Creature class: Difference between revisions

From MTG Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
>RealMonoRayJak
m (Added a link to the scryfall search for the peasant class.)
>RivalRowan
(Updated to include new classes.)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{about|subset of creature types|the enchantment type|Class}}
{{about|subset of creature types|the enchantment type|Class}}
'''Creature class''' or '''Class''' for short is a subset of the [[characteristic]] "[[creature type]]".<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-january-2008-2008-01-01|Ask Wizards - January, 2008|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|January, 2008}}</ref>  
'''Creature class''', often shortened to just '''Class''', is an [[R&D]] term for a subset of the [[characteristic]] "[[creature type]]".<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0108|title=Ask Wizards - January, 2008|author=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=January 1-14, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212050749/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0108|archivedate=May 4, 2016}}</ref>  


Most [[humanoid]] [[creature]]s have at least two [[creature type]]s: [[race]] and class. Whereas race (such as [[Human]], [[Elf]], or [[Goblin]]) is a matter of genetics, a creature's class (such as [[Soldier]], [[Wizard]], or [[Rogue]]) represents their function, occupation, career or calling in life.
==Description==
Most [[humanoid]] [[creature]]s have at least two [[creature type]]s: a [[race]] and a class. Whereas race (such as [[Human]], [[Elf]], or [[Goblin]]) is a matter of the creature's origin, their class (such as [[Soldier]], [[Wizard]], or [[Rogue]]) represents their function, occupation, career or calling in life.


[[Token]] can have a class without a race, while on cards it is a rare exception to see a creature with only just a class.
There is no distinction in the [[Comprehensive Rules]] between race and class. All creature types are treated equally within the game rules. The use of the [[Creature_type#Race/class_model|race/class model]] is to allow for more consistent, flavorful worldbuilding and more design space among creatures.


Statistically speaking, as of ''[[Innistrad: Crimson Vow]]'' the most common class is Wizard (883), followed by Warrior (843) and then Soldier (751).
[[Token]]s can have a class without a race.


