Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, offering 10 distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and equipment. This ranking assesses them from least to most favorable.

Table of Contents

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

10. Bandit

The bottom three classes are largely interchangeable, but 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 offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the initial equipment doesn't effectively support early-game Faith builds or damage output.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons pale in comparison to superior alternatives for these stat focuses.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, better Dexterity choices exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, offering proximity to the soft stat cap (by a single point), its gear doesn't justify its selection. Nevertheless, it surpasses the preceding three as a starting build.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present challenges. The Prophet, however, is the most viable option within this category. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic acquisition of Faith weapons, the Prophet can prove useful.

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5. Hero

The top four classes are demonstrably superior. The Hero offers strong advantages: a Battle Axe and 16 Strength provide significant early-game damage potential, enhanced by its Ash of War. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength option exists.

4. Samurai

This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and exceptional starting weapon, the Uchigatana (offering great scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential), make it a standout choice.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. It offers ample room for stat improvement and ideal starting equipment. It's the perfect choice for pure mage builds, and also adaptable to Intelligence/Strength hybrid builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch begins 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 difficult start for newcomers. It's less effective for players committed to a single stat build. However, for those planning extensive build customization or respeccing, the Wretch is unparalleled.

1. Vagabond

Regardless of experience level, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution excels for early-game builds, featuring a fantastic weapon and armor suitable for extended gameplay. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or adaptation to various builds.

For a strong starting class, the Vagabond is the clear choice.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing a build, 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 initial class. The difference from a perfectly optimized build might only be a few stat points.

Min-maxing, even in PvP, has limited impact. A perfectly optimized build offers a slight advantage, but only noticeable against top-tier PvP players. Choose a class aesthetically pleasing to you.

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.