Summary
- RPGs like Skyrim and Divinity: Original Sin 2 allow players to branch out or respec their classes for more versatile gameplay.
- Games like World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2 offer players the opportunity to specialize and improve their abilities as they level up.
- Games such as Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Dragon Age: Origins provide deep class systems with character-specific classes and the ability to unlock additional specializations and abilities as the game progresses.
Picking the class in almost any RPG is one of the important starting choices that a player has to make and for a good reason. The class often defines most of their playthrough, whether players prefer to brawl in melee, shoot from afar, or use mystical abilities.
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But players don’t always have to stick with their choice. In games like Skyrim or Divinity: Original Sin 2, players can either easily branch out, or respec entirely. However, on certain occasions, players can only get access to particular classes at a later stage in the game, whether through leveling up enough or meeting specific requirements for the special class.
8 Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Metascore - 78
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Released
- December 7, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
The latest Owlcat Games project has all the hallmarks of the studio: great writing, a vast and intricate world, and great customization when it comes to character creation. From meaningful backgrounds to unique classes, to a long list of feats and abilities.
To begin with, players can choose from 4 distinct Archetypes, and begin their tumultuous journey from there. At level 16, players get access to new specializations, focusing a broader class into something more refined. Ultimately, at level 36 players become Exemplars, upgrading their chosen path to the next level.
7 World Of Warcraft
Metascore - 93
World of Warcraft
It is difficult to overstate this game’s influence on the MMORPG scene, and the gaming world in general. Truly revolutionary for its time, World of Warcraft has only grown over the years, with multiple expansions, tons of fresh content, and more playable classes and races than ever.
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When it comes to Specializations, players can begin their chosen path at level 10, and slowly improve their abilities in it as they level up. Should players wish to try a different Specialization, they can always do so by unlearning their current choice.
6 Guild Wars 2
Metascore - 90
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 did a lot to stand out among the competition, and over the years, the game has come up with a lot of content and many new mechanics. From great flying mounts that feel amazing to use to exciting classes and intricate Specializations.
Upon reaching level 80, players can continue training, utilizing their EXP to master a new Elite Specialization. It is important to note, however, that every Specialization is unlocked with a corresponding expansion. Once unlocked, players can freely swap between Specializations, giving a lot of room for build creating and adapting.
5 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Metascore - 89
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Released
- July 26, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
The Fire Emblem series always had a lot of characters, with some entries reaching over 70 recruitable individuals in one game. To house it all, the series offers a deep and well-balanced Class system, where everyone starts as an introductory class and can eventually get promoted to a new specialization.
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On top of that, certain NPCs have character-specific classes, making them the only ones able to use them. As the game progresses, characters will “evolve” up to 5 times, going from Beginners to Masters as they level up.
4 Dragon Age: Origins
Metascore - 86
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins took the RPG world by storm when it was released, and for many excellent reasons; from a deep, touching story to well-written companions to fantastic combat. Players have a lot of options when making their characters, and as the game progresses, they can unlock additional Specializations and abilities.
Unlocking Specializations will require finding particular Manuals in the world or befriending a specific character that can teach it to the protagonist. Certain paths are also locked behind difficult choices, and players will be tested to see how far they are willing to go for a dark power.
3 Octopath Traveler 2
Metascore - 84
Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler 2 kept the best parts from the first game and did its best to fix its issues. It is a great sequel that continues to pay homage to the fantastic JRPG scene that inspired it to be where it is today.
The game utilizes a Job system, where characters improve in their class as they progress through the game. But on top of that, there are several secret jobs, which can only be unlocked if players are willing to face the incredibly challenging optional bosses.
2 Grim Dawn
Metascore - 86
Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn stands out for its dark, immersive world and haunting narrative. Its rich lore, combined with dynamic gameplay and extensive character customization, creates something truly unique, even for the RPG scene.
The game utilizes a Dual-Class system, allowing players to experiment with different builds and playstyles. Every combination is its own class and plays very differently from each other. Given the combat and the customization, the game has fantastic replayability, and many players lovingly come back to the dark world over and over again.
1 Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous
Metascore - 83
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Released
- September 2, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous gives the player so many customization options at the beginning that a non-RPG veteran could easily get overwhelmed. From backstories to races, classes, and feats, there are countless possibilities for character creation.
On top of their starting choices, players will eventually have their pick of a Mythic Path, which shapes not only their abilities and perks but also the story and the world itself. Two characters of the same class but with different Mythic Paths will play very differently and see the story from wildly different angles.
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