All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

Embarking on your *Elden Ring* journey begins with selecting one of ten starting classes, each offering unique stat distributions and equipment. This ranking explores each class, from least to most favorable.

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 advantages. Let's delve into a detailed ranking.

10. Bandit

The Bandit occupies the bottom rung. Its low starting level (5) and reliance on the comparatively weak Dexterity stat, coupled with subpar equipment, make it a less-than-ideal choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors suffer from a lack of compelling early-game options. 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 underpowered Dexterity/Intelligence hybrid. Its low survivability and inferior weapon options compared to other classes make it a poor starting choice.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior is relatively decent, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity options exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, falling just short of the soft cap, its gear doesn't justify its selection.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes generally present a challenging start. The Prophet, however, is the most viable option within this archetype. Its starting spells are useful, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic weapon acquisition, the Prophet can still prove effective.

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

5. Hero

The top five classes represent significantly stronger starting points. The Hero offers a compelling start with its Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and useful Ash of War, facilitating efficient early-game enemy dispatch. However, its low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and superior Strength options exist.

4. Samurai

This is the premier Dexterity class. Its excellent armor and the exceptionally strong Uchigatana—a weapon boasting impressive scaling, damage, and bleed potential—make it a formidable choice.

3. Astrologer

The Astrologer is the go-to class for Intelligence-based builds. Its unmatched early-game spellcasting capabilities, 16 Intelligence at level 6, and well-suited equipment make it a top contender for mages or those incorporating Intelligence into hybrid builds.

2. Wretch

Starting at level 1 with balanced stats (10 in each), the Wretch offers a challenging but versatile beginning. Its decent club and Ash of War are advantages, but the lack of armor presents a steep learning curve for new players. While less ideal for single-stat builds, its flexibility for respeccing and build experimentation makes it a powerful choice.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond stands as the optimal starting class, regardless of experience level. Its well-rounded stat distribution, excellent weapon, and durable armor provide a smooth introduction to the game. This balanced foundation allows for easy respeccing or pivoting into any build.

For a well-rounded and effective start, the Vagabond is the clear winner.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless meticulously min-maxing builds, your starting class has minimal long-term impact. While some classes offer a smoother initial experience, the ability to respec and adjust stats renders the initial class choice less critical.

Even min-maxing, often crucial in PvP, yields only marginal advantages unless competing against top-tier players.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond class is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates a smooth learning curve and allows players to grasp *Elden Ring*'s core mechanics.

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