Elden Ring: Ranking the Starting Classes

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 desirable.

Table of Contents

• Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
• Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
• What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

While the Vagabond and Wretch top the list, several others offer compelling reasons for consideration. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.

10. Bandit

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

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.

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 less attractive than other options.

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 only edges closer to the soft cap by a single point, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three.

6. Prophet

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

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes are significantly superior. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, facilitating early-game enemy dispatch. Its Ash of War enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength option exists.

4. Samurai

This is Elden Ring's best essential Dexterity class. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, boasts impressive scaling, damage, and bleed potential.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should start with the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, beginning with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Room for stat improvement is ample, and its equipment is ideal. It's perfect for pure mage builds and adaptable to Intelligence/Strength hybrids.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts 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 challenging start for newcomers. It's suboptimal for players committed to a single stat, but ideal for versatile builds or respeccing.

1. Vagabond

For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds; it offers a fantastic weapon and durable armor. Its stat spread allows easy respeccing or adaptation to various 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's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early challenges, ultimately, you'll invest in desired stats, achieving your intended build regardless of the starting class. The difference from a fully optimized build might be only a few points.

Min-maxing, even in PvP, offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable except among top-tier PvP players. Choose a class that appeals 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.