History Main / PrestigeClass

** 3rd Edition introduced Prestige Classes proper -- actually called by that name, in fact -- which were accessible to any character with the proper qualifications (attack bonus, casting levels, class features, specific experiences, etc.) and whose benefits ranged from [[MagicKnight combining]] [[TheRedMage classes]] to extreme specialization to sheer quirkiness. Thanks to 3rd's penalties for multiclassing, which didn't apply to Prestige Classes, they were a highly popular means of character customization. The sheer number of Prestige Classes published ('''782''' according to [[https://web.archive.org/web/20120723131619/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/lists/prc the official website]]), allowed many odd, and occasionally [[GameBreaker overpowered]] combinations. Kits were re-introduced a while into 3.5's run, first with class variants (which worked just like the old 2E kit system, or Pathfinder's archetypes), then with substitution levels (which replaced class features for a specific class at specific levels if you choose to take the substitution level).

* "Promotion classes" in ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' can be reached after characters level up enough, though some require a character to have a special item. Certain games even allow the character to choose between multiple classes, depending on which class they started in. aAs an example, [[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gba/921183-fire-emblem-the-sacred-stones/map/1711?raw=1 this chart]] shows off the various promotions for ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones''.

* "Promotion classes" in ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' can be reached after characters level up enough, though some require a character to have a special item. Certain games even allow the character to choose between multiple classes, depending on which class they started in.

** In any of the sequels, one can upgrade to the Paladin class after importing a character from a previous game, if they've gained enough honor points. All classes can do this, but you can't have done any of the thieving side quests. And really, [[EvilFeelsGood they're the most fun]].
** You can earn Paladinhood during gameplay in ''VideoGame/QuestForGloryII'' or ''VideoGame/QuestForGloryIII''. Changing your class while importing to the next game was a backup plan by Creator/{{Sierra}} in case the previous game's character save wasn't being read correctly.

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* ''Many, many'' Korean [=RPGs=], particularly of the free-to-play kind, have the characters start out as classless, go through a lengthy and boring [[HeKnowsAboutTimedHits tutorial phase]] with few skills, before allowing them to progress to a generalized specialty (like Warrior, Wizard, etc.) before letting them progress further into specialized classes (such as Fire Wizard, or Spear Warrior). Examples include:
** ''Dream of Mirror''
** ''VideoGame/RagnarokOnline'' gives you the option of advancing into second and third stage classes, depending on what your first stage class was.
*** Ragnarok even takes it a step further into a more literal interpretation of starting over. After reaching level 99, you have the option of rebirthing back to level 1 instead of jumping directly to your third class. This second run of grinding to 99 is more difficult, but choosing the same class you had before results in a "Transcendant" character, giving you access to even more abilities in that class. For example, a Knight will become a Lord Knight, with more powerful attacking skills and a powerful buff that turns them into a nigh-unstoppable killing machine. It is then possible to take the third class as usual after reaching 99, but you KEEP those new skills, meaning your character is effectively stunted if you don't feel like rebirthing.
** ''Flyff''
** ''VideoGame/RohanOnline''
** ''Lineage 2''
** ''VideoGame/{{Elsword}}''
** ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', but only for Explorers/Adventurers, who start out with five different paths and can branch out into twelve in second job (fourteen including the two special Explorers).
*** More recently, ''[=MapleStory=]'' has toyed with the second variation of this trope. Leveling a Cygnus Knight to the level cap would allow you to create an Ultimate Adventurer (which wasn't all that different than a normal Adventurer, save a few minor perks).

* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' takes this to the extreme with evolution, and the myriad ways to do so, such as reaching a certain level, achieving a bond with the player and leveling up, leveling up near a certain place, exposure to a certain stone, trading, etc. Some of them evolve once (Growlithe-Arcanine), some evolve twice (Squirtle-Wartortle-Blastoise), and one, Eevee, can branch off into ''eight'' different Pokemon[[note]]Vaporeon (Water), Jolteon (Electric), Flareon (Fire), Umbreon (Dark), Espeon (Psychic), Leafeon (Grass), Glaceon (Ice), and Sylveon (Fairy)[[/note]].

* In ''LightNovel/SwordArtOnline'' the titular game operates on a skill point system rather than a class system, but some of the advanced skills are unlocked this way. The one mentioned is that the katana skill unlocks by gaining enough points in the 'curved swords' skill.
* ''LightNovel/Overlord2012'' is set in an RPGMechanicsVerse with a ClassAndLevelSystem that normally regards Level 30 as the peak of mortal achievement. TheDreaded SorcerousOverlord Ainz Ooal Gown is Level 100 with a large and unspecified variety of Prestige Classes, including [[OurLichesAreDifferent Elder Lich]], Overlord, Master of Death, and Eclipse, which elevate him to the level of WrongContextMagic from the perspective of lesser beings.