Elden Ring: Best & Worst Starting Classes Ranked

Embarking on your *Elden Ring* journey begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each subtly different in stats and initial equipment. This ranking lists them from least to most favorable.

Table of contents

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Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

10. Bandit

9. Confessor

8. Prisoner

7. Warrior

6. Prophet

5. Hero

4. Samurai

3. Astrologer

2. Wretch

1. Vagabond

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

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While the Vagabond and Wretch often top the lists, other classes offer compelling advantages. Let's explore each:

10. Bandit

Among the bottom three, the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on Dexterity—a relatively weak stat—coupled with subpar equipment, make it an unappealing choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors lack the compelling features of other classes. Faith, its primary stat, is challenging to develop early on without specific items, and its starting equipment doesn't effectively support early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor choice compared to alternatives.

7. Warrior

A decent Dexterity option, especially with its two starting swords. However, superior Dexterity classes exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, nearing the soft cap, its gear doesn't justify its selection over better alternatives.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present initial challenges. The Prophet, however, is the best of the bunch. Its spells are useful, but equipment lags behind others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, it becomes a viable option.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes clearly excel. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe and 16 Strength provide strong early-game combat capabilities. The Ash of War further enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength class exists.

4. Samurai

The best pure Dexterity starting class. Excellent armor and the exceptional Uchigatana—a weapon with great scaling, impressive damage, and effective bleed—make this a powerful choice.

3. Astrologer

The ideal starting class for Intelligence-based builds. Its ability to spam early-game spells, combined with 16 Intelligence at level 6 and excellent starting equipment, makes it perfect for mages. It even transitions well into Strength/Intelligence builds.

2. Wretch

Starting at level 1 with balanced stats (10 in each), and a decent club with a strong Ash of War, the Wretch presents a challenging but rewarding start. Its lack of armor makes it difficult for new players. However, its adaptability for diverse builds and respec options makes it highly versatile.

1. Vagabond

For both newcomers and veterans, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Excellent stat distribution for early-game builds, a fantastic weapon, and durable armor make it a strong contender. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or shifting to other builds.

Choosing the Vagabond guarantees a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless heavily min-maxing, your starting class's long-term impact is minimal. While a class like Bandit might present initial difficulties, stat allocation will eventually lead to your desired build, regardless of the starting point. The differences are often negligible, especially outside of high-level PvP.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For new players, the Vagabond class is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat allows for a smoother learning curve, mastering *Elden Ring*'s mechanics with ease.

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