Dark Souls 3 Boss Starting Characters
⚪ Last updated 2021⚠️ Install Order · 1 step
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.4% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #2 of 45 Weapons and Armour mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Update There is now an optional file which should be more stable than the original, it has the same functionality as the other one, and it is located in the optional files category. The process for this file is also much simpler, download, extract(if necessary), and paste the data0 file into the DarkSouls3.exe folder. If there is already a Data0 file there, make a copy if preferred then remove it. I recommend trying this version first and then the other one since this one is much more streamlined.
There are 10 different starting classes, Ornstein, Iron Dragonslayer, Smough, Cleric McDonnell, Nameless King, Lorian, Abyss Watcher, Soul of Cinder, Dancer, and Artorias. The mod gives you the starting armor and weapons which most closely resemble the boss version in the game. The stats in the game are set by default such that you are able to wield the different armors and weapons from the start. If at any point you would like to switch out pieces for others, that's perfectly fine as well. Besides that, everything else should work the same. CAUTION: It is highly recommended that you use this mod in offline mode to avoid repercussions such as being softbanned from online play.
CAUTION: Mod should be used in offline mode in order to avoid getting softbanned
- starting classes replaced with 10 boss armor/weapon equivalents
- can remove/replace any piece of armor
- starting stats allow the use of all of the different weapons armors
HOW TO USE - SHORT VERSION
1. Replace the Data0.bdt file in the dark souls 3 executable folder with the downloaded bosmod.exe file.
2. Rename bossmod.exe to Data0.bdt
3. Make sure there is only 1 Data0.bdt file and then click play
HOW TO USE - EXTENDED AND FULLY UNAMBIGUOUS
1. Find the folder with the Dark Souls 3 executable, this can easily be done in steam by right clicking on dark souls 3, going to the manage section, and then choosing the browse
local files option. Next there should be a folder named game, click on that and it should take you to the correct place.
2. There are a bunch of files here, however there should be a BDT file named Data0. This file represents the vanilla character information for the game. If you would like to revert back to this version(vanilla), take this Data0 file and copy/duplicate/move it elswhere.
3. After the original Data0 file is removed, take the BossMod file in the mod folder from the download(you may get a message saying this exe cannot run or windows defender has an issue with it, all of this is irrelevant so long as the .exe is downloaded into your computer somewhere), and put it in place of the old Data0 file. In other words, take the mod file
Dark Souls 3 Boss Starting Characters lets you begin any new playthrough as one of 10 boss characters, complete with their weapons, armor, and signature rings. A niche but popular mod (219 endorsements) for players who want a themed start without grinding for gear.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Solid community backing with 219 endorsements.
- Gives you a fresh way to replay the game with boss gear from the get-go.
- No need to grind for boss weapons or armor—just pick and play.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2021—might not work with the latest game patches.
- Only 10 bosses included, so some favorites are missing.
For Dark Souls 3 veterans who want to spice up new playthroughs with boss-themed builds. Also great for cosplay runs or challenge runs where you embody a boss from the start. Skip if you prefer standard progression or want more than 10 boss options.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure to back up your save files before installing, as starting gear mods can affect new characters.
- Check the mod's comments section for any user-reported compatibility issues with the current game version.
- If you're using a mod manager, install it manually to avoid conflicts with other starting gear mods.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Dark Souls 3 Mods
- Author
- Teemalak
- Version
- 1.0
- Downloads
- 9,148
- Endorsements
- 219
- Category
- Weapons and Armour
- Created
- 10/30/2021
- Updated
- 11/13/2021
🔧 How to Install Dark Souls 3 Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Dark Souls 3 →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Dark Souls 3 commands, item IDs, and more.
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