With open beta just around the corner, long time SV forum member and featured contributor Eburk has written a nice article for all to enjoy titled “Baby, What’s Your Class?” It’s a fun, light read that focuses on the basic features of the different class systems, from the stoic warrior type to the helpful healer style and the various classes in between.
Enjoy!
Baby, What’s Your Class?
by Eburk
What does your class mean to you? Does it let you be the big man up front, laying waste to all with your oversized sword and your kite shield? Perhaps it allows you to be a bit more sneaky then you are in real life, creeping from behind the enemy to slide a cold piece of steel into their back. Then of course there are others who wish to reign down fire on their enemies or heal the wounds of others. Many can find a close correlation between their personality and their class. In this article, I hope to look at how some might relate themselves to a specific archetype or profession. In some cases, maybe this article will help you decide which class you would like to be after the release of Vanguard.
The first we must look at is the most basic. It is what storybook heroes are most commonly made of. The knights in shining armor, the cold, stoic mercenary, and the troubled soldier. All are examples of the fighter or warrior class. These people like to stand toe-to-toe with danger, matching blades and brute force to see who comes out on top. They realize things cannot be done by themselves, however, and are most often good with a healer behind them. While not always the most powerful, they are often the most enduring, allowing them to stand up to their enemies longer than any other.
Perhaps you are not as interested in brute force. Many folks aren't. Many people are turned on by the ability to control the very elements themselves. Casters are some of the most interesting and complex classes to play in modern MMORPG's. They are often not recommended as a first class, as there are many facets to their gameplay. Casters seem to suit those who enjoy the raw glass-cannon mentality. Give it all for damage and hope that you kill your enemy before it kills you! Often more suited for being surrounded by others, it all depends on the game and class when determining how effective casters are when soloing.
For those with compassion and a wish to do good, there are the healer classes. Whether you bind yourself to nature or a diety, these people are those who enjoy social aspects of the game. You care not for watching large numbers flow with each blow you deal. You keep the damage-dealers churning, and are appreciated greatly for it. Often a keystone to a group, healers make up the final piece of the core trinity of classes: damage - tanker - healer. If you are a person who enjoys having a large group of friends and don't mind taking the brunt of the blame when things to awry, perhaps a healer is for you.
Of course, there are always those who do not wish to focus on one area exclusively. They prefer to be a bit more well-rounded. This is where hybrids come into play. If you wish to be the type of person who can do both heavy damage with some lesser healing, or vice versa, a hybrid might be for you. The drawback to playing such a class is that you will not always be as good in certain areas as the specialized classes will be, however you will most likely receive some unique abilities of your own.
All the aforementioned class archetypes are the most basic of basics. Each class has something unique to offer, and even more so when you look at specific classes and not so much the generalizations I have made in this article. Find a class that fits your personality well, that you can see yourself playing for an extended period of time. Part of one's ability to play a class, as well as their enduring interest in a game, are dependent upon how much they enjoy their character. Take the time to get it right so that you may enjoy whatever game it is you are playing for as long as possible!
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Baby, What’s Your Class? by Eburk
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(j/k, a good puller is a specialised CC class).
