Elden Ring's Ten Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide
Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, and there are ten distinct options to choose from. These classes differ subtly in stats and starting equipment. This guide ranks them from least to most favorable.
Table of Contents
- Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
- Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
- What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
The Vagabond and Wretch are generally considered the top two, though other classes offer compelling advantages. Here's a detailed breakdown:
10. Bandit
The Bandit is a bottom-tier choice. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) combine with inferior equipment to create a challenging initial experience.
9. Confessor
Confessors suffer from limited utility. Faith, their primary stat, is difficult to develop early on, and their starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a subpar Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its low survivability and less-than-ideal weaponry make it a less attractive option compared to other choices.
7. Warrior
While a decent Dexterity option with two starting swords, the Warrior is ultimately outclassed by other Dexterity-focused classes. Its high base Dexterity brings it closer to the soft stat cap, but the equipment doesn't justify its selection.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes are generally less desirable. However, the Prophet is the best of the Faith options. Its starting spells are adequate, but the equipment is comparatively weak. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, it can still be viable.
5. Hero
The top four classes stand out significantly. The Hero boasts advantages such as a Battle Axe and high starting Strength (16), ideal for early-game combat. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and other Strength builds surpass it.
4. Samurai
This is the premier Dexterity starting class. The exceptional armor and the outstanding Uchigatana (a high-damage weapon with excellent scaling and bleed potential) make it a strong contender.
3. Astrologer
The Astrologer is the optimal choice for Intelligence-focused builds. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 starting Intelligence (at level 6), and excellent equipment make it a top pick, even for hybrid builds incorporating Strength and Intelligence.
2. Wretch
The Wretch begins at level one with balanced stats (10 in each). Its decent club and Ash of War are beneficial, but the lack of armor and low starting level present a steep challenge for newcomers. While less ideal for single-stat builds, its flexibility makes it perfect for experimentation and respeccing.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the superior starting class, regardless of experience level. Its excellent early-game stat distribution, superior weapon, and durable armor make it a versatile and effective choice. Its stat spread allows for easy respeccing and adaptation to various builds.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless you're intensely focused on min-maxing, your starting class has minimal long-term impact. While some classes offer a smoother initial experience, stat allocation and build customization eventually outweigh the initial differences. Even in PvP, the advantages of a perfectly optimized build are negligible except at the highest levels of play.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For new players, the Vagabond is the recommended starting class. Its straightforward melee combat allows for a smoother learning curve and easier mastery of Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
