All Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked from Worst to Best

Elden Ring's Ten Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide

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 effective.

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

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

Vagabond class in Elden Ring.

Screenshot by The Escapist.

While the Vagabond and Wretch stand out as top contenders, 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 reliance on Dexterity—a relatively weak stat—coupled with subpar equipment, makes it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors lack the overall utility of other classes. 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 fragility and less-than-ideal starting weapons make it a poor selection compared to alternatives.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices 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. Nevertheless, it surpasses the preceding three as a starting build.

6. Prophet

Faith-based starting classes present challenges. If forced to choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment pales in comparison to others. However, with strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can be viable.

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5. Hero

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

4. Samurai

This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Excellent armor and the Uchigatana—a top-tier weapon with impressive scaling, damage, and bleed potential—make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer

Players focused on mage builds or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. Its early-game spellcasting capabilities are unmatched, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is also well-suited for this playstyle, and it easily transitions into Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with balanced stats (10 in each). Its club and Ash of War are decent, but its lack of armor and low level present a steep learning curve for new players. It's less effective for single-stat builds, but shines for players aiming for highly customized builds or respeccing.

1. Vagabond

Regardless of experience level, the Vagabond is the optimal starting class. Its stat distribution excels in early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor remains useful throughout the game. Its versatility allows for easy respeccing or adaptation to various builds.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless min-maxing is a priority, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might create initial difficulty, the long-term effect is negligible. Stat investment will eventually lead to the desired build, regardless of the starting class. Even a suboptimal choice will only slightly deviate from a fully optimized build. Furthermore, even in PvP, min-maxing offers only a marginal advantage, imperceptible except to the most skilled players. Choose a class that aesthetically appeals to you.