Dual-classing in an RPG opens up a ton of customization options, allowing players to expand their chosen class’ potential with new abilities.
Despite being a broad genre, one common aspect of role-playing games is how they give players the chance to make their own choices. Often, these choices exist within the narrative, with many RPGs including mechanics such as social simulation, branching narratives, and morality systems. Additionally, class creation and choice can have a huge impact depending on the game, making the ability to create a personal character incredibly important, whether that involves distributing ability points, choosing classes, or creating a build from scratch.
Dual-classing is one way players are given freedom in character creation and leveling. Instead of sticking to a single class, characters may be able to take on abilities from other classes, creating interesting builds and finding new ways to play. This can increase the depth an RPG has, giving access to new solutions and tactics during combat, and making the role-playing feel that much more complex. 6 Baldur’s Gate (1998)
Released in the late 1990s and still influencing many RPGs — especially CRPGs — made to this day, the original Baldur’s Gate based its mechanics on Dunegons & Dragons, a ruleset that allowed dual-classing. While not all characters and classes can dual-class, there are many potential combinations to create extremely strong and varied builds.
In this game, dual-classing is a double-edged sword; though it can give characters access to additional abilities and strengths, it also locks them out of reaching certain levels in each class. It is also a complex feature that requires knowledge and understanding of how the game works. Ultimately, however, it can lead to some extremely powerful characters, and is a good option for players who want something complex. Despite being an older game, it has been updated with an enhanced edition that adds new characters, classes, and quality-of-life features. 5 Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire (2018)
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment’s acclaimed Pillars of Eternity, a CRPG that was inspired by older RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale. Though the first game allowed for many different builds, featuring eleven classes, dual-classing was a feature new to Deadfire, and adds an extra layer of customization.
