Classes

The class system in ArcheAge works very differently than in other mainstream MMOs. Unlike other traditional MMOs where the player chooses a class during character creation and earns preset skills as the character levels up, a character's "class" in ArcheAge is composed of three skill trees. During character creation a player will choose one of five basic skill trees, and will then choose another two skill trees at levels five and ten. The combination of these three skill trees defines a character's class. In addition, the player must choose which skills from each tree to use. Each tree contains 11 active and 5 passive abilities, for a total of 16 abilities in each skill tree. However, a player only gains 23 skill points by the max level of 50. This means that a player will not be able to select every skill from each tree. Thus, even two players with the same three skill trees can play very differently if they select different abilities. Selected skills within a given tree can be reset at any time for a small fee, and skill trees can be changed by talking to a "trainer" and paying a fee.

Archery

 * This Skillset focuses primarily on ranged damage dealing – as one might expect – with the tradeoff of ranged abilities having a damage penalty when too close to the target. Some active abilities help keep the target at a distance while applying damage-over-time and other effects, and its passive abilities boost mobility and ranged physical damage.

Auramancy

 * This support Skillset deals in buffs for the caster and their group, debuffs for your enemies, and a mix of light healing, defense, and crowd control. Its broad toolkit makes for good group support.

BattleRage

 * Charge in, fight up close, and keep your targets from getting away! This Skillset is primarily focused on offensive prowess with passive abilities that boost your attacks and provide some compensation for dual wielding weapons.

Defense

 * This is the primary Skillset for those who want to pick up a shield and take some damage, packing the high-protection skills, taunts, and damage mitigation of a “tank.” Its passives focus on blocking and reducing incoming damage.