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 consistently top the rankings, though other contenders offer compelling alternatives. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.
10. Bandit
The bottom three are 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 undesirable choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors lack the advantages of other classes. 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 version of Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor choice compared to alternatives.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, it falls short due to its gear. Still, it surpasses the previous three.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present challenges. The Prophet, however, is the best option among them. Its spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, it can prove viable.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four are significantly stronger. The Hero boasts advantages, starting with a Battle Axe and high Strength (16), ideal for early-game combat. Its Ash of War enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength option exists.
4. Samurai
This is Elden Ring's premier Dexterity class. Its armor is exceptional, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, offers excellent scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential.
3. Astrologer
Players focusing on magic or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is perfectly suited for its build, and it allows for easy transitions to Intelligence/Strength builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch begins at level one with balanced stats (10 in each). Its club and Ash of War are decent. However, its low level and lack of armor create a difficult start for beginners. It's less effective for single-stat builds but excels for highly customized builds or respec options.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the optimal starting class, regardless of experience level. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or build pivoting.
Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong start.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless you're min-maxing, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early challenges, the long-term impact is negligible as you invest in desired stats. Even a suboptimal class choice results in only minor deviations from a fully optimized build. Min-maxing offers only slight advantages, even in PvP, unless competing against top-tier players.
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.
