Elden Ring's Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide from Worst to Best
Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, and there are ten distinct options available. These classes differ slightly in starting stats and 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
10. Bandit
The bottom three classes are largely interchangeable, but the Bandit is particularly underwhelming. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) coupled with subpar equipment make it a poor choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors lack the advantages of other classes. Faith is a challenging stat to build effectively early on, and the starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds or damage output.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a less attractive option. Players seeking Dexterity or Intelligence will find superior alternatives.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, better Dexterity options exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, it only slightly edges closer to the soft stat cap, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Nonetheless, it surpasses the preceding three as a starting build.
6. Prophet
Faith-based starting classes present challenges. If a Faith build is preferred, the Prophet is the most viable choice. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment is comparatively lacking. However, with strategic acquisition of strong Faith weapons, the Prophet can be a worthwhile selection.
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5. Hero
The top four classes are demonstrably superior. The Hero offers significant advantages, starting with a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a helpful Ash of War, making early-game enemy encounters manageable. However, its low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength-based class is available.
4. Samurai
This is the optimal Dexterity starting class in Elden Ring. Its excellent armor and exceptional starting weapon, the Uchigatana (known for its scaling, damage, and bleed effect), make it a strong contender.
3. Astrologer
Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and ideal starting equipment make it a top choice. It's also adaptable for Intelligence/Strength hybrid builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch begins 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 pose a significant challenge for new players. While potentially suboptimal for players committed to a single stat build, it's ideal for those who plan to respec or experiment with diverse builds.
1. Vagabond
Regardless of experience level, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its excellent stat distribution for early-game builds, superior weapon, and durable armor make it a versatile and effective choice. Its stat spread allows for easy respeccing or adaptation to various builds.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless min-maxing builds is a priority, the starting class's impact is minimal. While a class like the Bandit might present initial difficulties, the ability to allocate stat points and eventually achieve desired builds diminishes the long-term significance of the initial choice. Even with suboptimal starting classes, players will only be a few points away from fully optimized builds. The impact of min-maxing is negligible, even in PvP, except at the highest levels of play. Ultimately, aesthetic preference can influence class selection.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For new players, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates a smooth introduction to Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
