Lords of the Fallen (2023) Best Starting Classes Guide - Melee, Ranged & Magic

When beginning your journey in Lords of the Fallen, released in 2023, selecting the right starting class can significantly impact your gameplay experience. This guide offers insights into the best starting classes for both melee and mage builds, focusing on each class's features, strengths, and weaknesses. It also provides beginner recommendations and valuable tips for new players.

Selecting Your Starting Class

In Lords of the Fallen 2, the choice of starting class is pivotal. It's essential to pick a class that aligns with your desired playstyle and in-game objectives. Below, we'll explore the best options for melee and mage builds.

Best Starting Classes for Melee Builds

1. Hallowed Knight Class

   • Features: Ideal for beginners with a straightforward playstyle and a balanced mix of offense and defense.
   • Strengths: Begins with the highest Endurance, allowing for more effective blocking and dodging.
   • Weaknesses: Lacks a strong ranged option available to other melee classes.
   • Beginner Recommendation: ★★★★★ (5/5)

2. Partisan Class

   • Features: A well-rounded non-mage class, offering a range of starting equipment for versatile combat.
   • Strengths: Suitable for beginners and experienced players due to its adaptable playstyle.
   • Weaknesses: Lower initial survivability compared to the Hallowed Knight.
   • Beginner Recommendation: ★★★★ (4/5)

3. Mournstead Infantry Class

   • Features: Boasts effective melee range with a starting spear weapon and agile combat style.
   • Strengths: Offers versatility with a balance of offense and defense.
   • Weaknesses: Shield provides less reliable protection compared to the Hallowed Knight Shield.
   • Beginner Recommendation: ★★★★ (4/5)

4. Udirangr Warwolf Class

   • Features: Exceptional melee damage output and range, suited for pure Strength builds.
   • Strengths: Highest initial Strength stat among all classes.
   • Weaknesses: Lacks a shield and starts with armor providing poor protection.
   • Beginner Recommendation: ★★★ (3/5)

Recommended Melee Class for Beginners – Hallowed Knight

For newcomers and those pursuing melee builds, the Hallowed Knight class is the top choice. Its simplicity is ideal for learning combat basics while maintaining survivability during early encounters.

The class excels in Strength weapons, but investing in Endurance is essential to handle their greater weight. This also expands your shield and armor options, enhancing your ability to withstand enemy attacks.

One drawback is that the Hallowed Knight doesn't begin with a ranged weapon. Instead, it starts with Grenades, effective in group encounters but limited in range.

Best Starting Classes for Mage Builds

1. Orian Preacher Class

   • Features: Highest starting Radiance stat, perfect for pure Radiance mage builds.
   • Strengths: Possesses the Orian Preacher Hammer, dealing physical and holy damage for close combat.
   • Weaknesses: Armor offers poor defense typical of mage classes.
   • Beginner Recommendation: ★★★★ (4/5)

2. Pyric Cultist Class

   • Features: Specializes in Inferno magic, serving as the counterpart to the Orian Preacher.
   • Strengths: Relying heavily on spells, it's suitable for Inferno-focused builds.
   • Weaknesses: Starts with low Strength, Agility, and Vitality, and has poor initial defense.
   • Beginner Recommendation: ★★★ (3/5)

Recommended Mage Class for Beginners – Orian Preacher

If you're new to the game and interested in a mage build, opt for the Orian Preacher class. It boasts a high Radiance stat and access to effective Radiance magic, especially effective against early-game enemies. Additionally, the Orian Preacher Hammer can deal both physical and holy damage when mana is depleted.

The Orian Preacher also has decent Strength at the beginning, enabling experimentation with Strength-Radiance hybrid builds. This class is versatile, allowing you to engage enemies up close, rivaling pure melee builds.

Choose What You Enjoy

Ultimately, the best starting class is the one that aligns with your preferences. Your choice may be influenced by playstyle, available weapons, freedom to experiment, and personal affinity for the class's appearance and lore. The game is designed to be conquerable with any starting class, given enough time and familiarity with its mechanics.

Don't Fear Advanced Classes

Even if certain classes are labeled as "Advanced Classes," don't hesitate to select them, even as a beginner or new player. This designation mainly indicates a more complex or challenging playstyle in the early stages. Spending time with any class will increase your comfort level, so feel free to experiment with various starting classes before progressing through the main story.