Every journey in Elden Ring kicks off with a choice of starting class, and there are 10 diverse options to consider. Each class comes with unique stats and equipment, influencing your early gameplay experience. Here’s my ranking of these classes from least to most favorable.

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

10. Bandit

The Bandit is at the bottom of the list, starting at a mere level 5 with a focus on Dexterity, which isn't particularly strong early on. Coupled with subpar equipment, the Bandit struggles to make an impact from the get-go.

9. Confessor

The Confessor falls short due to its reliance on Faith, which is challenging to leverage effectively without specific items. The starting gear 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 other Dexterity and Intelligence-focused classes. With low durability and suboptimal weapon choices, players looking to specialize in these stats can find better starting points elsewhere.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords and the highest base Dexterity. However, other classes offer more compelling gear and stat boosts, making the Warrior a middle-of-the-road choice.

6. Prophet

Starting with Faith can be tricky, but the Prophet offers a decent set of spells and equipment. If you know where to find good Faith weapons, the Prophet can be a viable option, though it still lags behind in overall utility.

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5. Hero

The Hero class shines with a strong start, equipped with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength. This setup is perfect for smashing through early-game enemies. However, its low Dexterity can pose challenges when meeting weapon requirements, and there's a better Strength-focused class available.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the top pick for Dexterity-based players, boasting excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana. This weapon scales well, deals impressive damage, and can inflict bleeding, making the Samurai a powerful choice.

3. Astrologer

For those drawn to mage builds or Intelligence-focused playstyles, the Astrologer is the go-to class. With the ability to spam early-game spells and starting at 16 Intelligence, this class is ideal for magic users. Its equipment also complements the build perfectly, making it a strong contender for the top spots.

2. Wretch

Starting at level one with 10 points in every stat, the Wretch offers unparalleled flexibility. While its initial lack of armor and low level can be daunting for new players, it's an excellent choice for those looking to tailor their build or respec later on.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class in Elden Ring, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. With a balanced stat distribution, a great weapon, and solid armor, the Vagabond provides a strong foundation for any build, making it easy to pivot or respec as needed.

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

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, your starting class doesn't significantly impact your overall journey unless you're aiming to min-max your build. Even if you start with a less optimal class like the Bandit, you'll eventually be able to allocate points to your preferred stats and achieve the build you desire. In fact, min-maxing isn't crucial, even in PvP, as the difference is minimal unless you're competing at the highest levels.

So, if a particular class appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it without worrying too much about long-term implications.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For complete beginners, I highly recommend the Vagabond class. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp Elden Ring's mechanics, making it an ideal choice for those new to the game.

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