All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide from Worst to Best

Every Elden Ring journey begins with a class selection, and there are ten distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and equipment. This guide ranks 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 stand out as top choices, though compelling arguments exist for others. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.

10. Bandit

The bottom three classes are interchangeable, but the Bandit lags significantly. Its low starting level (5) and primary stat, Dexterity (inherently weak), coupled with subpar equipment, make it an unappealing choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith, its primary stat, is challenging to develop early on without specific items. Furthermore, its initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game builds or Faith-based damage.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-optimal starting weapons make it a poor selection. Players seeking Dexterity or Intelligence will find superior alternatives.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, beginning with two swords. However, better Dexterity-focused classes exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, it falls just short of the soft stat cap, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three for starting builds.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present challenges. If a Faith build is desired, the Prophet is the preferable choice. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment is underwhelming. However, with strategically acquired Faith weapons, the Prophet can prove viable.

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5. Hero

The top four classes are clearly superior. The Hero boasts advantages, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for early-game combat. Its Ash of War enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and exceptional starting weapon, the Uchigatana (with great scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential), make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is well-suited for its build, and it allows for easy 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 useful Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level pose significant challenges for new players. While unsuitable for players committed to a single stat, it's ideal for those planning to respec or create a customized build.

1. Vagabond

For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor is usable throughout the game. Its stat spread allows for easy respeccing or adaptation to other builds.

Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless min-maxing is a priority, the starting class's impact is minimal. While a class like the Bandit might present initial difficulties, the long-term impact is negligible as players invest in desired stats. Even a suboptimal starting class will only slightly hinder a fully optimized build. Min-maxing, even in PvP, provides only a minor advantage, unless playing against highly skilled opponents. Aesthetic preferences should also be considered.

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.