All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a starting class, and you've got 10 distinct options to choose from. These classes differ subtly in stats and initial equipment. This ranking lists them from least to most desirable.

Table of Contents

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

While the Vagabond and Wretch top the list, several others offer compelling reasons for consideration. Each class possesses unique strengths, detailed below.

10. Bandit

The bottom three classes are largely interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary stat, Dexterity (inherently weaker), combined with subpar equipment, make it a poor choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and their starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds or damage output.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its low survivability and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it less attractive than other options.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices exist. While boasting the highest base Dexterity, it only edges closer to the soft stat cap by a single point, and its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three as a starting build.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes present initial challenges. If you must choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment lags behind others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes are clearly superior. The Hero offers significant advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength for early-game power, and a helpful Ash of War. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the premier Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and the exceptional Uchigatana (high scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential) make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on magic or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is ideal, and it offers flexibility for Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with even stat distribution (10 points each) and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, its low level and lack of armor create a difficult start for newcomers. It's less effective for single-stat builds, but excels for highly customized builds or respeccing.

1. Vagabond

For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing or adaptation to other builds.

Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing your build, your starting class has minimal long-term impact. While the Bandit might present early difficulties, you'll eventually allocate points to your desired stats, achieving your intended build regardless of your starting class. The difference from a fully optimized build might only be a few points.

Even min-maxing, especially in PvP, offers only a slight advantage, barely noticeable except among top-tier PvP players. Choose a class you aesthetically enjoy.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates learning Elden Ring's mechanics.

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