As you explore the world in Ashes of Creation, you’ll need to build a character with a specific skill set before diving into the game itself. There are numerous builds you can create, and entire skill trees to develop as you grow.
All classes are unique, offering plenty of flavor and style to the game. We’ll help you decide which archetype to play as, as well as what each class gets an a benefit so you can cerate a powerful character to conquer lands across Verra! Here’s everything you need to know to get started on your next great adventure.
Ashes of Creation is in early access, so content is subject to change as development continues.
Additionally, you cannot change your starting archetype once you begin, so choose carefully.
The Bard Archetype
Bards are fascinating people who use music and the arts to convey their feelings and skills, be it through dance, song, or writing. The themes that make up this class are as eloquent as they are inspiring.
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|
Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Melody |
Channeled abilities provide buffs to the party and can debuff enemies. The longer these abilities are played, the more these skills will power up–or you can weave multiple melodies together. |
|
Dance |
This encompasses AoE abilities with powerful effects for those nearby, which can be combined with mobility skills to amplify the affect. |
|
Song |
Targeted abilities that come with a variety of effects, granting bonuses based on the current melody. |
|
Story |
Long lasting AoE buffs you can bestow upon your party members, gradually building towards ultimate buffs. |
This archetype is best for advanced players looking to play a supporting role in the party.
The Cleric Archetype
Clerics are a classic class for RPGs, and they are essential for providing healing and support. Though they tend to be glass cannons, you can develop your skills as a cleric to take an offensive approach and hold your own. Support roles tend to be more difficult, so this is recommended for expeienced players.
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Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Restoration |
Provide healing to allies and yourself, from shielding incoming attacks, resurrecting fallen heroes, cleansing ailments, and more. |
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Radiance |
Use the power of the light to restore allies, while also damaging enemies. It takes longer to build effective damage, but can be done. |
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Support |
Allows you to buff and debuff targets while restoring mana as well. |
At level 25, you can take a subclass to help round out your coverage.
The Fighter Archetype
Fighters are as straightforward as it gets, being a great option for beginners. Using melee weapons and relying on armor, there’s less of a strategic approach here and more of a simple one. Your job is to deal as much damage as possible so you can draw their attention away from your squishier teammates.
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Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Strength |
Raw physical strength is the main appeal of the fighter, allowing them to smash enemies to pieces when in range. |
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Momentum |
You’ll get stronger the longer you stay in combat, gaining bonuses relative to the amount of momentum you build. |
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Perseverance |
Conserving and restoring energy is key to surviving encounters, and fighters have skills that help them maintain this balance. |
The Mage Archetype
It’s not a fantasy game without magic, and mages are capable of great things. This class is simple enough for beginners to grasp, but can be greatly magnified with practice and patience. Spells take time to cast, but you can swap between a wand and scepter for different encounters.
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Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Elemental Empowerment |
Imbue your spells with elemental energy, whether you cast fire balls, bolts of lightning, or rays of frost. |
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Area Control |
AoE spells manipulate the battlefield and guide enemies in the desired direction. You can pick off crowds and supplement DPS coverage from a safe distance. |
The Ranger Archetype
Rangers are known for being nimble marksmen, using precision and discretion to quietly pick off prey. These are an easier ranged class to pick up, for beginners who want a traditional build, but offer more complex combinations for advanced players.
|
Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Marks |
Mark a target for death, increasing the damage they take from all sources for a short period of time. |
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Scouting |
Track down targets and investigate the unseen to locate enemies and coordinate with your party members. |
|
Ammunition |
Your ammunition can be imbued with special effects, allowing you to customize your approach to each encounter. |
|
Mobility |
You can leap higher and run faster with your allies in tow, making the most of your nimble nature. |
The Rogue Archetype
Rogues are known for being masters of deception as they lurk in the shadows. While players may not be able to deceive each other as well in this role, NPCs will become putty in your hands. Experienced players will get the most out of this DPS role, but beginners will appreciate the seamless and consequential attacks offered by this archetype.
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Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Stealth |
Turn completely invisible, with nothing but a shimmering outline to mark your location that only a few other players may notice. |
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Advantage |
Masterful combos give you the advantage, continuously stacking to unleash greater abilities. |
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Tools |
Make use of poisons, bomb, grappling hooks, and more that can be paired together to create chaos on the field. |
The Summoner Archetype
Summoners are never alone, as they make their own friends in combat. Rather than fight with their own two hands, they create companions to fight on their behalf, sometimes alongside them. This is a powerful caster that falls into the middle-range for difficulty. Newcomers can enjoy the freedom this class provides, while experienced players will appreciate the potential of this class.
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Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Summoning |
You can create a variety of different creatures as your summoned vessel(s), each of which holds a unique role to round out party coverage as needed. |
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Essence |
Take charge and manipulate the very essence of Verra to power up your summoned beasts and vessels, granting them more powerful abilities. |
|
Attrition |
Deal damage over time with powerful spells, draining them of their strength and controlling the environment with your vessels. |
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Teleportation |
In the blink of an eye, move across the field with your vessels to swarm enemies and disorient them with the power of teleportation. |
The Tank Archetype
As a tank, your job is to man the front lines and act as the primary target for all enemies. Your party members rely on you to soak up damage and distract threats from softer targets. While similar to the fighter archetype, there’s an emphasis here on endurance and protection. It’s best for beginners who want to tough it out and don’t mind taking a more supportive role in group encounters.
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Theme |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Courage |
When dealing and taking damage, you’ll gain Courage, which increases the damage you deal and reduced the damage you receive. It’s a special resource exclusive to tanks. |
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Disruption |
Your skills primarily target enemy attention, as well as causing them to seize mid-combat so they don’t harm you or your allies. |
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Protection |
Allows you to protect a specific party member, absorbing a portion of incoming damage meant for them instead. The Aegis ability amplifies that, drawing damage from all nearby party members to yourself. |
|
Endurance |
Increases your survivability skills, granting increased endurance in combat so you can protect your allies for as long as possible. |
How To Choose A Subclass
Upon reaching level 25, you can take another archetype. This will be your secondary archetype, and the combination you pick ultimately creates your class. While you won’t unlock those skills, you’ll get to use the augments to enhance your primary archetype.
Currently, the system has not been implemented in-game yet, but we’ll update when that happens to keep you informed!
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