If you have spent any real time following the development of Ashes of Creation, you already know one thing. Class choice matters. A lot. With Alpha 2 shaping the early meta, players are already hunting for the strongest archetypes for leveling, solo play, and PvE grinding. That is exactly why this Ashes of Creation classes tier list exists.
This guide is written from a veteran MMO player’s perspective, focusing on real gameplay feel rather than theory alone. If you want to push content faster, avoid unnecessary deaths, and feel useful in groups, picking the right class makes a huge difference. Some players also choose to use PVPBank to buy Ashes of Creation gold early to smooth out progression, but a strong class choice will always be your biggest advantage.
How This Ashes of Creation Classes Tier List Works
This Ashes of Creation classes tier list is based primarily on PvE performance. That includes leveling speed, solo survivability, group utility, and overall efficiency during long grind sessions. PvP balance is still evolving, so it is not the main focus here.
We use a standard tier system to keep things simple.
S Tier classes dominate almost all PvE content with minimal weaknesses.
A Tier classes are strong and reliable but have small drawbacks.
B Tier classes are solid but require more effort or gear.
C Tier classes struggle early or lack impact without support.
D Tier classes currently feel outclassed or inefficient for most players.
Keep in mind that Ashes of Creation is designed to be flexible. A skilled player can succeed on any class. This tier list reflects efficiency, not fun police rules.
Ashes of Creation Classes Tier List Overview
Here is the current Ashes of Creation classes tier list based on Alpha 2 PvE gameplay.
S Tier
Bard
A Tier
Cleric
Fighter
Summoner
B Tier
Mage
Rogue
C Tier
Tank
D Tier
Ranger
This Ashes of Creation class tier list may shift as balance updates roll out, but these rankings reflect how the game feels right now in actual play.
S Tier Class Breakdown
Bard
Bard is the clear winner in the Ashes of Creation classes tier list. It is the most flexible class in the game and fits into almost any group composition. Bard offers healing, mana sustain, buffs, debuffs, and reliable crowd control.
From a leveling perspective, Bard is incredibly smooth. You rarely stop to recover resources, which means more kills and faster experience. In groups, Bard is often mandatory. Many parties actively look for one before starting content.
The tradeoff is that Bard is never the absolute best at one role. Damage is lower than pure DPS, and healing is weaker than Cleric. Still, the overall value Bard brings puts it firmly at the top of the Ashes of Creation best classes list.
A Tier Classes Explained
Cleric
Cleric is the safest class in Ashes of Creation. It has strong burst healing, reliable sustain, and decent damage. Solo play is slow but extremely safe. You can take on tougher enemies than most classes and outlast them.
In group content, Cleric is always welcome. Resurrection alone makes it invaluable. Cleric sits just below Bard because it lacks speed and flexibility, but it remains one of the best classes in Ashes of Creation for beginners and solo players.
Fighter
Fighter is one of the strongest melee DPS classes in the game. Early levels feel average, but once lifesteal and AoE abilities unlock, Fighter becomes a monster. You clear packs fast and sustain yourself through damage.
Fighter shines in both solo and group PvE. It lacks ranged options and utility compared to Bard or Cleric, which keeps it out of S Tier, but it is still one of the best leveling classes in Ashes of Creation.
Summoner
Summoner is a sleeper hit in the Ashes of Creation class tier list. Having pets tank, heal, or deal damage makes solo content much easier. You control fights instead of reacting to them.
Summoner requires more awareness and planning, which is why it does not rank higher. In the hands of experienced players, it performs extremely well and offers strong adaptability in PvE.
B Tier Classes Explained
Mage
Mage delivers strong ranged damage and excellent AoE. Elemental combos feel satisfying, and crowd control tools help manage bad pulls. The problem is survivability. Mage mistakes are punished hard.
In group content, Mage performs better because others can protect it. Solo leveling is doable but requires patience and positioning. Mage is a good class, but it demands skill to shine.
Rogue
Rogue is fast, mobile, and fun, but the current PvE meta does not favor it. Damage is decent, but survivability is limited. Rogue works best when you control engagements perfectly.
For experienced players who enjoy stealth and mobility, Rogue can still perform well. For beginners, it often feels unforgiving, which keeps it in B Tier on the Ashes of Creation classes tier list.
C Tier Class Explained
Tank
Tank does exactly what it is meant to do. It survives. Damage output is low, and solo leveling feels slow. However, Tanks are valuable in group PvE, especially during harder encounters.
Tank is beginner friendly because mistakes are less punishing, but patience is required. Until secondary archetypes expand its options, Tank remains a lower tier pick for leveling efficiency.
D Tier Class Explained
Ranger
Ranger currently struggles in PvE. While single target burst can be strong, the class is fragile and lacks sustain. Mistakes lead to fast deaths.
In skilled hands, Ranger can perform, but it requires perfect positioning and timing. Compared to other options, Ranger simply feels outclassed in the current Ashes of Creation class tier list.
Best Classes for Leveling in Ashes of Creation
If your main goal is fast leveling, these classes stand out.
Bard for nonstop uptime and group demand
Fighter for fast clears and lifesteal
Cleric for safe, steady progression
These are the most efficient leveling classes in Ashes of Creation right now.
Best Classes for Beginners
New players should focus on survivability and simplicity.
Cleric is forgiving and safe
Tank allows mistakes without dying
Mage offers range and control if played carefully
Choosing one of these makes learning Ashes of Creation much smoother.
Best Solo Classes in Ashes of Creation
Solo players need sustain and control.
Cleric survives almost anything
Mage controls fights with CC
Tank outlasts enemies with pure durability
These classes handle solo content better than most.
What Influences the Ashes of Creation Class Meta
Several factors shape this Ashes of Creation classes tier list.
Group utility like healing and buffs
Self sustain and survivability
Damage output and clear speed
Classes that score well in all three areas tend to stay on top of the meta.
Final Thoughts on the Ashes of Creation Classes Tier List
This Ashes of Creation classes tier list is meant to guide, not limit you. The game is designed for flexibility, and player skill always matters more than raw rankings.
If you want efficiency, Bard currently reigns supreme. If you want safety, Cleric delivers. If you crave action, Fighter scratches that itch. Pick a class that fits your playstyle, learn it well, and you will thrive in Verra.
No matter what you choose, Ashes of Creation rewards smart play, teamwork, and patience. That is what makes it worth the wait.
