Elden Ring's Ten Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide
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 advantageous.
Table of Contents
Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked: 10-1
The Vagabond and Wretch consistently top the rankings, though other contenders merit consideration. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.
10. Bandit
The bottom three classes are largely 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, renders it an unappealing choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors offer limited benefits compared to alternatives. Faith, its core stat, is challenging to develop early on without specific items. The starting equipment doesn't significantly enhance early-game Faith builds or damage output.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a less desirable option for players seeking these stat combinations.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity options exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity (one point shy of the soft cap), its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present initial difficulties. If a Faith build is desired, the Prophet is the best choice. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove viable.
Related: Optimal Keepsake Selection in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes are demonstrably superior. The Hero boasts advantages, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for early-game enemy encounters. The Ash of War further boosts damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-based option exists.
4. Samurai
This is the premier Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and exceptional starting weapon, the Uchigatana (with great scaling, damage, and bleed potential), make it a strong contender.
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. The equipment is well-suited to the build, and it allows for easy transition to Intelligence/Strength 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. The lack of armor and low level presents a challenging start for newcomers. It's less effective for players committed to a single stat build, but ideal for highly customized builds or respeccing.
1. Vagabond
For both novice and experienced players, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, and it offers a fantastic weapon and armor suitable for extended gameplay. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or build adaptation.
Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong foundation for success.
Does Your Starting Class Truly Matter?
Unless min-maxing is a priority, the starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present initial challenges, the long-term effect is negligible. Stat allocation and build customization eventually outweigh the initial differences. Even a suboptimal class choice results in only minor deviations from a fully optimized build.
Furthermore, min-maxing offers limited advantages, even in PvP. While a perfectly optimized build might provide a slight edge, this difference is largely insignificant except among top-tier PvP players. Therefore, aesthetic preference should also factor into class selection.
What's the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates a smooth introduction to Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