As of ''[[Jumpstart 2022]]'' the most common class is Wizard (1000), followed by Warrior (969) and then Soldier (818).
==History==
Creature classes like [[Cleric]], [[Knight]] and [[Wizard]] have been a part of [[Magic: The Gathering|''Magic'']]'s creature types since [[Limited Edition]] [[Alpha]]. During the early years of the game, creature types were considered to be an extension of the flavor and world-building, rather than as mechanically important. This had two consequences {{em}} creatures had only a single creature type and that creature type was the most flavourfully relevant one.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mr47|title=Beast of Show|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=November 18, 2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513012350/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mr47|archivedate=May 23, 2009}}</ref>
Creature classes were a major part of R&D's shift away from creature-types-as-flavour to creature-types-as-mechanics.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/rb47|title=Debating Humanity|author=[[Randy Buehler]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=November 22, 2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021207125835/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/rb47|archivedate=February 29, 2012}}</ref> This philosophy change arose from development of the [[tribal]]-themed [[Onslaught block|''Onslaught'' block]], when three major issues with the current design scheme were identified:
*Creatures having only one type meant someone had to choose which type was more important when a creature, like <c>Goblin Wizard</c>, wanted to be multiple types.
*With only one creature type, card names were being used to tell the whole story about a card. This limited the name space for creatures.
*Creatures with only one type would only work in one type of tribal deck. This limited flexability and interactivity for players.
In response to the success of ''Onslaught'' block, the race/class model was adopted for creatures from ''[[Mirrodin]]'' onwards.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/af185|title=Looking Back to the Future|author=[[Aaron Forsythe]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=August 24, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112055922/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/af185|archivedate=March 3, 2017}}</ref> The [[Grand Creature Type Update]] consolidated the race/class model by reducing the number of creature types and issuing errata to older cards to bring them in line with the new philosophy.<ref name="GCTU">{{WebRef|url=https://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/feature/424a3|title=The Grand Creature Type Update|author=[[Mark Gottlieb]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=September 26, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602073318/https://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtgcom/feature/424a3|archivedate=April 22, 2021}}</ref>
In 2022 [[Wizards of the Coast]] retired the [[Card_frame#Silver_border|silver border]], replacing it with the [[acorn]] stamp. This allowed [[Acorn#Un-sets|Un-set]]s to contain both acorn cards and [[eternal legal]] cards. The release of ''[[Unfinity]]'' saw [[Child]] and [[Gamer]] become eternal legal creature classes.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/comprehensive-rules-changes-2022-10-18|title=Comprehensive Rules Changes|author=[[Jess Dunks]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=October 18, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121174138/https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/comprehensive-rules-changes-2022-10-18|archivedate=November 21, 2022}}</ref>
==List of creature classes==
The folowing table lists all eternal legal creature classes.
{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
! Class
! Class
Line 16: Line 33:
|Tacticians, courtiers, ministers, and others who are known for their wisdom.
|Tacticians, courtiers, ministers, and others who are known for their wisdom.
|{{Scryfall search|Advisor|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Advisor|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''<s>[[Alchemist]]</s>'''
|People who practice alchemy, a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy.
|
|-
|'''[[Ally]]'''
|'''[[Ally]]'''
|People or creatures that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose.
|Creatures that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose.
|{{Scryfall search|Ally|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Ally|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Archer]]'''
|'''[[Archer]]'''
|Combatants who specialize in fighting with bow and arrows.
|Combatants who specialize in fighting with bow and arrows.
|{{Scryfall search|Archer|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Archer|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Army]]'''
|'''[[Army]]'''
|A unit that is part of some military service  
|A unit that is part of some military service  
|
|{{Scryfall search|Amass|oracle}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Artificer]]'''
|'''[[Artificer]]'''
|Those who specialize in working with [[artifacts]].
|Those who specialize in working with [[artifacts]].
|{{Scryfall search|Artificer|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Artificer|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Assassin]]'''  
|'''[[Assassin]]'''
|Specialists in targeted killing.
|Specialists in targeted killing.
|{{Scryfall search|Assassin|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Assassin|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Barbarian]]'''
|'''[[Barbarian]]'''
|Unorganized fighters, usually from primitive and/or uncivilized cultures.  
|Unorganized fighters, usually from primitive and/or uncivilized cultures.  
|{{Scryfall search|Barbarian|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Barbarian|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Bard]]'''
|'''[[Bard]]'''
|Performers who improve the qualities of creatures through music.
|Entertainers who improve the qualities of creatures through music.
|[https://scryfall.com/search?q=type%3A%22bard%22&unique=cards&as=grid&order=name type:"Bard"]
|{{Scryfall search|Bard|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Berserker]]'''  
|'''[[Berserker]]'''
|Combatants who enter a frenzy in battle, gaining great speed and battle prowess.
|Combatants who enter a frenzy in battle, gaining great speed and battle prowess.
|{{Scryfall search|Berserker|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Berserker|type}}
|-
|-
|'''<s>[[Bodyguard]]</s>'''  
|'''[[Child]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|People employed to guard an individual, often a high official or VIP, from bodily harm.
