Dark Souls 2 Class Primers, Maximizing Your Effectiveness Early tips submitted by Dune.
- Miracle Users - Head to Heide Flame Tower early and beat the Dragonrider to access Licia for many miracles(she'll move closer to Majula after you talk to her enough), also consider killing the Dragonslayer at the cathedral and joining the Blue Sentinels for a few more miracles(and access to Boltstones you can use much later in the game to make lightning-focused gear). Consider using your white soapstones to help people will the bosses here to acquire all the miracles you wish
- Sorcery Users - A free copy of Great Soul Arrow sits in the ballista trap room in the Forest of Fallen Giants. Head to Heide Flame Tower and beat the Dragonrider to access the tower going below the water and toward No-man's Wharf, near the end of that area you'll meet Carhillion sitting on a side dock who will sell you many spells
- Heavy Armor Users - purchase the Silver Eagle Kite Shield from Maughlin the Armorer to get access to the Elite Knight Armor, spending a total of 16,000 souls with him will then unlock the Alva Armor(which is lighter than the Elite Knight at the cost of some defense, while keeping all the Poise)
If you have any tips for maximizing your effectiveness early in Dark Souls 2, please post them in the comments below. Thanks for your contributions.