Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best
Every Elden Ring journey begins with a class selection, offering ten distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and equipment. This ranking evaluates them from least to most effective.
Table of Contents
- Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
- Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
- What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
10. Bandit
The bottom three classes are fairly interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary stat, Dexterity (inherently weaker), coupled with subpar equipment, renders it an undesirable choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor choice compared to other options.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity classes exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, it only offers a single point advantage towards the soft cap, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present challenges. The Prophet, however, is the most viable option. Its starting spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove useful.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes are significantly stronger. The Hero possesses advantages, including a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a helpful Ash of War, making early-game encounters easier. Low Dexterity, however, hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength option exists.
4. Samurai
This is Elden Ring's premier Dexterity class. Its excellent armor and the exceptional Uchigatana (high scaling, impressive damage, bleed potential) make it a standout.
3. Astrologer
The ideal choice for Intelligence builds or mages. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is also well-suited for the build and it offers flexibility for hybrid Strength/Intelligence 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 present a steep learning curve for newcomers. While less effective for single-stat builds, it's optimal for highly customized builds or respeccing.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the best starting class, suitable for both new and experienced players. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, and its weapon and armor remain valuable throughout the game. Its versatile stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or build adaptation.
Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong foundation for success.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless meticulously optimizing builds, the starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early difficulties, the long-term effect is negligible. Stat allocation and build customization eventually overshadow the initial class choice. Even a suboptimal class selection will only result in a few stat points difference from a fully optimized build.
Min-maxing, even in PvP, offers only a marginal advantage, barely noticeable except among top-tier players. Aesthetic preference should influence class selection as much as statistical optimization.
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.