|A young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society
|  
|{{Scryfall search|Child|type}}
|-
|-
|'''<s>[[Bureaucrat]]</s>'''
|People who run a government and do everything according to the rules.
|
|-
|'''[[Citizen]]'''
|'''[[Citizen]]'''
|Inhabitants of a city or town, usually in a non-fighting capacity..
|Inhabitants of a city or town, usually in a non-fighting capacity.
|{{Scryfall search|Citizen|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Citizen|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Cleric]]'''  
|'''[[Cleric]]'''
|Spellcasters who channel the power of their faith in a cause or higher being into potent magic.
|Spellcasters who channel the power of their faith in a cause or higher being into potent magic.
|{{Scryfall search|Cleric|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Cleric|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Coward]]'''  
|'''[[Clown]]'''
|People who lack courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition or pain.
|Comic entertainers who wear traditionally comical costumes and exaggerated make-up.
|{{Scryfall search|Clown|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Coward]]'''
|Creatures who lack courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition or pain.
|{{Scryfall search|Coward|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Coward|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Druid]]'''
|'''[[Deserter]]'''
|Creatures who have left, or run away from, their service or duty with the intention of never returning.
|{{Scryfall search|Deserter|type}}
|-
|'''[[Drone]]'''
|Simple, immature, or artificial lifeforms that perform tedious and menial work.
|{{Scryfall search|Drone|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Druid]]'''
|Masters of magic powered by faith, and strongly tied to [[plant]]s, animals, fertility, the element of earth, and the [[land]] about them.
|Masters of magic powered by faith, and strongly tied to [[plant]]s, animals, fertility, the element of earth, and the [[land]] about them.
|{{Scryfall search|Druid|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Druid|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Elder]]'''
|'''[[Egg]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|Used for the [[Wikipedia:Egg|incubation]] stage of a creature.
|{{Scryfall search|Egg|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Elder]]'''
|Used on venerable creatures to denote their importance.
|Used on venerable creatures to denote their importance.
|{{Scryfall search|Elder|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Elder|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Employee]]'''
|Creatures employed for wages or salary, especially at a non-executive level.
|{{Scryfall search|Employee|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Flagbearer]]'''
|'''[[Flagbearer]]'''
|Soldiers or civilians who bear a standard or flag, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a military unit on the [[battlefield]].
|Soldiers or civilians who bear a standard or flag, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a military unit on the [[battlefield]].
|{{Scryfall search|Flagbearer|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Flagbearer|type}}
|-
|-
|'''<s>[[Guardian]]</s>'''
|'''[[Gamer]]'''
|Creatures which guard, protect, or preserve.
|Individuals who play games causally or professionally.
|
|{{Scryfall search|Gamer|type}}
|-
|-
|'''<s>[[Hero (subtype)|Hero]]</s>'''
|'''[[Guest]]'''
|Characters who, in the face of danger, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice for some greater good.
|A creature who is invited to visit someone's home, business or attend a particular social occasion.
|
|{{Scryfall search|Guest|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Knight]]'''  
|'''[[Inquisitor]]'''
|A creature who inquires or investigates professionaly, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or using extereme methods.
|{{Scryfall search|Inquisitor|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Knight]]'''
|Highly-trained combatants who are usually part of a formal army or cavalry, usually specializing in fighting on horseback with a sword or lance.
|Highly-trained combatants who are usually part of a formal army or cavalry, usually specializing in fighting on horseback with a sword or lance.
|{{Scryfall search|Knight|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Knight|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''<s>[[Lord]]</s>'''
|Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization.
|
|-
|'''<s>[[Mage]]</s>'''
|A magician or learned person.
|
|-
|'''[[Mercenary]]'''
|'''[[Mercenary]]'''
|Individuals who sell their services in combat for money.
|Individuals who sell their services in combat for money.
|{{Scryfall search|Mercenary|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Mercenary|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Minion]]'''
|'''[[Minion]]'''
|Those who work the will of overtly evil forces or organizations.
|Those who work the will of overtly evil forces or organizations.
|{{Scryfall search|Minion|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Minion|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Monk]]'''  
|'''[[Monger]]'''
|Dealers in commodities who sell their wares and services to all comers.
|{{Scryfall search|Monger|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Monk]]'''
|Individuals who have devoted their lives to quiet introspection and meditation, though many monks are skilled at magic, martial arts, or both.  
|Individuals who have devoted their lives to quiet introspection and meditation, though many monks are skilled at magic, martial arts, or both.  
|{{Scryfall search|Monk|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Monk|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Mystic]]'''
|'''[[Mystic]]'''
|People adept at channeling mana with their faith, learned through careful meditation.  
|Creatures adept at channeling mana with their faith, learned through careful meditation.  
|{{Scryfall search|Mystic|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Mystic|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Ninja]]'''  
|'''[[Ninja]]'''
|Masters of both stealth and armed combat who may find employment as spies, warriors, mercenaries, and assassins.
|Masters of both stealth and armed combat who may find employment as spies, warriors, mercenaries, and assassins.
|{{Scryfall search|Ninja|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Ninja|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Noble]]'''  
|'''[[Noble]]'''
|Members of aristocracy.
|Members of aristocracy.
|{{Scryfall search|Noble|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Noble|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Nomad]]'''
|'''[[Nomad]]'''
|Members from uncivilized tribes who wander open spaces in closely-knit groups.
