Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III

Starting Class Selection

Choose the best starting class in Dark Souls III. Compare ten classes, their stats, and equipment to build your ideal Ashen One for Lothric.

·Multi-source verified (152/152)

Starting Class Selection

Your journey through Lothric begins with a crucial decision: your starting class. While Dark Souls III allows for immense character customization and build flexibility later on, your initial class choice dictates your starting equipment, stats, and provides a foundational playstyle for the early game. There are ten classes available, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Consider your preferred combat style. Do you favor melee combat, ranged attacks, or the arcane arts? While you can respec your stats later with Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth, choosing a class that als with your initial vision will make the early hours significantly smoother. For newcomers, the Knight and Warrior are often recommended due to their high Vigor and Strength, offering a more forgiving introduction to combat. Spellcasters might find the early game more challenging but rewarding in the long run.

  • Knight: Excellent starting armor, high Vigor and Strength. A solid choice for melee-focused players and beginners.
  • Warrior: High Strength and Dexterity, good for aggressive melee builds. Starts with a Battle Axe.
  • Mercenary: High Dexterity, starts with dual-wielded Sellsword Twinblades. Ideal for fast, agile combat.
  • Thief: High Luck and Dexterity, starts with a Bandit's Knife and a Short Bow. Good for critical hits and ranged harassment.
  • Assassin: Balanced stats, starts with a Spook spell and an Estoc. A versatile option for those who enjoy stealth and magic.
  • Sorcerer: High Intelligence, starts with Soul Arrow and Homing Soulmass. For players who prefer ranged magic.
  • Pyromancer: High Intelligence and Faith, starts with a Pyromancy Flame and Fireball. A versatile magic user with powerful close-range spells.
  • Cleric: High Faith, starts with Heal Aid and a Mace. Focuses on miracles and support.
  • Deprived: Starts at Soul Level 1 with all stats at 10. No starting equipment. For experienced players seeking a true challenge and maximum build freedom.
  • Herald: Balanced stats, starts with a Spear and Heal Aid. A good all-rounder with some healing capabilities.

Remember, no choice is permanent, but a well-chosen starting class can significantly impact your initial experience in the unforgiving world of Dark Souls III.