Elden Ring: Best Starting Classes Ranked

Embarking on your *Elden Ring* journey begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each offering unique stat distributions and equipment. This ranking reveals the best and worst options, helping you choose wisely.

Table of contents

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Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

10. Bandit

9. Confessor

8. Prisoner

7. Warrior

6. Prophet

5. Hero

4. Samurai

3. Astrologer

2. Wretch

1. Vagabond

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

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While the Vagabond and Wretch often top the lists, other classes offer compelling advantages. Let's explore each class's strengths and weaknesses.

10. Bandit

The Bandit occupies the bottom rung. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on the relatively weak Dexterity stat, coupled with subpar initial equipment, make it a less-than-ideal choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors suffer from a lack of compelling advantages. Faith, its primary stat, requires significant investment to become effective, and its starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-optimal starting weapons make it a poor choice for those seeking a Dexterity or Intelligence focused build.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-based options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity builds exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, falling just short of the soft cap, its gear doesn't justify its selection.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present a challenge. The Prophet, however, is the best of the bunch. Its spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic weapon acquisition, the Prophet can still prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes clearly stand out. The Hero possesses strengths: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a useful Ash of War, facilitating early-game dominance. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength-based option exists.

4. Samurai

This is the premier Dexterity class. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, boasts exceptional scaling, damage, and bleed potential.

3. Astrologer

The Astrologer is the go-to class for Intelligence-based builds. Its spellcasting capabilities are unmatched in the early game, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The provided equipment is perfectly suited for this build and easily transitions to Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch begins at level 1 with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. Its lack of armor and low level present a challenging start for newcomers. However, its flexibility makes it ideal for players who want to create a completely custom build or plan to respec their stats.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond reigns supreme, perfect for both new and experienced players. Its excellent stat distribution, powerful weapon, and durable armor make it a versatile choice. Its stat spread allows for easy respeccing or pivoting to any build.

Choosing the Vagabond ensures a smooth start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're focused on min-maxing, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present an initially tougher experience, the ability to freely allocate stats later negates most initial disadvantages. Even min-maxing offers only marginal advantages in most gameplay scenarios.

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.