Elden Ring Classes: A Ranking for Optimal Gameplay

Elden Ring's Ten Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, and you're faced with ten distinct options, each subtly different in stats and 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 are interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) coupled with subpar equipment make it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor choice for those focusing on these stats.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, it falls short of the soft stat cap by only one point, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes are generally challenging. If you must choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four are clearly superior. The Hero offers significant advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength for early-game dominance, and a helpful Ash of War. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and the exceptional Uchigatana (a high-damage weapon with excellent scaling and bleed potential) make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focused on magic or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and suitable equipment make it ideal for mage builds or hybrid Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level 1 with even stat distribution (10 in each) and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level pose challenges for new players. While not ideal for single-stat builds, it’s excellent for versatile builds or respeccing.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the best starting class for both novice and experienced players. Its balanced stats are perfect for early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor is usable throughout the game. Its stat distribution allows for 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's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early difficulties, ultimately, you'll invest in desired stats, achieving your preferred build regardless of your initial choice. Even with a "wrong" class, you'll likely be only a few points away from an optimized build. Min-maxing, even in PvP, offers only a marginal advantage.

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.