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Can Deprived Wear Armor? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls’ Most Challenging Class

Yes, Deprived can absolutely wear armor in Dark Souls. In fact, they need to wear armor if they hope to survive the harsh world of Lordran. While they start with minimal gear – only a loincloth, a club, and a plank shield – the Deprived class is not restricted from equipping any type of armor available in the game. Their initial low stats may limit them from using some of the heavier armor sets effectively until they level up, but the freedom to choose and tailor their build is precisely what makes the Deprived a favorite among experienced Dark Souls players. Think of it as a blank slate: they’re weak at the start, but their potential is limitless!

Understanding the Deprived Class

The Deprived class in Dark Souls is designed to be a challenging starting point for those familiar with the game’s mechanics. Unlike other classes that specialize in certain combat styles, the Deprived has balanced stats across the board, starting at level 11 in each attribute. This balanced spread means they’re not particularly good at anything initially, but it also means they can be molded into any build imaginable.

The Allure of a Blank Slate

The primary appeal of the Deprived lies in their flexibility. While other classes might have points “wasted” in stats that don’t align with a player’s desired build, the Deprived starts with a clean slate, allowing players to min-max their character to an extreme degree. This is particularly useful for Soul Level 1 (SL1) runs or low-level PvP builds, where every stat point matters.

Overcoming the Initial Hurdle

The initial hours of the game as a Deprived are arguably the most difficult. Their starting gear provides minimal protection, and their low stats make combat challenging. However, overcoming this initial hurdle is part of the fun. Finding that first set of armor, whether it’s the Chain Set from the Undead Merchant or a lucky drop from an enemy, is a significant milestone and a testament to the player’s skill.

Armor Mechanics in Dark Souls

To understand why armor is essential, even for a Deprived character, it’s important to grasp the core mechanics of armor in Dark Souls.

Defense and Damage Reduction

Armor in Dark Souls provides physical defense and resistance to various elemental damage types (fire, lightning, magic). The higher the armor’s defense values, the less damage the player takes from incoming attacks. While defensive values aren’t everything, as some argue their impact is less significant than other factors, they still contribute to overall survivability, especially in the early game.

Poise and Mobility

Two other crucial factors related to armor are poise and mobility.

Poise determines a character’s ability to withstand attacks without being staggered. Higher poise allows players to trade blows with enemies more effectively, especially against weaker attacks.
Mobility is dictated by the player’s equip load. Equip load is the total weight of all equipped items (armor, weapons, shields). Exceeding certain thresholds will negatively impact movement speed and roll distance. Staying below 25% of maximum equip load grants the fastest roll (often called a “fast roll”), while being between 25% and 50% grants a mid-roll. Exceeding 50% results in a slow, cumbersome “fat roll,” which is generally detrimental in combat.

Balancing Defense, Poise, and Mobility

The key to effective armor usage is finding a balance between defense, poise, and mobility. A Deprived character needs to carefully consider which armor pieces to equip to maximize protection without sacrificing their ability to dodge attacks.

Armor Choices for Deprived Characters

Given the Deprived’s initial limitations, certain armor sets are more suitable than others in the early game.

Early Game Options

Chain Set: As mentioned earlier, the Chain Set is a readily available and relatively lightweight option that provides decent protection for the early game. It can be purchased from the Undead Merchant in the Undead Burg.
Leather Armor: The Leather Armor set, found in the Undead Burg, offers slightly less protection than the Chain Set but is even lighter, allowing for greater mobility.
Hard Leather Armor: Another early-game option that provides a balance between weight and protection. It’s relatively easy to obtain and offers better physical defense than the Leather Armor.

Mid-to-Late Game Considerations

As the Deprived character levels up and increases their strength and endurance, they can consider heavier armor sets that offer greater protection and poise. However, they must always be mindful of their equip load to maintain reasonable mobility.

FAQs: Deprived and Armor in Dark Souls

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Deprived class and armor in Dark Souls:

Is the Deprived class truly the hardest starting class? While it’s certainly challenging, many veterans enjoy the freedom and potential the Deprived offers. Some argue that Sorcerer is harder in Dark Souls 3, given limited starting health, stamina, and FP for spells.
Does armor make a significant difference in Dark Souls? Yes, especially early on. While mobility and poise are crucial, armor can significantly reduce incoming damage, allowing for greater survivability. Remember, damage reduction is calculated as Armor/(100+armor)=damage reduction.
What stats should I focus on as a Deprived character? It depends on your desired build. Strength and dexterity for melee builds, intelligence and faith for magic builds, and vitality and endurance for increased health and stamina.
Is it possible to complete Dark Souls as a Deprived character without wearing armor? Yes, but it is incredibly difficult and requires mastery of the game’s mechanics, particularly dodging and parrying. This type of run is often considered a challenge run.
What is an SL1 run, and why is the Deprived suitable for it? An SL1 run involves completing the game without leveling up beyond the starting soul level. The Deprived’s balanced stats make them ideal for this challenge because they don’t have any wasted points in unnecessary attributes.
Are shields important for a Deprived character? Absolutely, especially in the early game. A shield with high stability and 100% physical damage reduction can be a lifesaver, allowing you to block attacks and create openings for counterattacks.
How does equip load affect my gameplay? Equip load determines your movement speed and roll distance. Staying below 25% of your maximum equip load grants the fastest roll, while exceeding 50% results in a slow, cumbersome “fat roll.”
What rings are helpful for a Deprived character focused on armor? The Havel’s Ring and the Ring of Favor and Protection are both excellent choices, as they increase equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without sacrificing mobility.
Is poise more important than defense in Dark Souls? It depends on your playstyle and build. Poise allows you to withstand attacks without being staggered, but defense reduces the damage you take. Finding a balance between the two is key.
Where can I find good early-game weapons for a Deprived character? The Claymore, found on the bridge guarded by the Hellkite Dragon, is an excellent early-game weapon with good scaling and move set. The Longsword can be purchased from the Undead Merchant.
Does elemental resistance matter in Dark Souls? Yes, elemental resistance can be crucial in certain areas of the game where you face enemies that deal fire, lightning, or magic damage.
Is the Master Key a good starting gift for a Deprived character? The Master Key is an excellent starting gift, as it allows you to access various areas of the game early on, including the Valley of Drakes and Blighttown, potentially unlocking powerful items and shortcuts.
How does armor upgrade work in Dark Souls? Armor can be upgraded at blacksmiths using souls and titanite shards. Upgrading armor increases its defense values and resistance to elemental damage.
Are there any specific armor sets that are particularly effective against certain bosses? Yes, some armor sets offer higher resistance to specific types of damage, making them more effective against certain bosses. For example, the Black Iron Set offers good fire resistance, making it useful against fire-based bosses like the Centipede Demon.
Where can I learn more about advanced Dark Souls mechanics and strategies? The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources and community engagement opportunities to explore game mechanics and strategies in depth. Join our community to improve your skills and knowledge of Dark Souls!

Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge

Starting as a Deprived in Dark Souls is undoubtedly a challenge, but it’s a rewarding one. The freedom to customize your character and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming the initial hurdles make it a unique and satisfying experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different armor sets, weapons, and builds to find what works best for you. Remember, even the humblest loincloth-clad character can become a powerful force in the world of Lordran. Good luck, and praise the sun!

Can deprived wear armor?