|Members from uncivilized tribes who wander open spaces in closely-knit groups.
|{{Scryfall search|Nomad|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Nomad|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Peasant]]'''
|'''[[Peasant]]'''
|Humble people from the countryside.  
|Humble creatures from the countryside.  
|[https://scryfall.com/search?q=type%3A%22peasant%22&unique=cards&as=grid&order=name type:"Peasant"]
|{{Scryfall search|Peasant|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Pilot]]'''
|'''[[Performer]]'''
|Entertainers who put on shows for the enjoyment and fun of others.
|{{Scryfall search|Performer|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Pilot]]'''
|Persons who fly a skyship, air balloon, or other [[vehicle]].  
|Persons who fly a skyship, air balloon, or other [[vehicle]].  
|{{Scryfall search|Pilot|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Pilot|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Pirate]]'''
|'''[[Pirate]]'''
|Motley fighters and scoundrels who sail the sea and skies to loot and plunder the unexpecting.
|Motley fighters and scoundrels who sail the sea and skies to loot and plunder the unexpecting.
|{{Scryfall search|Pirate|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Pirate|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Praetor]]'''
|'''[[Praetor]]'''
|Leaders of dark forces.
|Leaders of dark forces.
|{{Scryfall search|Praetor|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Praetor|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Ranger]]'''  
|'''[[Processor]]'''
|Eldritch spellcasters that pull things from the void back into the world.
|{{Scryfall search|Processor|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Ranger]]'''
|Warriors who are in tune with nature.
|Warriors who are in tune with nature.
|{{Scryfall search|Ranger|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Ranger|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Rebel]]'''  
|'''[[Rebel]]'''
|Individuals who fight against an established authority.
|Individuals who fight against an established authority.
|{{Scryfall search|Rebel|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Rebel|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Rigger]]'''
|'''[[Rigger]]'''
|Creatures that specialize in the lifting and moving of extremely large or heavy objects.
|Creatures that specialize in the lifting and moving of extremely large or heavy objects.
|{{Scryfall search|Rigger|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Rigger|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Rogue]]'''  
|'''[[Rogue]]'''
|Those who live by their wits, using stealth and cunning to make their way in life.
|Those who live by their wits, using stealth and cunning to make their way in life.
|{{Scryfall search|Rogue|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Rogue|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Samurai]]'''
|'''[[Samurai]]'''
|Warriors who have sworn their service and their lives to a single authority figure, usually a feudal [[lord]].
|Warriors who have sworn their service and their lives to a single authority figure, usually a feudal [[lord]].
|{{Scryfall search|Samurai|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Samurai|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Scout]]'''  
|'''[[Scion]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|Descendant of a force or being that aim to help their originator.
|{{Scryfall search|Scion|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Scout]]'''
|Individuals who are adept at getting along in the wild, often sharing the benefits of their prowess with others.
|Individuals who are adept at getting along in the wild, often sharing the benefits of their prowess with others.
|{{Scryfall search|Scout|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Scout|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Serf]]'''
|Creatures of a peasant status in [[Wikipedia:Serfdom|feudalistic]] systems.
|{{Scryfall search|Serf|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Shaman]]'''
|'''[[Shaman]]'''
|Protectors and spiritual leaders among the more primitive races. Their magic comes from rituals, lore, and years of practice.
|Protectors and spiritual leaders among the more primitive races. Their magic comes from rituals, lore, and years of practice.
|{{Scryfall search|Shaman|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Shaman|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Soldier]]'''  
|'''[[Soldier]]'''
|Trained combatants who are part of a formal army. They are adept at fighting in concert and overwhelming the enemy.  
|Trained combatants who are part of a formal army. They are adept at fighting in concert and overwhelming the enemy.  
|{{Scryfall search|Soldier|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Soldier|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Spellshaper]]'''  
|'''[[Spawn]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|The offspring of an entity, being, stock, idea or place.
|{{Scryfall search|Spawn|type}}
|-  
|'''[[Spellshaper]]'''
|Spellcasters who devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells.
|Spellcasters who devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells.
|{{Scryfall search|Spellshaper|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Spellshaper|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''<s>[[Tactician]]</s>'''  
|'''[[Survivor]]'''
|People who are good at making plans in order to achieve particular goals.
|Creatures who remained alive after a chatastrophic event in which others perished.
|
|{{Scryfall search|Survivor|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''<s>[[Townsfolk]]</s>'''  
|'''[[Tentacle]]'''{{ref|unique|†}}
|[[Human]]s without a specific occupation.
|Flexible, semi-intelligent limbs or appendages of large creatures or entities.
|
|{{Scryfall search|Tentacle|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Warlock]]'''
|'''[[Warlock]]'''
|Spellcasters who derive their powers from evil forces.
|Spellcasters who derive their powers from evil forces.
|{{Scryfall search|Warlock|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Warlock|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''[[Warrior]]'''
|'''[[Warrior]]'''
|Combatants who fight alone or in loose hordes.  
|Combatants who fight alone or in loose hordes.  
|{{Scryfall search|Warrior|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Warrior|type}}
|-
|-  
|'''<s>[[Witch]]</s>'''
|'''[[Wizard]]'''
|People proficient in curses.
|
|-
|'''[[Wizard]]'''
|Masters of channeling [[mana]] into powerful [[spells]].
|Masters of channeling [[mana]] into powerful [[spells]].
|{{Scryfall search|Wizard|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Wizard|type}}
|}
|}
==Unofficial Classes==
 
