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 Samurai class is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching and dynamic ones that will be available to play in Elden Ring.
The Samurai Class
One of the ten classes in Elden Ring that will be available for players at launch is the Samurai Class. With FromSoftware incrementally revealing the classes, such as 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 Samurai class is billed by FromSoftware to be a "capable fighter from the distant Land of Reeds," who is "handy with katana and longbows." Gamers can gather from this summary that the Samurai class will be a combat strong choice who is effective at a variety of ranges. This ranged aptitude makes the Samurai a class that can capitalize on horseback combat, being able to fire on enemies whilst moving at speed using his bow. With mounted combat being a new FromSoftware gameplay element, gamers may opt for the Samurai class to increase the versatility of this new game mechanic.
The Samurai Stats
The starting stats for the Samurai class predictably complement combat versatility and mounted prowess. The highest stats that the Samurai starts with are 15 dexterity, 13 endurance, 12 strength and vigor, and 11 mind. This extremely high starting level of dexterity will allow for the Samurai to handle a much wider array of powerful weapons, and will crucially make it harder for the Samurai to be knocked off of his mount in combat.
Other stats possessed by the Samurai class at the start of the game are 9 intelligence, 8 faith, and 8 arcane. Additionally, the Samurai starts gameplay at Soul Level 9, a relatively high starting level when compared to other classes that are currently known.
The Samurai Armor
The Samurai will begin the game donning the Land of Reeds armor set, containing a helmet, armor, gauntlets, and grieves, with the land of reeds being the ancestral origin of the Samurai. Fans who enjoyed the beauty of FromSoftware hit Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice will be pleased with the return of this Japanese aesthetic, with the concept art for the Samurai depicting him in an elegant suit of traditional samurai armor, complete with the iconic helmet style.
The Samurai Weapons
The Samurai starts with an arsenal consisting of an Uchigatana sword, Long Bow with bone arrows or fire arrows, and a Red Thorn Roundshield. The Ucigatana is noteworthy in that causes a bleed attack when used in combat against enemies, allowing players to maneuver to more advantageous positions whilst still dealing consistent amounts of damage. Despite the Red Thorn Roundshield being one of the smallest shield-types the game has to offer, it will allow players to make use of the Sekiro-borrowed parrying mechanic in the game, with Elden Ring being a blend of the best mechanics of FromSoftware's game library.
Elden Ring releases on February 25, 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
