Embarking on your *Elden Ring* journey begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each offering unique stat distributions and initial equipment. This ranking explores each class, 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 other classes offer compelling starting points. Let's delve into a detailed ranking of each class's strengths and weaknesses.
10. Bandit
Among the bottom three, the Bandit stands out for its shortcomings. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity—a relatively weak stat early on—coupled with subpar equipment, makes it a less-than-ideal choice.
9. Confessor
The Confessor suffers from a lack of compelling advantages compared to other classes. Faith, its primary stat, is difficult to develop effectively until acquiring specific items. Its initial equipment also doesn't synergize well with early-game builds or Faith-based damage.
8. Prisoner
Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-optimal starting weapons make it a less attractive option for players focusing on these stats.
7. Warrior
Among Dexterity-based classes, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity options exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, bringing it closer to the soft stat cap, the gear doesn't justify its selection over other choices.
6. Prophet
Faith-based classes present challenges. The Prophet, however, is the best of this bunch. Its starting spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. With strategic acquisition of Faith-enhancing weapons, the Prophet can prove viable.
Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring
5. Hero
The top four classes clearly stand out. The Hero, however, possesses significant advantages. Starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength allows for effective early-game combat. Its Ash of War further boosts damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, making other Strength-based classes preferable.
4. Samurai
This is the premier Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and exceptional starting weapon, the Uchigatana (with great scaling, impressive damage, and bleeding capabilities), make it a strong contender.
3. Astrologer
Players focusing on magic or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. Its superior early-game spellcasting capabilities, starting Intelligence of 16 (at level 6), and appropriate equipment make it an excellent choice. It also transitions well into Intelligence/Strength builds.
2. Wretch
The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, its lack of armor and low level presents a challenging start for newcomers. While potentially suboptimal for single-stat builds, its flexibility makes it ideal for those planning to respec or create diverse builds.
1. Vagabond
For both seasoned and new players, the Vagabond reigns supreme. Its balanced stat distribution, fantastic weapon, and useful armor make it a consistently strong choice. Its versatile stats allow for easy respeccing and adaptation to various builds.
For a well-rounded and effective start, the Vagabond is the clear winner.
Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Unless you're meticulously optimizing your build, your starting class's impact is minimal. While a class like the Bandit might present early difficulties, you'll eventually allocate points to your desired stats, achieving your preferred build regardless of your initial choice. The differences between a "wrong" class and your desired build might only be a few stat points.
Furthermore, even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable except among the most skilled players.
Ultimately, choose a class that appeals to you aesthetically.
What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?
For newcomers, the Vagabond is the recommended starting class. Its straightforward melee combat allows for a smoother learning curve, easing players into *Elden Ring*'s mechanics.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
