Building your character in Elden Ring is a nuanced process, especially with ten different classes and eight stats to level up. The Prisoner class, despite its unusual appearance, offers a unique and balanced starting point for players who enjoy a mix of melee and magic combat. This guide will walk you through the best ways to build and play the Prisoner class effectively.

Base Stats

The Prisoner class boasts a balanced set of starting stats, making it versatile and adaptable for various combat styles. Here's a breakdown of the Prisoner's starting attributes:

Level: 9

Vigor: 11

Mind: 12

Endurance: 11

Strength: 11

Dexterity: 14

Intelligence: 14

Faith: 6

Arcane: 9

With high Dexterity and Intelligence, the Prisoner is well-suited for both physical and magical attacks. However, the low Faith stat limits the use of incantations, pushing the Prisoner towards sorceries and dexterity-based weapons.

Starter Loadout

The Prisoner starts with an impressive set of equipment:

Weapon: Estoc - This thrusting sword is excellent for early-game combat and scales well with Dexterity.

Left-Hand Weapon: Glintstone Staff - A powerful staff for casting spells, paired with the Magic Glintblade sorcery for effective early-game magic attacks.

Armor: Prisoner’s Attire - While the starting armor offers minimal protection, better options are readily available.

Upgrading Your Gear

Waypoint Ruins: Clear the Waypoint Ruins early to access the vendor who sells valuable items, including the essential Glintstone Pebble spell.

Imp Head: Farm Imps in the underground catacombs of Limgrave for the Imp Head helmet, which offers better protection and a less peculiar appearance than the starting helmet.

Memory Stone: After defeating Margit, visit the Round Table Hold and purchase a Memory Stone from the twin vendors to increase your spell slots.

Important Gear and Spells

As you progress, acquiring better gear and spells will enhance your effectiveness in combat:

Weapons: Stick with weapons that scale with Dexterity and Intelligence. The Rapier or Moonveil Katana are excellent choices.

Staff: Upgrade your Glintstone Staff or switch to the Carian Glintstone Staff for more potent spellcasting.

Spells: Prioritize spells that complement your melee attacks. Glintstone Pebble, Carian Slicer, and Great Glintstone Shard are great options for different combat scenarios.

Leveling Up

When leveling up the Prisoner, a balanced approach is crucial. Focus on the following stats:

Dexterity and Intelligence: These should be your primary focus, as they enhance both your melee and magical capabilities.

Vigor and Endurance: Increase these stats to improve your health and stamina, essential for survivability and sustained combat.

Mind: Boost Mind to expand your FP (Focus Points) pool, allowing for more frequent spellcasting.

Avoid investing in Faith, as it doesn’t synergize with the Prisoner's strengths and will dilute your effectiveness in your primary combat areas.

Combat Strategies

The Prisoner class excels in hybrid combat, allowing for versatility in both close and mid-range engagements. Here’s how to maximize your combat potential:

Melee Combat

Weapon Choice: Use fast, dexterity-scaling weapons like the Estoc or a rapier. These weapons pair well with your high Dexterity stat and allow for quick, precise attacks.

Dodging: With light armor, focus on mobility. Dodge frequently to avoid damage and position yourself for counterattacks.

Magic Combat

Spellcasting: Utilize your Glintstone Staff to cast powerful sorceries. Open engagements with spells to weaken enemies before closing in for melee attacks.

Spell Variety: Balance your spell loadout between quick-casting spells for consistent damage and heavier spells for dealing with tougher foes.

Hybrid Tactics

Combos: Start engagements with ranged spells to soften enemies up. Once they close in, switch to melee for finishing blows.

Adaptability: Assess each combat situation and decide whether melee or magic is more appropriate. Flexibility is key to the Prisoner’s strength.

Tips for Success

Explore Thoroughly: The Lands Between is full of hidden treasures and powerful gear. Take your time to explore and upgrade your equipment.

Balance Your Build: Maintain a balance between Dexterity and Intelligence, while also investing in Vigor and Endurance for durability.

Experiment with Spells: Try out different spells to find what works best for your playstyle. The versatility of the Prisoner allows for a wide range of magical attacks.

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