The world of Elden Ring is filled with mysterious landscapes, fearsome enemies, and intricate lore, but for many players, the journey begins with a choice: selecting the right starting class. Among these, the Knight stands out as a stalwart defender, equipped with the prowess to wield heavy armor and the strength to carry powerful weapons into the fray. This Elden Ring Knight guide is designed to help new and experienced players alike navigate the complexities of this class, from its initial strengths and weaknesses to its potential builds and playstyles.
Key Points
- The Knight class in Elden Ring is characterized by its high Vigor and Endurance, making it suitable for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle.
- Knight starts with the Longsword, a versatile weapon that can be used for both melee and ranged attacks, albeit with limited range.
- Choosing the right armor is crucial for Knights, as it affects their mobility and defensive capabilities.
- Knight's abilities can be significantly enhanced with the right talismans and ashes of war, which can provide additional damage, defense, or utility.
- Players should consider their preferred playstyle when leveling up their Knight, focusing on attributes that enhance their chosen strategy.
Understanding the Knight Class
The Knight is one of the more straightforward classes in Elden Ring, designed for players who enjoy taking the front line in combat. With a high Vigor stat, Knights have more health than other classes, and their Endurance allows them to wear heavier armor and wield more substantial weapons without significant penalties to mobility. However, this comes at the cost of lower Mind and Intelligence stats, which might limit their ability to cast spells or use certain incantations effectively.
Starting Equipment and Stats
Upon starting as a Knight, players are equipped with a Longsword, a Leather Shield, and a set of Leather Armor. These starting items provide a good balance between offense and defense, allowing players to experiment with different combat tactics from the outset. The Longsword, in particular, is a versatile weapon that can be used for both slashing and thrusting attacks, though its range is somewhat limited compared to other melee weapons in the game.
| Stat | Starting Value |
|---|---|
| Vigor | 16 |
| Mind | 10 |
| Endurance | 14 |
| Strength | 13 |
| Dexterity | 12 |
| Intelligence | 9 |
| Faith | 10 |
| Arcane | 9 |
Playstyle and Strategies
The Knight’s playstyle in Elden Ring is inherently defensive, with an emphasis on absorbing damage and retaliating with powerful melee attacks. However, this doesn’t mean Knights are limited to a single approach. By leveraging the game’s deep customization options, including ashes of war, talismans, and spellcasting, players can create a Knight that excels in various roles, from a tanky defender to a more agile, damage-focused fighter.
Armor and Weapon Choices
The choice of armor and weapons is pivotal for Knights. Heavier armor sets provide more protection but at the cost of mobility and stamina consumption. Conversely, lighter armor offers more agility but less defense. Weapons also play a crucial role, with options ranging from fast, low-damage swords to slower, high-damage greataxes. The Longsword, while versatile, might not remain the go-to weapon as players progress and discover more suited to their playstyle.
For players looking to maximize their defensive capabilities, investing in heavier armor and focusing on Vigor and Endurance can create an almost unkillable tank. On the other hand, those preferring a more agile approach can opt for lighter armor and focus on Dexterity or Strength, depending on their weapon of choice.
What's the best starting weapon for a Knight in Elden Ring?
+The Longsword provided at the start is a good all-around choice, but players may find other weapons suit their playstyle better as they progress. Experimenting with different weapons is key to finding what works best for you.
How should I allocate my attribute points as a Knight?
+Focus on Vigor for health, Endurance for stamina, and then choose between Strength or Dexterity based on your weapon preference. Mind and Intelligence can be lower priorities unless you plan to use spells or incantations extensively.
What's the role of talismans and ashes of war for Knights?
+Talismans can provide additional stats, damage, or defensive capabilities, while ashes of war can radically change how your weapons perform, adding elemental damage, altering scaling, or introducing new attack styles. Both are crucial for customizing your Knight's abilities.
In conclusion, the Knight class in Elden Ring offers a rich and varied playstyle that can be tailored to fit almost any player’s preferences. By understanding the class’s strengths and weaknesses, and through careful selection of equipment and attribute allocation, players can create a formidable Knight capable of conquering the challenges of the Lands Between. Whether you prefer the role of a stalwart defender or a fierce attacker, the Knight has the potential to excel in any situation, making it a compelling choice for players of all skill levels and playstyles.
