FromSoftware has revealed the final versions of the two new starting classes arriving with Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and one of them has already been adjusted since last year’s playtest. While the changes are minor, the Heavy Knight’s revised starting stats have drawn attention from players who carefully optimize character builds.

The Heavy Knight now begins at Level 10, up from Level 8 in the earlier test build. Those two additional levels have been invested in Mind and Faith, adding one point to each attribute. The class remains largely unchanged, but the revision slightly reduces what had been viewed as one of the game’s most efficient starting stat spreads.

For most players, the difference is unlikely to have much impact. However, it is more significant for build planners. Because Elden Ring awards one attribute point per level while rune costs increase with every level-up, lower-level starting classes offer greater flexibility when creating specialized builds. By increasing the Heavy Knight’s starting level, FromSoftware has made the class marginally less optimized for players aiming to minimize investment in unused attributes.

Even with the adjustment, the Heavy Knight still fills the role many players expected: a heavily armored Strength-focused fighter equipped for close-range combat. The class starts with a new heavy armor set and a newly introduced curved great weapon, making it a natural choice for players who prefer slow but hard-hitting melee builds.

The second new class, the Knight of Idus, takes the opposite approach. Rather than emphasizing raw power, it focuses on speed and agility, offering another sword-oriented starting option alongside the base game’s Samurai.

Knight of Idus also arrives with exclusive starting equipment, including a new armor set, a shield, and the Milady light greatsword. Previously, Milady could only be obtained after progressing through the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, making its inclusion as starting gear one of the class’s most notable advantages.

Both classes will be introduced as part of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, bringing players two distinct ways to begin a new journey. With their final names and starting attributes now confirmed, players can begin planning which class best fits their preferred playstyle before the expansion launches.