Classes

Classes refer to the ‘frame’ your character is based around. A class determines the general direction of your playstyle, your defensive bonuses, and your speed via Armor

Class Roles in Guild House
It is recommended that a party have at least certain roles filled in order to have a balanced party with each member contributing to their success in combat.

2 Players: Striker, Support

3 Players: Striker, Defender, Support

4 Players: Striker, Defender, Support, Striker/Controller

5 Players: Striker, Defender, Support, Controller, Striker/Defender

6 Players: At least one of each role but no more than two of each. 

However, the above roles aren’t required in order to have a good balanced party. For example, if a couple members of your party picked up some support abilities, then perhaps you could forego the need for a dedicated Support.

The below classes are sorted into roles based on what their abilities generally favour towards, however with your own customisation, multiclassing, and dipping into other trees your character could fill a different role entirely or multiple different roles at the same time. 

Striker Classes
Strikers are typically about high damage against single targets, with abilities that enhance their damage output. They tend to be more frail, requiring protection by the rest of the party or some method of avoiding dangerous situations.
 * Assassin
 * Barbarian
 * Cavalier
 * Conjurer
 * Mage
 * Monk
 * Sniper
 * Spellblade
 * Warrior

Defender Classes
Defender Classes can typically take a hit, more so than other classes. Their abilities revolve around lowering the enemy’s attack capabilities, holding them in close combat and otherwise reducing their mobility, as well as boosting their own protective abilities.
 * Beastmaster
 * Crusader
 * Knight
 * Necromancer
 * Runemaster
 * Scoundrel

Support Classes
Support Classes focus on healing and bolstering their allies, improving the attack potential of their allies while also shielding them from harmful effects and healing their wounds.
 * Anatomist
 * Champion
 * Leader
 * Medic
 * Mender
 * Thaumaturge

Controller Classes
Controller classes are typically about AoE and hindering enemies, as well as maintaining control over the environment. Controllers typically favour offence over defence, and more than other classes typically have a more versatile arsenal of powers.
 * Alchemist
 * Rogue
 * Spellbow
 * Tinkerer
 * Warden
 * Warlock
 * Wizard

Versatile Classes
Versatile classes are dependant on how you choose to use the abilities of your character. They could fit multiple or all roles and don’t fit cleanly to any one respect.
 * Shapeshifter