Ranking Elden Ring's Classes: A Journey from Worst to Best %v

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

Every Elden Ring journey begins with a class selection, offering 10 distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and starting 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?

Vagabond class in Elden Ring.

Screenshot by The Escapist.

The Vagabond and Wretch top the list, though other classes offer compelling alternatives. 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 primary focus on Dexterity (a relatively weak stat) combined with subpar equipment make it an undesirable choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer limited benefits compared to other classes. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and its starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-ideal weaponry make it a poor starting point. Better options exist for players focusing on these stats.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, superior Dexterity choices exist. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, offering proximity to the soft stat cap, the single-point advantage and gear don't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the preceding three.

6. Prophet

Faith-based starting classes are generally difficult to manage. However, the Prophet is the best of the bunch. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. With strategic acquisition of Faith weapons, the Prophet can prove viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes in this ranking are significantly stronger. The Hero offers advantages: a Battle Axe, 16 Strength, and a helpful Ash of War for early-game combat. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai

This is the optimal Dexterity starting class. Its armor is excellent, and the starting Uchigatana boasts impressive scaling, damage, and bleed potential.

3. Astrologer

Players favoring mage builds or Intelligence should choose the Astrologer. It excels at early-game spellcasting, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. Its equipment is ideal, and it allows for easy stat improvement and transitions to Strength/Intelligence builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch begins at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. Its lack of armor and low level presents a challenging start for newcomers. It's less effective for players committed to a single stat, but ideal for build customization or respeccing.

1. Vagabond

For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, and it offers a fantastic weapon and armor suitable for extended gameplay. Its stat spread facilitates easy respeccing and build adaptation.

Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless min-maxing is a priority, the starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present a tougher early game, players will eventually invest in their desired stats, regardless of their starting class. The difference from a fully optimized build is negligible. Even in PvP, the advantage of a perfectly optimized build is minor, unless competing against top-tier players.

Ultimately, aesthetic preference should influence class selection.