All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

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

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a starting class, and you'll find 10 distinct options to choose from. These classes differ subtly in stats and initial equipment. This guide ranks 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?

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

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) combined with subpar equipment make it an unappealing choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors lack the advantages of other classes. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and 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-ideal starting weapons make it a poor option for players seeking a Dexterity or Intelligence-focused build.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-based options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity options exist. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, offering a near soft stat cap, the gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it's a better starting point than the preceding three.

6. Prophet

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

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes are significantly stronger. The Hero offers advantages, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for overwhelming early-game enemies. Its Ash of War also boosts damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-based option exists.

4. Samurai

This is the best readily available Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and exceptional starting weapon, the Uchigatana (with great scaling and bleeding potential), make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on magic or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. It excels at early-game spellcasting, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is well-suited to the build, and it provides ample room for stat improvement. It also transitions well into Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a powerful Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level present a challenging start for newcomers. It's less effective for players committed to a single stat but shines for those intending to respec or create a customized build.

1. Vagabond

For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, its weapon is superb, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its versatile stat spread allows easy respeccing or adaptation to various builds.

Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing your build, 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 desired build regardless of your initial choice. The difference between a "wrong" class and an optimized build is usually minor.

Even min-maxing, especially in PvP, offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable except amongst top-tier players. Choose a class you aesthetically enjoy.

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.