In Dark Souls III, there is no definitive "best" starting class. The choice depends on your preferred playstyle. The Knight class is often recommended for beginners due to its balanced stats and sturdy equipment. Experienced players may opt for classes like the Pyromancer or Assassin for more specialized builds.
Introduction
Choosing a starting class in Dark Souls III is a crucial decision that will influence your gameplay experience throughout the entire journey. Each class offers a unique set of initial attributes, equipment, and starting items, catering to different playstyles and strategies. While there isn't a definitive "best" starting class in Dark Souls III, the ideal class often depends on your preferred playstyle, skill level, and intended build.
Key Factors to Consider
When determining the best starting class, several key factors come into play. These factors include how comfortable you are with different playstyles (melee, magic, ranged), your familiarity with the game's mechanics, your preferred weapon types (swords, axes, magic catalysts), and whether you prioritize defense, offense, or a balance of both. Additionally, considering how each class' starting attributes align with your desired build (strength, dexterity, intelligence, faith) is crucial for long-term success in the game.
Breakdown of Starting Classes
Let's delve into an analysis of the starting classes available in Dark Souls III:
1. Knight
The Knight class is often recommended for beginners due to its well-rounded attributes, sturdy armor, and shield. Knights excel in defensive playstyles, making them resilient against enemy attacks. With high starting health, stamina, and armor, Knights can tank damage effectively, allowing newcomers to make mistakes without facing dire consequences. They primarily use melee weapons, such as swords and shields, promoting a straightforward combat approach.
2. Warrior
The Warrior class focuses on offensive capabilities, with high strength and dexterity attributes. Warriors favor aggressive playstyles, dealing significant damage with melee weapons like axes and clubs. Their lighter armor and lack of shield make them less suited for tanking hits compared to the Knight. Warrior class is ideal for players who prefer quick, powerful strikes and have a good grasp of dodging and timing in combat.
3. Herald
The Herald class combines aspects of melee combat and support magic, providing a versatile playstyle. Heralds wield a spear and shield, offering a mix of offense and defense. With moderate attributes in strength, faith, and dexterity, Heralds can transition into a faith-based build or hybrid melee-magic build later in the game. The healing spell they start with can be beneficial for sustainability, especially during challenging encounters.
4. Thief
The Thief class emphasizes speed, agility, and critical hits, making them suitable for players who prefer a hit-and-run combat style. Thieves have high dexterity and luck attributes, enabling them to land devastating critical strikes with daggers and bows. Their light armor provides excellent mobility but offers less protection in direct confrontations. Thieves excel in exploiting enemy weaknesses and maneuvering around foes to deliver precise blows.
5. Sorcerer
The Sorcerer class specializes in magic and ranged attacks, casting powerful spells to decimate enemies from a distance. Sorcerers have high intelligence but lower physical attributes, emphasizing a reliance on spells and staff weapons. With their limited melee capabilities and fragile defense, Sorcerers require strategic positioning and spell management to succeed in combat. This class is well-suited for players who enjoy a more methodical and calculated approach to battles.
6. Pyromancer
The Pyromancer class harnesses the power of fire, offering a blend of melee and ranged combat with pyromancies. Pyromancers have balanced attributes in intelligence and faith, allowing them to cast fire spells and wield pyromancy flames effectively. Their versatility in both close and long-range engagements makes them adaptable to various combat scenarios. Pyromancers are a popular choice for players seeking a mix of magic and melee options without committing solely to one playstyle.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best starting class in Dark Souls III boils down to personal preference, experience level, and intended playstyle. Each class offers distinct advantages and challenges, catering to a wide range of player preferences. Whether you prioritize defense, offense, magic, or agility, selecting a starting class that aligns with your desired build and playstyle will enhance your overall Dark Souls III experience. Experimenting with different classes and adapting to the gameplay mechanics will help you find the class that best suits your unique approach to combat in the unforgiving world of Dark Souls III.