Look, I get it. You like danger. You like unknown threats. You like to face digital monsters that would eat Godzilla for breakfast if they ever managed to escape from your 32 inch flatscreen TV. In other words, you really do likey the Dark Souls 3. Bandai Namco and From Software’s signature digital dungeon returns this month, ready for one final stab at sun-praising antics.
But which class is best? Do you go for the stock standard Knight? Dual-wielding Mercenary? Devout Cleric? The Pyromancer who finds the numerous flames that he spawns to be just so…pretty? Hell if I know, as that choice is up to you. But at least you can get a headstart on planning your character build in Dark Souls 3, with this handy guide to old favourite classes and the new Assassin and Herald characters.
Knight
An obscure knight of poor renown who collapsed roaming the land. Sturdy, owing to high vitality and stout armour.
Starting Equipment:
- Longsword
- Shield Knight Helm
- Knight Armour
- Knight Gauntlets
- Knight Leggings
Mercenary
A mercenary and veteran of the battlefield. High dexterity allows masterful wielding of dual scimitars.
Starting Equipment:
- Legion Scimitars
Warrior
Descendant of northern warriors famed for their brawn. Utilizes high strength to wield a heavy battle axe.
Starting Equipment:
- Battle axe
- Small shield
Herald
A former herald who journeyed to finish a quest undertaken. Wields a sturdy spear and employs a gentle restorative miracle.
Starting Equipment:
- Spear
- Guardian shield
- Talisman
Thief
A common thief and pitiful deserter. Wields a dagger intended for backstabs alongside a military-issue bow.
Starting Equipment:
- Bandit knife
- Small shield
- Short bow
Assassin
An assassin who stalks their prey from the shadows. Favours sorceries in addition to thrusting swords.
Starting Equipment:
- Estoc
- Target shield
- Sorcerer’s staff
- Spook
- Assassin Armour
Sorcerer
A loner who left formal academia to pursue further research. Commands soul sorceries using high intelligence.”
Starting Equipment:
- Dagger
- Sorcerer’s Staff
- Small leather shield
- Ring
- Soul Arrow
- Heavy Soul Arrow
- Estus Flask
- Darksign
- Black Separation Crystal
- Way of White Circlet
Pyromancer
A pyromancer from a remote region who manipulates flame. Also an adept close combat warrior who wields a hand axe.
Starting Equipment:
- Hand axe
- Small shield
- Pyromancy Flame
- Pyromancer Set
- Estus Flask
- Darksign
- Black Separation Crystal
- Way of White Circlet
Cleric
A traveling cleric who collapsed from exhaustion. Channels high faith to cast many and varied miracles.
Starting Equipment:
- Mace
- Talisman
- Far East shield
- Cleric Set
- Heal Miracle
- Force Miracle
- Estus Flask
- Darksign
- Black Separation Crystal
- Way of White Circlet
Deprived
Naked and of unknown origin. Either an unimaginable fool in life, or was stripped of possessions upon burial.
Starting Equipment:
- Club
- Wooden Shield
- Estus Flask
- Darksign
- Black Separation Crystal
- Way of White Circlet
And here’s the various class stats compare across strength, dexterity, vigor, attack, intelligence, endurance, faith, luck and vitality. Thanks Dark Souls wiki. Click to embiggen:
Dark Souls 3 is out on March 24 for Xbox One, PC and PlayStation 4.
Last Updated: March 3, 2016
Pariah
March 3, 2016 at 15:49
https://odetojoandkatniss.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/gc-nope.png
DiegoZicoB
March 3, 2016 at 16:07
Is ‘Nope’ your standard comment in every post?
*waits for you to reply with…Nope*
Pariah
March 3, 2016 at 16:08
Nope
Darren Peach
March 3, 2016 at 16:20
Yep, You said nope. Nope I did not think you wouldn’t.
GooseZA
March 3, 2016 at 16:00
Can. Not. Wait.
Usually play Cleric. Very tempted to try the thief though. Maybe for a 2nd playthrough….
DiegoZicoB
March 3, 2016 at 16:06
You subject yourself to the frustration and heart palpitations twice?
Original Heretic
March 3, 2016 at 16:11
Sorceror for me. Counting the days! No other games (not even Bloodborne), made me “WTF is THAT?!?” so many times.
Pariah
March 3, 2016 at 16:15
You haven’t spent much time walking around Boksburg, have you?
Philip Jonas
March 3, 2016 at 17:48
You all realize that playing it with any class other than a melee combat character is playing it on easy, the game becomes a matter of point and click…. where as melee characters like the warrior actually makes the game tough
Darren Peach
March 3, 2016 at 16:00
Dark Souls. A very convenient way to store that extra gaming energy. Buy it, Die 1739 times, The next big thing comes along, Dark Souls gets put on Ice. Finish the next big thing, Jump back onto Dark Souls, Die 2347 times…….rinse and repeat.
Pariah
March 3, 2016 at 16:09
I agree. Rince is horrifying.
Darren Peach
March 3, 2016 at 16:10
And die another 14435 times ?
Pariah
March 3, 2016 at 16:15
Is that how many freckles he has?
I’m not even surprised…
😛
Darren Peach
March 3, 2016 at 16:18
I suspect you are talking about a maniacal DLC hater…and I am just speaking about a average sessions play on Dark Souls.
Philip Jonas
March 3, 2016 at 17:51
Of course, who wants to die in a game. Nobody has time for a proper challenge.. we all want hand holding experiences that lead from point a to point b. I have sold all my other games and only have the Souls games and Bloodbourne… Because I miss the days of Mega Man on the NES and Mario… The souls series is the closest I have gotten to those days of a proper challenge…
Darren Peach
March 3, 2016 at 17:53
I love the Souls series. Just making a silly joke.
Original Heretic
March 3, 2016 at 16:09
Won’t all the classes start with the Estus Flask?
Galbedir
March 3, 2016 at 17:12
My Body is ready for this.
Philip Jonas
March 3, 2016 at 17:51
I 2 am ready to die… 😀