Embarking on your journey through the mystical lands of *Elden Ring* starts with choosing one of the 10 unique starting classes. Each class offers different stats and equipment, impacting your early gameplay experience. Here's a comprehensive ranking of these classes from worst to best, helping you decide which path to take.
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
Screenshot by The Escapist.
The top two starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch, though a few others also deserve consideration for their unique strengths. Below is a detailed ranking of all starting classes.
10. Bandit
The Bandit stands out as the least favorable choice among starting classes. It starts at a low level of 5 and focuses on Dexterity, a stat that's not particularly strong early on. Combined with underwhelming equipment, the Bandit makes for a challenging start that's better avoided.
9. Confessor
The Confessor offers little advantage over other classes. With Faith as its primary stat, it's difficult to get started without the necessary items to boost its effectiveness. The starting equipment also fails to synergize well with early Faith-based builds, making it a less appealing option.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a weaker version of other Dexterity and Intelligence-focused classes. Starting off with low health and suboptimal weapons, players seeking these stats can find more effective starting classes.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity-based options, the Warrior isn't the worst choice, especially since it starts with dual swords. However, better Dexterity options exist. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, the equipment doesn't justify choosing it over others, though it's still a step up from the previous three classes.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes can be challenging to work with, but the Prophet is the best of the bunch. It comes with decent spells, though the equipment leaves something to be desired. If you know where to find good Faith weapons, the Prophet can be a viable choice.
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5. Hero
The Hero class shines in the second half of our ranking. Starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's well-equipped to handle early-game enemies. The Ash of War further enhances its damage potential. However, its low Dexterity can make meeting weapon requirements tricky, and there's a better Strength-focused class available.
4. Samurai
The Samurai is the top choice for those focusing on Dexterity. It comes with excellent armor and the Uchigatana, one of the game's best starting weapons. With great scaling, high damage, and the ability to cause bleeding, the Samurai is a formidable choice.
3. Astrologer
For players interested in mage builds or utilizing Intelligence, the Astrologer is the go-to class. It excels at casting early-game spells and starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is well-suited for a mage, making it the perfect choice for those looking to master magic. It's also adaptable for builds combining Intelligence and Strength.
2. Wretch
Starting at level one with 10 points in each stat, the Wretch offers a unique challenge. It comes with a decent club and a great Ash of War, but its low level and lack of armor make it a tough start for newcomers. However, if you're looking to tailor your build or plan to respec later, the Wretch is an excellent choice.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the best starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both new and experienced players. It offers an ideal stat distribution for early-game builds, a fantastic weapon, and armor that can last throughout your journey. Its versatility makes it easy to pivot into any build, making it the safest and most effective choice.
When in doubt, the Vagabond is your best bet for a successful start.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your long-term gameplay unless you're aiming to min-max your build. Starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit might make the early game tougher, but you'll eventually allocate points to your preferred stats and achieve the build you want. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a slight advantage, noticeable only against top-tier players. So, if a class appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For complete newcomers to Elden Ring, the Vagabond is the recommended class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp the game's mechanics and find your footing.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
