Elden Ring: Best Starting Class For A Samurai Build

So, you wanna rock a samurai build in Elden Ring, huh? Awesome choice, Tarnished! Slicing and dicing your way through the Lands Between with a katana is definitely a stylish and effective way to become Elden Lord. But where do you even begin? Choosing the right starting class can make those early hours a whole lot smoother, setting you up for samurai success. Let's dive into the best base templates for crafting your ultimate Elden Ring samurai.

Understanding the Samurai Archetype in Elden Ring

Before we jump into specific classes, let's define what we're aiming for with a samurai build. Generally, this involves a focus on Dexterity for weapon scaling (katanas love Dexterity!), some Strength to meet weapon requirements, and a decent amount of Vigor for survivability – because even the coolest katana skills won't save you if you get one-shot by a stray dog. We'll also want Endurance for managing our stamina, allowing us to swing our katana more often and wear medium armor without fat-rolling. Mind is also useful for weapon skills, which are a crucial part of the samurai's combat style, allowing for flashy and powerful attacks that can turn the tide of battle. Finally, a touch of Arcane can be beneficial if you plan to incorporate bleed effects, as some katanas and skills scale with it. The core of the samurai build is about balance: dealing significant damage while maintaining agility and survivability. The early game can be challenging if you neglect essential stats like Vigor, so choosing a class that starts with a decent foundation is key. Consider your preferred playstyle. Do you want to be a pure melee combatant, relying solely on your katana skills? Or do you want to incorporate some magic or ranged options? Your answers will influence your stat allocation and, consequently, your starting class selection. Remember, you can always respec your stats later in the game with Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, but a good starting class can provide a significant head start. Understanding these fundamentals will help you make an informed decision and pave the way for a glorious samurai playthrough.

Top Contenders: Starting Classes for Your Samurai

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Which starting classes are the most promising for a samurai build in Elden Ring? We've got a few solid options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

1. The Samurai (Duh!)

Okay, this might seem obvious, but hear me out. The Samurai class is practically tailor-made for, well, a samurai build! It's starts with the Uchigatana, a fantastic early-game katana, along with a Longbow and a Red Thorn Roundshield. This gives you immediate access to your primary weapon type and a ranged option for dealing with enemies at a distance. The Samurai class also comes equipped with decent starting armor, providing a good balance of protection and mobility. Stat-wise, the Samurai excels in Dexterity, Vigor, and Endurance – exactly what we're looking for. It has a solid foundation in Strength to wield heavier katanas later on, and a reasonable amount of Mind for using weapon skills. The Samurai's starting level is also relatively low, giving you more control over how you allocate your stats as you level up. This allows you to customize your build to your specific preferences, whether you want to focus on pure melee combat, incorporate bleed effects, or dabble in some magic. The main drawback of the Samurai class is its relatively low Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. If you plan to heavily invest in magic or incantations, you might want to consider a different class. However, for a traditional katana-wielding samurai build, the Samurai class is an excellent choice. It provides a strong starting point and allows you to quickly become a formidable force in the Lands Between. You'll feel like a true warrior from the get-go, ready to face any challenge with honor and skill. The Uchigatana alone is a significant advantage, as it can carry you through a large portion of the game. Its versatile moveset and bleed buildup make it effective against a wide range of enemies. Plus, starting with a bow allows you to lure enemies, deal with flying creatures, and engage in ranged combat when necessary. Overall, the Samurai class is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to create a powerful and stylish samurai build in Elden Ring.

2. The Warrior: A Dexterity-Focused Alternative

Don't underestimate the Warrior! While it might not scream "samurai" quite as loudly, this class boasts the highest starting Dexterity of all the options. This is a huge advantage for a katana-based build, as Dexterity directly impacts your weapon damage. The warrior class starts with two Scimitars, which can be useful in the early game, but you'll quickly want to find a katana to truly embrace the samurai playstyle. The Warrior also has decent Vigor and Endurance, ensuring you can take a few hits and keep swinging your blade. The stat distribution of the Warrior class makes it ideal for a pure Dexterity build, focusing on maximizing your katana damage. However, it lacks the starting armor and ranged option of the Samurai class, which means you'll need to find these items early on. The Warrior's starting level is also slightly higher than the Samurai's, giving you slightly less control over your initial stat allocation. Despite these drawbacks, the Warrior's high Dexterity makes it a compelling choice for a samurai build. It allows you to deal significant damage right from the start, and you can easily transition to a katana-focused playstyle by acquiring the Uchigatana or another katana early in the game. The Warrior's focus on Dexterity also makes it a good choice if you plan to dual-wield katanas, as this playstyle benefits greatly from high Dexterity and fast attack speeds. Overall, the Warrior is a solid alternative to the Samurai class, especially if you prioritize maximizing your damage output. Just be prepared to find your own armor and ranged options, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a deadly samurai.

