1. Character creation Dark Souls III Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

The character class you select at the beginning isn't really that important, as you will be able to develop your character in virtually any way you want. This means that even if you started with, for instance, a Knight, there's nothing preventing you from investing points into the Intelligence stat and focusing solely on spells. However, it would be smart to pick a class that you think will best reflect your gameplay style. Thanks to that, you won't have to waste precious ability points to develop stats that are completely unnecessary for your particular build. Remember, that with each new level, you will only have a single ability points to distribute.

The in-game class descriptions are enough to give you a general idea about the preferred style of a given class. If you're a beginner, or newcomer to the franchise, you should pick either the heavily-armored Knight, or the powerful Warrior. Players whose style focuses on speed should take an interest in the Thief and the Assassin class. Those that prefer to use magic in combat can choose from Sorcerer, Pyromancer, or the Cleric (the latter combines the abilities of a Warrior and a Sorcerer). Finally, there's the Deprived class - which at the first glance may seem like not making much sense, as the character starts with no real equipment, as well as on the lowest level. However, it turns out to be the perfect choice for experienced players, as it gives you a few extra levels to gain, and the possibility to customize your character to your liking from the very beginning.

Note that the choice you make at the beginning of the game is only a suggestion that you may or may not follow when developing your character.

Starting classes

Knight - a decently armored class, focusing on vitality, strength and vigor. The class begins the game with a shield, sword and a good armor, making it one of the easiest to start with.

Mercenary - a class focused around swift combat style, offering decent durability as well.

Warrior - packs a punch, initially stronger than the Knight, but for the price of lower resistance to attacks.

Herald - a character combining the features of a Warrior with the ability to cast healing spells. Thanks to the shield and the ability to heal, this class is also one of the good recommendations for inexperienced players.

Thief - a class not recommended for inexperienced players. Lacks health and durability but makes up for it with high mobility and the ability to deliver powerful blows when attacking enemy's back. However, it requires some proficiency to handle dodges.

Assassin - a combination of a Thief and an offensive spellcaster.

Sorcerer - a class reserved for more experienced players, focusing on offensive spells.

Pyromancer - a combination of a warrior and a sorcerer. While a weaker spellcaster than a pure Sorcerer, it allows the player to use a sword, if the situation requires it.

Cleric - a mixed class focused on combat as well as healing and defensive spells, instead of offensive ones.

Deprived - a class recommended only for experienced players. The class begins at the lowest level, which makes it relatively weak at the beginning of the game. However, this choice gives the most freedom to the player, as it allows you to freely distribute your stats from the very beginning.

Stats

Vigor - determines the amount of health points a character has. Additionally, it enhances the character's resistance to frost.

Attunement - determines the number of attunement slots. Allows the character to use more spells.

Endurance - determines the amount of stamina your character has. Stamina is required to perform attacks, blocks and dodges. Additionally, it enhances the character's resistance to bleeding and lightning.

Vitality - increases the overall physical defense of the character, as well as the total character's load and poison resistance.

Strength - increases the amount of damage the character is capable of dealing, as well as resistance to fire. Some weapons have a stat requirement you have to meet in order to be able to wield them.

Dexterity - increases damage, and decreases the time needed to cast spells. Additionally, decreases the amount of fall damage. Similarly to strength, dexterity is needed to wield certain advanced weapons.

Intelligence - increases the power of offensive spells, as well as your defense against them.

Faith - increases the power of miracles, as well as pyromancies. Additionally, increases Dark defense.

Luck - affects the amount of items you find, increases the chances of dealing additional damage (poison, bleeding), and increases the character's Curse resistance.

Burial Gifts

You can select an additional item, which your character will receive at the beginning of the game. All of those can be acquired during the playthrough, meaning that it's only a starting bonus.

Life Ring - increases your maximum health by 6.5%.

Divine Blessing - restores lost health points and cures negative effects (such as frostbite).

Hidden Blessing - restores lost health points.

Black Firebomb - a throwing bomb dealing more damage than a regular one.

Fire Gem - required to upgrade weapons.

Sovereignless Soul - gives 2,000 souls when consumed.

Rusted Gold Coin - temporarily increases your chances to find items.

Cracked Red Eye Orb - allows you to invade the world of another player, consumable.

Young White Branch - can be used to blend into the environment, consumable.