Elden Ring Classes Tier List: From Beginner to God Tier

Elden Ring's 10 Starting Classes: A Ranked Guide from Worst to Best

Every journey in Elden Ring begins with a starting class, and there are ten distinct options. These classes differ subtly in stats and equipment. This guide ranks them from worst to best.

Table of Contents

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

The Vagabond and Wretch are generally considered the top two, though other classes have compelling arguments for higher placement. 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 stat, Dexterity (inherently weak), coupled with subpar equipment, makes it a poor choice.

9. Confessor

Confessors offer little compared to other classes. Faith is a challenging stat to develop early on, and the starting equipment doesn't synergize well with early-game Faith builds or damage output.

8. Prisoner

Similar to the Bandit, the Prisoner is an inferior version of other Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its fragility and less-than-ideal weaponry make it a less attractive option. Players seeking Dexterity or Intelligence will find superior alternatives.

7. Warrior

Among Dexterity options, the Warrior isn't terrible, starting with two swords. However, better Dexterity choices exist. While it boasts the highest base Dexterity, only exceeding others by a single point, its gear doesn't justify its selection. Still, it surpasses the previous three as a starting build.

6. Prophet

Faith-based starting classes are generally challenging. If you must choose one, the Prophet is the best option. Its spells are decent, but the equipment lags behind others. With access to strong Faith weapons, however, the Prophet can be viable.

Related: Best Keepsake to Choose in Elden Ring

5. Hero

The top four classes are clearly superior. The Hero possesses strengths, starting with a Battle Axe and 16 Strength, ideal for early-game enemy encounters. The Ash of War further enhances damage. However, low Dexterity hinders meeting minimum stat requirements, and a better Strength-focused class exists.

4. Samurai

This is Elden Ring's best essential Dexterity starting class. Its armor is excellent, and its starting weapon, the Uchigatana, boasts impressive scaling, damage, and bleed potential.

3. Astrologer

Players focusing on mage builds or Intelligence should begin with the Astrologer. No other class can spam early-game spells as effectively, starting with 16 Intelligence at level 6. The equipment is perfectly suited for this playstyle, and it allows for easy transitions to Intelligence/Strength builds.

2. Wretch

The Wretch starts at level one with 10 points in each stat and a decent club with a strong Ash of War. Its low level and lack of armor create a challenging start for new players. It's less ideal for players committed to a single stat, but it's the best option for those wanting to customize their build or respec later.

1. Vagabond

For both new and experienced players, the Vagabond is the best starting class. Its stat distribution is excellent for early-game builds, its weapon is fantastic, and its armor is usable throughout the game. Its stat spread also facilitates easy respeccing or shifting to other builds.

Choosing the Vagabond ensures a strong start.

Does Your Starting Class Matter in Elden Ring?

Unless you're min-maxing, your starting class's impact is minimal. While the Bandit might present early challenges, you'll eventually invest in desired stats, achieving your desired build regardless of your starting point. The difference from a fully optimized build might only be a few points.

Even min-maxing, especially in PvP, has limited impact. A fully optimized build provides a slight advantage, but this difference is negligible except against top-tier PvP players. Choose a class you find aesthetically pleasing.

What Is the Easiest Class for Beginners?

For newcomers, the Vagabond is recommended. Its straightforward melee combat facilitates learning Elden Ring's mechanics.

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