FromSoftware released Scholar of the First Sin in April 2015, rebuilding Dark Souls II on a DirectX 11 renderer, folding in all three Crown DLCs and shuffling enemy placement so returning players could not run their old routes. Drangleic still runs on Adaptability, the stat the game never explains: it feeds Agility, which starts at 85 and caps at 120, and Agility decides how many invincibility frames a roll carries. Aldia now appears as a burning apparition at bonfires and returns as an optional final boss after Nashandra.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knight | A | Balanced | Zweihander | Yes |
| Warrior | A | Balanced | Estoc | Yes |
| Swordsman | A | Balanced | Mastodon Halberd | Yes |
| Bandit | A | Balanced | Blacksteel Katana | Yes |
| Sorcerer | A | Balanced | Fume Ultra Greatsword | Yes |
New player? Start with Warrior. See our beginner's guide for why.
Knight
Knight is a strong option in DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Zweihander |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Adaptability and Agility |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Zweihander
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Majula to learn Knight-specific mechanics
- Focus on Adaptability and Agility. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Zweihander as your first major upgrade
- See our full Knight build guide for the optimal gear progression
Warrior
Warrior is a strong option in DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Estoc |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Soul Memory matchmaking |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Estoc
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Majula to learn Warrior-specific mechanics
- Focus on Soul Memory matchmaking. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Estoc as your first major upgrade
- See our full Warrior build guide for the optimal gear progression
Swordsman
Swordsman is a strong option in DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Mastodon Halberd |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Power stancing |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Mastodon Halberd
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Majula to learn Swordsman-specific mechanics
- Focus on Power stancing. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Mastodon Halberd as your first major upgrade
- See our full Swordsman build guide for the optimal gear progression
Bandit
Bandit is a strong option in DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Blacksteel Katana |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Hollowing and Human Effigies |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Blacksteel Katana
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Majula to learn Bandit-specific mechanics
- Focus on Hollowing and Human Effigies. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Blacksteel Katana as your first major upgrade
- See our full Bandit build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sorcerer
Sorcerer is a strong option in DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Fume Ultra Greatsword |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Bonfire Ascetics |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Fume Ultra Greatsword
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Majula to learn Sorcerer-specific mechanics
- Focus on Bonfire Ascetics. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fume Ultra Greatsword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sorcerer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Warrior is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Knight is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Zweihander for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Sorcerer offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Bandit shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Guides
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Overview
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Best Builds
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Tier List
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Walkthrough
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Beginner's Guide
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Tips & Tricks
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Weapons Guide
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Combat Guide
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Boss Guide
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Maps & Locations
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- Cyberpunk 2077 Classes Guide: rpg game with similar mechanics
