Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best
Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, offering 10 distinct options. These classes subtly differ in stats and equipment. This ranking evaluates them from least to 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?
The Vagabond and Wretch consistently top the rankings, though compelling arguments exist for others. 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 focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) coupled with subpar equipment make it an undesirable choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors offer limited benefits compared to alternatives. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, requiring specific item acquisition. The 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 fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor selection. Players seeking Dexterity or Intelligence will find superior options.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, better Dexterity choices exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, nearing the soft stat cap, the single point advantage and gear don't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three for starting builds.
6. Prophet
Faith-based starting classes present challenges. If a Faith class is preferred, the Prophet is the best option. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet becomes more viable.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes are significantly superior. The Hero boasts advantages, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for overpowering early-game enemies. Its Ash of War enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.
4. Samurai
This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its armor is excellent, and the starting weapon, the Uchigatana, stands out with its scaling, damage, and bleed effect.
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 provided equipment is perfectly suited for this playstyle. It also transitions well into Intelligence/Strength builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch begins at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, its low level and lack of armor create a difficult start for newcomers. It's less effective for players committed to a single stat build. However, for adaptable builds or respeccing, it's the game's best option.
1. Vagabond
For both novice and experienced players, the Vagabond is Elden Ring's superior starting class. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, offering a fantastic weapon and armor suitable for the entire journey. The stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or build pivoting.
Choosing the Vagabond guarantees a strong starting class.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless extensively min-maxing builds, the starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit presents a tougher early game, long-term stat allocation and build customization negate initial disadvantages. Even with suboptimal class selection, the final build will only differ slightly from a perfectly optimized version.
Min-maxing is inconsequential, even in PvP. While optimized builds provide a minor PvP advantage, the difference is negligible except among top-tier players. Aesthetic preference should influence class selection.
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.
