Classes in this category are considered to be "base", "basic" or "first-tier" classes (Japanese:下級lower tier) in at least oneFire Emblem series game in which they appear. These classes are lower-end classes in which most units start out, possessing lower stats and fewerskills, and in turn canpromote intoadvanced classes to gain more power once they have gained enoughexperience andlevels; units in basic classes gain experience at a quicker rate than advanced classes.

In certain games, there are elements which can help the player quickly identify whether a class is a base or advanced class. In theGame Boy Advance games, the generic class portraits of base classes have a gray border, base classes all have the same maximum stats with a maximum of 20 in every stat exceptHP andluck, and base classes'weapon levels can go no higher than A-rank. InAwakening, all base classes have a maximum HP stat of 60 and a maximum luck stat of 30. InFates, all base classes have a maximum HP stat ranging between 35–45 and other stats range from 15–26.