Elden Ring Starting Classes: Worst to Best Ranked

Embarking on an adventure in *Elden Ring* starts with selecting one of the 10 unique classes, each offering distinct stats and equipment that can shape your early gameplay experience. Let's delve into a detailed ranking of these starting classes, from the least to the most advantageous.

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 Vagabond and Wretch stand out as the top-tier starting classes in Elden Ring, though a few others have strong cases for high rankings. Here's how they all stack up.

10. Bandit

The Bandit might be at the bottom of our list, but it's not without its niche. Starting at a mere level 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which is a less potent stat initially, the Bandit's equipment also leaves much to be desired. It's a challenging pick that might not be worth the struggle for most players.

9. Confessor

Confessors struggle to find their footing early on due to their reliance on Faith, a stat that requires specific items to truly shine. Their starting gear doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds or offer significant damage boosts, making them a less appealing choice.

8. Prisoner

The Prisoner mirrors the Bandit's issues, offering a weaker version of Dexterity and Intelligence builds. Starting off quite vulnerable, players seeking these stats can find more robust options elsewhere.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity classes, the Warrior isn't a bad choice, especially with its dual-sword starting setup. However, it's outshined by other Dexterity-focused classes due to its marginal stat advantage and less impressive gear.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be tricky to navigate, but the Prophet stands out as the best of its kind. Its spells are decent, though the equipment could be better. For those who know where to find strong Faith weapons, the Prophet can still be a viable option.

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5. Hero

The Hero class boasts significant strengths, starting with a Battle Axe and a hefty 16 Strength, perfect for crushing early-game foes. Its Ash of War enhances its damage capabilities, though its low Dexterity can pose challenges for meeting certain weapon requirements.

4. Samurai

For those leaning towards Dexterity, the Samurai is an excellent choice. With top-notch armor and the formidable Uchigatana, which offers great scaling and bleeding capabilities, the Samurai is a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Mage enthusiasts should opt for the Astrologer, which starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its ability to spam early-game spells and its solid equipment make it ideal for Intelligence-focused builds or hybrid Intelligence and Strength setups.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with balanced stats across the board, the Wretch offers unparalleled flexibility. While its lack of armor and low level can make the early game tough, it's perfect for players looking to tailor their build or respec later on.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class for both newcomers and veterans. With a balanced stat distribution, a great weapon, and solid armor, it's easy to adapt to any build, making it the top choice for a successful journey through Elden Ring.

When in doubt, the Vagabond is your best bet for a smooth start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your overall experience unless you're deeply invested in min-maxing. Starting as a Bandit might make the early game tougher, but ultimately, you can invest points where you want and respec into your desired build. Even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable unless you're competing at the highest levels. So, if the Bandit's aesthetic appeals to you, go for it.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For those new to Elden Ring, the Vagabond is the recommended choice. Its straightforward melee combat allows beginners to learn the game's mechanics while finding their footing in the vast world of Elden Ring.

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