Elden Ring Classes Ranked Worst to Best

Every adventure in Elden Ring begins with choosing a starting class, and with 10 distinct options available, the choice can shape your experience. Each offers unique stat allocations and starting gear. Here, I’ll evaluate all of them, ranking each from the least to the most effective.

Table of contents

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked10. Bandit9. Confessor8. Prisoner7. Warrior6. Prophet5. Hero4. Samurai3. Astrologer2. Wretch1. VagabondDoes Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

Best Elden Ring Starting Classes, Ranked

The Vagabond and the Wretch stand out as the two top-tier starting classes, though compelling cases can be made for a few others to join the upper ranks. Every class has its merits, and our rankings are detailed below.

10. Bandit

While the bottom three classes could be swapped around, the Bandit feels especially lackluster. It begins at level 5 with Dexterity as its primary stat—a stat that isn't particularly strong early on. Combined with underwhelming equipment, the Bandit is a class that most players would be wise to skip.

9. Confessor

The Confessor provides too little value when stacked up against other choices. Faith builds are generally tough to get off the ground until you acquire the right gear. Even then, the Confessor’s starting equipment offers little synergy with early game playstyles or meaningful damage output.

8. Prisoner

Much like the Bandit, the Prisoner feels like a weaker version of other Dexterity and Intelligence builds. You’re fragile from the start and are limited in weapon selection. Anyone focused on Dex or Int is better served by other classes.

7. Warrior

For a Dexterity-focused character, the Warrior is a respectable choice—it even starts with dual swords. That said, there are superior Dexterity options available. The Warrior has the highest base Dexterity, bringing you near the stat soft cap, though only by a single point and without gear that truly sells the selection. It still ranks higher than the classes below it.

6. Prophet

Playing a Faith-based class from the outset can be demanding. If you’re set on this path, the Prophet is your most viable option. The starting incantations are useful, but its equipment lags behind other classes. If you know where to find strong Faith weapons, the Prophet remains a solid pick.

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5. Hero

Entering the second half of the list, the top four classes clearly outperform the rest. The Hero holds several strengths: starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength lets you crush foes early on. Its Ash of War further boosts your damage. Yet, its low Dexterity can make meeting weapon requirements a challenge, and there is a more efficient Strength-focused alternative.

4. Samurai

The Samurai is the definitive Dexterity starting class in Elden Ring. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, ranks among the game’s best. It scales well, deals high damage, and reliably inflicts bleed on opponents.

3. Astrologer

For players dedicated to a mage or Intelligence build, the Astrologer is the clear frontrunner. With 16 Intelligence at level 6, no other class can unleash early-game spells as frequently. It provides plenty of room for stat growth and comes with ideal gear. This is the class for a dedicated mage playthrough, and it also transitions smoothly into hybrid Strength/Intelligence builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in every stat, equipped with a solid club and a useful Ash of War. However, its low starting level and lack of armor make it difficult for newcomers. It’s not ideal if you plan to specialize in a single attribute, but it shines if you intend to fine-tune your build or respec later on, making it one of the most flexible choices available.

1. Vagabond

Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran, the Vagabond stands as the best starting class in Elden Ring. It features optimal stat distribution for early game viability, a powerful weapon, and armor that can last through much of the game. Its balanced stats also simplify respeccing into other builds.

If you're uncertain, just pick the Vagabond—you'll have a dependable class that sets you up for success.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

In reality, unless you are focused on perfecting a highly optimized build, your starting class doesn’t play a huge role in your overall journey. Sure, beginning as the Bandit might pose early challenges, but eventually you can invest points into any stats you desire, aligning with your preferred playstyle. In the grand scheme, choosing a "suboptimal" class may leave you just a few attribute points shy of a perfectly min-maxed character.

Here's an added insight: even in PvP, min-maxing doesn’t carry much weight. A fully optimized build might offer a slight advantage, but the difference is negligible unless you're competing at the highest levels.

So if the Bandit’s style resonates with you aesthetically, feel free to embrace it.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

With that in mind, if you're entirely new to the game, I'd recommend the Vagabond class. Melee combat is intuitive and accessible, giving you the space to learn the mechanics while establishing your footing.

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