Some silver-border sets, like [https://scryfall.com/sets/ugl Unglued], [https://scryfall.com/sets/unh Unhinged], and [https://scryfall.com/sets/ust Unstable], use creature types which are not included in magic's comprehensive rules, but are part of 'silver-border' games. Because these creature types are not compiled into an authoritative list by Wizards of the Coast, the following table may be incomplete and which silver-border creature types are considered classes is based on intuition rather than offical comment.
;Notes
:{{note|unique|†}} This type can be considered a creature "status type" that can be used as either a race or a class, depending on the context.<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0607|title=Ask Wizards - June, 2007|author=[[Doug Beyer]]|publisher=magicthegathering.com|date=June 11, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310225913/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/askwizards/0607|archivedate=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
 
===Acorn Classes===
[[Acorn]] sets use creature types which are not included in [[Magic: The Gathering|''Magic'']]'s comprehensive rules, but are part of acorn games. Because these creature types are not compiled into an authoritative list by [[Wizards of the Coast]], the following table may be incomplete. Which of the acorn creature types are considered classes is based on intuition rather than offical comment.


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
Line 216: Line 265:
!Description
!Description
!Scryfall
!Scryfall
|-
|'''[[Brainiac]]'''
|[[Wikipedia:Supervillain|Super villains]] with enlarged brains.
|{{Scryfall search|Brainiac|type}}
|-  
|-  
|'''[[Bureaucrat]]'''
|'''[[Bureaucrat]]'''
|Members of an organization tasked with insuring regulations are followed and paperwork is filed.
|Members of an organization tasked with ensuring regulations are followed and paperwork is filed.
|{{Scryfall search|bureaucrat|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Bureaucrat|type}}
|-
|'''[[Child]]'''
|A young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society
|{{Scryfall search|child|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Designer]]'''
|'''[[Designer]]'''
|Individuals well suited for the task of creating or maintaining complicated systems.
|Individuals well suited for the task of creating or maintaining complicated systems.
|{{Scryfall search|designer|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Designer|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Gamer]]'''
|'''[[Fighter]]'''
|Individuals who play games causally or professionally.
|Adventurers that are masters of combat.
|{{Scryfall search|gamer|type}}
|<c>Dungeon Master</c>
|-
|-
|'''[[Grandchild]]'''
|'''[[Grandchild]]'''
|Similar to child, a young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society; but it is noted as the second generation decendant.
|Similar to Child, a young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society; but it is noted as the second generation decendant.
|{{Scryfall search|grandchild|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Grandchild|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Hatificer]]'''
|'''[[Hatificer]]'''
|A specialist in making, mending, destroying, or otherwise manipulating hats.
|A specialist in making, mending, destroying, or otherwise manipulating hats.
|{{Scryfall search|hatificer|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Hatificer|type}}
|-
|'''[[Head]]'''
|The head of a creature acting independently from its other heads or its body.
|{{Scryfall search|Head|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Hero]]'''
|'''[[Hero]]'''
|An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society better through extra-ordinary action.
|An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society better through extra-ordinary action.
|{{Scryfall search|hero|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Hero|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Lady of Proper Etiquette]]'''
|'''[[Lady of Proper Etiquette]]'''
|A woman who has learned and adheres to the rules of her society's upper gentry.
|A woman who has learned and adheres to the rules of her society's upper gentry.
|{{Scryfall search|lady of proper etiquette|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Lady of proper etiquette|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Lord]]'''
|'''[[Lord]]'''
|Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization.
|Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization.
|{{Scryfall search|lord|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Lord|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Mime]]'''
|'''[[Mime]]'''
|A type of entertainer, similar to a clown, except their acts tend to be silent.
|A type of entertainer, similar to a Clown, except their acts tend to be silent.
|{{Scryfall search|mime|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Mime|type}}
|-
|'''[[Paratrooper]]'''
|Creatures that are trained to attack or land in combat areas by parachuting from great hights.
|{{Scryfall search|Paratrooper|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Scientist]]'''
|'''[[Scientist]]'''
|Scholars dedicated to pursuing empirical knowledge through controlled experimentation.
|Scholars dedicated to pursuing empirical knowledge through controlled experimentation.
|{{Scryfall search|scientist|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Scientist|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Spy]]'''
|'''[[Spy]]'''
|Similar to the rogue, spies live and die by their wits and eclectic skill set; unlike rogues, spies always act as part of a larger organization.
|Similar to Rogues, spies live and die by their wits and eclectic skill set; unlike rogues, spies always act as part of a larger organization.
|{{Scryfall search|spy|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Spy|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Townsfolk]]'''
|'''[[Townsfolk]]'''
|Members of a sapient race without a specific occupation.
|Members of a sapient race without a specific occupation who live in towns.
|{{Scryfall search|townsfolk|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Townsfolk|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Villain]]'''
|'''[[Villain]]'''
|An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society worse overall through extra-ordinary action, often for their direct or indirect benefit.
|An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society worse overall through extra-ordinary action, often for their direct or indirect benefit.
|{{Scryfall search|villain|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Villain|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Waiter]]'''
|'''[[Waiter]]'''
|An employee at a restuarant, typically tasked with taking customer orders and serving customers their food and drink.
|An employee at a restuarant, typically tasked with taking customer orders and serving customers their food and drink.
|{{Scryfall search|waiter|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Waiter|type}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Wrestler]]'''
|'''[[Wrestler]]'''
|A type of entertainer which create naratives for their audience through simulated contests of strength.
|A type of entertainer which create naratives for their audience through simulated contests of strength.
|{{Scryfall search|wrestler|type}}
|{{Scryfall search|Wrestler|type}}
|}
 
