Top Elden Ring Starting Classes Ranked from Least to Most Effective

Every Elden Ring journey starts with choosing a class from 10 unique options, each with distinct stats and gear. Here’s a ranking of all classes from least to most effective based on their starting advantages.

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Top Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

The Vagabond and Wretch lead as the top starting classes, though others have strong cases for high ranks. Each class offers unique strengths, and they’re ranked below based on their early-game potential.

10. Bandit

Among the bottom tier, the Bandit stands out as the weakest. Starting at level 5 with a focus on Dexterity, a less impactful stat, and underwhelming equipment, this class offers little value for most players.

9. Confessor

The Confessor struggles to compete with other classes. Its Faith focus is challenging early on without the right gear, and its starting equipment doesn’t support Faith builds effectively for early damage output.

8. Prisoner

The Prisoner falls short as a Dexterity and Intelligence hybrid. Its frail starting stats and lackluster weapons make it a suboptimal choice compared to other classes with stronger Dexterity or Intelligence options.

7. Warrior

The Warrior offers a solid Dexterity build with dual swords and the highest starting Dexterity, but its gear doesn’t stand out. It’s a decent choice, yet other Dexterity-focused classes provide better overall value.

6. Prophet

Faith-based classes are tough early on, but the Prophet is the best of them. Its starting spells are useful, though its gear lags behind others. With access to strong Faith weapons, it can shine in the right hands.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The Hero kicks off the stronger half of the rankings. With a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, it excels at crushing early enemies. Its Ash of War boosts damage, but low Dexterity can hinder meeting weapon requirements.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the top Dexterity-focused class in Elden Ring. Its excellent armor and Uchigatana, a high-damage weapon with strong scaling and bleed effects, make it a formidable choice from the start.

3. Astrologer

For mage builds, the Astrologer is unmatched. Starting at level 6 with 16 Intelligence, it excels at casting early spells. Its gear suits mages perfectly, and it supports transitions to Intelligence-Strength hybrids.

2. Wretch

The Wretch begins at level 1 with balanced 10-point stats and a solid club with a strong Ash of War. Its lack of armor and low level make it tough for beginners, but its flexibility for custom builds or respeccing is unmatched.

1. Vagabond

The Vagabond is the ultimate starting class for any Elden Ring player. Its balanced stats, strong weapon, and durable armor make it versatile for early builds and easy to pivot into other playstyles later.

For a reliable and strong start, the Vagabond is the go-to choice for success in Elden Ring.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you’re aiming for a highly optimized build, your starting class in Elden Ring has minimal long-term impact. A weaker choice like the Bandit may challenge you early, but stat allocation lets you shape your build over time. Even a “suboptimal” class will only leave you slightly off from your ideal build.

Here’s the truth: even in PvP, min-maxing matters little unless you’re facing elite players. A perfectly optimized build offers a slight edge, but it’s barely noticeable in most scenarios.

If the Bandit’s style appeals to you, choose it for its aesthetic and enjoy.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is the ideal choice. Its straightforward melee combat simplifies learning Elden Ring’s mechanics, helping you build confidence as you explore the game’s challenges.

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