Elden Ring Starting Classes: Worst to Best Ranked

Every journey in Elden Ring kicks off with a choice of starting class, and you've got 10 different paths to choose from. Each one comes with its own unique stats and equipment, and I'm here to rank them from the least favorable to the top picks.

Table of contents

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

10. Bandit

Starting off at the bottom, the Bandit struggles to make an impact. With a low starting level of 5 and a focus on Dexterity, which isn't the strongest stat, coupled with subpar equipment, the Bandit is a class you might want to steer clear of.

9. Confessor

The Confessor doesn't offer much compared to its peers. Faith is a challenging stat to build around early on, and the starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds or provide significant damage boosts.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a less effective version of other Dexterity and Intelligence builds. Starting off quite vulnerable, with less desirable weapons, players looking for these stats can find better starting options.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior isn't the worst choice, especially since it starts with dual swords. However, there are superior Dexterity options available. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, the gear doesn't quite justify choosing it over others.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be tricky to work with, but if you're set on this path, the Prophet is your best starting point. The spells are decent, but the equipment leaves something to be desired. Knowledge of where to find good Faith weapons can make the Prophet a viable choice.

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5. Hero

As we move into the top half of our rankings, the Hero stands out with its advantages. Starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's perfect for smashing through early-game foes. The Ash of War adds to its damage potential, though the low Dexterity can be a hurdle for meeting weapon requirements.

4. Samurai

For those seeking a Dexterity-focused class, the Samurai is the top pick. With excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana, which boasts great scaling and bleeding capabilities, the Samurai is a solid choice for dealing damage.

3. Astrologer

If you're aiming for a mage build or want to leverage Intelligence, the Astrologer is your go-to class. It excels at casting early-game spells and starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is well-suited for a mage, making it ideal for those looking to master magic or transition into a Strength and Intelligence hybrid build.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with 10 points in every stat, the Wretch offers flexibility but a challenging start due to its lack of armor. It's not ideal for players committed to a single stat path, but for those looking to customize their build or plan to respec, the Wretch is an excellent choice.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. With a balanced stat distribution, a powerful weapon, and armor that can last you throughout your journey, the Vagabond is versatile and easy to pivot into any build you desire.

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

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, unless you're deeply invested in min-maxing your build, your starting class won't significantly impact your overall experience. Starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit might make the early game tougher, but as you progress, you'll be able to allocate points to your preferred stats and eventually craft the build you envision. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a marginal advantage, noticeable only against the game's top players.

So, if the Bandit's aesthetic appeals to you, feel free to choose it without worry.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For complete beginners, I recommend the Vagabond class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp Elden Ring's mechanics and find your footing in the game.

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