3. The Vagabond: A Well-Rounded Start

The Vagabond is another solid choice, offering a more balanced stat distribution. This class starts with decent Strength, Dexterity, and Vigor, making it a versatile option for various builds. While it doesn't excel in any particular stat like the Samurai or Warrior, the Vagabond provides a solid foundation for a samurai build. It starts with a Longsword, a Halberd, and a Heater Shield, offering a variety of weapon options for different combat situations. The Vagabond's starting armor is also quite good, providing excellent protection in the early game. The main advantage of the Vagabond class is its flexibility. You can easily adapt this class to a samurai build by focusing on Dexterity and acquiring a katana early on. The Vagabond's decent Strength also allows you to wield heavier katanas and other weapons if you choose to diversify your build. However, the Vagabond's balanced stat distribution means you won't have the same damage output as the Samurai or Warrior classes in the early game. You'll need to invest more levels into Dexterity to catch up, and you might feel slightly weaker in the initial hours of the game. Despite this, the Vagabond's versatility makes it a good choice for players who are unsure about their specific build or who want to experiment with different weapon types. It provides a solid foundation for a samurai build while allowing you to explore other options if you change your mind. Overall, the Vagabond is a reliable and adaptable starting class that can be easily transformed into a formidable samurai.

Making Your Choice: Key Considerations

So, which class should you ultimately choose? Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

• Samurai: The most straightforward choice, providing everything you need to start your samurai journey right away.
• Warrior: Ideal if you want to maximize your Dexterity and damage output from the beginning.
• Vagabond: A versatile option for players who want a balanced start and the flexibility to experiment with different builds.

Ultimately, the best starting class for you depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Consider what's most important to you – starting equipment, stat distribution, or versatility – and choose the class that best aligns with your goals. No matter which class you choose, remember that you can always respec your stats later in the game. So don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your samurai journey through the Lands Between!

Leveling Up Your Samurai: Stats and Progression

Once you've chosen your starting class, the next step is to level up your character and allocate your stats effectively. For a samurai build, the following stats are the most important:

• Vigor: This is your health. Don't neglect it! Aim for at least 40 Vigor by the mid-game, and eventually push it to 60.
• Dexterity: Your primary damage stat. Pump this up to at least 60, and potentially higher depending on your weapon scaling.
• Endurance: Allows you to wear heavier armor and swing your katana more often. Aim for around 30-40 Endurance.
• Strength: You'll need enough Strength to meet the requirements of your chosen katana. Don't over-invest unless you plan to use heavier weapons.
• Mind: Determines your FP, which is used for weapon skills. Increase this as needed to support your preferred skills.
• Arcane: If you plan to use katanas with bleed buildup, invest some points into Arcane to increase the effectiveness of the bleed effect.

As you level up, prioritize Vigor and Dexterity. These two stats will have the biggest impact on your survivability and damage output. Don't neglect Endurance, as it will allow you to wear better armor and maintain your stamina during combat. Invest in Strength only as needed to meet weapon requirements, and increase Mind and Arcane according to your specific build preferences. Remember to experiment with different weapons and skills to find what works best for you. The Lands Between are full of surprises, and you never know when you might discover a new katana or skill that completely changes your playstyle. Embrace the challenge, adapt to the environment, and become the ultimate Elden Ring samurai!

Essential Gear for the Aspiring Samurai

Alright, you've got your starting class sorted, and you're leveling up like a pro. Now, let's talk gear! Here are some essential items to look out for on your samurai journey:

• Uchigatana: You likely already have this if you chose the Samurai class. If not, you can find it in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave. This is a fantastic early-game katana that can carry you through a large portion of the game.
• Nagakiba: A longer katana with excellent range. You can obtain this by completing Yura's questline.
• Rivers of Blood: A powerful katana with innate bleed buildup and a unique weapon skill. You can obtain this late in the game in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
• Moonveil: A magic-infused katana that scales with Intelligence and Dexterity. This is a great option if you want to incorporate some magic into your build. You can obtain this in Caelid.
• Armor: Look for armor sets that provide a good balance of protection and mobility. The Land of Reeds set (the Samurai's starting armor) is a good option. The Ronin's Set, found later in the game, is another stylish and effective choice.
• Talismans: Talismans can provide significant stat boosts and other beneficial effects. Some useful talismans for a samurai build include the Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery speed), the Marika's Soreseal (increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane), and the Ritual Sword Talisman (increases attack power when at full health).

Experiment with different weapons, armor, and talismans to find the combination that best suits your playstyle. Don't be afraid to try new things and adapt to the challenges of the Lands Between. With the right gear and skills, you'll be an unstoppable force, slicing and dicing your way to victory!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Way of the Samurai

Building a samurai in Elden Ring is all about finding the right balance between offense and defense, skill and strategy. Choose a starting class that aligns with your preferred playstyle, level up your stats effectively, and equip yourself with the right gear. But most importantly, embrace the way of the samurai. Be honorable, be disciplined, and never give up in the face of adversity. With dedication and skill, you'll become a true master of the katana, carving your legend into the history of the Lands Between. Now go forth, Tarnished, and show them what a samurai can do!