With the highly anticipated launch of FromSoftware's latest title Elden Ring drawing closer, fans are eagerly learning of the new and exciting classes that the game will offer. Boasting gameplay curated with some of the best aspects of FromSoftware's library of games, as well as new mechanics, the new classes that the game offers will foster even more replayability and unique gameplay.
With a variety of classes being teased and revealed by FromSoftware recently, the Bandit class is undoubtedly one of the most versatile that will be available to play in Elden Ring.
The Bandit Class
One of the ten classes in Elden Ring that will be available for players at launch is the Bandit Class. With FromSoftware recently revealing both the Bandit and the Astrologer classes for Elden Ring, fans are starting to gain a better idea of what the class systems will be like and how they will complement gameplay. The primary function and benefit of class choice in Elden Ring is the differing starting equipment and stats that each class offers.
The Bandit class is extremely versatile, perhaps most so of all the classes currently known to be in Elden Ring, billed as a "dangerous bandit who strikes for weak points," who "excels at ranged combat with bows." It appears in this way that the Bandit class will have viable effectiveness at all ranges in combat. Perhaps most interestingly, the Bandit will significantly capitalize on the stealth mechanics of Elden Ring, which are adapted from the well-received stealth gameplay of FromSoftware's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
The Bandit Stats
The aforementioned versatility of the Bandit class is reflected well in the starting level stats that the class has to offer. The best stats offered by the Bandit class are 14 arcane, 13 dexterity, and 11 mind. With arcane determining the likelihood of finding items on the corpses of enemies, it is clear that the Bandit is intended to be a scavenging and resourceful character.
The high level of dexterity available to the Bandit is a testament to the versatility of weapon types that will be available to the Bandit, with the higher dexterity allowing for the wielding of more advanced weapon-types. With each of Elden Ring's classes varying in complexity and difficulty, it is safe to say the Bandit is a fairly balanced one. The other starting stats offered by the Bandit class are 10 vigor and endurance, 9 intelligence, and 8 faith, with the Bandit starting gameplay at Soul Level 5.
The Bandit Armor
Like all classes in Elden Ring, the Bandit will start gameplay with a unique class-specific armor set. Sadly, the name and specific stats of the starter armor for the Bandit are not currently known. However, it's assumed that the starter Bandit armor will feature stats complementing the versatility of the class stats themselves, most likely being lightweight and fairly balanced. In terms of aesthetics, the character art of the Bandit armor which accompanied the class teaser appears to be lightweight leather with an accompanying lower-face covering.
The Bandit Weapons
There is a lot more information available to fans regarding the starting weapons of the Bandit class. When players start as the Bandit, they will have a knife, shortbow with bone arrows, and a buckler shield at their disposal. The knife and shortbow are to be expected of a range-focused, yet versatile class, however it is the buckler shield that will interest fans.
The buckler shield will allow for the Bandit to parry enemies, another fan favorite mechanic from Sekiro, further highlighting the range of combat avenues available to the Bandit. With the release of Elden Ring being imminent, players do not have to wait long to explore this class for themselves.
Elden Ring releases on February 25, 2022, on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
