Unlocking Lordran: The Best Starting Class in Dark Souls Remastered

So, you’re ready to face the brutal beauty of Lordran in Dark Souls Remastered? Excellent choice! But before you leap into the abyss, a crucial decision awaits: which class to choose. The character you select at the start of the game impacts your experience. While Dark Souls is renowned for letting you build any class into virtually anything, your starting point influences your initial equipment, stats, and ultimately, how you learn the ropes.

The definitive answer for beginners? Pyromancer.

While other classes have their merits, the Pyromancer offers the most forgiving and versatile start for newcomers. The Pyromancer begins with a hand axe, round shield, and the all-important Pyromancy Flame, granting early access to ranged damage via Fireball. This makes dealing with early enemies like Hollow Soldiers, Undead Dogs, and even the Asylum Demon significantly easier. More importantly, Pyromancy damage scales independently of stats, relying instead on upgrading the Pyromancy Flame, obtainable from NPCs throughout the game. This allows you to focus on vital stats like Vitality and Endurance, which are crucial for survival, without sacrificing damage output.

Why Pyromancer Reigns Supreme

The Pyromancer provides a unique blend of offensive power and flexibility:

• Early Ranged Damage: The Fireball spell allows you to engage enemies from a distance, giving you valuable breathing room in tight situations. This is incredibly helpful for learning enemy attack patterns and positioning, core skills for mastering Dark Souls.

• Stat Independence for Damage: While other classes require investing heavily in Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith to deal significant damage, the Pyromancer can allocate stats primarily to Vitality and Endurance, increasing health and stamina – crucial for surviving early encounters.

• Adaptability: The Pyromancer doesn’t lock you into a specific playstyle. As you progress, you can choose to focus on Strength-based weaponry, Dexterity weapons, or continue to develop your Pyromancy. The initial investment in Vitality and Endurance ensures you can adapt to any combat style.

• Accessibility of Pyromancy Upgrades: Unlike some other magic types, upgrading your Pyromancy Flame is relatively straightforward, requiring you to find and interact with specific NPCs. This ensures you’re consistently improving your damage output without needing to farm rare items or delve into complex stat builds.

Other Viable Options

While the Pyromancer is the most recommended for beginners, other classes can also provide a satisfying starting experience:

• Warrior: The Warrior is a classic melee-focused class. Starting with solid armor and decent stats, the Warrior is a straightforward option for learning the game’s combat mechanics. The downside is the reliance on melee combat from the outset, which can be challenging for new players.

• Knight: Similar to the Warrior, the Knight begins with robust armor and a focus on melee combat. The Knight’s slightly higher Vitality gives a small edge in survivability.

• Bandit: The Bandit is another strength-based class but starts with lower armor. Their advantage lies in the Spider Shield, which offers valuable poison resistance early on, particularly useful in Blighttown.

Why Not Deprived?

The Deprived class, starting with no armor, low stats, and a club, might seem appealing to experienced players looking for a challenge. However, for beginners, it’s simply too difficult. The Deprived requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics and a willingness to struggle through the initial hours. It’s a class best left for subsequent playthroughs.

Mastering the Basics

No matter which class you choose, remember that Dark Souls is a game about learning from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment, die (a lot), and explore the world. Mastering the following basics will be essential for your success:

• Stamina Management: Learning to manage your stamina is crucial for attacking, blocking, and dodging. Running out of stamina at the wrong moment can be deadly.

• Enemy Attack Patterns: Each enemy has unique attack patterns. Observing and learning these patterns is key to dodging or blocking effectively.

• Backstabs and Parrying: Mastering backstabs and parrying can trivialize many encounters. Practice these techniques on weaker enemies to get a feel for the timing.

• Exploration: Dark Souls rewards exploration. Hidden areas, valuable items, and challenging enemies await those who venture off the beaten path.

• Patience: Dark Souls is not a game to be rushed. Take your time, be patient, and don’t give up.

Dark Souls Remastered: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does class choice really matter in the long run?

Not as much as you might think. While your starting class determines your initial stats and equipment, you can ultimately build any class into any archetype. The first few hours might be slightly easier with certain classes, but eventually, your build will be shaped by your decisions and the items you acquire.

2. Can I change my class later in the game?

No, you cannot directly change your class. However, you can allocate stat points as you level up, effectively transitioning your character into a different build.

3. What are the most important stats for beginners?

Vitality (HP) and Endurance (Stamina) are arguably the most important stats for beginners. Having more health allows you to survive more hits, while more stamina allows you to attack, block, and dodge more frequently.

4. Is magic viable in Dark Souls 1?

Yes, magic is viable, but it can be challenging to start with. Pyromancy is the most accessible magic type for beginners, while Sorcery and Miracles require more investment in Intelligence and Faith, respectively.

5. What are some good early weapons for beginners?

The Reinforced Club, available early on from a merchant, is an excellent weapon for Strength builds. The Astora’s Straight Sword, found in the Valley of Drakes, scales with both Strength and Faith and is a solid choice for hybrid builds.

6. How do I upgrade my Pyromancy Flame?

You need to find and interact with specific NPCs. Laurentius of the Great Swamp, found in the Depths, and Quelana of Izalith, found in Blighttown, can upgrade your Pyromancy Flame.

7. What’s the best armor for early game?

The Elite Knight Set, found in Darkroot Garden, is a good balance of protection and weight. The Hard Leather Armor, purchased from the Undead Merchant in the Undead Burg, is a lighter alternative.

8. How do I level up?

You level up by speaking to the Emerald Herald in Majula, using the souls you’ve collected from defeating enemies.

9. What is Humanity, and why is it important?

Humanity is a consumable item that restores you to human form and increases your item discovery rate. Being human allows you to summon other players for co-op and makes you vulnerable to invasions from other players.

10. What are Covenants?

Covenants are factions you can join in the game. Each covenant offers unique rewards and gameplay experiences.

11. How do I deal with the Asylum Demon?

The Asylum Demon is the first boss you encounter. You can either fight him head-on or drop down from the rafters for a plunging attack, dealing significant damage.

12. Where should I go after the Undead Asylum?

After defeating the Asylum Demon, you’ll be taken to Firelink Shrine, the central hub of the game. From there, you can explore various areas, but the most common path is to head to the Undead Burg.

13. What is “Poise,” and why is it important?

Poise determines your ability to resist being staggered by enemy attacks. Higher poise allows you to withstand more hits without being interrupted.

14. What are some common mistakes new players make?

• Not leveling up Vitality and Endurance.
• Ignoring stamina management.
• Rushing into combat without observing enemy patterns.
• Not upgrading their weapons.

15. Where can I find more resources about Dark Souls?

The Dark Souls community is vast and helpful. Online forums, wikis, and video guides offer a wealth of information. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org explore how games teach and provide resources for players of all levels.

Embracing the Challenge

Dark Souls Remastered is a challenging but rewarding game. Choosing the right starting class can make your initial journey smoother, but ultimately, your skill and perseverance will determine your success. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and prepare to die… a lot. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!