===Retired Classes===
During the Grand Creature Type Update, a number of classes were 'retired'. They were removed from the comprehensive rules list of types and the cards that previously bore them were issued with errata that replaced those types.<ref name="GCTU" />
 
Since the update, some of the classes that were originally retired have be brought back into use. This table only lists creature types that have been retired and not brought back.
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Description
!Replaced by
|-
|'''[[Alchemist]]'''
|Creatures who practice alchemy, a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy.
|Cleric
|-
|'''[[Bodyguard]]'''
|Creatures employed to guard an individual, often a high official or VIP, from bodily harm.
|None. Creatures with the Bodyguard class were given a race instead.
|-
|'''[[Bureaucrat]]'''
|Creatures who run a government and do everything according to the rules.
|Advisor
|-
|'''[[Guardian]]'''
|Creatures which guard, protect, or preserve.
|None. Creatures with the Guardian class were primarily given a race instead.
|-
|'''[[Hero (subtype)|Hero]]'''
|Characters who, in the face of danger, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice for some greater good.
|Soldier and Warrior
|-
|'''[[Lord]]'''
|Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization.
|None
|-
|'''[[Mage]]'''
|A magician or learned person.
|Wizard
|-
|'''[[Tactician]]'''
|Creatures who are good at making plans in order to achieve particular goals.
|Advisor
|-
|'''[[Townsfolk]]'''
|[[Human]]s without a specific occupation.
|None
|-
|'''[[Witch]]'''
|Creatures proficient in curses.
|Wizard
|}
|}



Revision as of 00:50, 24 November 2022

This page is about subset of creature types. For the enchantment type, see Class.

Creature class, often shortened to just Class, is an R&D term for a subset of the characteristic "creature type".[1]

Description

Most humanoid creatures have at least two creature types: a race and a class. Whereas race (such as Human, Elf, or Goblin) is a matter of the creature's origin, their class (such as Soldier, Wizard, or Rogue) represents their function, occupation, career or calling in life.

There is no distinction in the Comprehensive Rules between race and class. All creature types are treated equally within the game rules. The use of the race/class model is to allow for more consistent, flavorful worldbuilding and more design space among creatures.

Tokens can have a class without a race.

As of Jumpstart 2022 the most common class is Wizard (1000), followed by Warrior (969) and then Soldier (818).

History

Creature classes like Cleric, Knight and Wizard have been a part of Magic's creature types since Limited Edition Alpha. During the early years of the game, creature types were considered to be an extension of the flavor and world-building, rather than as mechanically important. This had two consequences — creatures had only a single creature type and that creature type was the most flavourfully relevant one.[2]

Creature classes were a major part of R&D's shift away from creature-types-as-flavour to creature-types-as-mechanics.[3] This philosophy change arose from development of the tribal-themed Onslaught block, when three major issues with the current design scheme were identified:

  • Creatures having only one type meant someone had to choose which type was more important when a creature, like Goblin Wizard, wanted to be multiple types.
  • With only one creature type, card names were being used to tell the whole story about a card. This limited the name space for creatures.
  • Creatures with only one type would only work in one type of tribal deck. This limited flexability and interactivity for players.

In response to the success of Onslaught block, the race/class model was adopted for creatures from Mirrodin onwards.[4] The Grand Creature Type Update consolidated the race/class model by reducing the number of creature types and issuing errata to older cards to bring them in line with the new philosophy.[5]

In 2022 Wizards of the Coast retired the silver border, replacing it with the acorn stamp. This allowed Un-sets to contain both acorn cards and eternal legal cards. The release of Unfinity saw Child and Gamer become eternal legal creature classes.[6]

List of creature classes

The folowing table lists all eternal legal creature classes.

