Embarking on your *Elden Ring* journey begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each boasting unique stat distributions and equipment. This ranking details them from least to most advantageous.
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, several others offer compelling reasons for consideration. Each class possesses distinct strengths, detailed below.
10. Bandit
Among the bottom three, the Bandit stands out—not favorably. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on the relatively weak Dexterity stat, coupled with subpar initial equipment, make it a less-than-ideal choice.
9. Confessor
Confessors fall short due to limited early-game potential. Faith, their primary stat, requires significant investment before yielding noticeable results. Their starting equipment doesn't effectively support early-game Faith builds.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its fragility and less-than-optimal starting weapons pale in comparison to other options catering to these stats.
7. Warrior
While a decent Dexterity option boasting two starting swords, the Warrior is outshone by others. Its high base Dexterity offers proximity to the soft stat cap, but by a single point, and the gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three.
6. Prophet
Faith-based starting classes present a challenge. However, the Prophet is the most viable. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove useful.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes clearly stand out. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe and 16 Strength provide excellent early-game damage potential, further 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 premier Dexterity class. The exceptional armor and the outstanding Uchigatana—a weapon with excellent scaling, impressive damage, and potent bleed effects—make it a strong contender.
3. Astrologer
The Astrologer is the go-to choice for Intelligence-based builds. Its unparalleled early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and suitable starting equipment make it a powerful mage class. It also transitions well into Strength/Intelligence builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch starts at level 1 with balanced stats (10 in each). Its club and Ash of War are decent, but its lack of armor and low level pose a significant challenge for new players. While potentially hindering single-stat builds, it excels for flexible builds or respeccing.
1. Vagabond
For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond reigns supreme. Its balanced stats are ideal for early-game builds, its weapon is excellent, and the armor remains useful throughout the game. Its stat distribution facilitates easy respeccing or build diversification.
For a strong start, choose the Vagabond.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless you're meticulously optimizing builds, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit presents a tougher early game, you'll eventually invest in your desired stats, achieving your desired build regardless of your initial choice. Even a suboptimal starting class will only leave you a few points from an optimized build.
Min-maxing, even in PvP, offers only a slight edge, imperceptible except among top-tier players. Choose a class you aesthetically enjoy.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates a smooth introduction to *Elden Ring*'s mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
