Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best
Every Elden Ring journey begins with a class selection, offering 10 distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and equipment. This ranking assesses 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?
The Vagabond and Wretch top the list, though other contenders offer compelling arguments. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.
10. Bandit
The bottom three classes are largely interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) coupled with subpar equipment make it an unappealing choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and their starting equipment doesn't effectively support 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 outclassed by other options.
7. Warrior
A decent Dexterity option, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity classes exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, falling just short of the soft cap, its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present challenges. The Prophet is the most viable, offering decent spells, but its equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, it can prove effective.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes are significantly stronger. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a useful Ash of War, providing substantial early-game damage. Low Dexterity, however, hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength class exists.
4. Samurai
Elden Ring's best essential Dexterity class. Its armor and starting weapon, the Uchigatana, excel, offering great scaling, impressive damage, and effective bleed.
3. Astrologer
The ideal choice for Intelligence-based builds. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and suitable equipment make it a top contender. It also transitions well to Strength/Intelligence builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch begins at level one with even stat distribution and a decent club featuring a strong Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level pose significant challenges for new players. It's less effective for single-stat builds but shines for highly customized or respec builds.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the optimal starting class, regardless of experience level. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, offering a fantastic weapon and durable armor. Its versatile stat spread allows easy respeccing or adaptation to other builds. For a well-rounded and effective start, the Vagabond is the clear winner.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless meticulously min-maxing, your starting class has minimal long-term impact. While the Bandit presents early difficulties, stat allocation and build customization ultimately outweigh initial class advantages. Even a suboptimal class choice results in only minor differences from a fully optimized build. Min-maxing offers negligible advantages, even in PvP, unless competing against top-tier players. Choose a class that appeals aesthetically.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For new players, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates learning Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
