The Path system in WildStar is the focus of the latest developer video, going into detail about how your character will cater to how you like to personally play. The available Paths are Soldier, Explorer, Scientist, and Settler, and your character's path is chosen upon creation.

Explorers will be given quests about finding secret areas, getting from point X to point Y quickly, or performing scavenger hunts, Soldiers will receive wave-based quests and big bad boss fights, Scientists will be able to scan items in maps and discover the world's lore, and Settlers can build shops, bars, and other buildings.

Personally, I think I'm going to have to learn towards Explorer. I love just running and jumping around the maps, finding new areas and checking them out. Ideally, your party will have one of each, opening up a vast array of quests for the entire party, but obviously this is all just extra content and not necessary. It's a really neat system and makes WildStar that much more interesting.