Elden Ring: Which Starting Class Should You Choose?

Elden Ring has a variety of classes to choose from when you first start the game. Here are all their pros and cons to help you make the right choice!

Choosing a starting class and keepsake in the Elden Ring can be difficult as some of the enemies you will face. Determining the type of build you want to use can be a real challenge, especially if you are new to the Souls genre.

Fortunately, the 10 Elden Ring classes bring something unique to the game. Whether it’s a unique weapon or a starting spell, finding the right class for your playstyle has never been easier. In this guide, you’ll learn why classes are important, analyze what each class offers, and briefly touch on the souvenirs you need to use when you start your journey in Lands Between.

Elden ring Classes: Which Starting Class Should You Choose?

elden ring classes
elden ring starting classes

The Elden Ring class determines the character’s basic stats and starting equipment. Classes may be identified by the traditional roles found in other RPGs, but the FromSoft title has no item restrictions or special skill trees. A low-intelligence hero can become a wizard with sufficient investment. Alternatively, increasing the strength score allows the confessor to wield a super two-handed sword. The class never limits you.

Why should I choose a particular class if there are no class restrictions? They affect two things:

  • How do you play at the beginning of the game?
  • How to minimize-maximum during the endgame?

The former is the most important reason, but if you are interested in PvP games, the latter is important. The starting status and class gear affect the gear used at the start. For example, the high intelligence of an astrologer means that he can use most of the magic of early games without leveling up. You can turn an astrologer into a two-handed warrior if you want, but you’ll have to play for hours before you get the hang of both.

Also note that some classes can achieve a statistical distribution at a lower character level than others. This is also known as “minimum-maximum”. It doesn’t affect PvE much, but the character’s level does affect PvP behavior. Basically, you are attacked (and attacked) by a player with the same level and equipment as you.

Elden Ring: Vagabond Class

elden ring classes

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level9
Vigor15
Mind10
Endurance11
Strength14
Dexterity13
Intelligence9
Faith9
Arcane7
Vagabond Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsLongsword, Halberd
ArmorVagabond Set, Heater Shield
ItemsNone
Vagabond Starting Stats And Equipment

NOTE: Vagabond start with a lot of heavy equipment. It is highly recommended to remove the helmet to reduce the load on the equipment.

Vagabond is the perfect class for soul beginners and veterans who want a quality build. Rogue has the highest energy score of all 10 classes available and has a high score for strength and agility. This allows Vagabonds to become familiar with almost every weapon encountered early in the game. This includes the initial Longsword and Halberd. If you find a weapon that requires higher stats, increasing your strength and agility shouldn’t be a big deal.

When it comes to endgames, Rogue has ideal stats for quality builds, that is, builds that are equally suitable for strength and agility. Raise both stats to 40 and find a weapon that pairs well with both stats. Then you should be ready for your first playthrough. If you want to make a magic sword, rogues aren’t a bad option, but classes like Prophets and Prisoners make it a little better.

Elden Ring: Warrior Class

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level8
Vigor11
Mind12
Endurance11
Strength10
Dexterity16
Intelligence10
Faith8
Arcane9
Warrior Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsScimitar (x2)
ArmorBlue Cloth/Warrior Armor, Riveted Wooden Shield
ItemsNone
Warrior Starting Stats And Equipment

Swift Sword Strikes and Dodging are what warriors are good at. This is Elden Ring’s primary Dexterity class and has the highest Dexterity statistics available. More importantly, the warrior starts the game with two scimitars. These scimitars can swing at the same time or use a power stance. They do a lot of damage, hit fast, and are pretty easy to use. Also, for soul veterans who need additional protection, the Warrior’s studded wooden shield is perfect for carrying humanoid targets.

The Warriors are ideal for hybrid builds of agility and agility / intelligence. Warriors can reach 40 or 60 agility a little faster than other classes, as they have the highest initial agility. This class also has enough basic intelligence and sanity to cast weak spells. If you want to go through the Elden Ring with a fast-acting weapon, the Warrior is the best choice.

