Elden Ring: Best Starting Classes Ranked

Embarking on your *Elden Ring* journey begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each offering unique stat distributions and equipment. This ranking lists them from least to most advantageous.

Table of contents

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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

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While the Vagabond and Wretch often top the lists, several others offer compelling choices. Let's examine each class's strengths and weaknesses.

10. Bandit

The Bandit, along with the next two, forms the bottom tier. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on the relatively weak Dexterity stat, coupled with subpar initial equipment, make it a less-than-ideal starting point.

9. Confessor

The Confessor suffers from a lackluster early-game impact. Faith, its primary stat, requires significant investment before becoming truly effective, and its starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner offers a weaker version of Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-optimal starting weapons pale in comparison to superior alternatives.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior holds a respectable position, starting with two swords. However, other Dexterity builds offer better overall potential. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, it only slightly edges closer to the soft stat cap, and its gear doesn't justify its selection over superior options.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present a challenging start. The Prophet, however, is the best of the bunch. Its spells offer decent early-game utility, though its equipment lags behind others. With strategic weapon acquisition, the Prophet can still prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes clearly stand out. The Hero offers advantages with its starting Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and useful Ash of War, enabling effective early-game combat. However, its low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength-based class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the premier Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and, more importantly, the exceptional Uchigatana—a weapon with great scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential—make it a powerful contender.

3. Astrologer

Aspiring mages should begin with the Astrologer. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and suitable equipment make it ideal for Intelligence-focused builds. It also provides a solid foundation for hybrid Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level 1 with balanced stats (10 in each). Its decent club and Ash of War offer potential, but its lack of armor and low starting level presents a steep learning curve for newcomers. While less effective for single-stat builds, its flexibility makes it the best option for those planning to respec or experiment with diverse builds.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond reigns supreme, catering to both newcomers and veterans alike. Its balanced stat distribution excels in early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. This flexibility makes it easy to respec or transition into any build.

For a well-rounded and adaptable start, the Vagabond is the clear winner.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing builds, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present a tougher initial experience, you'll eventually invest in your desired stats, achieving your preferred build regardless of your starting class. The difference between a "wrong" choice and an optimized build is usually negligible.

Furthermore, even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable except against top-tier players.

Ultimately, choose the class that resonates with you aesthetically.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For new players, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat eases players into *Elden Ring*'s mechanics.

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