Which is the best starting class in Lords of the Fallen?

A character looking over a reddish forest in Lords of the Fallen.

A character looking over a reddish forest in Lords of the Fallen.
October 16, 2023: Check out all of the starting classes you can pick now that Lords of the Fallen has been released!

Let's take a look at the Lords of the Fallen starting classes. Lords of the Fallen features several classes to start your adventure with. In a soulslike game, your starting class can be quite important for several reasons. It dictates the equipment and skill points you start out with, along with the playstyle you'll have to follow for the first several hours.

Note that while you can change your build and equipment later in the game, you still have to play using the starting classes early in the game. This is why it's important to consider everything a starting class has to offer and pick the best Lords of the Fallen starting class for your playstyle.

You're only scratching the surface of our Lords of the Fallen content, but that's where our dedicated walkthrough hub comes in! It includes tips like how to beat the game's first boss and how to level up your character! Not only that, but we'll give you some pre-purchase info like whether the game is on Game Pass and what the PC requirements to run it are.

Lords of the Fallen all classes list

There are currently ten known Lords of the Fallen classes, which are:

  • Pyric Cultist
  • Udirangr Warwolf
  • Hallowed Knight
  • Mournstead Infantry
  • Orian Preacher
  • Partisan
  • Blackfeather Ranger
  • Condemned
  • Exiled Stalker
  • Dark Crusader
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class pyric cultist
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All classes explained in Lords of the Fallen

Pyric Cultist

The Pyric Cultist is an advanced ranged spell-caster. Being fervent worshippers of Adyr, they focus on high firepower through their investment in Inferno, giving them an edge in pyro spells. It is the perfect starting class to fulfil your pyromancer fantasy.

Being focused on ranged spells does not mean melee is not an option in close-quarter situations. You start with a polearm, which has low damage but allows you to keep your enemies at a distance. Keep in mind that the early area has Rhogar enemies who are resistant to fire spells, so it'll be more challenging for new players.

Starting gear

  • Pyric Cultist Polearm
  • Pyric Cultist Catalyst
  • Infernal Orb Spell
  • Five Small Manastone Cluster
  • Medium Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class udirangr warwolf
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Udirangr Warwolf

The Udirangr Warwolf is the class for those who like to cut down their opponents with heavy-hitting strikes while still being agile enough to dodge incoming attacks. The class also starts out with Minor Fire Salts, which allows you to add the Fire element onto your weapon, dealing both physical and fire damage at once. The longsword you start out with is also great at staggering your opponents.

Starting Gear

  • Udirangr Warwolf Sword
  • Bloody Hatchet
  • Minor Fire Salts
  • Medium Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class hallowed knight
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Hallowed Knight

The Hallowed Knight is your jack of all trades that comes with a good overall stat distribution and some defensive armour. The stat distribution allows you to expand into spell casting early as well. Covering all options, you come with both melee and ranged options for offence and a heal over time consumable to keep you going. This makes it one of the best starting classes in Lords of the Fallen for new players.

Starting Gear

  • Hallowed Knight Sword
  • Hallowed Knight Shield
  • Grenade
  • Three Briostone Pair
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class mournstead infantry
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Mournstead Infantry

Mournstead Infantry is a melee class that deals with enemies from long ranges using the Mournstead Infantry Spear. Even though the class does less damage compared to other starting classes, the range covered more than makes up for it, and it starts with a shield that provides you with some defensive options.

Starting Gear

  • Mournstead Infantry Spear
  • Mournstead Infantry Shield
  • Short Javelin
  • Briostone Pair
  • Heavy Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class orian preacher
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Orian Preacher

Orian Preacher starts with the highest stat investment in Radiance, and it is not a class well suited for close-quarters combat. It is a bit of an advanced class recommended for players who are used to the game. The Orian Preacher comes with the Radiant Flair, a Radiance-based spell dealing passable damage. The class starts paying off with the more powerful Radiance spells after a significant investment into the Radiance skill.

Starting Gear

  • Orian Preacher Hammer
  • Orian Preacher Shield
  • Radiant Flair Spell
  • Orian Preacher Catalyst
  • Five Small Manastone Cluster
  • Light Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class partisan
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Partisan

Partisan is similar to Hallowed Knight as it is the best all-rounder class among the starting classes. Equipped with a Partisan Flail, Partisan Shield and a Partisan Crossbow. Partisan is a relentless class that can land consecutive attacks due to the flail and cover longer ranges with the help of the crossbow. They also come with three Unripe Berries, which are consumables allowing quick stamina recovery. Agility, Endurance and Vitality are the best stats for early investments.

Starting Gear

  • Partisan Flail
  • Partisan Shield
  • Partisan Crossbow
  • Unripe Berries
  • Heavy Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class blackfeather ranger
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Blackfeather Ranger

Blackfeather Ranger is one the most satisfying classes as it is a ranged class with access to a bow and arrow early on. Landing critical hits and headshots deals some serious damage. Even in close quarters, the Blackfeather Ranger has a Blackfeather Ranger Axe, which is a fast and agile weapon good for finishing off low-health opponents or landing quick hits and backing off to finish the job with your bow.

Starting Gear

  • Blackfeather Ranger Bow
  • Blackfeather Ranger Shield
  • Blackfeather Bow
  • Oak Arrows
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class condemned
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Condemned

Condemned is the masochist’s starting class as it starts with the lowest base stat pool among the other classes, and the starting weapon is not helpful either. It is the best choice for those who are into build variety, as the even stats allow for good early-game investment towards the build of your choice. It is rated Pick At Your Own Risk for a reason though, it's the toughest way you can start your playthrough of Lords of the Fallen.

Starting Gear

  • Broken Bucket
  • Throwing Rocks
  • Light Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class exiled stalker
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Exiled Stalker

Exiled Stalker fits into the speedy rogue archetype, being agile with fast-hitting strikes through the use of their twin daggers. A quick engage and disengage playstyle with the ability to poison and apply other status afflictions on enemies. This class requires a bit of knowledge to execute well, but it's quite good once you master it.

Starting Gear

  • Two Exiled Stalker Dagger
  • Lacerating Knife
  • Three Poison Salts
  • Medium Armour
Lords of the Fallen Starting Class dark crusader
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Dark Crusader

Dark Crusader is a combination of heavy-hitting Physical attacks and powerful Radiant spells. Dominate close-range combat with high-damage moves. They lack in the range department, so you want to be up close and personal with your enemies. Note that this is a secret class that you’ll have to unlock or get through the pre-order bonus.

Starting Gear

  • Paladin Issac’s Sword
  • Radiantburst Parchment
  • Throwing Hand
  • Heavy Armour

That concludes our list of all the Lords of the Fallen classes. We hope you were able to find the best starting class for your playstyle. For more guides, learn about the PvP and multiplayer options for Lords of the Fallen.