Embarking on an adventure in *Elden Ring* begins with choosing one of the 10 unique starting classes, each offering distinct stats and equipment. In this guide, we'll rank these classes from the least to the most advantageous, helping you decide which path to take in 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 several others have strong cases for the top spots. Each class offers unique advantages, and here's how they rank:

10. Bandit

The Bandit stands out as the least favorable starting class. Starting at a low level of 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which is already a weaker stat, combined with subpar equipment, makes the Bandit a challenging choice for beginners.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to offer much compared to other classes. With a focus on Faith, which is difficult to leverage without specific items, and equipment that doesn't synergize well with early builds or Faith-based damage, the Confessor falls short.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is a less effective version of other Dexterity and Intelligence builds. Starting off quite vulnerable and with less desirable weapons, players seeking these stats can find better options elsewhere.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity-based classes, the Warrior isn't bad, especially with its dual swords. However, better Dexterity options exist. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, the gear doesn't justify the choice, though it's still an improvement over the previous three classes.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be challenging, but the Prophet is the best of the bunch. The spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind other classes. If you know where to find good Faith weapons, the Prophet can still be a viable choice.

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5. Hero

The Hero marks the beginning of the top half of our rankings. With a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it's well-suited for early-game combat. The Ash of War adds to its damage potential, though low Dexterity can make meeting minimum requirements tricky. There's a better Strength option available, however.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the top choice for a Dexterity-based class in Elden Ring. Its armor is excellent, and the starting weapon, the Uchigatana, offers great scaling, impressive damage, and the ability to bleed enemies effectively.

3. Astrologer

For those interested in a mage build or using Intelligence, the Astrologer is the go-to class. It excels at spamming early-game spells and starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is ideal for a mage, and it's versatile enough to transition into a build combining Intelligence and Strength.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with 10 points in each stat, the Wretch offers flexibility. It comes with a decent club and a great Ash of War, but its low level and lack of armor make it a challenging start for new players. It's ideal for those looking to tailor their build or respec later.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the best starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both new and experienced players. It offers excellent stat distribution for early-game builds, a fantastic weapon, and armor that can last throughout your journey. Its versatility makes it easy to respec or pivot into any build.

When in doubt, the Vagabond is the safest and most effective choice for success.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your long-term gameplay unless you're focused on min-maxing. Even starting with a less optimal class like the Bandit won't hinder you much in the long run, as you can allocate points to your preferred stats and eventually achieve the build you desire. Min-maxing isn't crucial, even in PvP, where a fully optimized build might only give a slight edge against top players.

So, if a class like the Bandit appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For complete newcomers to Elden Ring, the Vagabond is the recommended class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp the game's mechanics and find your footing.

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