All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

Embarking on your *Elden Ring* adventure begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each boasting unique stat distributions and equipment. This ranking guides you from least to most advantageous options.

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 other classes offer compelling choices. Let's delve into a detailed ranking of each:

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 starting point.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages compared to other classes. Faith, their primary stat, requires significant investment before becoming truly effective, and their starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior alternative to other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-optimal starting weapons make it a less attractive choice.

7. Warrior

A decent Dexterity option, the Warrior starts with two swords. However, superior Dexterity classes exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, offering a closer approach to the soft stat cap, its equipment doesn't justify its selection over better alternatives.

6. Prophet

Faith-based starting classes present challenges. The Prophet, however, is the most viable among them. Its spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic acquisition of Faith weapons, it can prove a worthwhile choice.

**Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring**

5. Hero

The top four classes clearly stand out. The Hero offers significant advantages: a Battle Axe and 16 Strength provide considerable early-game power. The included Ash of War further enhances damage output. However, its low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength-based class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the premier Dexterity class in *Elden Ring*. Its exceptional armor and the outstanding Uchigatana, a weapon with excellent scaling, impressive damage, and potent bleed effect, make it a formidable choice.

3. Astrologer

Aspiring mages or Intelligence-focused players should begin with the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, and its 16 Intelligence at level 6 provides ample room for stat improvement. Its equipment is perfectly suited for its role, and it transitions smoothly into hybrid Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level 1 with even stat distribution. Its decent club and effective Ash of War are advantages, but its lack of armor and low starting level make it challenging for new players. While less optimal for single-stat builds, its flexibility makes it ideal for those planning extensive respecs or build experimentation.

1. Vagabond

For both seasoned and new players, the Vagabond reigns supreme. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, it features a fantastic weapon, and its armor can last throughout the journey. Its versatile stat spread allows for easy respeccing or pivoting into diverse builds.

The Vagabond is a consistently strong choice for success.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing builds, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present initial difficulties, the long-term effect is negligible, as you'll eventually invest in your desired stats regardless of your starting point. The difference between a "wrong" choice and an optimized build is usually minimal.

Furthermore, even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a marginal advantage, barely noticeable unless competing against top-tier players.

Choose the class that appeals to you aesthetically.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat allows for easy familiarization with *Elden Ring*'s mechanics.

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