Starting your journey in *Elden Ring* involves choosing from one of the 10 available starting classes, each offering unique stats and equipment. Here, I'll rank these classes from worst to best to help you make the most informed decision for your adventure.
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?
Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
10. Bandit
The Bandit lands at the bottom of the list due to its low starting level of 5 and a focus on Dexterity, a stat that's challenging to leverage effectively early on. Coupled with subpar equipment, the Bandit struggles to make an impact from the get-go.
9. Confessor
The Confessor falls short because it relies heavily on Faith, a stat that's difficult to utilize until you acquire specific items. Additionally, the initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it less desirable.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is outshone by other Dexterity and Intelligence-based classes. Starting off as somewhat fragile and with suboptimal weapons, players seeking these stats can find more advantageous options.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior isn't the worst choice, starting with dual swords. However, other Dexterity options offer more benefits, and while the Warrior has a high base Dexterity, the equipment doesn't justify the selection.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes can be tough to work with, but the Prophet is the best among them. It offers decent spells, though its equipment leaves something to be desired. With knowledge of where to find suitable Faith weapons, the Prophet can still be a viable choice.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
Entering the top half of our ranking, the Hero stands out with a strong start. Equipped with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's excellent for tackling early-game foes. The Ash of War further enhances its damage potential, though its low Dexterity can be a hurdle.
4. Samurai
The Samurai is the top pick for Dexterity enthusiasts, boasting excellent armor and the powerful Uchigatana. This weapon offers great scaling, impressive damage, and the ability to inflict bleeding, making it a formidable choice.
3. Astrologer
For those drawn to mage builds or interested in Intelligence, the Astrologer is the go-to class. It excels in casting early-game spells and starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The class provides ample room for stat improvement and comes with ideal equipment for a mage playstyle.
2. Wretch
Starting at level one with 10 points in every stat, the Wretch offers versatility but a challenging beginning due to its lack of armor. It's not ideal for players committed to a single stat path, but it's perfect for those looking to customize their build or plan to respec later.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. Its well-rounded stat distribution, excellent weapon, and durable armor make it a versatile choice that can easily transition into various builds.
When in doubt, the Vagabond is your safest bet for a successful start in Elden Ring.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, unless you're deeply focused on optimizing your build, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your overall journey. Starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit may present initial challenges, but you can eventually tailor your character to your preferred playstyle. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a marginal advantage, noticeable only at the highest levels of competition.
So, if a class resonates with you aesthetically, feel free to choose it without worry.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For complete newcomers, the Vagabond is the recommended class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp Elden Ring's mechanics, easing your transition into the game.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