Class Description Scryfall
Advisor Tacticians, courtiers, ministers, and others who are known for their wisdom. type:"Advisor"
Ally Creatures that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose. type:"Ally"
Archer Combatants who specialize in fighting with bow and arrows. type:"Archer"
Army A unit that is part of some military service oracle:"Amass"
Artificer Those who specialize in working with artifacts. type:"Artificer"
Assassin Specialists in targeted killing. type:"Assassin"
Barbarian Unorganized fighters, usually from primitive and/or uncivilized cultures. type:"Barbarian"
Bard Entertainers who improve the qualities of creatures through music. type:"Bard"
Berserker Combatants who enter a frenzy in battle, gaining great speed and battle prowess. type:"Berserker"
Child A young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society type:"Child"
Citizen Inhabitants of a city or town, usually in a non-fighting capacity. type:"Citizen"
Cleric Spellcasters who channel the power of their faith in a cause or higher being into potent magic. type:"Cleric"
Clown Comic entertainers who wear traditionally comical costumes and exaggerated make-up. type:"Clown"
Coward Creatures who lack courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition or pain. type:"Coward"
Deserter Creatures who have left, or run away from, their service or duty with the intention of never returning. type:"Deserter"
Drone Simple, immature, or artificial lifeforms that perform tedious and menial work. type:"Drone"
Druid Masters of magic powered by faith, and strongly tied to plants, animals, fertility, the element of earth, and the land about them. type:"Druid"
Egg Used for the incubation stage of a creature. type:"Egg"
Elder Used on venerable creatures to denote their importance. type:"Elder"
Employee Creatures employed for wages or salary, especially at a non-executive level. type:"Employee"
Flagbearer Soldiers or civilians who bear a standard or flag, which is used as a formal, visual symbol of a military unit on the battlefield. type:"Flagbearer"
Gamer Individuals who play games causally or professionally. type:"Gamer"
Guest A creature who is invited to visit someone's home, business or attend a particular social occasion. type:"Guest"
Inquisitor A creature who inquires or investigates professionaly, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or using extereme methods. type:"Inquisitor"
Knight Highly-trained combatants who are usually part of a formal army or cavalry, usually specializing in fighting on horseback with a sword or lance. type:"Knight"
Mercenary Individuals who sell their services in combat for money. type:"Mercenary"
Minion Those who work the will of overtly evil forces or organizations. type:"Minion"
Monger Dealers in commodities who sell their wares and services to all comers. type:"Monger"
Monk Individuals who have devoted their lives to quiet introspection and meditation, though many monks are skilled at magic, martial arts, or both. type:"Monk"
Mystic Creatures adept at channeling mana with their faith, learned through careful meditation. type:"Mystic"
Ninja Masters of both stealth and armed combat who may find employment as spies, warriors, mercenaries, and assassins. type:"Ninja"
Noble Members of aristocracy. type:"Noble"
Nomad Members from uncivilized tribes who wander open spaces in closely-knit groups. type:"Nomad"
Peasant Humble creatures from the countryside. type:"Peasant"
Performer Entertainers who put on shows for the enjoyment and fun of others. type:"Performer"
Pilot Persons who fly a skyship, air balloon, or other vehicle. type:"Pilot"
Pirate Motley fighters and scoundrels who sail the sea and skies to loot and plunder the unexpecting. type:"Pirate"
Praetor Leaders of dark forces. type:"Praetor"
Processor Eldritch spellcasters that pull things from the void back into the world. type:"Processor"
Ranger Warriors who are in tune with nature. type:"Ranger"
Rebel Individuals who fight against an established authority. type:"Rebel"
Rigger Creatures that specialize in the lifting and moving of extremely large or heavy objects. type:"Rigger"
Rogue Those who live by their wits, using stealth and cunning to make their way in life. type:"Rogue"
Samurai Warriors who have sworn their service and their lives to a single authority figure, usually a feudal lord. type:"Samurai"
Scion Descendant of a force or being that aim to help their originator. type:"Scion"
Scout Individuals who are adept at getting along in the wild, often sharing the benefits of their prowess with others. type:"Scout"
Serf Creatures of a peasant status in feudalistic systems. type:"Serf"
Shaman Protectors and spiritual leaders among the more primitive races. Their magic comes from rituals, lore, and years of practice. type:"Shaman"
Soldier Trained combatants who are part of a formal army. They are adept at fighting in concert and overwhelming the enemy. type:"Soldier"
Spawn The offspring of an entity, being, stock, idea or place. type:"Spawn"
Spellshaper Spellcasters who devote themselves to perfecting a single spell or selection of spells. type:"Spellshaper"
Survivor Creatures who remained alive after a chatastrophic event in which others perished. type:"Survivor"
Tentacle Flexible, semi-intelligent limbs or appendages of large creatures or entities. type:"Tentacle"
Warlock Spellcasters who derive their powers from evil forces. type:"Warlock"
Warrior Combatants who fight alone or in loose hordes. type:"Warrior"
Wizard Masters of channeling mana into powerful spells. type:"Wizard"
Notes
^† This type can be considered a creature "status type" that can be used as either a race or a class, depending on the context.[7]

