New player guide
ArcheAge Chronicles Beginner Guide
Updated ·By the AAC Atlas team·How we source data
What should a new ArcheAge Chronicles player do first?
- Classes = weapons
- EXP mostly from quests and exploration
- Stats per level, traits from Coilstones
- Nui Tears → more HP
- Chests are once per character
1. Choose a class by weapon
There are four classes in the demo — Warrior, Ranger, Mage and Berserker — each with two weapons, and each weapon has its own trait tree. XLGAMES has confirmed classes are gender-locked. Compare them on the classes page before you create a character; demo characters don't carry over, so experimenting costs nothing.
2. Level through quests and exploration
XLGAMES says monsters give some EXP, but most comes from questing, discovering things and completing points of interest. Exploring a zone levels you at a fairly steady pace.
3. Spend stat points
| Stat | What it does |
|---|---|
| Strength | Raises physical attack. |
| Agility | Raises critical hit chance and adds physical attack. |
| Constitution | Raises HP and resistance to critical hits. |
| Intelligence | Raises magic attack. |
| Talent | Supports magic attack and lets you use better equipment without penalties. |
| Endurance | Raises stamina and defense. |
One point always buys one stat, and the character screen previews the change before you confirm. Physical weapons want Strength and Agility; staves want Intelligence and Talent.
4. Find Raeven's Coilstones for traits
Trait points don't come from levels. They come from Raeven's Coilstones, and every Coilstone sits near a powerful boss — some out in the open, some hidden, some unlocked by quests. Traits unlock new skills and change how existing ones work. See progression explained.
5. Pick up everything off the road
- Nui Tears → bring them to a Nui Statue for more max HP. The first increases are cheap, later ones cost more.
- Treasure chests → gear and rare crafting recipes. Each opens once per character.
- Field bosses → gear (including accessories) and crafting materials you can't get anywhere else.
- Hersander's Towers → riddle shrines. Satisfy all of them in a zone for an accessory and the Hereafter Challenge.
6. Know the PvP rules
You start in a standard channel where players can't attack you. PvP channels are opt-in at a Nui Statue and give 10–15% bonus EXP from monster kills. Full rules on the PvP page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best class for beginners in ArcheAge Chronicles?＋
There's no official ranking. The Warrior's longsword is built around parrying and defense, which is the most forgiving style in the footage XLGAMES has shown. Try all four in the demo — progress doesn't carry over.
How do you get trait points?＋
From Raeven's Coilstones, not from leveling. Each one sits near a powerful boss.
How do you increase max HP?＋
Collect Nui Tears and offer them at a Nui Statue. Each increase costs a few more tears than the last.
Can I respec stats?＋
XLGAMES hasn't described a stat reset yet. Point costs and trees may change before Early Access.