Every journey in Elden Ring kicks off with a choice of starting class, and with 10 different options to choose from, each brings its own unique stats and gear to the table. Let's dive into ranking these classes from worst to best, helping you decide which path to take in the Lands Between.
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 two top-tier starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch, though other classes have compelling reasons to be considered among the best. Let's explore each class and rank them accordingly.
10. Bandit
The Bandit lands at the bottom of our list due to its low starting level of 5 and a primary focus on Dexterity, which can be challenging early on. Combined with subpar equipment, it's a class that might not be the best choice for a smooth start.
9. Confessor
The Confessor struggles to offer much compared to its peers. With Faith as its key stat, it can be tough to build up until you acquire the right gear. The starting equipment also doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it less appealing.
8. Prisoner
The Prisoner shares similarities with the Bandit but focuses on Dexterity and Intelligence. Unfortunately, it starts off quite fragile, and there are better weapons and builds available for those interested in these stats.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't the worst. Starting with two swords and the highest base Dexterity, it's close to the soft cap. However, the gear isn't exceptional, making it a middle-of-the-road choice for Dexterity enthusiasts.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes can be tricky to start with, but the Prophet is the best of the bunch. Its spells are decent, but the equipment leaves something to be desired. Knowledge of where to find strong Faith weapons can make the Prophet a viable choice.
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5. Hero
The Hero offers solid advantages, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, perfect for tackling early-game foes. The Ash of War adds to its damage potential. However, its low Dexterity can make meeting weapon requirements challenging, and there's a better Strength-focused class.
4. Samurai
The Samurai is the top pick for Dexterity-focused players. Its armor is excellent, and the Uchigatana is one of the game's best starting weapons, boasting great scaling, high damage, and the ability to cause bleeding.
3. Astrologer
For those interested in mage builds or 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 mages, making it ideal for those looking to master magic or blend Intelligence with Strength.
2. Wretch
Starting at level one with 10 points in each stat, the Wretch offers flexibility. It comes with a decent club and a great Ash of War. However, its low level and lack of armor make it a challenging start for newcomers. It's perfect for players who want to customize their build extensively or plan to respec later.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the best starting class for both new and experienced players. It boasts excellent 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 top choice for success.
When in doubt, the Vagabond is your safest bet for a strong start.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your long-term build unless you're aiming to min-max. Even starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit won't hinder you much in the grand scheme. You'll eventually allocate points to your preferred stats and can respec into any build you desire. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a slight advantage, noticeable only against top-tier players.
So, if a class like the Bandit appeals to 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 helps you grasp Elden Ring's mechanics as you find your footing in the game.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
