All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

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

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

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 fairly interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary stat, Dexterity (inherently weaker), combined with subpar equipment, make it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith, its primary stat, is challenging to develop early on without specific items. The starting equipment doesn't effectively support 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 option for players focusing on these stats.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices exist. While possessing the highest base Dexterity, falling just short of the soft stat cap, its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes are generally difficult to manage initially. If a Faith build is desired, the Prophet is the best option, but its equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, it can be viable.

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5. Hero

The top four classes are significantly stronger. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, making early-game encounters easier. Its Ash of War enhances damage. Low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength option exists.

4. Samurai

The best readily available Dexterity class. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, is exceptional, offering great scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential.

3. Astrologer

The ideal starting class for Intelligence-based mages. Its spellcasting capabilities in the early game are unmatched, beginning with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is well-suited to this playstyle, and it also facilitates a transition to Strength/Intelligence builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with even stat distribution (10 points each). It possesses a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, its low level and lack of armor create a challenging start for newcomers. It's less effective for single-stat builds but excels for highly customized builds or respec options.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the optimal starting class for both new and experienced players. Its stat distribution is ideal for early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor is usable throughout the game. Its versatile stat spread allows for easy respeccing or adaptation to different builds.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless extensively min-maxing, the starting class's impact is minimal. While a class like Bandit might present initial challenges, stat allocation eventually overrides the initial differences. Even a suboptimal choice will only slightly deviate from a fully optimized build. Min-maxing itself offers limited advantages, especially in PvP.

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.