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 primary race in the northern realms of Pangu, with the main settlement being the city of Etherblade. Humans have no innate abilities, but fly with the aid of magical weapons. Players choosing a Human character can pick between the melee-oriented blademaster class, or the mage-type wizard class. The human race receives a flying sword at level 30 which allows them to fly.

• Blademasters(Warrior in Perfect World Malaysia) can use a variety of melee weapons, including swords, spears, hammers fists 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 ( Magician in Perfect World Malaysia ) function as nukers, using a variety of elemental spells to deal a large amount of damage. Wizards have very low physical defense but they do have a strong elemental defense.

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 chose to be an Archer or a Cleric.

• Archers are ranged characters using bows, crossbows and slingshots. Archers excel at doing damage at distance, but struggle with close combat due to damage penalties and weak defense.
• Clerics(Priest in Perfect World Malaysia ) fulfill the traditional role of party healer, providing party buffs but also have good combat abilities along with a strong elemental defense.

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(Werebeast in Perfect World Malaysia) are designed to act as the party tank, with a high amount of hit points and skills that enhance their ability to absorb damage. Barbarians have a high physical defense but have an very low resistance to elemental attacks. The barbarian's avatar must be male.
• Venomancers(Werefox in Perfect World Malaysia) use 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. The venomancer's avatar must be female.