With the upcoming release of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, FromSoftware is set to expand the Lands Between with exciting additions aimed at both new players and veterans. Among the most talked-about features are the two new starting classes: the Knight of Ides and the Heavy Knight. These classes introduce unique playstyles and early access to powerful weapons, allowing for impactful builds right from the beginning. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of these classes, their starting gear, strengths, and how to optimize their use through the early, mid, and Elden Ring Runes late game.

Overview of the New Starting Classes

1. Knight of Ides

The Knight of Ides is a dexterity-focused class that begins the game with the Milady Light Greatsword, a weapon that was previously obtainable only late in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This weapon combines fast attack animations with a respectable range and scaling, making it a perfect choice for agile melee builds.

Starting Stats (Estimated):

Vigor: 11

Mind: 10

Endurance: 12

Strength: 10

Dexterity: 16

Intelligence: 9

Faith: 8

Arcane: 9

Starting Gear:

Milady Light Greatsword

Medium armor set offering balanced poise and mobility

Standard healing flasks (3 HP, 1 FP)

Playstyle:

The Knight of Ides favors mobility and precision. The Milady Light Greatsword enables fast dodges and quick slashes, making it ideal for aggressive play without sacrificing defense. It’s well-suited to both PvE and PvP thanks to its versatile moveset and scaling.

2. Heavy Knight

The Heavy Knight is a tank-oriented class reminiscent of the classic "strength builds" from earlier Souls games. This class starts with a massive curved greatsword, similar in design to a falchion but with the weight and impact of a great weapon. The Heavy Knight dons thick black armor evocative of Iron Tarkus, ensuring high poise and damage resistance.

Starting Stats (Estimated):

Vigor: 14

Mind: 8

Endurance: 15

Strength: 18

Dexterity: 9

Intelligence: 6

Faith: 7

Arcane: 8

Starting Gear:

Heavy Curved Greatsword

Full black iron armor (high poise and defense)

Reduced FP flasks in favor of more healing

Playstyle:

Designed for players who prefer a slower, methodical approach, the Heavy Knight excels at absorbing damage and punishing enemies with high-damage blows. The weight of the armor and weapon means slower movement, but proper stamina management and cheap Elden Ring Runes timing make this class a powerhouse.

Early Game Strategies

Knight of Ides:

Focus on increasing Dexterity and Endurance. Dexterity enhances weapon scaling, while Endurance increases stamina for sustained combat.

Pair the Milady Light Greatsword with light armor to maintain fast roll.

Use Spirit Ashes for crowd control since the Knight of Ides can be overwhelmed by groups.

Heavy Knight:

Invest in Strength and Vigor early. The curved greatsword scales heavily with Strength.

Focus on stagger mechanics: most early-game enemies can be posture-broken quickly.

Use your poise to trade hits and learn enemy attack patterns.

Mid-Game Builds and Weapon Infusions

Knight of Ides Build Progression:

Infuse Milady with Keen (Dex scaling) or Quality for hybrid builds.

Consider adding weapon skills like Bloodhound’s Step or Flaming Strike for utility and damage.

Use talismans like Radagon’s Scarseal or the Green Turtle Talisman to boost stamina regen.

Heavy Knight Build Progression:

Infuse your curved greatsword with Heavy affinity to maximize Strength scaling.

Equip talismans that boost equip load and poise, such as Erdtree’s Favor and Bull-Goat’s Talisman.

Mix in guard counters and charge attacks for extra posture damage.

Late Game Optimization

Knight of Ides:

Transition into a Dexterity/Faith hybrid for lightning-based buffs and healing.

Use incantations like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow to boost damage.

Upgrade armor to medium sets with high resistances for survivability in DLC areas.

Heavy Knight:

Go full Strength tank with colossal weapons if desired.

Use Greatshield talismans and poise armor to become nearly immovable.

Add support via Physick flasks and incantations like Blessing of the Erdtree for sustain.

PvP and Boss Strategies

Knight of Ides in PvP:

Rely on speed, spacing, and well-timed combos.

Catch opponents with roll-catches and chain light attacks.

Stay unpredictable; mix light and heavy attacks with weapon arts.

Heavy Knight in PvP:

Control space with long windups and pressure.

Punish whiffs and use hyper armor trades to dominate exchanges.

Avoid being kited; use terrain and corners to force close combat.

PvE Bossing Tips:

Knight of Ides should focus on staying behind or under large bosses, dodging attacks and striking weak points.

Heavy Knight should use guard counters, time blocks carefully, and capitalize on stagger windows.

Conclusion

The addition of the Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight in Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition introduces two fresh, well-defined playstyles that enhance the game's already diverse character creation system. Whether you prefer the nimble swordplay of a dexterous knight or the brute strength of a heavily armored warrior, both classes offer a powerful and satisfying start to your journey in the Lands Between.

With the right planning, gear, and skill choices, these new classes are more than capable of carrying you through even the toughest challenges that FromSoftware has to offer. So gear up, Tarnished — the Erdtree’s shadow looms once again, and glory awaits those bold enough to seize it.