How many classes are there in Ashes of Creation?

There are 64 total classes, formed by combining one of the eight primary archetypes with one secondary archetype.

Which archetype is best for a beginner?

Mage, Rogue, and Tank are often recommended for beginners due to their straightforward mechanics and effectiveness in solo play.

Can I change my primary archetype?

No, the primary archetype chosen at character creation is permanent. The secondary archetype can be changed.

Ashes of Creation Archetype Tier List

Ashes of Creation archetypes feel very different once combat systems click in early access. Some classes feel smooth and powerful right away, while others need more patience, gear, or group support to shine.

Best Archetypes Ranked Right Now

This tier list ranks Ashes of Creation archetypes from strongest to weakest based on early access balance, PvE usefulness, PvP impact, and solo performance. These rankings can change fast as updates roll out.

S Tier Power Picks

These archetypes perform extremely well in almost all content with minimal downsides.

Cleric

Cleric anchors every group. Healing output is high, shields are reliable, and damage is respectable. Deliverance and Divine Flare keep parties alive through heavy pressure. Divine Power smooths resource flow, while Judgment and Smite keep combat active. It is safe, consistent, and always welcome.

Fighter

Fighter is relentless. Momentum builds naturally through combat, feeding abilities like Blood Fusion and Berserk. Stance swapping between Ferocity, Fluidity, and Solarity gives control in most fights. Self sustain, strong damage, and durability make it deadly solo and valuable in groups.

Bard

Bard defines support play. It restores mana, buffs allies, heals, and controls fights. Melodies like Menacing and Pensive shape encounters, while Marionette and Mesmerizing Dance add strong crowd control. A skilled Bard lifts any group far above average.

A Tier Strong Performers

These archetypes excel but need good execution or awareness.

Summoner

Summoner dominates space control. Summons can tank, heal, or deal damage based on needs. Essence management matters, but flexibility is unmatched. Void silences groups and Phase Out offers safety. It performs well solo and scales nicely in parties.

Rogue

Rogue thrives on precision. True stealth, Smoke Bomb, and Shadow Step enable lethal ambushes. Advantage fuels Backstab bursts and efficient dodges. It is fragile, but deadly in the right hands. Positioning decides success.

B Tier Solid Specialists

These archetypes shine in specific roles but have clear tradeoffs.

Tank

Tank exists to hold the line. Courage fuels Grit, Taunt, and Reflect to control threat. It is essential for dungeons and raids but slow for solo leveling. Barriers and damage soaking win long fights even if damage stays low.

Ranger

Ranger excels at range and control. Focus ramps damage over time in longer fights. Headshot and Snipe deliver burst, while Vine Field and Bear Trap lock areas down. Lightning Reload enables quick combos. It rewards patience and positioning.

C Tier High Risk Picks

These archetypes can work but demand effort and gear.

Mage

Mage brings explosive burst but low defense. Elemental Empowerments like Fire, Ice, and Lightning enable combos. Fireball and Chain Lightning hit hard, but mana drains fast. Arcane Circle melts enemies, but survival without support is rough. Strong, but punishing.

Final Blurb

Early access favors Cleric, Fighter, and Bard for reliability and impact. Summoner and Rogue reward skill and smart play, especially in PvP. Tank and Ranger fill important roles without dominating. Mage looks flashy but struggles to survive right now. Balance will shift, but this reflects current performance across content.