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

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a starting class, and with 10 options available, choosing the right one can significantly impact your early game experience. This guide ranks all 10 classes from worst to best, considering their initial stats and equipment.

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

10. Bandit

The Bandit is arguably the weakest class. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on Dexterity, a relatively weak stat early on, combined with subpar equipment, make it a less-than-ideal choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors suffer from a lackluster stat distribution. Faith, their primary stat, is challenging to develop early in the game, and their starting equipment doesn't effectively support early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-optimal weaponry make it a poor starting point.

7. Warrior

While a viable Dexterity option with two starting swords, the Warrior is outshone by other Dexterity classes. Its high base Dexterity approaches the soft stat cap, but the equipment doesn't justify its selection.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present a steep early-game challenge. The Prophet, however, is the best of the bunch. Its spells are decent, but the equipment is underwhelming compared to other options. Strategic weapon acquisition can make the Prophet a viable choice.

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5. Hero

The top four classes stand out significantly. The Hero boasts advantages with its Battle Axe, high Strength (16), and useful Ash of War. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and stronger Strength options exist.

4. Samurai

This is the premier Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and the Uchigatana, a high-damage weapon with excellent scaling and bleed potential, make it a formidable choice.

3. Astrologer

The Astrologer is the go-to class for Intelligence-based builds. Its high starting Intelligence (16 at level 6) allows for early-game spell spamming, and its equipment is perfectly suited for mage builds. It also transitions well into Strength/Intelligence hybrids.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level 1 with even stat distribution. Its club and Ash of War are decent, but the lack of armor and low level pose a significant challenge for new players. However, its adaptability makes it ideal for those who plan to respec or experiment with various builds.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the top choice for both new and experienced players. Its balanced stat distribution, excellent weapon, and durable armor provide a strong foundation for various builds. Its versatility makes it easy to respec or adapt to different playstyles.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously min-maxing your build, your starting class has minimal long-term impact. While some classes offer a smoother early game, you'll eventually invest in your desired stats, regardless of your starting point. The difference between a "wrong" class and an optimized build is usually minor. Even in PvP, min-maxing provides only a slight advantage.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat allows for a smoother learning curve, easing players into Elden Ring's mechanics.

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