Acorn Classes

Acorn sets use creature types which are not included in Magic's comprehensive rules, but are part of acorn games. Because these creature types are not compiled into an authoritative list by Wizards of the Coast, the following table may be incomplete. Which of the acorn creature types are considered classes is based on intuition rather than offical comment.

Class Description Scryfall
Brainiac Super villains with enlarged brains. type:"Brainiac"
Bureaucrat Members of an organization tasked with ensuring regulations are followed and paperwork is filed. type:"Bureaucrat"
Designer Individuals well suited for the task of creating or maintaining complicated systems. type:"Designer"
Fighter Adventurers that are masters of combat. Dungeon Master
Grandchild Similar to Child, a young version of a creature which has yet to assume another role in society; but it is noted as the second generation decendant. type:"Grandchild"
Hatificer A specialist in making, mending, destroying, or otherwise manipulating hats. type:"Hatificer"
Head The head of a creature acting independently from its other heads or its body. type:"Head"
Hero An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society better through extra-ordinary action. type:"Hero"
Lady of Proper Etiquette A woman who has learned and adheres to the rules of her society's upper gentry. type:"Lady of proper etiquette"
Lord Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization. type:"Lord"
Mime A type of entertainer, similar to a Clown, except their acts tend to be silent. type:"Mime"
Paratrooper Creatures that are trained to attack or land in combat areas by parachuting from great hights. type:"Paratrooper"
Scientist Scholars dedicated to pursuing empirical knowledge through controlled experimentation. type:"Scientist"
Spy Similar to Rogues, spies live and die by their wits and eclectic skill set; unlike rogues, spies always act as part of a larger organization. type:"Spy"
Townsfolk Members of a sapient race without a specific occupation who live in towns. type:"Townsfolk"
Villain An individual with special abilities which seeks to make society worse overall through extra-ordinary action, often for their direct or indirect benefit. type:"Villain"
Waiter An employee at a restuarant, typically tasked with taking customer orders and serving customers their food and drink. type:"Waiter"
Wrestler A type of entertainer which create naratives for their audience through simulated contests of strength. type:"Wrestler"

Retired Classes

During the Grand Creature Type Update, a number of classes were 'retired'. They were removed from the comprehensive rules list of types and the cards that previously bore them were issued with errata that replaced those types.[5]

Since the update, some of the classes that were originally retired have be brought back into use. This table only lists creature types that have been retired and not brought back.

Class Description Replaced by
Alchemist Creatures who practice alchemy, a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy. Cleric
Bodyguard Creatures employed to guard an individual, often a high official or VIP, from bodily harm. None. Creatures with the Bodyguard class were given a race instead.
Bureaucrat Creatures who run a government and do everything according to the rules. Advisor
Guardian Creatures which guard, protect, or preserve. None. Creatures with the Guardian class were primarily given a race instead.
Hero Characters who, in the face of danger, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice for some greater good. Soldier and Warrior
Lord Creatures with an occupation of high class or power within a structure or organization. None
Mage A magician or learned person. Wizard
Tactician Creatures who are good at making plans in order to achieve particular goals. Advisor
Townsfolk Humans without a specific occupation. None
Witch Creatures proficient in curses. Wizard

References

  1. Wizards of the Coast (January 1-14, 2008). "Ask Wizards - January, 2008". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016.
  2. Mark Rosewater (November 18, 2002). "Beast of Show". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009.
  3. Randy Buehler (November 22, 2002). "Debating Humanity". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012.
  4. Aaron Forsythe (August 24, 2007). "Looking Back to the Future". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017.
  5. a b Mark Gottlieb (September 26, 2007). "The Grand Creature Type Update". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021.
  6. Jess Dunks (October 18, 2022). "Comprehensive Rules Changes". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022.
  7. Doug Beyer (June 11, 2007). "Ask Wizards - June, 2007". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2016.