Elden Ring: Hero Class

elden ring classes

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level7
Vigor14
Mind9
Endurance12
Strength16
Dexterity9
Intelligence7
Faith8
Arcane11
Hero Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsBattle Axe
ArmorChampion Set, Large Leather Shield
ItemsNone
Hero Starting Stats And Equipment

Hero is the signature class of the Elden Ring. The Strength 16 at the start is sufficient to use most of Elden Ring’s heavy weapons early in the game and is ideal for players who want to smash their enemies with a powerful two-handed sword or club. To make up for this, heroes have fairly mediocre caster stats. They may not be very smart, but 11 of their arcane stats should drop them a bit more often.

Players who want to create a power build should select this class. Two-handed swords, clubs and other heavy weapons are suitable for this class. Keep in mind that agility and surgeon statistics are fairly low. So don’t worry about creating high quality or hybrid builds with this class. Heroes are all muscles, not brains.

Elden Ring: Bandit Class

elden ring classes

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level5
Vigor10
Mind11
Endurance10
Strength9
Dexterity13
Intelligence9
Faith8
Arcane14
Bandit Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsGreat Knife, Shortbow
ArmorBandit Set, Buckler
ItemsArrow (x30)
Bandit Starting Stats And Equipment

Bandit is a high-risk, high-reward class that relies heavily on critical hits. In Elden Ring, a critical hit is a backstub, parrying a counterattack, or attacking an enemy’s weaknesses. You start with a knife that has a pitiful range and less damage per hit. However, he attacks quickly and does a lot of damage with his back and counterattack. To support these counterattacks, there is Buckler, one of the best parry tools in the game. And for enemies you can’t parry, some arrows from your short bow should soften them.

Dexterity builds work best with Bandit, but beginners are not encouraged to choose this class. Carrying a target is a very dangerous play style and does not work with all types of enemies. Veteran soul players who want to mix it can enjoy this class. It is surprisingly well paired with the Elden Ring stealth mechanism.

Elden Ring: Astrologer Class

elden ring classes

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level6
Vigor9
Mind15
Endurance9
Strength8
Dexterity12
Intelligence16
Faith7
Arcane9
Astrologer Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsAstrologer’s Staff, Short Sword
ArmorAstrologer Set, Scripture Wooden Shield
ItemsGlintstone Pebble, Glintstone Arc
Astrologer Starting Stats And Equipment

Astrologer is a wizard at the beginning of the game. They have the highest basic intelligence of all classes and start with two spells. Glintstone Pebble fires small projectiles with a short cast time. This is great for defeating foraging enemies. When attacked, you can use the Glint Stone Arc to shoot sharp magical waves at your enemies. Of course, we don’t always have additional FPs, so this class also starts with a short sword and a wooden shield.

You will want to start an intellectual rally as an astrologer. Their high starting intelligence and sanity are ideal for classic wizards. Find a vendor that sells enchantments as soon as possible, upgrade your staff, and you’re done. If you want to play with a magic sword, you can also choose Dex / Int build.

Elden Ring: Prophet Class

elden ring classes

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level7
Vigor10
Mind14
Endurance8
Strength11
Dexterity10
Intelligence7
Faith16
Arcane20
Prophet Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsShort Spear, Finger Seal
ArmorProphet Set, Rickety Shield
ItemsHeal, Catch Flame
Prophet Starting Stats And Equipment

The Prophet is a collection of Pyromancer and Cleric in one class. Unlike the Dark Souls series, fire fortune-telling and miracles are integrated into one magical field. This allows the Prophet to start with offensive and defensive spells. Healing can be used to convert FP to HP. Catch Flame also acts as a short-range fire blast that causes significant damage early in the game. Also, get a short spear and a wobbling shield in case you need to play defensively.

Most faith building will want to begin as a prophet. Also, newcomers interested in swordsmanship are encouraged to start as prophets. Combining pyromancy and miracles in one area, Fate has become a powerful utility statistic. You can heal yourself, summon spirits, deal fire and lightning damage, and empower yourself with many spells. With a little investment in strength, you can turn this class into a paladin.

Elden Ring: Samurai Class

elden ring classes

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level9
Vigor12
Mind11
Endurance13
Strength12
Dexterity15
Intelligence9
Faith8
Arcane8
Samurai Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsUchigatana, Longbow
ArmorLand of the Reeds Set, Red Thorn Roundshield
ItemsArrow (x20), Fire Arrow (x10)
Samurai Starting Stats And Equipment

Samurai is the best combat class. They are similar to rogues in terms of statistics, but with a strong bias towards strength and dexterity. Samurai are distinguished by their starting device. This class starts with Uchigatan and Longbow, which are probably one of the best starter sets in the game. The sword can do a lot of damage, bleed the target, and has excellent weapon skills. In ranged combat, longbows do decent damage from long distances.

