Diving Deep: Choosing the Best Starting Class in Dark Souls
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re ready to brave the unforgiving world of Dark Souls? Excellent choice! But before you even take your first tentative step into the Undead Asylum, you’re faced with a crucial decision: which starting class should you choose? While the game itself hammers home the point that you can eventually mold any class into whatever build you desire, your initial choice dramatically impacts your early game experience. Don’t fret, as this guide will help you decide what to do.
The “best” starting class is subjective and depends heavily on your playstyle and goals. However, for new players looking for a smoother entry point, the Pyromancer and the Knight are generally considered the most forgiving options.
- Pyromancer: This class starts with the Pyromancy Flame, which grants access to powerful ranged attacks early on. Fireballs are incredibly effective against many early enemies, giving you breathing room and a safer way to learn enemy attack patterns. They also come equipped with decent starting armor and a weapon.
- Knight: A more traditional melee-focused class, the Knight begins with a solid stat spread, excellent armor, and a reliable shield. Their high starting health and defense allow you to make more mistakes and survive encounters that would obliterate other classes. This is a great choice for players who prefer a more direct, in-your-face combat style.
Ultimately, the “best” class is the one that aligns with how you want to play the game. Do you want to blast enemies from afar? Do you want to stand toe-to-toe with bosses and shrug off their attacks? Or do you want to challenge yourself with a more difficult start? Keep reading!
Understanding the Starting Classes
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at all ten starting classes and their strengths and weaknesses:
- Warrior: A balanced class with a good stat spread and starting equipment. Excellent for melee builds.
- Knight: Tanky and durable, ideal for absorbing damage. Great for beginners.
- Wanderer: High Dexterity, suited for fast-paced combat and lighter weapons.
- Thief: Starts with the Master Key, offering early access to various areas, but has a challenging early game.
- Bandit: High Strength and Dexterity, geared towards damage output but lacking in defense.
- Hunter: Dexterity-focused with a bow, offering ranged options.
- Sorcerer: Starts with Soul Arrow, providing ranged magical attacks, but fragile early on.
- Pyromancer: Access to Pyromancy Flame, allowing for powerful fire-based attacks. Very beginner-friendly.
- Cleric: Starts with healing spells and a mace, ideal for support and melee combat.
- Deprived: Starts at level 1 with no armor or weapons, offering the most challenging but versatile start.
Choosing Your Class: A Deeper Dive
Here’s a more detailed look at some of the most popular (and less popular) starting classes, along with specific build suggestions and playstyle considerations:
The Pyromancer: A Beginner’s Best Friend
The Pyromancer is the go-to class for many newcomers, and for good reason. Their starting Pyromancy Flame allows you to hurl fireballs at enemies from a safe distance, making the early game significantly easier.
- Strengths:
- Powerful ranged attacks from the start.
- Effective against many early-game enemies.
- Decent starting armor.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited melee options early on.
- Can become reliant on pyromancy, which can be less effective against certain enemies.
- Build Suggestions:
- Early: Focus on leveling Vitality and Attunement to increase HP and spell slots.
- Mid-Game: Start investing in Dexterity to increase casting speed and improve melee options.
- Late-Game: Consider branching into other magic types, such as Sorcery or Faith.
The Knight: The Stalwart Protector
The Knight is a classic choice for players who prefer a more traditional melee-focused experience. Their high Vitality and sturdy armor make them incredibly durable, allowing you to withstand more punishment than other classes.
- Strengths:
- High starting health and defense.
- Excellent starting armor and shield.
- Reliable weapon.
- Weaknesses:
- Can be slower and less agile than other classes.
- Less effective at ranged combat.
- Build Suggestions:
- Early: Focus on leveling Vitality, Endurance, and Strength.
- Mid-Game: Experiment with different weapons and armor sets to find what suits your playstyle.
- Late-Game: Consider specializing in a particular weapon type, such as Greatswords or Ultra Greatswords.
The Sorcerer: Master of Magic
For players who enjoy ranged combat and strategic positioning, the Sorcerer can be a rewarding choice. However, it’s also one of the more challenging starting classes for new players.
