Elden Ring classes: Which is the best starter class to pick?

Whether you want to prioritise using brute force with melee weapons or you would prefer to play around with magic, there’s a class for you.

Each comes with pros and cons. Some have higher stats in some areas, while others will be more effective with specific types of weapons.

You’ll need to consider everything before you commit, as simply choosing what sounds or looks the most stylish (Samurai, obviously) is not always best.

Keep reading for a breakdown of each character class to help you make the best decision for your adventure.

Elden Ring classes: What's the best starter class?

There are 10 Elden Ring classes to choose from, and they all have solid things working for them when it comes to getting you to pick them. The Elden Ring starter classes at this point are:

• Astrologer
• Bandit
• Confessor
• Hero
• Prisoner
• Prophet
• Samurai
• Vagabond
• Warrior
• Wretch

Note: the classes Champion, Bloody Wolf and Enchanted Knight were present in the Elden Ring closed network test demo, but they did not feature in the final game at launch. As such, we have removed them from this article.

Of course, now that we're able to play the game ourselves, each player will be putting together an Elden Ring tier list in their head. Part of the fun with new class-based games like this is trying them all, finding something you like and then ranking your favourites.

As for which Elden Ring class is the best starter choice, that's a matter of opinion as well. We'd wager that the close-combat focused Warrior would be a pretty safe place to start, especially if you're a returning Dark Souls fan that loves a bit of swordplay.

On the other hand, it's worth noting that magical abilities could come in very handy during those difficult boss battles, making mage-like classes such as the Prophet or Astrologer look very tempting. We've spent quite a few hours playing as an Astrologer and it's been going reasonably well, so that might be a good choice for you as well.

At the end of the day, you're best off just picking the class that best suits your intended playstyle. Check out your options with our handy list below.

Elden Ring Wretch class

Best starting stats: Dexterity, Intelligence, Arcane

If you really want to challenge yourself (and some returning Dark Souls fans surely would), the Wretch class seems to present the hardest staring class in Elden Ring.

Armed with just a wooden club and some old undies, the Wretch appears to have fairly standard stats, which means you can build them up however you like over time. Not the one we'd recommend for total newbies, unless you really want to push yourself!

Elden Ring Prophet class

Best starting stats: Faith, Vigor

Not the most aesthetically pleasing option (wearing a tatty robe and a plank of wood), the Prophet may not be particularly appealing when you're starting out, but don't discount this Elden Ring class completely.

Being a Prophet comes with a couple of major perks, including high Faith stats, the Heal incantation (handy for, well, healing) and Beast Claw incantation (which can attack multiple foes at once). It probably won't be the most popular pick at launch, but it could serve you well in the long run.

Elden Ring Vagabond class

Best starting stats: Strength, Vigor, Endurance

Introduced to the fold recently, the Vagabond class in Elden Ring looks like it comes with a massive sword and a tattered cloak. It's a cool look that could appeal to a lot of players.

Bandai Namco described this class as a "solid, armour-clad origin", which makes it sound like a fairly trustworthy starter class. But we don't know much about it yet, to be honest.

Elden Ring Hero class

Best starting stats: Endurance, Strength, Vigor

The official description from Bandai Namco describes this class as a "stalwart hero" who's "at home with a battleaxe", which does sound pretty cool.

Elden Ring Warrior class

Best starting stats: Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith

If you like your battles to get up close and personal, then you could do far worse than opting for the Warrior class.

This is great for taking on enemies at close range, and you will find that you have some pretty nifty acrobatic skills that you can use — this type of warrior is quite agile by all accounts.

You will begin with a Buckler and Medium Armour and, at default, you will be able to unleash a projectile-style sword storm attack on your foes.

Elden Ring Prisoner class

Best starting stats: Intelligence, Dexterity

Easily the weirdest looking of the bunch, the Elden Ring Prisoner class has a disconcerting get-up with a sinister-looking one-eyed mask that feels as though it stares directly into our souls.

But terrifying imagery aside, this is a great class if you want to use some cool magic skills, as the prisoner studied in Glintstone Sorcery. And not only that, but they spent a fair amount of time with the elite of the world before being locked behind bars. Could be a fun one! The choice of where to start, though, is fully up to you.

Elden Ring Samurai class

Best starting stats: Dexterity, Vigor, Endurance

"A capable fighter from the distant land of reeds. Handy with Katana and Longbows." It should come as no surprise to learn that Samurai is the class to choose if you want to have some of the sharpest combat skills out there.

You get high Dexterity as well as medium Strength, Endurance, Mind and Vigor with this class, along with a katana, bow, arrows - that can be set ablaze - and a shield. Sounds like a strong choice to us.

Elden Ring Confessor class

Best starting stats: Faith, Vigor, Endurance

The Confessor class from Elden Ring has been described by official sources as "a church spy adept at covert operations". This character type is said to be "equally adept with a sword as they are with their incantations".

This sounds like a strong fit if you want to mix a bit of stealth, a bit of melee combat and a bit of magic in your Elden Ring build. They're bit of an all-rounder, for sure.

Elden Ring Astrologer class

Best starting stats: Intelligence, Mind, Endurance

One of the smartest classes in the game, Astrologer is definitely one you want to go with if you want your character to attack the world with some brains behind them.

You will be armed with a staff, a sword and a small shield, and this class is also a good one for having high Dexterity. They are also "heir to the school of Glintstone Sorcery", which sounds pretty fancy. They'll have two attack spells you can use from the start.

Elden Ring Bandit class

Best starting stats: Vigor, Endurance

The Bandit class in Elden Ring comes with a mysterious black outfit that leaves half their face covered, which is a cool place to start in our books.

They're described as "a dangerous bandit who strikes for weak points", and one of their main skills is that they excel at "ranged combat with bows". If you're looking for a sneaky character that shoot arrows from the shadows, this is a great starter class for you!

Read more on Elden Ring:

• Elden Ring review - our final verdict
• Elden Ring multiplayer - how does it work?
• Elden Ring PC requirements - minimum & recommended specs
• Elden Ring release date - all the key details
• Elden Ring demo - network test recap
• Elden Ring bosses - top tips on facing them
• Elden Ring difficulty - how hard is it?
• Elden Ring length - how many hours do you need?
• Elden Ring trophies & achievements - the full list to unlock
• Elden Ring weapons - best early weapons
• Elden Ring keepsake - which starter gift to pick
• Elden Ring server status - error message explained
• Elden Ring map - everything you need to know
• Elden Ring runes - how to get rich quick
• Elden Ring smithing stones - where to find them
• Elden Ring staff - the best staffs in the game
• Elden Ring armour - where to find the best armour
• Elden Ring Ashes of War - how to get the best upgrades
• Elden Ring Ranni quest - how to find it and finish it

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