With the Tarnished Edition bringing in a wave of new or returning players, figured this board could use a starting-point thread. The short version of the main build archetypes, stat-wise:
Strength - big weapons (greatswords, colossal weapons, hammers), high poise, slow but hits like a truck. Very forgiving for a first run.
Dexterity - faster weapons (katanas, curved swords, rapiers), higher skill ceiling, generally lower defense.
Intelligence - sorceries, glass-cannon ranged play, needs careful positioning but can trivialize a lot of fights from range.
Faith - incantations, a mix of offense, healing and buffs, plays very differently depending on which incantation school you lean into.
Arcane - bleed/poison builds and item discovery, historically the "off-meta" stat that's become much stronger since launch.
Quality - hybrid Strength/Dex, less specialized but very flexible with weapon choice.
If you're brand new: the Bandit's Curved Sword and Golden Halberd are both commonly recommended early weapons regardless of build, and the Vagabond/Hero/Warrior starting classes are generally the most beginner-friendly if you don't already know what you want to build toward.
What's everyone currently running, and what would you actually recommend to someone starting fresh in 2026?
Strength - big weapons (greatswords, colossal weapons, hammers), high poise, slow but hits like a truck. Very forgiving for a first run.
Dexterity - faster weapons (katanas, curved swords, rapiers), higher skill ceiling, generally lower defense.
Intelligence - sorceries, glass-cannon ranged play, needs careful positioning but can trivialize a lot of fights from range.
Faith - incantations, a mix of offense, healing and buffs, plays very differently depending on which incantation school you lean into.
Arcane - bleed/poison builds and item discovery, historically the "off-meta" stat that's become much stronger since launch.
Quality - hybrid Strength/Dex, less specialized but very flexible with weapon choice.
If you're brand new: the Bandit's Curved Sword and Golden Halberd are both commonly recommended early weapons regardless of build, and the Vagabond/Hero/Warrior starting classes are generally the most beginner-friendly if you don't already know what you want to build toward.
What's everyone currently running, and what would you actually recommend to someone starting fresh in 2026?