Elden Ring Starting Classes: Worst to Best Ranked

Every journey through the vast, mysterious world of Elden Ring begins with a choice of starting class. With 10 distinct options available, each offering unique stats and equipment, selecting the right class can set the tone for your entire adventure. Let's delve into a comprehensive ranking of these starting classes, from least to most advantageous.

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

10. Bandit

The Bandit stands out as the least favorable starting class. Starting at a low level of 5 and with a focus on Dexterity—a stat that's not particularly strong early on—the Bandit also comes equipped with subpar gear. This combination makes it a challenging choice for beginners.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to compete due to its limited offerings. With Faith as its main stat, it's difficult to leverage early in the game without the right equipment. The starting gear doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it a less appealing option.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a weaker version of other Dexterity and Intelligence-focused classes. Starting off with low health and less effective weapons, players seeking to focus on these stats will find better alternatives.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-based options, the Warrior is not the worst choice. It starts with dual swords and the highest base Dexterity, though only by a slight margin. While the gear isn't exceptional, it's a step up from the previous three classes, making it a better starting point.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be challenging to build around, but the Prophet offers a decent starting point. The spells provided are useful, though the equipment could be better. If you know where to find effective Faith weapons, the Prophet can become a solid choice.

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5. Hero

The Hero boasts significant advantages, particularly for Strength-focused builds. Starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's well-suited for early-game combat. However, its low Dexterity can make meeting weapon requirements tricky, and there's a better Strength option available.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the top pick for those leaning towards Dexterity. It offers excellent armor and starts with the Uchigatana, a weapon renowned for its scaling, damage, and bleeding capabilities. This class provides a strong foundation for any Dexterity-focused build.

3. Astrologer

For players interested in mage builds or Intelligence, the Astrologer is the go-to class. It can cast early-game spells with ease, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The starting equipment is ideal for magic users, and it's versatile enough to transition into builds combining Intelligence with Strength.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with balanced stats of 10 in each category and comes equipped with a decent club featuring a useful Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low starting level can make the early game challenging for newcomers. It's an excellent choice for those planning to customize their build extensively or respec later on.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond emerges as the premier starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both new and seasoned players. Its well-rounded stat distribution, powerful starting weapon, and durable armor make it an ideal choice for early-game success. The Vagabond's versatility allows for easy respeccing into various builds, ensuring a smooth progression through the game.

When unsure, opting for the Vagabond ensures a solid foundation for success.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, the impact of your starting class is minimal unless you're aiming to min-max your build. Even starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit won't hinder you in the long run. As you progress, you'll allocate points into your preferred stats and can eventually achieve the build you desire. Even in PvP, the difference between a fully optimized build and a slightly less optimal one is negligible unless you're competing at the highest levels.

So, if a particular class appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it without worry.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers to Elden Ring, the Vagabond is the recommended starting class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp the game's mechanics and build confidence as you explore its vast world.

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