Elden Ring's Ten Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide from Worst to Best
Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, offering ten distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and initial equipment. This guide ranks them from least to most favorable.
Table of Contents
Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked 10. Bandit 9. Confessor 8. Prisoner 7. Warrior 6. Prophet 5. Hero 4. Samurai 3. Astrologer 2. Wretch
- Vagabond Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring? What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
10. Bandit
The bottom three classes are fairly interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) coupled with subpar equipment make it an undesirable choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor selection for players focusing on those stats.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, it only edges closer to the soft stat cap by a single point, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three for starting builds.
6. Prophet
Faith-based starting classes present challenges. If forced to choose one, the Prophet is the preferable option. Its spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic acquisition of Faith weapons, the Prophet can prove viable.
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5. Hero
The top four classes are significantly superior. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, facilitating early-game dominance. Its Ash of War enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength option exists.
4. Samurai
This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, boasts exceptional scaling, damage, and bleed potential.
3. Astrologer
Players favoring mage builds or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is ideal, and it allows for easy stat improvement and transitions to Intelligence/Strength builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in each stat, and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level create a difficult start for newcomers. It's less ideal for players committed to a single stat, but excels for highly customized builds or respec options.
1. Vagabond
Regardless of experience level, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution is ideal for early-game builds, its weapon is exceptional, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or build adaptation.
Choosing the Vagabond guarantees a strong start.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless min-maxing is a priority, the starting class has minimal long-term impact. While the Bandit might present early challenges, stat allocation eventually overrides initial class differences. Even a "wrong" class choice results in only minor deviations from optimal builds. Min-maxing offers negligible advantages, even in PvP, unless competing against top-tier players. Choose a class that appeals aesthetically.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For new players, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat eases players into Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
