you be?[[note]]Clockwise from bottom: [[LightningBruiser Warrior]], [[TheSneakyGuy Assassin]], [[BlackMage Shaman]], [[TheRedMage Mage]], and [[GlassCannon Archer]].[[/note]]]]

* ''VideoGame/{{Wynncraft}}'' has five classes, each with a different WeaponOfChoice and a unique loadout of abilities, called "spells":

** The Assassin wields daggers, is a JackOfAllStats in spite of its short range, and its Vanish spell lets it get the jump on unwary enemies.
** The Mage wields wands, would be a MasterOfNone if not for its spells. It can ward off foes from a distance with its {{Meteor|SummoningAttack}} and Ice Snake spells, and can quickly and easily heal itself and others.

* ''VideoGame/{{Wynncraft}}'' has five classes, each with [[WeaponOfChoice Weapons Of Choice]] and a unique loadout of abilities, called "spells":
** The Archer is a GlassCannon LongRangeFighter that can easily dish out a lot of damage in a few seconds, but has the second-lowest defense.
** The Assassin is a JackOfAllStats in spite of its short range, and its Vanish spell lets it get the jump on unwary enemies.
** The Mage would be a MasterOfNone if not for its spells. It can ward off foes from a distance with its {{Meteor|SummoningAttack}} and Ice Snake spells, and can quickly and easily heal itself and others.
** The Shaman [[GlassCannon has the lowest defense of all, but very high stat ratings besides]]. It relies on DifficultButAwesome spell combinations to turn crowds of mobs into salami within seconds.
** The Warrior has the highest defense of all, [[MagicallyIneptFighter and its spells are primarily geared towards directly hitting mobs without many other gimmicks]].

* ''VideoGame/{{Wynncraft}}'' has five classes, each with different capabilities and [[WeaponOfChoice Weapons Of Choice]]:

** The Warrior has the highest defense of all, and its spells are primarily geared towards directly hitting mobs without many other gimmicks.

** Elsa's Joker class allows her to equip staves, chakrams, scythes, mojos, and robes. She can learn enemy skills, but her early game equipment options are limited.

** Warrior: A standard sword-wielding knight with an emphasis on defense and single-target damage
** Thief: A nimble rogue who can perform multi-target attacks and impede enemies
** Mage: A spell-slinging sorcerer who commands a wide array of offensive magic
** Cleric: A support-oriented magician who keeps allies alive and strong
** [[IdolSinger Pop Star]]: An analogue for TheBard who uses the power of song and dance to support allies and debilitate enemies
** [[ChefOfIron Chef]]: A combination damager and healer who can batter enemies while healing allies
** [[CatGirl Cat]]: A fleet-footed damage-oriented class with strong multi-target attacks and some supportive skills
** [[TheImp Imp]]: A mischievous trickster whose magic abilities specialize in wreaking havoc on enemies
** [[MadScientist Scientist]]: A chaotic chemist whose chemical concoctions cure companions and cripple enemy combatants

** Flower: A blooming blossom on the battlefield who supports allies while possessing some damaging spells

** SBURB assigns each player character to a mythological role with the title [Class] of [Aspect] that determines their powers and shapes their personal quest arc within the session. Aspect determines what objects and forces within the game the player can influence and class determines the ways in which they can influence their aspect. For example, the Time aspect is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin but a Seer of Time will have influence primarily through comprehension of past and future events while a Knight of Time will manipulate time travel for combat purposes. Aspect and class definitions are not always immediately obvious from their names, as Light denotes [[WindsOfDestinyChange luck]] instead of [[LightEmUp literal light]], and Bards are highly destructive. While aspect seems to be largely innate player class is more closely tied to acquired personality traits--Thief characters tend towards pathological narcissism, Knights tend to hide their true personality. There is in-game speculation about a possible underlying active/passive class "thing" and perceived gender bias in-class assignment.
** For the interested, the classes are [[EntropyAndChaosMagic Bard]], [[BeneathTheMask Knight]], [[VoluntaryShapeshifting Heir]], [[TheSmartGuy Mage]], [[TheMedic Maid]], [[MagikarpPower Page]], [[BlackMage Prince]], [[JustLikeRobinHood Rogue]], [[{{Seers}} Seer]], [[WhiteMagicianGirl Sylph]], [[LovableRogue Thief]], and [[TheRedMage Witch]] (though the powers of each class are strictly vague, this is just one possible interpretation)., and the aspects (which are more firmly defined) are [[BloodBrothers Blood]], [[BlowYouAway Breath]], [[YouCantFightFate Doom]], [[HeartBeatDown Heart]], [[ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve Hope]], [[GreenThumb Life]], [[WindsOfDestinyChange Light]], [[SuperIntelligence Mind]], [[UnstoppableRage Rage]], [[ThePowerOfCreation Space]], [[TimeTravel Time]], and [[PowerOfTheVoid Void]].

