A set of numbers is useful, but not everything.

Upon initial research, many people look at a few charts of starting or low level base stats and immediately think “Oh no! Why is Archer so overpowered?” Fastest move speed? Highest base damage? How can any class compete? Aren’t they basically invulnerable? Would anyone be able to catch them? How could they balance a game like this; they must have no idea what they’re doing!

But, I say, looking at only one or a few factors at a time and putting too much weight on them is not conducive to practical play. Many things can change balance or flow. It ignores things like scaling, equipment, skill mods and values, burst vs sustained, timing, practicality, universality vs situational, gear customization, personal skill, play style and so on. Numbers can be meaningful, but this is an inappropriate extrapolation. The scope is too limited.

To counter the earlier commonly asked questions, Archer does not have the highest single hit or burst damage, and many classes can actually exceed the speed of, or close distance against, an Archer using their movement or utility skills. Remember, you don’t have to be constantly connecting damage from the beginning of an encounter in order to shift your game flow state from neutral to advantage. Someone also asked, what about all those random videos showing Archers dominating other randoms? I believe that basing opinions of overall balance on questionable or immaturely developed levels of play to be flawed. I highly doubt proof can be provided of a top Archer winning universally in all matchups at this time, not to mention the issue of solo vs team balancing.

So please, consider all skills, their potential usage and relevant factors of play before making broad assumptions or judgments.