- Strengths:
- Access to powerful ranged magic from the start.
- High Intelligence stat.
- Can deal significant damage from a distance.
- Weaknesses:
- Very fragile early on.
- Limited melee options.
- Requires careful management of spell slots.
- Build Suggestions:
- Early: Focus on leveling Vitality, Attunement, and Intelligence.
- Mid-Game: Acquire more powerful spells and rings that boost magic damage.
- Late-Game: Consider using a Moonlight Greatsword, which scales with Intelligence.
The Deprived: The Ultimate Challenge
The Deprived class is not for the faint of heart. Starting at level 1 with no armor or weapons, they offer the most challenging but potentially the most rewarding start.
- Strengths:
- Equal stat distribution allows for maximum build flexibility.
- Offers a unique and challenging experience.
- Weaknesses:
- Extremely vulnerable early on.
- Requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
- Not recommended for new players.
- Build Suggestions:
- Since you can build it to anything, the world is your oyster, but it is going to be difficult.
FAQs: Your Dark Souls Starting Class Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further refine your starting class decision:
- Do starting classes really matter in the long run? No, not really. While they determine your initial stats, equipment, and spells, you can eventually build any class into any desired build. The starting class primarily impacts your early game experience.
- Is it possible to respec in Dark Souls? Unfortunately, Dark Souls does not offer a respec option. Once you’ve committed to a build, you’re locked in for the rest of the playthrough. This makes your initial stat investments and equipment choices all the more important.
- What if I regret my starting class choice? Don’t worry! You can always start a new character. Dark Souls is a game designed for multiple playthroughs, so experimenting with different classes is part of the fun.
- I want a challenge. Should I choose Deprived? Only if you’re truly prepared for a difficult start. The Deprived class is incredibly vulnerable early on and requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
- What’s the best class for a Faith build? The Cleric is the most obvious choice, as they start with healing spells and a mace. However, you can also build a Faith-based character from other classes, such as the Knight or Pyromancer.
- I want to use a specific weapon. Does that affect my starting class choice? Yes, it can. Consider the stat requirements of your desired weapon and choose a class that starts with those stats already somewhat developed.
- Is Pyromancy overpowered in Dark Souls? Pyromancy is incredibly strong, especially in the early game. However, it can become less effective against fire-resistant enemies.
- Does the Thief’s Master Key make the game too easy? The Master Key allows you to skip certain areas and access items early on. While it can make the game easier in some ways, it also allows you to explore more of the world and find hidden secrets.
- Which class has the best starting armor? The Knight boasts the best starting armor, offering excellent protection against physical damage.
- I’m interested in the lore of Dark Souls. Does my starting class affect that? No, your starting class has no impact on the game’s lore. The story unfolds regardless of your chosen class.
- Should I look up a build guide before choosing my starting class? It can be helpful, but it’s not essential. Experimenting and discovering your own playstyle is part of the Dark Souls experience.
- Is there a “meta” starting class in Dark Souls? Not really. While some classes are more popular or considered more efficient, there’s no single “best” class for all players.
- What if I want to play co-op with a friend? Does that affect my starting class choice? Not directly, but consider choosing a class that complements your friend’s playstyle. For example, a Knight and a Sorcerer can make a powerful duo.
- Is there a class that is better for PvP (player versus player)? While any class can be built for PvP, some are more efficient. The Wanderer and Bandit are often popular choices for PvP builds due to their Dexterity and damage output. However, skill and strategy are far more important than your starting class.
- Where can I learn more about the game mechanics in Dark Souls? There are many helpful online resources, including wikis, forums, and video guides. You can also learn a lot by simply playing the game and experimenting. And, of course, resources like the Games Learning Society are a good place to start exploring how games impact learning. See GamesLearningSociety.org for further information.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Choosing your starting class in Dark Souls is an important decision, but it’s not one you should stress over too much. Ultimately, the most important thing is to embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and have fun.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different classes and builds until you find what works best for you. Dark Souls is a game that rewards perseverance and exploration, so dive in and discover your own path. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!