Character class

[1] In role-playing games (RPGs), character classes aggregate several abilities and aptitudes, and may also detail aspects of background and social standing, or impose behavior restrictions.

In fantasy games, Fighter, Mage, and Thief form a common archetypal trio of basic classes, each ones' abilities offsetting the other's weakness.

The Fighter is strong and focuses on weapon-based combat, the Mage, renamed Wizard in later editions of Dungeons & Dragons, is a ranged fighter equipped with a variety of magical abilities for combative and utilitarian purposes, and the Thief, renamed Rogue in later editions, is not physically strong but focuses on speed or stealth.

[3] Some examples include the 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 (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).

[9] 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.

Many multiplayer shooter games use class systems to provide different tactics and styles of play and promote teamwork and cooperation.

Examples of shooter games with classes include the Battlefield series, Star Wars Battlefront II, Rising Storm 2: Vietnam, and Insurgency: Sandstorm.

One notable example is the 2007 team-based shooter Team Fortress 2, which features nine distinct classes divided into three categories: Offense, Defense, and Support.

Each of these classes feature notable gameplay differences that are meant to suit their categories, yet do not limit them from being used for both offense and defense playstyles to varying degrees of effectiveness.