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

Every Elden Ring journey begins with a class selection, offering 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 largely interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) combined with subpar equipment make it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and their starting equipment doesn't synergize well with 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 weaponry make it a poor starting point.

7. Warrior

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

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present challenges. The Prophet, however, is the best of the bunch. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, it can prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes are significantly stronger. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe and 16 Strength provide early-game power, and its Ash of War enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a superior Strength option exists.

4. Samurai

This is Elden Ring's premier Dexterity class. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, excels with great scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential.

3. Astrologer

Players favoring mage builds or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is perfectly suited for its build, and it easily transitions to Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch begins at level one with even stat distribution (10 in each). Its club and Ash of War are decent. However, its low level and lack of armor make it challenging for newcomers. It's less effective for single-stat builds, but ideal for highly customized builds or respeccing.

1. Vagabond

Regardless of experience level, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds; its weapon and armor are top-tier and easily usable throughout the game. Its stat spread allows for easy respeccing or build adaptation.

For a strong start, choose the Vagabond.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless heavily min-maxing, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early difficulties, stat allocation and build customization eventually overcome initial disadvantages. Even with suboptimal class choices, players will likely be only a few points away from their desired build.

Min-maxing itself is largely inconsequential, even in PvP. While optimized builds offer slight advantages, the difference is negligible except against top-tier PvP players. Choose a class aesthetically pleasing to you.

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.