[[quoteright:400:[[VideoGame/{{Wynncraft}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wynncraft_classes.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:400:Which will you be?[[note]]From left to right: [[GlassCannon Archer]], [[TheSneakyGuy Assassin]], [[TheRedMage Mage]], [[BlackMage Shaman]], and [[LightningBruiser Warrior]].[[/note]]]]

* ''VideoGame/MarvelStrikeForce'' has five charcter classes: Blaster, Brawler, Protector, Controller, and Support

* ''Marvel Super War'' has six classes: Fighter, Energy, Marksman, Assasssin, Tank, and Support

* ''Marvel Strike Force'' has five charcter classes: Blaster, Brawler, Protector, Controller, and Support

* ''VideoGame/SouthParkTheStickOfTruth'' has four classes available; Warrior, Mage, Thief and Jew. However, unlike a lot of [=RPGs=], the class only determines what the New Kid's special attacks are. They can equip any weapon or armor they wish, though some have effects that are a little more beneficial to one class than the others. [[Videogame/SouthParkTheFracturedButWhole The sequel]] changes to a JobSystem.

* ''VideoGame/TitanQuest'' has 10 masteries, although you can dual-class anytime after level 8, which result in a new class name ([[https://www.kirmiziperfect.com/titancalc-anniversary-edition/ full list can be found here]]). The core masteries are Warfare, Defense, Hunting, Rogue, Nature, Spirit, Earth, Storm, Dream and Rune.

* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' has quite an extensive system where the classes are further subdivided by ability selection and [[PlayerVersusPlayer PvP]]/non-[=PvP=] and restricted by race and faction. Many of its classes stem from units in ''VideoGame/{{Warcraft}}''.

** SBURB assigns each player character to a mythological role with the title [Class] of [Aspect] that determines their powers and shapes their personal quest arc within the session. Aspect determines what objects and forces within the game the player can influence and class determines the ways in which they can influence their aspect. For example, the Time aspect is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin but a Seer of Time will have influence primarily through comprehension of past and future events while a Knight of Time will manipulate time travel for combat purposes. Aspect and class definitions are not always immediately obvious from their names, as Light denotes [[WindsOfDestinyChange luck]] instead of [[LightEmUp literal light]], and Bards are highly destructive. While aspect seems to be largely innate player class is more closely tied to acquired personality traits--Thief characters tend towards pathological narcissism, Knights tend to hide their true personality. There is in-game speculation about a possible underlying active/passive class "thing" and perceived gender bias in class assignment.

[[folder: Anime and Manga]]
* ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'': From ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' onwards, there's an established Class System squads of mages try to assemble either in full or split into subunits:
** Front Attackers are warrior types that specialize in close-quarters combat, make great use of magical-enhanced attacks, and overall prefer the Modern Belkan magic system for its effectiveness in one-on-one melee combat. As the Front Attackers' role is to cut into the enemy lines and protect the squad, defense and survival skills are important to increase attack time and reduce the need for support. Characters in this position: Subaru, Vita, Ginga, Nove, Vivio, and Einheart. Probably, also Signum and Zafira.
** Wing Guards are rogue types that rely on hit-and-run tactics, tend to be fragile speedsters, and abuse energy blades (protruding from their Devices) to slash or sword-beam the enemy. High mobility is needed so they can quickly shift from protecting the Center Guard or aiding in breaking the stall for the Front Attackers. The Midchildan magic system may be the weaker in terms of melee combat, but it grants energy blades and along with elemental magic, a Wing Guard can get a solid close-quarters combat. Characters in this position: Erio, Fate, Rio, and possibly Vita.
*** There's a variation called Wing Back that is virtually equal to the Wing Guard but being positioned between the Center Guard and the Full Back instead of between the former and the Front Attacker line. Furthermore, it seems to be less mobile than its counterpart as it mainly aids the Center Guard and protects the Full Back. There's only one known character occupying this position: Corona -- she possesses a rare skill and uses the Midchildan magic system. Wing Backs don't appear to be rogue types but more of combat-oriented support types.
** Center Guards are nuker types that overlap with ranger types because while their task is to deal as much damage as possible, a remarkable degree of accuracy is also needed. As they fight only in mid-to-long range, they gain the best scoping position which explains why the team captain or the best strategist often fills this position. Although this comes with the cost of it restricting their mobility and needing protection. Their spells of preference are shooting, bombardment and area-of-effects. Center Guards usually employ the Midchildan magic system for its effectiveness in long-range combat. Characters in this position: Teana, Nanoha, and Hayate if she ever learned to tune down her literally nuke-level spells so her allies don't get caught in the crossfire.
** Full Backs are support types that rarely engage and instead focus on providing transport and casting increase (healing and boosts) spells on their allies as well as restraining and casting decrease (debuffs and dispelling) spells on the enemy. Other types of support include communication (e.g. telepathy), investigation, rescuing (e.g Holding Net), sealing, and shapeshifting. As such, Full Backs favor the Midchildan magic system for its wide variety of effects and applications. High mobility is required and more often than not they are aided by a Boost Device. Characters in this position: Caro, Lutecia, and Shamal.
[[/folder]]