Quality builds work best in this class, but special strength and agility builds also work. If you’re stuck between this class and Rogue, be aware of the gear they use first. There are long-range options like a samurai, but Rogue has better starting armor.

Elden Ring: Prisoner Class

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level9
Vigor11
Mind12
Endurance11
Strength11
Dexterity14
Intelligence14
Faith6
Arcane9
Prisoner Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsEstoc, Glintstone Staff
ArmorPrisoner Set, Rift Shield
ItemsMagic Glintblade
Prisoner Starting Stats And Equipment

Prisoners are traditional magical swords that allow you to use agile weapons and magic with comparable skills. Prisoners start the game with Estoc, shields that can stop incoming attacks, and staff. I also know Magic Glintblade, a spell that releases the magical homing sword after a long delay. Almost all combat encounters can be resolved with your starting gear, and your stats make it much easier to use the best spells and weapons early in the game.

Dex / Int hybrid builds work best with Prisoner. Almost all classic spell sword builds work with Prisoner, as well as special Dexterity or Intelligence builds. If you are interested in magic and dive into Elden Ring, consider playing Prisoner.

Elden Ring: Confessor Class

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level10
Vigor10
Mind13
Endurance10
Strength12
Dexterity12
Intelligence9
Faith14
Arcane9
Confessor Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsBroadsword, Finger Seal
ArmorConfessor Set, Blue Crest Heater Shield
ItemsUrgent Heal, Assassin’s Approach
Confessor Starting Stats And Equipment

A confessor is a practitioner of faith who can act as a magical sword. The confessor starts with a great broad sword, a decent shield, and two spells. Emergency healing is a solid skill for converting FP to HP, and the Order of Assassins’ approach helps to betray humanoid targets in camps scattered across Betweenlands.

Dexterity / Faith and Strength / Faith builds work best with Confessor, but pure Faith builds work as well. If you are new to Confessor, Confessor is a good choice to try out a wide range of weapons and spells that Elden Ring must offer.

Elden Ring: Wretch Class

Starting Stats And Equipment

Level1
Vigor10
Mind10
Endurance10
Strength10
Dexterity10
Intelligence10
Faith10
Arcane10
Wretch Starting Stats
Starting Equipment
WeaponsClub
ArmorNone
ItemsNone
Wretch Starting Stats And Equipment

Wretch is a blank slate with few starting mechanisms. Use 10 in all stats and start the game with a wooden cudgel as a melee weapon. If you need armor, you need to find it. Sounds terrible at first glance, but the even distribution of Scoundrel’s stats makes him a great class for Souls veterans. Once you know where the weapons and armor of the early good games are, the shortcomings of playing as a rogue will soon disappear.

Wretch works with any build of Elden Ring, but I’m not good at anything. I wouldn’t recommend this class to anyone new to Souls as it has little or no gear, but anyone familiar with previous From Soft games can turn Rogue into anything.

Choosing best Starting Keepsake

KeepsakeEffect
Crimson Amber MedallionIncreases your max HP by 5%.
Lands Between RuneA consumable item that grants 3,000 Runes.
Golden SeedIncreases your Sacred Flask charges by one.
Fanged Imp AshesSummons two imp minions to fight alongside you.
Cracked PotA container needed to craft certain items.
Stonesword KeyUsed to break imp statues, unlocking new areas. Breaks when used.
Bewitching BranchA consumable item that charms enemies. Consumes FP, and has five uses.
Boiled PrawnA consumable item that grants physical mitigation for a short duration. Has five uses.
Shabriri’s WoeWhile equipped, you draw attention from your enemies more easily.
Vagabond Starting Stats

When you create a character, you can choose the character’s start monument. Souvenirs, whether amulets or consumables, are items that give your character a little boost. There are nine souvenirs to choose from when creating your character.

The Best Starting Keepsake

If you want to know our opinion about the most powerful souvenirs, take the Golden Seed. You can use this item in the Place of Grace (Elden Ring version of the Bonfire) to increase the number of times you use the Holy Flask. This allows the FP to be repaired or restored more often. If you’re a soul veteran, you’ll actually start the game on the Estus Shard.


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