Which Class Makes Elden Ring Easier? A Tarnished’s Guide to Comfort
So, you’re brave enough to venture into the Lands Between? Excellent! But you’re also wise enough to ask the crucial question: which class makes Elden Ring, shall we say, less punishing? The answer, unequivocally, is the Vagabond.
The Vagabond class is a superb starting point for players looking to minimize early game struggles. It boasts a robust combination of high Vigor (health), Strength, and Endurance, which directly translates into survivability and damage output. This class is a dependable choice to help make things easier on yourself at the start of the game. They start with decent armor and a reliable sword and shield, allowing you to absorb blows and reliably deal damage in return. While Elden Ring offers no true “easy mode,” the Vagabond provides the most forgiving foundation for new players. It allows the player to withstand more damage. Thus, they can learn the game’s mechanics without constant death. Moreover, because of the strength, vigor, and endurance stats it is easy to adapt to a player’s preferred skills or spells.
Why Vagabond Reigns Supreme for Beginners
While other classes might offer specialized advantages down the line, the Vagabond’s early game resilience is unmatched. Here’s a breakdown of why it shines:
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High Vigor: More health means more mistakes you can afford to make. This is vital when learning enemy attack patterns and timings.
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Solid Strength: Allows you to wield a variety of weapons effectively, including heavier options that offer better stagger potential against enemies.
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Good Endurance: Enables you to wear heavier armor without being overburdened, maintain stamina for attacks and blocks, and dodge more frequently.
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Equipped for Success: The Vagabond starts with a Longsword, Heater Shield, and a set of armor that provides decent protection from the start.
Essentially, the Vagabond gives you a buffer. It’s a safety net that lets you explore, experiment, and learn without being constantly punished for every minor misstep. The Vagabond is perfect for veteran souls players as well.
Beyond the Vagabond: Tips for a Smoother Tarnished Journey
Choosing the Vagabond is just the first step. Here are some additional tips to further ease your Elden Ring experience:
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Level Vigor Early: Don’t spread your points thin. Prioritize Vigor to increase your health pool significantly. Aim for at least 40 Vigor by mid-game.
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Embrace Exploration: The Lands Between are vast and filled with opportunities to level up, find better gear, and discover helpful items. Don’t rush the main story.
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Summon Help: Utilize Spirit Ashes to summon companions who can distract enemies and provide valuable support in combat.
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Learn to Block and Parry: Mastering these defensive techniques is crucial for survival. Practice against weaker enemies to hone your skills.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Run: Some enemies are simply too difficult to face early on. There’s no shame in retreating and returning later when you’re stronger. Remember that Elden Ring is meant to be tough, so be ready to fail.
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Experiment with Ashes of War: These versatile items can be applied to your weapons, changing their skills and adding elemental damage.
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Use a Shield: Shields are a great way to avoid damage.
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Use better armor: Better armor is a good way to protect your character and give you time to learn.
Embracing the Challenge: Elden Ring for “Noobs”
Being new to Souls-like games doesn’t mean Elden Ring is off-limits. It simply means you’ll have a steeper learning curve. Focus on understanding the core mechanics, learning from your mistakes, and utilizing the game’s various tools to your advantage. Don’t let anyone gatekeep the game! If you need to, find some guides to find the best weapons in order to help you survive in the brutal world of Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Elden Ring classes, difficulty, and general tips for beginners:
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Is Elden Ring too hard for a casual gamer?
Elden Ring can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Its open-world structure allows you to explore and level up at your own pace. This makes it more accessible than previous FromSoftware titles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take your time.
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What is the hardest class to start as in Elden Ring?
Most would agree the Wretch is the most challenging starting class. It begins at level 1 with minimal equipment, forcing you to scavenge and survive from scratch.
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Is Samurai or Vagabond better for a beginner?
The Vagabond is generally considered better for beginners due to its higher Vigor and starting armor. The Samurai, while powerful, requires more finesse and understanding of combat mechanics.
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What is the most overpowered build in Elden Ring?
Overpowered builds constantly evolve as players discover new strategies and weapon combinations. Some popular choices include bleed builds using Rivers of Blood and dual-wielding colossal weapons.
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Does Elden Ring have different difficulty settings?
No, Elden Ring has a single difficulty setting, but there are many ways to make the game easier, such as leveling up, summoning allies, and using powerful weapons and armor.
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What is the best class to dual wield in Elden Ring?
Any class can effectively dual wield, but Strength-based classes like the Vagabond and Hero are well-suited for dual-wielding heavy weapons. Dexterity-based classes like the Samurai and Warrior excel with dual-wielding katanas and curved swords.
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Why is Vagabond considered the best class for beginners?
The Vagabond’s balanced stats, high Vigor, and starting equipment provide a strong foundation for survival and experimentation, making it ideal for new players.
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What should I know before playing Elden Ring?
Be prepared to die frequently, explore extensively, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Lands Between are unforgiving, but also incredibly rewarding. Guard Counters Are Invaluable so get used to them.
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How can beginners enjoy Elden Ring more?
Focus on exploration, leveling up, and finding gear that suits your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to summon allies or use Spirit Ashes to assist in combat.
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Can a “bad” player complete Elden Ring?
Yes! Elden Ring is designed to be challenging, but not impossible. With persistence, experimentation, and the right strategies, even players who struggle with action games can succeed.
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Is Elden Ring appropriate for a 14-year-old?
Elden Ring is rated M for Mature due to violence and some suggestive themes. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to play. The world is very brutal.
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What makes Elden Ring so difficult?
Elden Ring’s difficulty stems from its challenging combat, unforgiving enemies, and lack of hand-holding. However, this difficulty is also what makes the game so rewarding.
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Should I get Elden Ring if I’m bad at games?
Yes, but be prepared for a challenge. Elden Ring offers many tools and strategies to help players overcome obstacles, making it accessible to those willing to learn and adapt.
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What stats should I focus on leveling up as a Vagabond?
Prioritize Vigor early on to increase your health pool. Then, focus on Strength and Endurance to improve your damage output and stamina.
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What does Arcane do in Elden Ring?
Arcane primarily affects item discovery, increasing the chance of enemies dropping items. It also influences certain spells and weapon skills.
Elden Ring is a journey of perseverance, discovery, and triumph. The best part is the feeling when you beat a boss you thought you could never defeat! Choosing the Vagabond is a great way to give yourself a head start, but remember that mastering the game ultimately comes down to skill, patience, and a willingness to learn. Good luck, Tarnished! You will need it. As you improve you can always try to make Elden Ring Harder by going against the meta, using spellcasting only, or a no death run!
For more insights on game design and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, a fantastic resource for understanding the educational aspects of gaming.