First-Tier (or Base) classes are basic classes in the Fire Emblem series at which most units, both playable and enemy, are introduced, particularly in the earlier chapters.
Overview
The First Tier of classes are the class basis for all classes throughout the Fire Emblem franchise. Technically, it is the second lowest tier of classes as the Trainee level of classes are weaker in comparison. As the base class of a vast majority of the cast of each game, around half to about three-fourths of the cast are in a First-Tier class when recruited. Lore wise, base classes indicate fledgling levels of skill or otherwise modestly experienced units in their roles with room to grow as the story progresses.
One sign of this budding growth and road to mastery are the Promotion mechanics that allow characters to advance to a Second Tier class or known as Promoted classes. Most First Tier classes have a maximum Level cap of 20 before they usually no longer gain levels. Players may use Promotion Items generally once a character has reached Level 10 in their current class. Some games may restrict this either by mandatory Promotion events or requiring a very specific Promotion item. Radiant Dawn automatically promotes a unit once they reach what would be Level 21.
Some classes in games lack Promotions, but function on par with the class Tier system. Such instances include the Thief class in some games or several unique classes like the Songstress class. Due to their recruitment periods, they tend to match the level and stats if they are recruited around the time of First Tier classes, but either have a higher level cap that lets them the same total levels as a unit that can promote. These are considered Special Classes due to their different mechanics and restrictions. However, not all Special Classes that a character may begin in are a First Tier class as Ike's Hero class in Radiant Dawn is akin to a Second Tier class as the game features Third Tier classes, in his case, the Vangaurd class.
In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the first tier is essentially split in two: Beginner and Intermediate. The Beginner tier encompasses four of the most basic non-trainee classes which characters can certify for at level 5 of the game's Trainee tier equivalents, the Commoner and Noble classes. The Intermediate tier encompasses classes that are generally first-tier in other games, and characters can certify for them starting with level 10.
First-Tier Classes
Protagonist
Foot Physical
- Archer
- Knight
- Mercenary
- Fighter
- Pirate
- Hunter
- Thief
- Soldier
- Brigand
- Barbarian
- Bow Fighter
- Myrmidon
- Armor Sword
- Armor Axe
- Prince
- Ninja
- Oni Savage
- Spear Fighter
- Villager
- Apothecary
- Brawler
- Sentinel (Timerra)
- Lady Knight
- Axe Knight (Tear Ring Saga)
- Spear Knight
Mounted Physical
- Cavalier
- Pegasus Knight
- Axe Knight
- Arch Knight
- Lance Knight
- Free Knight
- Wyvern Rider
- Pegasus Rider
- Dragon Rider
- Nomad
- Bow Knight
- Sword Knight
- Noble (Alfred)
- Sentinel (Fogado)
- Horseman
Magical
- Priest
- Mage
- Cleric
- Troubadour
- Wind Mage
- Fire Mage
- Thunder Mage
- Light Priestess
- Princess
- Loptyrian Mage
- Shaman
- Monk
- Dark Mage
- Martial Monk
- Noble (Céline)
- Wing Tamer