Elden Ring Starting Classes: Worst to Best Ranked

Starting your journey in *Elden Ring* involves choosing from 10 distinct starting classes, each with unique stats and equipment that can shape your early gameplay experience. Here's a comprehensive ranking of these classes from worst to best, designed to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your playstyle.

Table of contents

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked10. Bandit9. Confessor8. Prisoner7. Warrior6. Prophet5. Hero4. Samurai3. Astrologer2. Wretch1. VagabondDoes Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

Screenshot by The Escapist. The two best starting classes, the Vagabond and the Wretch, are top contenders for different reasons, but several others also have compelling advantages. Let's explore each class in detail.

10. Bandit

The Bandit ranks at the bottom due to its low starting level of 5 and a focus on Dexterity, which can be underwhelming in the early stages. Combined with substandard equipment, this class is generally not recommended for a smooth start.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to stand out, primarily due to its reliance on Faith, which can be challenging to leverage effectively without specific items. The initial gear also doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it less appealing.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner offers a less optimal version of Dexterity and Intelligence builds. Starting with lower health and suboptimal weapons, it's outshined by other classes focused on these stats.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-focused options, the Warrior holds up better than the Bandit and Prisoner, starting with dual swords and a high base Dexterity. However, better alternatives exist, making it a mid-tier choice.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be tricky, but the Prophet provides a more viable option with decent spells. Yet, its equipment lags behind other classes, making it a middle-of-the-road pick unless you're familiar with where to find effective Faith weapons.

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5. Hero

The Hero class offers a solid foundation for Strength builds, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for tackling early-game foes. However, its low Dexterity can complicate meeting weapon requirements, and there's a superior Strength option available.

4. Samurai

For those favoring Dexterity, the Samurai stands out with excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana, which boasts great scaling, high damage, and bleeding capabilities, making it a top choice for Dexterity builds.

3. Astrologer

The Astrologer is the go-to for mage builds, starting with 16 Intelligence and the ability to spam spells effectively. Its gear is well-suited for magic users, and it's flexible enough to transition into a Strength-Intelligence hybrid build.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with balanced stats and a useful club, the Wretch offers unparalleled flexibility for tailoring your build or respeccing later. However, its lack of armor makes it challenging for beginners.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the top choice for both new and seasoned players, offering balanced stats, a strong weapon, and durable armor. Its versatility makes it easy to pivot into various builds, making it the most reliable starting class.

When in doubt, the Vagabond is your safest bet for a successful start in Elden Ring.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, your starting class has minimal long-term impact unless you're aiming for a highly optimized build. Even starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit won't significantly hinder your progress, as you can eventually allocate points to achieve your desired build. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a marginal advantage, noticeable only against top-tier players. So, choose a class that resonates with you aesthetically or strategically without overthinking its long-term effects.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers to Elden Ring, the Vagabond class is highly recommended. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp the game's mechanics, providing a solid foundation as you explore the vast world of Elden Ring.

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