Elden Class Divide: Ranking the Best and Worst

Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes Ranked: From Worst to Best

Every Elden Ring journey begins with a starting class, and choosing wisely can significantly impact your early game experience. There are ten options, each with unique stat distributions and equipment. This ranking assesses them from least to most effective.

Table of Contents

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

While the Vagabond and Wretch often top the lists, several other classes offer compelling advantages. Let's delve into the rankings:

10. Bandit: This class lags significantly. Its low starting level (5) and primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) combined with subpar equipment make it a poor choice.

9. Confessor: The Confessor suffers from insufficient early-game benefits. Faith, its primary stat, is challenging to develop early on, and its starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game builds or Faith-based damage.

8. Prisoner: Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior Dexterity/Intelligence build. Its fragility and less-than-ideal weaponry make it a less attractive option compared to other classes focusing on these stats.

7. Warrior: While not terrible as a Dexterity option (starting with two swords), the Warrior is outshone by other Dexterity builds. Its high base Dexterity approaches the soft stat cap, but the equipment doesn't justify its selection.

6. Prophet: Faith-based classes present challenges. However, the Prophet is the best among them. Its starting spells are decent, but its equipment is less impressive than others. With strategic Faith weapon acquisition, the Prophet can prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero: The top four classes are clearly superior, but the Hero possesses strengths. Its starting Battle Axe and high Strength (16) are effective against early-game enemies. Its Ash of War also boosts damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai: This is Elden Ring's best Dexterity starting class. Its excellent armor and the exceptional Uchigatana (a high-damage weapon with excellent scaling and bleed potential) make it a strong contender.

3. Astrologer: The Astrologer is the ideal choice for Intelligence-based builds or mage characters. Its ability to spam early-game spells, combined with its high starting Intelligence (16 at level 6) and suitable equipment, makes it a top pick. It also transitions well to Strength/Intelligence builds.

2. Wretch: Starting at level 1 with balanced stats (10 in each), the Wretch offers a unique challenge. Its decent club and Ash of War are advantageous, but its lack of armor and low starting level make it difficult for beginners. However, its adaptability makes it the best option for highly customized builds or respeccing.

1. Vagabond: The Vagabond is the best starting class, regardless of experience level. Its balanced stat distribution, excellent weapon, and durable armor make it a versatile and effective choice for early-game builds. Its stat distribution allows for easy respeccing or transitioning to other builds.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're meticulously optimizing your build, your starting class's long-term impact is minimal. While classes like the Bandit might present early challenges, you'll eventually invest in your desired stats, regardless of your initial choice. Even min-maxing, especially in PvP, offers only a slight advantage unless you're competing at the highest level. Choose a class that aesthetically appeals to you.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat allows for a smoother learning curve, helping players grasp Elden Ring's mechanics.

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