** Each player is offered a game-chosen class following the tutorial, or may make their own choice of class (which is very expensive).

'''Note:''' Please only list examples that don't fit in any of the aforementioned sub-tropes.

* ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' games have 5-10 character classes that determine your starting character stats and equipment. From there, you're free to [[PointBuildSystem enhance]] and equip your character however you want.

* ''VideoGame/TheFinalFantasyLegend'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyLegendII'' has a variation of classes: instead of choosing vocations for their party, players choose from different races (and genders, where applicable), each having their own strengths and weaknesses:

** Robots, introduced in ''[=SaGa=] 2'', are completely reliant on equipment for their stat growth: without any weapons or armor, they have no stats at all and are completely helpless. While the benefits of armor is not as high as with humans and espers, they can equip multiple pieces of the same armor to stack benefits. In addition, any weapons they equip will have their maximum number of uses reduced by half, but their durability will be restored when resting in inns. Finally, robots have a natural immunity to poison and paralysis, but they are also more susceptible to magic attacks.
* ''VideoGame/GameMasterPlus'': At the start of the game, the player can choose Elsa's class. This affects both her combat abilities and non-combat events.

* Completely inverted in ''VideoGame/TheLastRemnant''; the main character can use every ability in the game, and a character's class is based off the abilities they use, rather than the other way around. Using only item arts, for example, will change Rush to a class that does extra damage with items. Different character classes have different bonuses, so it can be worth only using certain skills in order to obtain a desired class.

* ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'''s cast of heroes behaves much like classes; the player can switch between them in spawn rooms, and they each fill different roles on the battlefield.

* ''Franchise/DragonAge'' uses the FighterMageThief archetype, calling them Warrior, Mage, and Rogue.

* A staple of ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' as well, at least after the first game (where there was only one character in your party).

** Front Attackers are fighter types that specialize in close-quarters combat, make great use of magical-enhanced attacks, and overall prefer the Modern Belkan magic system for its effectiveness in one-on-one melee combat. As the Front Attackers' role is to cut into the enemy lines and protect the squad, defense and survival skills are important to increase attack time and reduce the need for support. Characters in this position: Subaru, Vita, Ginga, Nove, Vivio, and Einheart. Probably, also Signum and Zafira.

** Full Back are support types that rarely engage and instead focus on providing transport and casting increase (healing and boosts) spells on their allies as well as restraining and casting decrease (debuffs and dispelling) spells on the enemy. Other types of support include communication (e.g. telepathy), investigation, rescuing (e.g Holding Net), sealing, and shapeshifting. As such, Full Backs favor the Midchildan magic system for its wide variety of effects and applications. High mobility is required and more often than not they are aided by a Boost Device. Characters in this position: Caro, Lutecia, and Shamal.

* ''VideoGame/{{Destiny}}'' has three classes each of which has three subclasses.

* ''VideoGame/XCOM2'' uses a similar system as its predecessor, with some changes made to the classes. Key among the changes: Assaults are now Rangers who can fight with a SwordAndGun, and Supports are now Specialists who can use remote-controlled drones to remotely heal allies or perform hacks on terminals and robotic enemies. The ''War of the Chosen'' expansion adds special classes for each recruitable faction: Reapers are enhanced Sharpshooters with better stealth capabilities, Skirmishers are enhanced Rangers who can attack multiple times and use grappling hooks to improve their mobility, and Templars are enhanced Psi-operatives who can pulverize enemies in melee combat.

** [[FlowerPower Flower]]: A blooming blossom on the battlefield who supports allies while possessing some damaging spells