Elden Ring Starting Classes Ranked: Worst to Best

Embarking on an adventure in *Elden Ring* starts with choosing from one of the 10 distinct starting classes, each offering unique stats and equipment. I'll rank them from worst to best, helping you make an informed choice for your journey through the Lands Between.

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 best starting classes in Elden Ring are the Vagabond and the Wretch, though a few others also deserve consideration for their unique strengths. Let's dive into the rankings:

10. Bandit

At the bottom of our list is the Bandit, starting at a low level of 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which is not particularly strong early on. Coupled with subpar equipment, this class is one to avoid unless you're drawn to its aesthetic appeal.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to stand out due to its reliance on Faith, a stat that's challenging to leverage without specific items. Its initial equipment doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it a less appealing choice.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a weaker version of Dexterity and Intelligence builds. Starting out squishy and with suboptimal weapons, it's overshadowed by other classes that cater to these stats more effectively.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-focused classes, the Warrior stands out slightly better thanks to its dual swords. However, other Dexterity options provide more value, despite the Warrior's high base Dexterity which barely edges towards the soft cap.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be tough to start with, but the Prophet offers the best of the bunch with decent spells. Yet, its equipment is lacking compared to other classes, making it a conditional choice based on your knowledge of where to find suitable Faith weapons.

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5. Hero

The Hero kicks off the top half of our rankings with its solid starting equipment, including a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, perfect for early-game combat. However, its low Dexterity can be a hurdle for meeting certain weapon requirements, and there's a better Strength-focused class to consider.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the go-to for Dexterity enthusiasts, boasting excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana. This weapon's great scaling and bleeding capabilities make it a top choice for those looking to master Dexterity.

3. Astrologer

For aspiring mages or those interested in Intelligence, the Astrologer is the premier choice. With the ability to spam early-game spells and starting at 16 Intelligence at level 6, it's perfect for mage builds and even transitions well into Intelligence and Strength hybrids.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with 10 points in each stat, the Wretch offers unparalleled flexibility. While its lack of armor and low level make it a challenging start, it's ideal for players looking to fully customize their build or those planning to respec later.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class for both new and seasoned players. Its well-rounded stat distribution, excellent weapon, and durable armor make it the most versatile and forgiving choice, enabling easy transitions into any build you desire.

When in doubt, the Vagabond is your safest bet for a successful start in Elden Ring.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Your starting class in Elden Ring has a minimal impact unless you're aiming for a highly optimized build. Even starting with a less favorable class like the Bandit won't hinder you significantly in the long run, as you can always adjust your stats and equipment to suit your preferred playstyle. Min-maxing, even in PvP, offers only a marginal advantage that's rarely noticeable unless you're competing at the highest level.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is the recommended choice. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp Elden Ring's mechanics, making it the perfect class to find your footing in the game.

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