What is the Best Class to Start with in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
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Navigating the treacherous world of Dark Souls for the first time can be daunting, and your chosen starting class can feel like a critical first step. While the game allows you to mold any class into any build, your initial choice does impact your early hours and overall experience. So, what is the best class to start with in Dark Souls? The answer isn’t entirely straightforward, but the Pyromancer emerges as the most versatile and beginner-friendly option for several compelling reasons.
Why the Pyromancer is the Best Starting Class
The Pyromancer begins with a balanced set of stats that favor both melee combat and magic, giving you flexibility as you explore different playstyles. It’s not tied to a specific archetype like the Knight or Sorcerer, so you’re free to experiment and adapt. Here’s why it shines:
- Starting Equipment: The Pyromancer begins with a Hand Axe, a Round Shield, and the crucial Pyromancy Flame. This combination provides a solid base for both offense and defense. The Hand Axe is quick and efficient, while the shield allows you to block incoming attacks, providing a safety net that many other classes lack.
- Pyromancy Flame: This is where the Pyromancer truly shines. The Pyromancy Flame allows you to cast powerful fire-based spells. Pyromancy in Dark Souls is incredibly potent, dealing significant damage to a wide array of enemies. These spells require no specific stat investments like Intelligence or Faith, making them readily available and effective from the outset.
- Flexibility: Unlike classes heavily reliant on melee or magic, the Pyromancer can easily transition into a strength-focused build, a dexterity-focused build, or even continue as a pyromancy powerhouse. This adaptability makes it ideal for first-time players who might not know their preferred playstyle yet.
- Early Game Advantage: The power of early Pyromancy spells such as Fireball can melt through many early game encounters which can make the early sections easier, giving beginners a leg up. This allows you to learn the game’s mechanics without being overwhelmed by challenging boss fights.
While the Pyromancer is an excellent starting point, other classes also have their merits and can be suitable depending on your preferences. It’s important to understand that while your starting class dictates your initial setup, you can ultimately achieve any build you want through character progression.
Alternative Starting Classes
- Warrior: A strong choice for beginners who prefer a straightforward approach. They start with decent stats, a longsword, and a shield, making them sturdy and effective in melee combat. However, they lack ranged options early on, and their magic options are limited.
- Knight: Similar to the Warrior but with higher initial armor and HP. This makes them more resilient to damage, but slightly slower. If you want a character that can withstand more hits, the Knight is a solid pick but lacks magic options.
- Bandit: This class focuses on dexterity and starts with a high base stat, making them adept at fast, melee attacks, but their equipment is typically less protective. Their starting Scimitar and a weaker buckler can make early combat difficult for newcomers.
- Cleric: A class that uses Faith-based magic. While miracles are powerful, they often take longer to acquire and are less versatile in the early game. This class is not recommended for first-time players, although it can be viable if you understand faith based magic.
- Sorcerer: The primary magic user, starting with an Inteligence stat that is highly valuable, they are also reliant on intelligence based weaponry. They start with a Soul Arrow spell, which is effective, but their lack of melee equipment can be challenging. Sorcerers require more experience with spellcasting in Dark Souls to play effectively.
- Hunter: A dexterity-focused class with a ranged starting option. They begin with a spear and bow and arrow, but they’re often not ideal for newcomers because they require a better grasp of ranged combat and positioning.
- Deprived: The most challenging starting class. The Deprived character starts at level one with the lowest starting gear. This option is purely for those seeking a challenge and is not recommended for beginners.
- Wanderer: This class features a slightly below-average stat spread, making it unideal for a first time player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do starting classes matter in the long run in Dark Souls?
Starting classes mostly affect your initial equipment and stats. Ultimately, you can build any class into any desired build through leveling up, so the starting class doesn’t permanently lock you into a specific playstyle. It mainly matters for the first few hours of gameplay.
2. Is the Pyromancer the absolute best class for everyone?
While it’s highly recommended for beginners due to its versatility and early-game strength, it’s not universally the “best.” Experienced players or those with a specific playstyle in mind might find other classes more appealing. However, for most new players, the Pyromancer offers an easier and more adaptable start.
3. Can I change my starting class later in the game?
No, you cannot change your starting class once you’ve created your character. However, your character can level up their abilities to meet any type of player style. Your starting class only determines your beginning stats and loadout.
4. What is the most powerful build in Dark Souls?
There is arguably nothing stronger in Dark Souls than Pyromancy, especially in the original game, as the Pyromancy Flame and spells are powerful in almost all stages of the game and their power only wanes against fire-resistant enemies.
5. What are some of the worst mistakes a new player can make?
Common mistakes include killing Solaire, consuming boss souls, locking out the Darkwraith Covenant, using humanity for health, entering New Londo without the proper items, going to Ash Lake before acquiring the Lordvessel, heading to the catacombs first, and turning your back on undead assassins.
6. Should I level up all of my stats evenly in Dark Souls?
No, it is generally not a good idea to level up all of your stats evenly. Instead, focus on a few key stats that complement your chosen playstyle. This helps you specialize and make your character more effective in combat.
7. Is Dark Souls really as hard as people say?
Dark Souls is a challenging game that demands patience and practice. However, the difficulty is often overstated. The game rewards careful observation, learning enemy patterns, and mastering its mechanics.
8. What is the “Giant Dad” build that I keep hearing about?
“Giant Dad” is a meme-worthy, highly powerful build focused on high poise, heavy armor, and a large two-handed weapon. It is an efficient PVE build but can be easily countered by high-poise weapons. It’s not recommended for beginners, as it relies on specific late-game items.
9. What is the purpose of the “Pendant” starting item?
The pendant is an item with no purpose. Its inclusion is a fun bit of mystery from the game developers. It doesn’t actually do anything, but Miyazaki has said that if he were playing, he’d choose the pendant or nothing at all.
10. Which Dark Souls game should I start with?
It’s recommended that you start with Dark Souls: Remastered (or Dark Souls 1) as it is the first game in the series, and it has a slower pace and simpler mechanics than its sequels. However, each game in the series has its own merits.
11. What does Humanity do in Dark Souls?
Humanity serves multiple purposes. It is used to restore your human form after dying, kindle bonfires to increase their estus charges, and can be spent to strengthen certain covenants.
12. How long does it take to complete Dark Souls 1?
On average, most players take around 42 hours to complete Dark Souls 1 on their first playthrough.
13. Are shields important in Dark Souls?
Yes, shields are crucial, especially for beginners. They allow you to block incoming attacks, which is essential for survival. A good shield can be a life-saver.
14. Should I play Elden Ring or Dark Souls first?
Elden Ring is more beginner friendly because it is open world, but both are a great start for anyone wanting to play their first Souls game. It depends on personal preference, however, Elden Ring is likely the better choice for brand new players.
15. Can I play co-op in Dark Souls?
Yes, Dark Souls features a unique co-op system that allows you to summon other players for assistance or invade other player’s worlds. This feature is available in both the main game and via the Remastered version.
Conclusion
Choosing a starting class in Dark Souls is an important step, but it shouldn’t be a source of anxiety. The Pyromancer’s flexibility, powerful starting spells, and balanced equipment make it a great option for beginners looking for an easy introduction to the game. Regardless of your initial choice, Dark Souls allows you to grow your character into whatever build you desire. So, choose a class that resonates with you and embark on your adventure, knowing that no matter where you start, you’ll shape your journey to becoming a true legend of Lordran.