All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

Elden Ring's Starting Classes: A Comprehensive Ranking from Worst to Best

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, and with 10 distinct options, choosing the right one can significantly impact your early game experience. This ranking analyzes each class, considering stats, equipment, and overall effectiveness, to guide you towards the best starting point for your adventure.

Table of Contents

• Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked
• Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?
• What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

The Vagabond and Wretch consistently top the list, but other classes offer compelling advantages. Let's delve into the detailed ranking:

10. Bandit

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

9. Confessor

Confessors suffer from limited utility. Faith, their primary stat, requires significant investment before becoming truly effective, and their initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-optimal weaponry make it a less attractive option.

7. Warrior

While a decent Dexterity option with two starting swords, the Warrior is outshone by others. Its high base Dexterity brings it closer to the soft stat cap, but the marginal advantage doesn't compensate for its less-than-ideal gear.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present a steeper learning curve. However, the Prophet is the best among them. Its spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. With strategic weapon acquisition, it can still prove viable.

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5. Hero

The top four classes stand out significantly. The Hero boasts advantages like a Battle Axe and high Strength (16), ideal for early-game combat. Its Ash of War also enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and stronger Strength options exist.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the premier Dexterity starting class. Its exceptional armor and the Uchigatana—a high-damage weapon with excellent scaling and bleed potential—make it a powerful choice.

3. Astrologer

Astrologer is the go-to class for Intelligence-based builds. Its ability to spam early-game spells, coupled with a high starting Intelligence (16 at level 6) and suitable equipment, makes it a top contender. It also offers flexibility for hybrid Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with balanced stats (10 in each). Its club and Ash of War are decent, but the lack of armor and low level present a challenging start for new players. While not ideal for single-stat builds, its flexibility makes it perfect for those who plan to respec or experiment with various builds.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond reigns supreme, suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Its balanced stat distribution, excellent weapon, and durable armor make it a versatile choice. Its stat spread allows for easy respeccing and adaptation to various builds.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're focused on highly optimized builds, your starting class's impact is minimal. While some classes offer a smoother start, the long-term differences are negligible. You'll eventually invest in your desired stats, regardless of your initial choice. Even in PvP, the advantage of a perfectly optimized build is marginal.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat allows for a smoother learning curve, enabling players to grasp Elden Ring's mechanics effectively.

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