Every journey in *Elden Ring* starts with a choice of class, and with 10 different options available, each with unique stats and equipment, deciding which one to pick can be crucial. Here's a detailed ranking of all starting classes from worst to best, to help you make the best choice for your adventure.

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 Vagabond and the Wretch stand out as the top starting classes, but there are compelling reasons why others might also be strong contenders. Each class brings its own set of advantages, and here's how they rank:

10. Bandit

The Bandit is the lowest-ranked class, starting at a mere level 5 and focusing on Dexterity, which isn't the most robust stat early on. Coupled with substandard equipment, the Bandit is a challenging choice that might not be worth considering for many players.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to shine due to its reliance on Faith, a stat that's tough to leverage until you acquire the right items. The class's initial gear doesn't synergize well with early Faith builds, making it less appealing for new players.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner offers a weaker version of Dexterity and Intelligence builds. Starting with lower health and suboptimal weapons, players seeking these stats can find better alternatives.

7. Warrior

While the Warrior has the highest base Dexterity among its peers and starts with dual swords, it falls short when compared to other Dexterity-focused classes. The gear doesn't quite justify the choice, though it's still a step up from the bottom three.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes can be challenging to get started with, but the Prophet is the best among them. It offers decent spells, though its equipment could be better. If you know where to find good Faith weapons, the Prophet becomes a viable option.

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5. Hero

The Hero offers significant advantages with a starting Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for tackling early-game foes. However, its low Dexterity can make meeting certain weapon requirements difficult, and there's a better Strength-focused class available.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the top Dexterity class, featuring excellent armor and the formidable Uchigatana. This weapon scales well, delivers impressive damage, and can easily inflict bleeding on enemies, making it a strong choice for Dexterity builds.

3. Astrologer

For those interested in mage builds or leveraging Intelligence, the Astrologer is unbeatable. It starts with 16 Intelligence at level 6 and can spam spells effectively in the early game. The class's equipment is also well-suited for mage play, making it ideal for Intelligence-based builds or hybrids.

2. Wretch

The Wretch begins at level one with balanced stats across the board and a decent club. While the lack of armor and low level make it challenging for beginners, it's perfect for players who want to customize their entire build or plan on respeccing later.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class, suitable for both new and veteran players. It boasts an excellent stat distribution, a powerful weapon, and solid armor that can last throughout your journey. Its versatility allows for easy respeccing and transitioning into various builds.

When in doubt, the Vagabond is the safest and most effective choice to ensure a successful start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're aiming to min-max your build, your starting class in Elden Ring has minimal impact in the long run. Even if you start with a less optimal class like the Bandit, you'll eventually allocate your points as you see fit and can achieve any build you desire. Min-maxing, even in PvP, offers only a marginal advantage, noticeable only against the game's top players. So, if a class like the Bandit appeals to you aesthetically, feel free to choose it without worry.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For those new to Elden Ring, the Vagabond is the recommended choice. Its straightforward melee combat allows you to quickly grasp the game's mechanics, providing a solid foundation as you explore the world of Elden Ring.

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