Every journey in Elden Ring kicks off with a choice of starting class, and with 10 distinct options available, each brings its own unique flavor to the table. These classes vary slightly in their initial stats and equipment, and I'm here to rank them from the least to the most advantageous.
Table of Contents
- Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
- Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
- What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
The top two starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch, though several others make strong cases for the top spots. Here's how they all stack up:
10. Bandit
The Bandit ranks at the bottom of the list. Starting at a mere level 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which is already a challenging stat to leverage effectively, the Bandit's subpar equipment further diminishes its appeal. It's a class best left untouched.
9. Confessor
The Confessor struggles to stand out due to its reliance on Faith, a stat that's difficult to build upon without specific items. The starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it a less appealing choice.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a weaker version of other Dexterity and Intelligence-focused classes. Starting off quite vulnerable, players seeking these stats can find more robust options elsewhere.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity-based classes, the Warrior isn't terrible, especially with its dual swords. However, better Dexterity options exist. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, the gear doesn't justify choosing it over others.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes are tough to work with, but the Prophet is the best of the bunch. Its spells are decent, though the equipment leaves something to be desired. If you know where to find good Faith weapons, the Prophet can be a viable choice.
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5. Hero
The Hero class shines in the second half of our rankings. Starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's well-equipped to handle early-game foes. However, its low Dexterity can make meeting weapon requirements challenging, and there's a better Strength-focused class available.
4. Samurai
The Samurai is the top pick for Dexterity-focused players. With excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana, which boasts great scaling and bleeding capabilities, it's a strong choice for those looking to excel in melee combat.
3. Astrologer
For those interested in mage builds or leveraging Intelligence, the Astrologer is the go-to class. It starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6, allowing for early spell spamming. The equipment is well-suited for mage playstyles, making it ideal for those looking to transition into Intelligence and Strength builds.
2. Wretch
Starting at level one with 10 points in each stat, the Wretch offers flexibility but a challenging start due to its lack of armor. It's not ideal for players committed to a single stat path, but it's perfect for those looking to tailor their build or respec later.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the best starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. With excellent stat distribution, a powerful weapon, and solid armor, it's versatile enough to pivot into any build. If you're unsure, the Vagabond is your safest bet for success.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your long-term gameplay unless you're aiming to min-max your build. Even starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit won't hinder you much in the grand scheme. You'll eventually allocate points to your preferred stats and can respec into any build you desire. Min-maxing isn't crucial, even in PvP, where a fully optimized build might only give you a slight edge against top-tier players.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For complete beginners, the Vagabond is the recommended class. Its straightforward melee combat allows new players to quickly grasp Elden Ring's mechanics and find their footing in the game.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
