Elden Ring Classes: Optimization for Rankings

Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide from Worst to Best

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a class selection, and there are ten distinct options to choose from. These classes differ subtly in stats and starting equipment. This guide ranks them from least to most desirable.

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?

10. Bandit

The bottom three classes are largely interchangeable, but the Bandit stands out negatively. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) coupled with subpar equipment make it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited advantages. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the 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 weaponry make it a poor selection. Players seeking Dexterity or Intelligence will find superior alternatives.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, better Dexterity-focused classes exist. While possessing 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 preceding three.

6. Prophet

Faith-based starting classes present challenges. If forced to choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. However, with knowledge of good Faith weapons, the Prophet can prove viable.

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5. Hero

The top four classes are demonstrably superior. The Hero boasts advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a helpful Ash of War, making early-game encounters easier. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the best readily available Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and the Uchigatana (a top-tier weapon with great scaling, impressive damage, and bleed potential) make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is also well-suited to the build, and it allows for easy transitions to Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. However, the lack of armor and low level pose challenges for new players. It's less ideal for players committed to a single stat, but for those wanting build flexibility or respec options, it's the game's best choice.

1. Vagabond

For both novices and veterans, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution is ideal for early-game builds, its weapon is excellent, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its stat spread makes respeccing or switching builds straightforward.

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's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early difficulties, ultimately, you'll invest in desired stats, achieving your preferred build regardless of your initial choice. The difference from a fully optimized build might only be a few stat points.

Even min-maxing, especially in PvP, has limited impact. A perfectly optimized build offers a slight edge, but this difference is negligible except against the most skilled PvP players.

Therefore, if the Bandit appeals aesthetically, choose it.

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.