What Class Should I Start With in Dark Souls 3?
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For new players diving into the unforgiving world of Dark Souls 3, choosing the right starting class can feel like a pivotal decision. It’s not a matter of permanently locking yourself into a specific playstyle, but rather about making the initial hours a bit smoother. While any class can become any other with time, some clearly have an edge, particularly for first-time Ashen Ones. The most beginner-friendly starting class in Dark Souls 3 is the Pyromancer.
The Pyromancer is the best choice because it offers a versatile combination of melee capability and potent ranged magic. This is a great advantage for new players because they get to engage in a variety of combat scenarios. Their starting equipment, a Hand Axe, a Round Shield, and the crucial Pyromancy Flame, provides a balanced foundation. This allows players to experiment with melee combat while also having access to fire-based offensive spells, something that can be especially useful against many early-game enemies. The early access to fire damage also helps against many early bosses that are vulnerable to fire.
Why the Pyromancer?
Hybrid Combat Style
The Pyromancer shines thanks to its hybrid nature. Unlike classes heavily reliant on melee or magic alone, the Pyromancer can switch between close-quarters combat and ranged attacks. This versatility allows beginners to adapt to a wide range of encounters, mitigating some of the steep learning curve that Dark Souls 3 is notorious for. The Pyromancer’s Pyromancy Flame allows for a relatively safe way to deal damage from afar while learning enemy attack patterns, making the learning curve more accessible.
User-Friendly Spells
Pyromancy spells are also generally easier to understand and utilize compared to sorceries or miracles. This makes them more intuitive for new players. The basic pyromancies available early on are both powerful and efficient, helping beginners feel less frustrated by the game’s high difficulty.
Good Starting Equipment
While not overwhelmingly powerful, the Pyromancer’s initial gear is effective enough to carry you through the early stages of the game. The Hand Axe is a quick and reliable melee weapon. The Round Shield, although not the most powerful, is sufficient for beginners to parry or block most early attacks, learning the timing of attacks early is beneficial for the rest of the game. The Pyromancy Flame is your source of ranged damage, making you a more powerful combatant early on.
Other Viable Options
While the Pyromancer is arguably the best choice for beginners, other classes might appeal depending on your preferred style.
Knight
The Knight is a popular choice, and it’s not hard to see why. Starting with the Longsword, one of the best weapons in the game, and a 100% physical absorption shield, the Knight offers a strong, straightforward combat experience. However, it lacks any ranged options to start which means the player will have to learn close combat right away.
Warrior
The Warrior class is a good choice for those who know that they want a pure melee style. This is the only advantage the warrior offers since the Knight is a better melee option due to their starting shield.
Mercenary
If you plan on investing in a Dexterity-focused build, the Mercenary could be a decent starting option. They come with dual scimitars and start with good base dex stats. However, dexterity builds are more difficult than other styles for beginner players.
Other Magic-focused Classes
While the Sorcerer and Cleric classes are good for their respective magic schools, they aren’t good choices for new players due to the nature of magic in Dark Souls 3 and their low starting health.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best class for a new player to start with is the Pyromancer due to its balanced starting gear and early access to effective fire spells. This allows for a more manageable and enjoyable initial experience in the challenging world of Dark Souls 3. While other classes can certainly work, the Pyromancer provides the most forgiving and versatile starting point. It’s important to remember that your starting class only determines your initial gear and stats, you can build any class into anything, so don’t fret too much over this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dark Souls 3 the best for beginners in the series?
While Dark Souls 3 is more streamlined and arguably more accessible than its predecessors, it’s still a challenging game. It does offer a bit more leeway for new players as they get the hang of the combat mechanics. So while it may not be easy it is among the easier games in the franchise to start with.
2. What starting class is best for min-maxing in Dark Souls 3?
For min-maxing, the Knight is often considered the best starting class for most builds due to its efficient stat distribution. For magic-focused builds, the Sorcerer, Cleric, or Pyromancer would be the most optimal depending on your desired type of magic. The Deprived class, while interesting, has wasted stats/levels and is not ideal for min-maxing.
3. What is the best starting class for Dexterity builds?
The Mercenary, Assassin, and Thief classes all have the highest starting dexterity. However, these builds are more complicated for new players, a new player should focus on a more balanced build before trying something as complex as a dexterity build.
4. Are Dexterity builds good in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, Dexterity builds are quite effective in Dark Souls 3, offering rapid attacks and counterattacks after parrying. They can be very powerful for fighting both tough bosses and players. The Demon’s Scar is a powerful weapon for this build since it does fire damage that most enemies are weak to.
5. Is Dark Souls 3 harder than the other Souls games?
Many players find Dark Souls 3 to be the hardest in the series due to its fast-paced combat and challenging boss encounters. However, difficulty is subjective and can vary between players and their playstyle.
6. What stats should I level up first in Dark Souls 3?
Beginners should prioritize Vigor (health) to 31, Endurance (stamina) to 25, and Vitality (equipment load) to 15. Then focus on the stat that enhances your primary weapon, such as Strength or Dexterity, based on the build you are working towards.
7. How long does it take to 100% Dark Souls 3?
On average, completing the main objectives of Dark Souls 3 takes about 36 hours. If you want 100% completion, expect to spend around 92 hours.
8. What should you absolutely NOT do in Dark Souls 3?
Some common mistakes include: Consuming boss souls (instead of transposing them), using all your stamina at once, killing NPCs unnecessarily, joining the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant too early, giving dark tomes to Irina, and not supporting Greirat before sending him to Irithyll. Additionally, it is not recommended to waste Embers early on.
9. Is Dark Souls 3 too difficult for new players?
While it is challenging, Dark Souls 3 is not insurmountable. With patience and a willingness to learn from mistakes, new players can certainly enjoy the game. The early game is the hardest, so try to push past the first few bosses before making a final judgment.
10. Do starting classes matter much in Dark Souls?
Not very much. While they determine starting gear and stats, you can change your class via leveling up over time. They are not permanent, and your class becomes less relevant as you progress through the game.
11. What is the easiest class to start with in Demon’s Souls?
The Royalty class is considered the easiest in Demon’s Souls because it starts with a catalyst, allowing for early spellcasting. However, that is for a different game and does not apply to Dark Souls 3.
12. What should I do first when starting Dark Souls?
Prioritize getting a feel for the combat, explore thoroughly, avoid PVP until you are confident, utilize plunging attacks and backstabs, and ensure you use your souls regularly. Learning to dodge attacks rather than relying entirely on a shield is another important early game skill to learn.
13. Should I grind levels in Dark Souls 3?
While not essential, soul farming (grinding levels) can be helpful for buying weapons or upgrade materials. However, you’ll often find you naturally gain enough levels while playing through the game.
14. How should I level up my character in Dark Souls 3?
Focus on your primary attacking stat, Strength, Dexterity, Faith or Intelligence, aiming for 40-50 points. Level Endurance to 40, and then level Vitality and Attunement as you need them. Always avoid the resistance stat since it is pointless.
15. Is Dark Souls 3 harder than Elden Ring?
This is debatable, but many players find Dark Souls 3 to be the harder experience, especially if you are not using an optimized build in Elden Ring. However, each game offers a unique challenge and both can be difficult depending on your playstyle.