The best Blade Sharpening Origin class in Rise of the Ronin

GamesAction RpgRise of the RoninThe best Blade Sharpening Origin class in Rise of the RoninWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GamesAction RpgRise of the RoninThe best Blade Sharpening Origin class in Rise of the RoninWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Rise of the Ronin classes

The best Rise of the Ronin class is framed as a choice of Blade Sharpening Origins, your fundamental training as a warrior and assassin as part of the Veiled Edge. Classes are ultimately less important that they’re made to sound - there’s no choice here that you can’t unmake fairly easily later, as all you’re ultimately doing is building on certain elements of the skill tree early.Still, it’s worth understanding what you’re getting into, especially as if you have a specific build in mind for Rise of the Ronin, you can start investing in it from the moment the game begins. With that in mind, I’ve outlined all the Blade Sharpening Origin classes in Rise of the Ronin below, what the skills and stats tied to them do, and which class is the best one.Best starting class in Rise of the Ronin(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)More Rise of the Ronin guidesHow to level up in Rise of the RoninRise of the Ronin Combat StylesRise of the Ronin KarmaRise of the Ronin Silver CoinsHaving acquired all the skills tied to Rise of the Ronin’s different classes, I would saythe best class is the Breaker- the stealth and dexterity build - though it’s ultimately not a very big choice, as there’s no class skill you can’t obtain for yourself relatively early on - so even if you pick the Seducer (and why wouldn’t you, with a name like that), you can still buy the skills attached to the Breaker, Killer and Sapper within the first ten hours.There’s several reasons to call out the Breaker as the best class. Firstly,the ability to sneak attack multiple enemies is a useful onethat can be used more than any of the others, and probably to greater effect. The Breaker’s emphasis on fast-striking weapons also plays into Ronin’s gameplay, as we foundmoving quickly and hitting fast was better than doing high damage on individual strikes(as we mentioned in ourRise of the Ronin tipspage). Finally, the Dexterity skill tree that the Breaker leans into hasthe most skills worth pursuing, with powers that actively change the way you play and afford more options as a rule.All classes in Rise of the Ronin and Blade Sharpening Origins explained(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)There are six classes in Rise of the Ronin that you can pick between when you start the game and choose your Blade Sharpening Origins. We’ve listed them all below, their respective strengths and what their special skills do.Killer:A strength-focused build that emphasises direct melee combat with larger weapons, as well as health and intimidation.Special Skill: Repel Arrows/Bullets (Counterspark).Allows the player to not just parry bullets and ranged attacks, but deflect them back at the enemy who fired them, if they can get the timing right.Breaker:A dexterity-focused build that emphasises speedy combat, ranged weapons and stealth.Special Skill:Rapid Assassinations. Allows the player to kill two targets in quick succession from stealth.Seducer:A charm-focused build that emphasises sweeping, wide attacks, stamina recovery and management, and the ability to manipulate others.Special Skill: Speechcraft ‘Liar’.Certain dialogue interactions will have options locked off unless the player has this skill. The benefit of lying will vary depending on the context of the conversation.Sapper:An intellect-focused build that emphasises firearms, item management, elemental damage and crafting, as well as certain rational dialogue.Special Skill: Refill Up (Medicine Pills).The player regains an extra medicine pill when resting at checkpoints.Beginner:A blank slate that has slightly lower stats than the previous classes, but greater versatility. Rather than be given a specific special skill, players are instead given six Skill Points to invest how they choose.Unsharpened:Intentionally the worst class, the Unsharpened have the poorest stats of all the Blade Sharpening Origins and none of thebest Rise of the Ronin skills and abilities, nor Skill Points to spend. This is meant to be an option for players who want an extra challenge, trying to deal with the fact that your character is effectively untrained and largely inept. Still, I found it good for immersion.© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

The best Rise of the Ronin class is framed as a choice of Blade Sharpening Origins, your fundamental training as a warrior and assassin as part of the Veiled Edge. Classes are ultimately less important that they’re made to sound - there’s no choice here that you can’t unmake fairly easily later, as all you’re ultimately doing is building on certain elements of the skill tree early.

Still, it’s worth understanding what you’re getting into, especially as if you have a specific build in mind for Rise of the Ronin, you can start investing in it from the moment the game begins. With that in mind, I’ve outlined all the Blade Sharpening Origin classes in Rise of the Ronin below, what the skills and stats tied to them do, and which class is the best one.

Best starting class in Rise of the Ronin

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Rise of the Ronin classes

More Rise of the Ronin guidesHow to level up in Rise of the RoninRise of the Ronin Combat StylesRise of the Ronin KarmaRise of the Ronin Silver Coins

More Rise of the Ronin guides

How to level up in Rise of the RoninRise of the Ronin Combat StylesRise of the Ronin KarmaRise of the Ronin Silver Coins

How to level up in Rise of the RoninRise of the Ronin Combat StylesRise of the Ronin KarmaRise of the Ronin Silver Coins

Having acquired all the skills tied to Rise of the Ronin’s different classes, I would saythe best class is the Breaker- the stealth and dexterity build - though it’s ultimately not a very big choice, as there’s no class skill you can’t obtain for yourself relatively early on - so even if you pick the Seducer (and why wouldn’t you, with a name like that), you can still buy the skills attached to the Breaker, Killer and Sapper within the first ten hours.

There’s several reasons to call out the Breaker as the best class. Firstly,the ability to sneak attack multiple enemies is a useful onethat can be used more than any of the others, and probably to greater effect. The Breaker’s emphasis on fast-striking weapons also plays into Ronin’s gameplay, as we foundmoving quickly and hitting fast was better than doing high damage on individual strikes(as we mentioned in ourRise of the Ronin tipspage). Finally, the Dexterity skill tree that the Breaker leans into hasthe most skills worth pursuing, with powers that actively change the way you play and afford more options as a rule.

All classes in Rise of the Ronin and Blade Sharpening Origins explained

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Rise of the Ronin classes

There are six classes in Rise of the Ronin that you can pick between when you start the game and choose your Blade Sharpening Origins. We’ve listed them all below, their respective strengths and what their special skills do.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

CATEGORIESPS5PlatformsPlayStation

CATEGORIES

More about action rpgHow Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember themLatestElder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in MorrowindSee more latest►

More about action rpgHow Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember themLatestElder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in MorrowindSee more latest►

More about action rpgHow Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them

More about action rpg

How Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them

An Elden Ring character standing in front of a fire in Shadow of the Erdtree

How Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest days

How Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest days

Monster Hunter Wilds lance wielder in Balahara armor

Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them

Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them

LatestElder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in MorrowindSee more latest►

Latest

Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

a monster of some sort being attacked with a spear

Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

See more latest►

Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones

Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones

Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones

Most Popular

How to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzle

How to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe code

Where to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2

FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and Salah

What is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get it

Everything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansion

Best Path of Exile 2 Ranger Build

Where to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and key

Everything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends Warbond

Where to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana Jones

How to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

1

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

Contents