Elden Ring Starting Classes Ranked: Worst to Best

Embarking on your journey through the mystical and challenging world of *Elden Ring* begins with selecting one of the 10 starting classes, each offering unique stats and equipment to kickstart your adventure. Here's a detailed ranking from the least to the most advantageous starting classes, designed to help you make an informed choice and enhance your gameplay experience.

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 two top-tier starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch, although a strong case can be made for others to rank highly. Below, you'll find a comprehensive ranking of all classes based on their initial stats and equipment, helping you determine which class aligns best with your playstyle.

10. Bandit

The Bandit ranks as the least favorable class, starting at a low level 5 with a focus on Dexterity—a stat that isn't particularly powerful early on. Coupled with underwhelming equipment, the Bandit struggles to make an impact from the outset, making it a challenging choice for players seeking an efficient start.

9. Confessor

The Confessor, reliant on Faith, faces difficulties in the early game due to the scarcity of essential items to boost this stat. Moreover, the starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, limiting its potential and placing it near the bottom of the list.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner offers a weaker version of Dexterity and Intelligence builds. With a fragile start and less desirable weapons, players interested in these stats can find more effective options, making the Prisoner a suboptimal choice.

7. Warrior

For those leaning towards Dexterity, the Warrior isn't a bad choice, starting with dual swords and the highest base Dexterity. However, better Dexterity options exist, and the Warrior's gear doesn't justify its selection, though it outperforms the previous three classes.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be tough to navigate initially, but the Prophet offers a decent starting point with its spells. However, the equipment lags behind other classes. If you're aware of where to find suitable Faith weapons, the Prophet can still be a viable option.

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5. Hero

Entering the top half of the rankings, the Hero stands out with a strong start, equipped with a Battle Axe and boasting 16 Strength. This setup is excellent for tackling early-game enemies, though the low Dexterity can pose challenges when meeting weapon requirements. Still, it's a solid choice for Strength-focused players.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the go-to class for Dexterity enthusiasts in Elden Ring. With exceptional armor and the formidable Uchigatana, which boasts excellent scaling and bleeding capabilities, the Samurai offers a powerful and stylish start to your journey.

3. Astrologer

For players interested in mage builds or utilizing Intelligence, the Astrologer is unparalleled. Starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6, it's perfectly suited for spell-casting and offers great flexibility for transitioning into Intelligence and Strength builds later on.

2. Wretch

The Wretch, starting at level one with balanced stats across the board, provides a challenging yet highly customizable start. Equipped with a decent club featuring a strong Ash of War, it's an ideal choice for players looking to tailor their build extensively or plan to respec later.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond emerges as the top choice for both new and seasoned players. With well-rounded stats, excellent starting equipment, and the ability to easily pivot into various builds, the Vagabond offers a smooth and versatile gameplay experience right from the start.

When in doubt, opting for the Vagabond ensures a solid foundation for success in Elden Ring.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, your starting class plays a relatively minor role unless you're intent on min-maxing your build. While starting as the Bandit might make early gameplay tougher, you can ultimately allocate points to suit your preferred stats and transition into your desired build. Even in PvP, a min-maxed build offers only a marginal advantage, which is barely noticeable outside of high-level play. So, if a class like the Bandit appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers to Elden Ring, the Vagabond is the recommended starting class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp the game's mechanics and build your confidence as you explore the vast world of Elden Ring.

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