Is Deprived the Best Class in Dark Souls? A Deep Dive
The answer, like most things in Dark Souls, is delightfully complex and depends entirely on your perspective and playstyle. Is Deprived the “best” class in the sense of being the easiest or most immediately powerful? Absolutely not. But is it the best class for experienced players seeking maximum flexibility and a unique challenge? Potentially, yes. Let’s delve into why the Deprived class holds such a fascinating and debated position in the Dark Souls community.
The Allure of the Naked and Afraid
The Deprived class is the quintessential blank slate of Dark Souls. You start with a club, a plank shield, tattered rags, and balanced stats – a stark contrast to the specialized equipment and stat distributions of other classes. This apparent disadvantage is precisely what makes the Deprived so appealing to many veterans.
Freedom of Build Customization
Other classes come with pre-allocated stats, which, while beneficial for specific builds, can be a hindrance if you envision a different path for your character. For instance, a Warrior might have excess points in Strength that a mage build wouldn’t require, effectively “wasting” those levels. The Deprived, with their perfectly balanced spread, allows for the most efficient stat allocation for any build.
Whether you want to become a pyromancer, a faith-based tank, a nimble dexterity build, or something entirely unconventional, the Deprived provides the purest starting point. Every level you gain is precisely tailored to your vision, maximizing the potential of your build. This is particularly crucial for optimized builds, especially those aiming for specific soul levels (SL) in PvP or challenge runs.
The Enhanced Challenge
Let’s be honest, Dark Souls isn’t exactly a walk in the park to begin with. Starting as Deprived ratchets up the difficulty considerably, especially in the early game. You’re immediately vulnerable, lacking the armor and weapon proficiency of other classes. Every encounter demands meticulous planning, skillful execution, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
This initial struggle, however, breeds mastery. You’re forced to learn the attack patterns of enemies, the importance of dodging, and the value of every single soul. Overcoming these early hurdles instills a sense of accomplishment that few other classes can match. The journey from a naked wanderer to a powerful Lord of Cinder is a uniquely satisfying experience when you start from absolutely nothing.
Not for the Faint of Heart (or New Players)
It’s important to emphasize that the Deprived class is generally not recommended for new players. The initial difficulty curve can be incredibly steep and frustrating. Learning the intricacies of Dark Souls is challenging enough without the added handicap of starting with minimal resources. New players are generally better served by choosing a class that provides a more forgiving introduction to the game’s mechanics. A Knight or Warrior, with their decent armor and weapons, offers a much smoother learning curve.
Beyond Min-Maxing: The Roleplaying Aspect
While the Deprived class is often discussed in terms of optimal builds, it also presents a unique opportunity for roleplaying. The “nobody” origin allows you to project your own backstory and motivations onto your character. Are you a shunned outcast seeking redemption? A fallen noble stripped of your possessions? The possibilities are endless, adding another layer of immersion to the already captivating world of Dark Souls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the Deprived class and class selection in Dark Souls:
1. What are the starting stats of the Deprived class?
The Deprived starts with 11 in all stats: Vitality, Attunement, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Resistance, Intelligence, and Faith.
2. Is Deprived the hardest starting class?
While not universally agreed upon, many consider Deprived one of the hardest, if not the hardest, starting class due to the lack of starting equipment and armor. This forces players to rely heavily on their skill and knowledge of the game. Note that some people may consider Sorcerer in Dark Souls 3 to be the hardest.
3. Can the Deprived wear armor?
Yes, the Deprived can wear any armor in the game, provided they meet the stat requirements.
4. What’s the best starting gift for a Deprived?
The Master Key is often considered the best starting gift, regardless of class. It allows you to access various areas early, potentially bypassing challenging sections and acquiring better equipment.
5. Does class choice really matter in Dark Souls?
While your starting class determines your initial stats and equipment, you can ultimately build any class into any playstyle. Class selection primarily affects the early game and the efficiency of your stat distribution.
6. Is there a “Deprived” equivalent in Demon’s Souls?
The Barbarian class in Demon’s Souls is often considered the closest equivalent. It starts with minimal equipment, emphasizing the challenging beginning.
7. What is the optimal SL for PvP in Dark Souls?
The optimal Soul Level (SL) for PvP varies depending on the community and platform, but generally falls between SL 100-125. This is where most players build their characters for competitive play.
8. Is Dark Souls II easier than Dark Souls?
Some players find Dark Souls II easier, while others disagree. Difficulty is subjective. Dark Souls II has different mechanics and a slightly different approach to combat, making it a different experience.
9. What are the essential stats for any Dark Souls build?
Vitality (for health) and Endurance (for stamina and equip load) are essential for almost any build. The remaining stats depend on your chosen playstyle and weapon preferences.
10. How important is armor in Dark Souls?
Armor provides defense and poise. While defense is helpful, poise, which determines your ability to withstand attacks without staggering, and mobility (determined by equip load) are often more crucial.
11. What is poise?
Poise is a hidden stat that dictates how well your character resists being staggered by enemy attacks. Higher poise allows you to tank through weaker hits, which is crucial for aggressive playstyles.
12. Can I respec my stats in Dark Souls?
Unfortunately, you cannot respec your stats in the original Dark Souls. You’re locked into your stat allocations, so plan carefully!
13. What are the best weapons for a Deprived starting out?
Early weapons like the Reinforced Club (found in the Undead Asylum) or the Battle Axe (purchased from the Undead Merchant) are decent options for the Deprived due to their low stat requirements and good damage output.
14. What is RASS?
“RASS” likely refers to a specific challenge run strategy or a community term within Dark Souls. This seems to imply the community has an established process to follow, which is common within the Dark Souls community.
15. Where can I learn more about Dark Souls strategies and builds?
Numerous online resources are available, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to Dark Souls. Communities such as r/darksouls on Reddit are great places to seek advice and share experiences. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into how games can be educational and engaging.
The Verdict
So, is the Deprived the best class in Dark Souls? Objectively, no. But subjectively, for experienced players seeking a challenge, maximum build flexibility, and a unique roleplaying experience, it absolutely can be. It’s a testament to the brilliance of Dark Souls’s design that even the most disadvantaged starting point can be a path to triumph. Choose wisely, Chosen Undead, and prepare to Praise the Sun!