How many classes does Valiant have?

Seven: Vanguard, Warden, Oracle, Sentinel, Arbiter, Artisan, and Pathfinder. At level 20 each class evolves into one of two specializations, for 14 specializations in total.

When do I choose my specialization?

At level 20. The choice is lasting — it sets your talent tree, your role in group content, and your emblem on the leaderboards — though during alpha you can respec for free while experimenting.

Which class is best for beginners?

Every class handles the early game well. If you want an easy path into group play, Vanguard and Warden are frontline tanks that every Descent party wants. Artisan is the strongest economic playstyle, and Pathfinder's Beastmaster gets the most out of companions.

Classes & Specializations

Valiant has 7 classes, and each evolves into one of two specializations at level 20 — for 14 specializations total. Your class sets your early playstyle; your specialization sets your talent tree, your group role, and your identity for the long haul.

The seven classes

Class	Specializations	Playstyle
Vanguard	Dread Knight / Defender	A dark frontline tank — hold the line, punish what strikes it.
Warden	Holy Knight / Battle Cleric	A holy frontline tank and protector who keeps the party standing.
Oracle	Hexmaster / Seer	A spiritual caster who reads the fight and bends it with curses and foresight.
Sentinel	Shaman / Assassin	A spear-and-spirit striker — conditions and precision, two ways to end a fight.
Arbiter	Berserker / Warlord	Two-handed chaos damage: raw fury, or disciplined command.
Artisan	Master Crafter / Tinkerer	The economic class — crafts, siege tools, and market mastery as a weapon.
Pathfinder	Naturalist / Beastmaster	An elemental scout of the wilds, strongest alongside a bonded companion.

How specialization works

You play your base class from level 1 to 20. At level 20 you choose one of your class's two specializations. That choice:

Unlocks and defines your talent grid (9 talents specific to that spec).
Sets your role — tank, healer, or damage — in formations and the Descent.
Grants a small permanent attribute boost suited to the spec.

Note

Specialization is meant to be a defining commitment. During alpha, respecs are free so you can explore; after launch they cost gold and carry a cooldown, so the choice will carry real weight.

Which should you pick?

Lead with what sounds fun — nothing early forces your hand, and most veterans end up running several characters anyway. If you're aiming at group content, tanks (Vanguard, Warden) and healers (Warden's Battle Cleric, Oracle's Seer, Sentinel's Shaman) are always in demand for Descent parties. If you love a market game, Artisan is the deepest. If you want a pet at your side, Pathfinder's Beastmaster is built for it.