Job Classes
Understanding the class system is essential for building an effective party in Vandal Hearts.
Table of contents
- Class System Overview
- Class Paths
- Class Ratings & Analysis
- Class Distribution Strategy
- Rock-Paper-Scissors System
- Next Steps
Class System Overview
Vandal Hearts features a branching class advancement system. Most characters start as basic classes (Soldier, Archer, Mage, or Healer) and can advance at Level 10 and Level 20 by visiting a Dojo in any town.
Advancement Levels
| Level | Advancement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | First Advancement | Choose your path (branching point for some classes) |
| 20 | Second Advancement | Final class evolution |
| 20+ | Multiple Advancements | Can advance multiple times if you have accumulated levels |
When a character advances, they automatically receive equipment appropriate for their new class!
Class Paths
Knight Line (Physical Melee)
Soldier (Starting)
↓
┌───────┴───────┐
↓ ↓
Swordsman Guardsman
(Level 10) (Level 10)
↓ ↓
Duelist Dragoon
(Level 20) (Level 20)
Available to: Clint, Grog, Dolan Rating: Swordsman/Duelist path: 6/10 | Guardsman/Dragoon path: 1/10 Recommendation: Always choose Swordsman → Duelist
Archer Line (Physical Ranged)
Archer (Starting)
↓
┌───────┴───────┐
↓ ↓
Bowman Hawknight
(Level 10) (Level 10)
↓ ↓
Sniper Sky Lord
(Level 20) (Level 20)
Available to: Diego, Kira, Amon, Darius Rating: Bowman/Sniper: 8/10 | Hawknight/Sky Lord: 7/10 Recommendation: Both paths are excellent; choose based on party needs
Mage Line (Offensive Magic)
Mage (Starting)
↓
┌───────┴───────┐
↓ ↓
Sorceror Monk
(Level 10) (Level 10)
↓ ↓
Enchanter Ninja
(Level 20) (Level 20)
Available to: Eleni, Zohar Rating: Sorceror/Enchanter: 10/10 | Monk/Ninja: 5/10 Recommendation: Always choose Sorceror → Enchanter
Healer Line (Support Magic)
Healer (Starting)
↓
┌───────┴───────┐
↓ ↓
Bishop Monk
(Level 10) (Level 10)
↓ ↓
Archbishop Ninja
(Level 20) (Level 20)
Available to: Huxley, Sara Rating: Bishop/Archbishop: 9/10 | Monk/Ninja: 5/10 Recommendation: Always choose Bishop → Archbishop
Hero Line (Unique)
Hero (Starting - Ash Only)
↓
Champion (Level 10)
↓
Paragon (Level 20)
↓
Vandalier (Requires all 6 Prisms)
Available to: Ash Lambert only Rating: Hero/Champion/Paragon: 8/10 | Vandalier: 10/10 Requirement: Complete all Trials of Toroah
Class Ratings & Analysis
Top Tier Classes
Mage (Sorceror → Enchanter) - 10/10
Why it’s the best:
- Phase Shift spell makes other classes obsolete
- Salamander ends battles before they start
- Huge range and area of effect
- High damage against all enemy types
“With the sole exception of the Vandalier, this is far and wide, the strongest class in the entire game.” - Jeff Chan
Vandalier (Ash Only) - 10/10
Why it’s ultimate:
- Access to EVERY spell in the game
- Exclusive equipment (best stats)
- Plasma Wave hits all enemies simultaneously
- Life Orb restores full HP/MP for free
Priest (Bishop → Archbishop) - 9/10
Why it’s essential:
- Cannot revive characters during battle - healing is crucial
- Attack and defense buff spells
- Powerful attack magic (not as strong as Mage, but still good)
- Long range keeps them safe
High Tier Classes
Archer (Bowman → Sniper) - 8/10
Strengths:
- Long-range attacks without counterattacks
- Excellent against flying enemies and mages
- Can soften enemies for melee to finish
- Consistent damage
Airman (Hawknight → Sky Lord) - 7/10
Strengths:
- Excellent mobility (ignore terrain)
- Strong attackers vs ground units
- Not hindered by obstacles or water
Weakness:
- Extremely vulnerable to arrows (can die in one hit)
Mid Tier Classes
Knight (Swordsman → Duelist) - 6/10
Role: Standard physical fighter
- Strong attack and defense
- Good range
- Reliable but unremarkable
Keep Knights on this path; don’t advance to Guardsman!
Monk/Ninja - 5/10
Why it’s mediocre:
- Decent mix of fighting and healing
- Never excels at either role
- Requires giving up better classes (Mage or Priest)
Bottom Tier Classes
Armor (Guardsman → Dragoon) - 1/10
Why it’s the worst:
- Pathetically slow movement
- Battle ends before they engage
- Vulnerable to mages despite high defense
- Wastes turns trying to reach combat
“This is, in my opinion, the worse class in the entire game.” - Jeff Chan
Multiple FAQ authors unanimously agree: Never advance to this class path!
Class Distribution Strategy
Optimal Party Composition
Based on consolidated FAQ recommendations:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Recommended Party (12 Characters) │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1 × Hero (Ash - required) │
│ 2 × Mage (Sorceror → Enchanter) │
│ 2 × Priest (Bishop → Archbishop) │
│ 3-4 × Archer (Bowman → Sniper) │
│ 1-2 × Airman (Hawknight → Sky Lord) │
│ 2-3 × Knight (Swordsman → Duelist) │
│ 0 × Armor (NEVER!) │
│ 0 × Monk (waste of good casters) │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Character Assignment Examples
| Character | Recommended Class Path |
|---|---|
| Ash | Hero → Champion → Paragon → Vandalier |
| Clint | Soldier → Swordsman → Duelist |
| Diego | Archer → Bowman/Hawknight → Sniper/Sky Lord |
| Eleni | Mage → Sorceror → Enchanter |
| Huxley | Healer → Bishop → Archbishop |
| Kira | Archer → Bowman → Sniper |
| Grog | Soldier → Swordsman → Duelist |
| Dolan | Soldier → Swordsman → Duelist |
| Amon | Archer → Bowman/Hawknight → Sniper/Sky Lord |
| Sara | Healer → Bishop → Archbishop |
| Zohar | Mage → Sorceror → Enchanter |
| Darius | Archer → Bowman/Hawknight → Sniper/Sky Lord |
Rock-Paper-Scissors System
Vandal Hearts uses a class effectiveness system:
| Attacker | Strong Against | Weak Against |
|---|---|---|
| Archers | Flying units, Mages | Knights |
| Knights | Archers | Armored units |
| Mages | Armored units, Groups | Other Mages |
| Flying | Ground units | Archers |
“Listen to the dojo man. Arrows work VERY well against flying creatures and mages. Magic works VERY well against heavily armored dudes.” - Wolverine Inc.
Next Steps
- Explore individual class pages for detailed spell lists and strategies
- Plan your character advancement paths
- See classes in action in the Walkthrough