Elden Ring's Ten Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide
Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, and you're presented with ten distinct options, each subtly varying in stats and starting equipment. This guide ranks them from least to most advantageous.
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 stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity—a relatively weak stat—coupled with inferior equipment, renders it a poor choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors lack the compelling attributes of other classes. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds or damage output.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an underperforming Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its low survivability and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it inferior to other options for players focusing on these stats.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity builds exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, offering proximity to the soft stat cap, the gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present challenges. If forced to choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. However, with strategically acquired Faith weapons, it can prove viable.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes are clearly superior. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength for early-game dominance, and a helpful Ash of War. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.
4. Samurai
This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Excellent armor and the Uchigatana—a high-damage weapon with exceptional scaling and bleed potential—make it a strong contender.
3. Astrologer
The Astrologer is ideal for mage builds or Intelligence-focused gameplay. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and appropriate equipment make it a top choice. It also transitions well into Intelligence/Strength builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch begins at level one with balanced stats (10 in each). Its club and Ash of War are decent, but the lack of armor and low level pose challenges for new players. While potentially suboptimal for single-stat builds, its adaptability makes it excellent for versatile builds or respeccing.
1. Vagabond
Regardless of experience level, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or build adaptation.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless min-maxing is a priority, the starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit presents early difficulties, the long-term effect is negligible as stat allocation and build customization eventually outweigh initial differences. Even in PvP, a perfectly optimized build provides only a marginal advantage. Choose a class that appeals aesthetically.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates learning Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
