Template:Balancing
The sixty four (64) classes are partitioned into eight primary archetypes. Balancing of active skills only relates to these eight primary archetypes.[1]
- There are four primary groups of augments assigned to each base archetype. Balancing of augments relates to the four augment groups for each of the eight archetypes.[1]
Balancing is such an important aspect of this class system that we want to make sure that there's a role to be had for every possible combination.[2] – Steven Sharif
You don't make 64 classes for four to be played.[2] – Peter Pilone
Balancing in Ashes of Creation is "group focused".[3]
There will be match ups in 1v1s where one class will be superior to another; and that application should be a rock-paper-scissors dynamic. We want there to be counter-play between the different classes... Instead it's going to be a group focused balance, where as long as you have the diversity of classes present, that's going to be an equal level playing field. It's going to be very dependent on skill and strategy.[3] – Steven Sharif
Certain secondary archetypes are capable of "bridging the gap" between their counterpart.[4]
Certain archetypes are capable of moving the gap between their counterpart per-se. If I am a Tank archetype and a Mage is my counter, I can take a Mage secondary and kind of bridge the divide slightly; and then move my identity that direction ever so slightly.[4] – Steven Sharif