Archetypes are development paths that characters follow. Each archetype encapsulates a unique set of skills and expertise and represents a specific combat specialization. The Rogue Trader and every companion will have one or more archetypes that define how they play.
Overview[]
Archetypes make up the basic class system of the game. They determine most of the talents and abilities available to the character, as well as what skills and characteristics can be improved during level up. During character creation, the player will choose an archetype for the Rogue Trader. Companion characters also come with one or more archetypes.
Archetypes are organized into three tiers. There are four first-tier archetypes, one of which is chosen at character creation. Story companions come with their first-tier archetype already chosen, while mercenaries can be created with any archetype. At level 16, the character gains a second-tier archetype. There are six second-tier archetypes, though only three are available to any character depending on their first-tier archetype. Most companions allow the player to choose their second-tier archetype, though a few come with it already chosen. At level 36, the character gains their third-tier archetype. There is only one third-tier archetype, Exemplar, which builds on and furthers the character's previous archetypes.
Archetypes are specifically linked to a character's ability to level up, so NPCs do not have them. However, some NPCs will have abilities and talents that are the same as those of player archetypes.
Available Archetypes[]
First-Tier Archetypes[]
- Warrior, focusing on melee combat and withstanding damage
- Officer, focusing on buffing allies and granting them extra turns
- Operative, focusing on debuffing enemies
- Soldier, focusing on ranged combat
- Bladedancer, focusing on melee damage and movement (requires Void Shadows DLC)
Second-Tier Archetypes[]
- Assassin, available to Warriors, Operatives, and Bladedancers
- Vanguard, available to Warriors and Officers
- Bounty Hunter, available to Operatives and Soldiers
- Master Tactician, available to Officers, Soldiers, and Bladedancers
- Grand Strategist, available to Officers and Operatives
- Arch-Militant, available to Warriors, Soldiers, and Bladedancers
- Executioner, available to Warriors, Operatives, and Bladedancers (requires Void Shadows DLC)