Elden Ring: Which Starting Class Should You Choose?

Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a starting class, and you've got 10 distinct options to choose from. These classes differ subtly in stats and initial equipment. This ranking lists 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 classes have compelling arguments for higher placement. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.

10. Bandit

The bottom three classes are largely interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary stat, Dexterity (inherently weak), combined with subpar equipment, make it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith, its primary stat, is challenging to develop early on without specific items. The initial equipment doesn't support early-game Faith builds effectively.

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 options exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, it falls short by a single point from the soft cap, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three for starting builds.

6. Prophet

Faith-based starting classes are generally difficult. If you must choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes are clearly superior. The Hero offers significant advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a helpful Ash of War, making it effective against early-game enemies. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength option exists.

4. Samurai

This is the best readily available Dexterity starting class. The exceptional armor and the Uchigatana (a high-damage weapon with excellent scaling and bleed potential) make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is ideal, and it allows for easy stat improvement and transitions to Strength/Intelligence builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. The lack of armor and low level present a challenging start for newcomers. It's less effective for players committed to a single stat, but ideal for those wanting complete build customization or respec options.

1. Vagabond

For both experienced and new players, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, and it provides fantastic weapons and armor suitable for the entire game. This distribution facilitates easy respeccing or pivoting to other builds.

Choosing the Vagabond guarantees a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing builds, your starting class has minimal long-term impact. While the Bandit might present early challenges, you'll eventually allocate points to your desired stats, achieving your preferred build regardless of the initial choice. The difference from a fully optimized build might be only a few points.

Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable except among top-tier players. Choose a class that appeals to you aesthetically.

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.