Elden Ring's ten starting classes offer diverse stat and equipment options. This ranking assesses 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 are top contenders, but several others merit consideration. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below:
10. Bandit
The Bandit is notably weak, starting at level 5 with low stats and subpar equipment. Its reliance on Dexterity, a relatively weak stat, further hinders its effectiveness.
9. Confessor
The Confessor's low starting stats and equipment don't effectively support early-game Faith builds. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, making this class less appealing.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its fragility and less-than-ideal weaponry make it a poor choice compared to other options.
7. Warrior
While offering a decent Dexterity base and two starting swords, the Warrior falls short of superior Dexterity alternatives. Its slightly higher Dexterity doesn't compensate for its less-than-optimal equipment.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present challenges, but the Prophet is the best among them. Its spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic weapon acquisition, it can prove viable.
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5. Hero
Among the top four, the Hero boasts advantages. Its starting Battle Axe and high Strength (16) are effective against early enemies. Its Ash of War enhances damage, but low Dexterity impacts minimum requirement fulfillment. A superior Strength option exists.
4. Samurai
This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and Uchigatana (a high-damage, bleed-inducing weapon) provide a significant advantage.
3. Astrologer
Ideal for mage builds or Intelligence-focused gameplay, the Astrologer excels at early-game spellcasting (starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6). Its equipment complements its strengths, and it allows for easy transitions to Strength/Intelligence builds.
2. Wretch
Starting at level 1 with balanced stats (10 in each), the Wretch offers a decent club and Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level pose challenges for new players. While suboptimal for single-stat builds, it's best for highly customized builds or respeccing.
1. Vagabond
The Vagabond is the superior starting class, offering excellent early-game stat distribution, a strong weapon, and durable armor. Its versatility allows for easy respeccing or adaptation to various builds.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless optimizing builds is a priority, the starting class's impact is minimal. While a class like the Bandit might present initial difficulties, players can eventually adjust their stats to achieve desired builds. Even min-maxing offers only a slight advantage in PvP, especially outside of high-level play.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For new players, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates learning Elden Ring's mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
