Perfect World features three races, each with two exclusive classes, bringing the total of six classes that players can choose from. Each race has unique characteristics, begin in different areas of Pangu, and undertake different quests.
Humans are the predominant race in the northern realms of Pangu, with the main settlement being the city of Etherblade. Humans have no innate abilities, but do gain the ability to fly after Level 30 with the aid of magical swords. Players choosing a Human character can pick between the melee-oriented Blademaster class, or the mage-type Wizard class.
* Blademasters can use a variety of melee weapons, including swords, spears, hammers scythes and axes. Blademasters are rounded characters that are nonetheless able to perform in the role of a tank by enhancing their physical defence. Blademasters usually act as a secondary tank, backing up the Barbarian primary tank.
* Wizards function as nukers, using a variety of elemental spells to deal a large amount of damage.
Winged Elves live mainly in the south of Pangu, and in their chief/capital city of Plume. Winged Elf characters are distinguished by a small pair of wings on their heads, and all Winged Elf characters can fly from the very beginning of the game. Characters of this race can select between Archer and Cleric.
* Archers are ranged characters using bows, crossbows and slingshots. Archers excel at doing damage at range, but struggle with close combat due to damage penalties and weak defense.
* Clerics fulfill the traditional role of party healer, providing party buffs but also have good combat abilities.
Untamed are human/beast hybrids living in the west of Pangu. Untamed characters can transform into animals, and can use flying beasts at Level 30. The Untamed classes are Barbarian and Venomancer.
* Barbarians are designed to act as the party tank, with a high amount of hit points and skills that enhance their ability to absorb damage.
* Venomancers use a an array of wood element spells. Their key ability in PvE is taming and using pets in battle, especially for luring and tanking. While in PvP situations their main role is to debuff and to use high-damage pets to attack. Due to their ability to tame pets, Venomancers are able to solo better than any other class.
