Elden Ring Is Getting Two New Starter Classes With Switch 2's Tarnished Edition
Three years after Elden Ring redefined open-world RPGs with its unforgiving difficulty and hauntingly beautiful lore, FromSoftware is ready to re-engage players with new options and content. At the recent FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025, the studio unveiled two new starter classes- Heavy Knight and Knight of Ides- coming to Elden Ring with the launch of the Tarnished Edition on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Three years after Elden Ring redefined open-world RPGs with its unforgiving difficulty and hauntingly beautiful lore, FromSoftware is ready to re-engage players with new options and content. At the recent FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025, the studio unveiled two new starter classes- Heavy Knight and Knight of Ides- coming to Elden Ring with the launch of the Tarnished Edition on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
However, these new classes won't be limited to Nintendo's next-gen console. In a move that reflects FromSoftware's commitment to its community, these classes will be available across all platforms- PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-throughh a free update rolled out simultaneously with the Switch 2 launch. While no specific release date for the Tarnished Edition has been confirmed, it's slated for a 2025 release.
What Are the New Classes?
FromSoftware hasn't revealed full details on the stats or Elden Ring Items starting gear for the new classes, but early descriptions offer intriguing insights.
Heavy Knight: This class appears to cater to players who favor strength-based builds, reminiscent of the Vagabond or Hero classes but with an even greater focus on poise, armor, and raw melee power. It likely starts with high Strength and Vigor, making it an excellent choice for newcomers who want to trade agility for endurance and heavy-hitting weaponry.
Knight of Ides: Though it sounds like a traditional knight archetype-similar to best place to buy elden ring items the existing Confessor or Knight classes-there's speculation that the Knight of Ides may incorporate magic into its combat style. The name evokes themes of fate and duality, suggesting a possible hybrid between melee and sorcery or incantations.
While the starting class can define your early experience, Elden Ring's RPG system remains highly flexible. Players can still respec and craft their character into any build using Larval Tears, so these new classes serve more as thematic springboards than strict templates.