Elden Ring Starting Classes: Worst to Best Ranked

Every journey in Elden Ring starts with a choice of class, and with 10 distinct options available, each offers unique stats and equipment. Let's dive into a detailed ranking of these classes from worst to best, helping you make an informed decision for your next run.

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
  • 1. Vagabond
• Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
• What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

The two standout starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch. However, other classes have strong cases for high rankings as well. Here's how they all stack up:

10. Bandit

The Bandit lands at the bottom of our list. Starting at level 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which is already considered weak, the Bandit comes equipped with substandard gear. This combination makes it the least appealing choice for beginners and seasoned players alike.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to stand out due to its reliance on Faith, a stat that requires specific items to become effective. The starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making this class less appealing for those looking to dive into the game quickly.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior choice for players interested in Dexterity and Intelligence. Starting off quite vulnerable, the Prisoner lacks the weapons and gear that make other classes more viable for these builds.

7. Warrior

For those leaning towards Dexterity, the Warrior isn't a bad choice, starting with two swords. However, other Dexterity-focused classes offer better gear and slightly higher stats, making the Warrior a middle-of-the-road option.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be challenging, but the Prophet is the best of the bunch. It starts with decent spells, though the equipment leaves something to be desired. If you know where to find good Faith weapons early on, the Prophet can be a solid pick.

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5. Hero

The Hero makes it into the top half of our rankings with a strong start. Equipped with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's perfect for smashing through early-game foes. However, its low Dexterity can make meeting weapon requirements tricky, and there's a better Strength-focused class.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the top choice for Dexterity builds. With excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana, which boasts great scaling and bleeding capabilities, it's a fantastic starting point for players looking to excel in melee combat.

3. Astrologer

For those interested in magic or Intelligence, the Astrologer is the go-to class. It excels at casting spells early on, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is ideal for mages, and it's versatile enough to transition into a Strength-Intelligence hybrid build.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with balanced stats across the board, the Wretch is an intriguing choice. While its low level and lack of armor make it challenging for new players, it's perfect for those looking to customize their build extensively or plan on respeccing later.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the best starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. With well-rounded stats, a powerful weapon, and solid armor, it's easy to adapt into any build you desire. If you're unsure which class to pick, the Vagabond offers the most straightforward path to success.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, unless you're focused on min-maxing your build, the starting class doesn't significantly impact your long-term gameplay. Starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit might make the early game tougher, but you'll eventually allocate points to your preferred stats and achieve the build you want. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a minor advantage, noticeable mainly against top-tier players. So, if a particular class appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it without worry.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For complete beginners, the Vagabond is the recommended starting class. Its straightforward melee combat style helps new players get accustomed to Elden Ring's mechanics as they explore the game's vast world.

Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.