Elden Ring Starting Classes: Worst to Best Ranking

Embarking on your journey through the vast and challenging world of *Elden Ring* starts with choosing one of the 10 available starting classes. Each class offers unique stats and equipment, influencing your early game experience. Here's a comprehensive ranking of these classes from worst to best, helping you decide your optimal starting point.

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

Screenshot by The Escapist.

The top two starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch, each offering compelling reasons to be considered the best. However, other classes also have their merits, and all are ranked below based on their initial advantages and overall utility.

10. Bandit

The Bandit class ranks at the bottom, starting at a low level of 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which is less effective in the early game. Coupled with subpar equipment, the Bandit struggles to make a strong impact, making it a less desirable choice for players.

9. Confessor

The Confessor class, centered around Faith, faces challenges in early progression due to the difficulty in enhancing Faith stats without specific items. Its initial equipment also does not synergize well with early Faith builds, making it less competitive among other starting options.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner class is a weaker version of other Dexterity and Intelligence-focused classes. Starting with low health and less optimal weapons, it's a challenging choice for those looking to specialize in these stats.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior offers a decent start with two swords. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, the equipment does not justify choosing it over other options. It's a better pick than the previous three but still falls short in the overall ranking.

6. Prophet

For players interested in Faith builds, the Prophet is the best option despite the inherent challenges of Faith-based classes. Its spells are useful, but the initial equipment is not as strong as others, making it a middle-of-the-road choice.

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5. Hero

The Hero class excels in the early game with a Battle Axe and high Strength, making it a formidable choice for tackling enemies. However, its low Dexterity can be a hindrance, and there are better Strength-focused classes available.

4. Samurai

The Samurai stands out as the premier Dexterity-based class, boasting excellent armor and the powerful Uchigatana weapon. Its ability to cause bleeding and high damage output makes it a top choice for Dexterity enthusiasts.

3. Astrologer

Ideal for mage builds, the Astrologer offers unparalleled spellcasting capabilities from the start. With 16 Intelligence at level 6, it's perfect for players wanting to focus on magic or blend Intelligence with Strength.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with balanced stats across the board, the Wretch offers flexibility for players who want to tailor their build or respec later. Though challenging due to low health and no armor, it's an excellent choice for those planning long-term build customization.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both newcomers and seasoned players. With well-rounded stats, a strong weapon, and durable armor, it provides a solid foundation for any build, making it easy to pivot or respec as needed.

When unsure, choosing the Vagabond ensures a smooth start and continued success throughout your Elden Ring adventure.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, the impact of your starting class diminishes over time unless you're aiming for a highly optimized build. Even starting with a less favorable class like the Bandit won't hinder you significantly in the long run, as you can freely allocate points to desired stats and eventually achieve your preferred build. Min-maxing isn't crucial, even in PvP, where slight advantages are only noticeable at the highest levels of play. Choose a class that resonates with you aesthetically or strategically without worrying too much about long-term implications.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For complete beginners, the Vagabond is the recommended starting class. Its straightforward melee combat style helps new players quickly grasp Elden Ring's mechanics, providing a solid foundation to build upon as they explore the game.

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