Editing Character class (section)

==In fantasy games and role-playing games==
[[File:Nethack falcons eye class selection.png|thumb|right|Class selection screen in ''[[Falcon's Eye]]'']]
In fantasy games, [[Warrior|Fighter]], [[Magician (fantasy)|Mage]], and [[Theft|Thief]] form a common archetypal trio of basic classes, each ones' abilities offsetting the other's weakness. The [[Fighter (Dungeons & Dragons)|Fighter]] is strong and focuses on weapon-based combat, the Mage, renamed [[Wizard (Dungeons & Dragons)|Wizard]] in later editions of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', is a ranged fighter equipped with a variety of [[Magic (supernatural)|magical]] abilities for combative and utilitarian purposes, and the Thief, renamed [[Rogue (Dungeons & Dragons)|Rogue]] in later editions, is not physically strong but focuses on speed or stealth. Thus, it is usual to find one or more classes that excel in combat, several classes (called [[Spellcaster (character class)|spell-casters]]) that are able to perform [[Magic (gaming)|magic]] (often different kinds of magic), and one or more classes that deal with stealth.<ref name=":0" />

In its original release ''[[Dungeons & Dragons (1974)|Dungeons & Dragons]]'' included three classes: fighting man, magic user, and [[Cleric (Dungeons & Dragons)|Cleric]] (a class distinct from Mages or Wizards that channels [[Magic of Dungeons & Dragons#Divine magic|divine power]] from [[Deity|deific]] sources to perform [[thaumaturgy]] and [[miracles]] rather than [[Magic of Dungeons & Dragons#Arcane magic|arcane magic]] drawn from [[Cosmos|cosmic]] sources to cast [[Incantation|spells]]), while supplemental rules added the Thief class.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://geekdad.com/2015/02/original-dd-and-5th-edition/|title=Original 'D&D' and 5th Edition, Some Side-by-Side Comparisons Part I|date=2015-02-11|website=GeekDad|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> In subsequent editions of the game, new classes were added individually, from spell-casting classes such as the [[Sorcerer (Dungeons & Dragons)|Sorcerer]], [[Warlock (Dungeons & Dragons)|Warlock]] and [[Druid (Dungeons & Dragons)|Druid]], to more combat-centered classes such as the [[Barbarian (Dungeons & Dragons)|Barbarian]], [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|Ranger]] and [[Monk (Dungeons & Dragons)|Monk]], along with variant subclasses. 

In [[science fiction]] and other non-[[fantasy]] role-playing games, the role of magic user is often filled with a [[scientist]] or other intelligence-based class, while the Cleric becomes a [[medic]] or similarly supportive role, and the Rogue and/or Ranger with an explorer or assassin.<ref name=":2" /> Some science fiction and [[Supernatural fiction|supernatural]]-themed RPGs also use [[psychic]] powers as a stand in for magic.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Basics of game design|last=Moore|first=Michael E.|date=2011|publisher=A K Peters/CRC Press|isbn=9781439867761|location=Boca Raton|pages=227|oclc=746925670}}</ref> There are also character classes that combine features of the classes listed above and are frequently called ''hybrid classes''.<ref name=":1" /> Some examples include the [[Bard (Dungeons & Dragons)|Bard]] (a cross between the Thief and Mage with an emphasis on interpersonal skills, mental and visual spells, and supportive magical abilities), or the [[Paladin (character class)|Paladin]] (a cross between the Fighter and Cleric with slightly decreased combat skills relative to a fighter but various innate abilities that are used to heal or protect allies and repel and/or smite evil opponents).{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}

Some RPGs feature another variation on the classes mechanic. For example, in ''[[Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay]]'', players choose a career.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://geekdad.com/2018/09/10-great-things-about-warhammer-fantasy-roleplay/|title=10 Great Things About 'Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay'|date=2018-09-28|website=GeekDad|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> The career works like a class with abilities (known in WFRP as skills and talents) added to the character based on the chosen career.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://cubicle7.co.uk/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-preview-class-and-career/|title=Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Preview – Class and Career|website=Cubicle7 (makers of WFRP 4)|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=2019-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616000830/http://cubicle7.co.uk/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-preview-class-and-career/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, as the player advances and gains more experience he or she may choose a new career according to a predefined career path or change to a completely different career.<ref name=":4" /> WFRP is also notable in that characters are encouraged to roll to determine their starting career which is compensated for by free XP which can be spent on more skills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techraptor.net/content/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-4th-edition-review|title=Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition Review|date=2018-10-09|website=Gaming News, Reviews, and Articles - TechRaptor.net|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref>

As an alternative to class-based systems, [[Statistic (role-playing games)#Skills|skill]]-based systems are designed to give the player a stronger sense of control over how their character develops.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/06/19/the-division-has-classless-characters-second-screen-detailed/|title=The Division has 'classless characters,' second screen detailed|website=Engadget|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=เครื่องราง |url=https://www.muamulet.com/ |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref> In such systems, players can often choose the direction of their characters as they play, usually by assigning points to certain skills.<ref name=":6" /> Classless games often provide templates for the player to work from, many of which are based on traditional character classes. Many classless games' settings or rules systems lend themselves to the creation of character following certain archetypal trends.{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}} For example, in the [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Fallout (video game)|Fallout]]'', common character archetypes include the "shooter", "survivalist", "scientist", "smooth talker" and "sneaker", unofficial terms representing various possible means of solving or avoiding conflicts and puzzles in the game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/fallout-new-vegas-character-build-guide/|title=Fallout: New Vegas character build guide|last=Acaba|first=Daniel|website=gamesradar|language=EN-US|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref> [[GURPS]], which inspired Fallout's system, also used a classless system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/fallout-the-first-modern-role-playing-game/|title=Fallout: The first modern role-playing game|website=Engadget|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref>

The original [[PlayStation 2]] release of the [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'' included a [[Statistic (role-playing games)#Skills|skill]]-based system in which as the player progressed, they would gain buffs and abilities (called licenses) via the game's License Board<ref name="BRADY18">{{cite book |editor=BradyGAMES |title=Final Fantasy XII Official Strategy Guide |year=2006 |publisher=DKPublishing |isbn=0-7440-0837-9 |page=18}}</ref> (of which each party member shared). ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'''s re-release ''[[Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System]]'' and [[High-definition remasters for PlayStation consoles|high-definition remaster]], ''[[Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age]]'' changed this system by adding a class (or job) system in which classes could be changed, and they each had separate License Boards.