Join a faction to gain new abilities and gear.

Lego has revealed four factions that players can join during their adventuring that will help personalize their experience. They almost seem like classes: The Assembly are builders, The Sentinels are fighters, the Venture League are explorers, and Paradox are ninjas. The factions don't seem to be against each other like in other MMOs, and they seem to be unified against the common threat of the evil Maelstrom. Kudos to Lego Universe for adding some more flavor to the Lego Universe experience.

From universe.lego.com:

"One tiny shard of Pure Imagination remains in LEGO Universe-- and the mighty Nexus Force has vowed to defend it at all costs!

Led by powerful minifigures, these four Nexus Force factions bring special strengths to the battle to save imagination:

Assembly - Guided by construction specialist Doc Overbuild, the Assembly battles back the Maelstrom with creative building skills!

The Sentinels - Legendary warrior Duke Exeter commands the Sentinels to fight the dark menace with awesome force!

Venture League - Space pirate Hael Storm's Venture League explorers seek answers and solve mysteries in every corner of the Universe!

Paradox - Ninja warrior Vanda Darkflame instructs her Paradox disciples in the secret art of turning chaos energy against the Maelstrom!

As you adventure into LEGO Universe, you can join a faction to express your unique creative style! Customize your minifigure with the coolest LEGO gear as you rise in your faction's ranks!

Who do you want to be in LEGO Universe?"