Ashes of Creation Archetypes Ranked: Best Class Tier List & What You Should Choose in Alpha 2

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Choosing your archetype in Ashes of Creation isn’t just about picking a “class”—it’s the foundation of your entire journey through Verra. With 8 primary archetypes that later evolve into 64 hybrid classes, the system can feel overwhelming, especially for new players diving into Alpha 2 for the first time.

The community meta is rapidly forming around which archetypes dominate group content, which ones perform best in early PvE testing, and which require more polish. This guide breaks down the strongest archetypes today, explains why the Summoner is the most talked-about class, and helps you choose an archetype based on your personal playstyle, not just raw numbers.
If you're trying to decide what to play—or want to avoid rerolling later—this is your all-in-one guide.

What Are Archetypes in Ashes of Creation? (The Class System Explained)

Ashes of Creation uses a two-layer class system:

8 Primary Archetypes

  • Bard

  • Cleric

  • Fighter

  • Mage

  • Ranger

  • Rogue

  • Summoner

  • Tank

At level 25, you add a Secondary Archetype, creating one of 64 hybrid classes. Secondary archetypes do not grant new skills—instead, they modify and augment your primary abilities. This means your primary choice determines:

  • Your combat identity

  • Your role in groups

  • Your main leveling experience

  • Your core rotation and toolkit

Hybrids are more like class specializations, adding flavor such as stealth, elemental infusion, healing augments, or defensive boosts.

Ashes of Creation Archetype Tier List (Alpha 2 PvE Meta)

Ashes of Creation Archetypes Ranked:

While the game is far from balanced, a clear early Alpha 2 trend has emerged from developer tests, community events, and creator breakdowns.

S-Tier — Bard

The backbone of every group. Bards provide unmatched buffs, damage amplification, and party-wide sustain. Teams actively look for them, and in coordinated content they are considered mandatory.

A-Tier — Cleric, Fighter, Summoner

Cleric

Top-tier healing, incredible survivability, and shockingly good solo capability thanks to self-sustain and strong damage tools.

Fighter

Straightforward, reliable, and flexible. Fighters hit hard, are easy to learn, and excel in solo content.

Summoner

The most versatile archetype in the game. With access to tank, DPS, and support pets, Summoners can shift into nearly any role with the right setup.

B-Tier — Mage, Rogue

Mage

High burst and AoE potential, but fragile and very position-dependent.

Rogue

Deadly in PvP and strong when played well, but requires high mechanical awareness and timing.

C-Tier — Tank

Tanks are essential for group play but feel slow and underpowered solo. Their early-game pacing is noticeably weaker compared to Fighter or Cleric.

D-Tier — Ranger

High skill requirement with low reward in early testing. Damage scales poorly and mobility is limited—though the class is expected to improve with future tuning.

Spotlight on Summoner: The Most Asked-About Archetype

No archetype has exploded in popularity like the Summoner. Its unique identity revolves around commanding three spirit Vessels:

  • Guardian — Tank pet

  • Hunter — Damage pet

  • Mystic — Healing/utility pet

This gives the Summoner unmatched adaptability:

  • Solo players can bring a tank pet and kite mobs.

  • Group players can supplement missing roles.

  • High-skill players can micro-manage pets for huge value.

Its gameplay feels like a hybrid between classic pet classes and tactical RTS decision-making, making it ideal for:

  • Thinkers

  • Strategists

  • Micro-oriented players

  • Fans of hybrid roles

How to Choose the Best Archetype for You

Instead of asking “What’s the best class?”—ask “What’s the best class for my playstyle?”

1. What Role Do You Want?

  • Healer: Cleric

  • Support: Bard

  • Tank: Tank

  • DPS (simple): Fighter

  • DPS (skillful): Rogue, Mage

  • DPS/Support hybrid: Summoner

  • Ranged DPS: Ranger

2. Solo vs. Group Play

Best for Solo:

  • Fighter

  • Cleric

  • Summoner

Best for Group Play:

  • Bard

  • Cleric

  • Tank

  • Summoner (depending on build)

3. PvE or PvP Focus?

  • PvE kings: Bard, Cleric, Fighter

  • PvP assassins: Rogue, Mage

  • PvE/PvP hybrid potential: Summoner

4. What’s Your Skill Level?

  • Beginner-friendly: Fighter, Cleric

  • Intermediate: Mage, Tank

  • Expert: Rogue, Summoner, Bard

Looking Forward: Planning Your Hybrid Class (64-Class System)

Your primary archetype is permanent—your secondary unlocks new creative possibilities.

Examples:

  • Cleric + Tank = Templar — A frontline holy defender

  • Fighter + Bard = Blademaster — A rhythm-based duelist

  • Mage + Fighter = Spellsword — A classic arcane melee hybrid

  • Rogue + Mage = Shadowblade — Burst assassin with magical tricks

  • Summoner + Bard = Songcaller — Pet-focused support hybrid

Encouraging readers to imagine their future hybrid increases interest and engagement.

Conclusion

Ashes of Creation’s archetype system is deeper and more flexible than most MMOs on the market today. With 8 primaries and 64 possible hybrid combinations, finding “the best class” isn’t just about raw power—it’s about discovering what role, pace, and playstyle you enjoy.

Whether you choose the meta-defining Bard, the always-reliable Cleric, or the endlessly creative Summoner, this early Alpha 2 tier list gives you a strong starting point on the path to shaping your identity in Verra. 

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