As players embark on their journey through the mysterious and mystical world of Elden Ring, one of the first decisions they will have to make is choosing their starting class.
FromSoftware, the game's developer, is known for giving players a tremendous amount of freedom when it comes to crafting their characters. In Elden Ring, this freedom is taken to a whole new level, with a wide variety of classes to choose from, each with its own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Whether you're a novice player or a seasoned veteran of the Souls series, the choice of class can have a significant impact on your experience in Elden Ring. Each class offers a unique playstyle and offers a different level of challenge. Therefore, we have created this guide to assist you in selecting the class that aligns with your preferred playstyle in no particular order.
Astrologer
The Astrologer class is a perfect choice for players who want to focus on mastering magic. With its high starting stats in Mind and Intelligence, you'll be able to harness the full potential of some fantastic Sorcery spells.
A good thing to know is that the Astrologer class has lower stats in other areas, making it more vulnerable in close combat. To overcome this, players should consider buying Elden Ring runes to boost their stats, like Vigor and Endurance, to increase their HP and stamina.
Pros/Cons
The Astrologer class is one of the best starting classes in the game, and it's suited for players who want to focus on spellcasting with powerful and robust starting magic.
However, one of the downsides is that it has low health and stamina, making it more vulnerable in close combat. Additionally, the melee equipment provided at the start is weak, so players will have to rely mostly on spellcasting to survive.
Wretch
The Wretch class in Elden Ring is the ultimate test for experienced players looking for a challenge. Starting with minimal equipment and stats and wearing nothing but a loincloth, this class is not for the faint of heart.
Many experienced players would advise new players to avoid this class in their first playthrough. However, for those who are up for a challenge and a long grind in Elden Ring, this class is great for it.
Pros/Cons
One of the benefits of the Wretch class is its enormous customization potential, allowing players to tailor their character to their own preferences. On top of that, if you add these Elden Ring items to your inventory, you can truly become unstoppable. However, its difficulty level may be too punishing for new players, and it also lacks a clear path for leveling up, making it a more challenging class to navigate.This class is ideal for players who are looking for a unique and challenging experience, but it may not be the best option for beginners.
Warrior
The Warrior class is a perfect fit for players who want to take on a challenging and dynamic role, one that requires quick reflexes, agility, and precision in battle. It's a class that's not recommended for beginners, but it rewards those who master it with high performance in combat. When it comes to leveling up, a handy trick is to stay consistent with how you initially distributed your attribute points.
For this class, this means continually putting points into Dexterity to keep the balance in line with where it started.
Pros/Cons
The pros are simple, and it is a fun and challenging class. However, the Warrior class has less health than most melee classes, and it is definitely not a beginner-friendly class. Here you can find the best starting classes for beginners.
Prophet
The Prophet class shares similarities with the Astrologer class, as both are focused on mage builds and dealing Magic damage.
High Faith and Mind stats make this class a magical powerhouse, able to cast powerful incantations and wield weapons that deal Holy damage. The Prophet class may lack in Strength and Arcane, but don't let that trick you. This class is all about using the power of Faith. Starting equipment may be minimal, but the real magic lies in the seal and spells at your disposal.
Pros/Cons
The Prophet class in Elden Ring offers a versatile playstyle with the ability to play both offensively and defensively. This class has a variety of starting spells that allow players to adapt to different situations. However, one downside is that the Prophet class is not as durable as other classes, and the starting shield is not very effective.
Hero
The Hero class is an excellent option for players who are new to the game and want a straightforward character build with a strong emphasis on Endurance and Strength. The Hero class can withstand more damage than other classes, making them a durable and reliable choice for players.
Their high endurance allows them to take extra hits before reaching their limit, and their strength enables them to deliver powerful blows to their enemies. Let's dive into the pros and cons of this class.
Pros/Cons
The Hero class boasts high strength and health, making it a great choice for players who prefer a melee playstyle. Additionally, the Hero class comes equipped with good starting weapons that can be used effectively in battle.
However, you should know that the Hero class doesn't excel in ranged combat or magic, and its armor doesn't provide much protection from damage.
Prisoner
The Prisoner class may not have the most visually appealing armor, but it is one of the best classes in the game. The class boasts a well-balanced starting distribution of stats, with high levels of Dexterity and Intelligence. This allows for a versatile playstyle and adaptability in different situations.
Pros/Cons
The Prisoner class offers players a balanced set of starting stats, allowing them to adapt to various situations and playstyles.
However, the class's starting armor is relatively weak, and it doesn't excel in any particular aspect when compared to other classes. Despite this, it's a nice choice for players who want to experiment with different playstyles.
Bandit
Choosing the Bandit class in Elden Ring may present a bit more of a challenge than other starting classes, but don't let that discourage you. Starting at level 5 and with most stat points allocated to Arcane, it may require some extra effort to level up. But trust me, and the rewards are worth it! With the right build, the Bandit class can offer some of the most thrilling and satisfying gameplay experiences in Elden Ring.
Pros/Cons
The Bandit class has some notable strengths, such as being skilled at discovering items and being a well-rounded combatant, both in melee and ranged combat.
However, it also has some downsides, such as the need to invest heavily in spellcasting and not having any distinct combat abilities that separate it from other classes.
Vagabond
When it comes to choosing a class in Elden Ring, the Vagabond stands out as a clear favorite among players. Boasting incredibly high starter numbers, this class is sure to make an impression on anyone who takes a look at its stats.
But where the Vagabond truly shines is in its massive points of Vigor and immense strength level. So, if you're looking for a class that's both beefy and powerful, the Vagabond is the perfect choice for you.
Pros/Cons
The Vagabond class is a powerhouse when it comes to strength and health, making it an imposing force in battle. With intuitive starting gear, players will have no trouble diving right into the action. However, the class lacks the versatility of ranged weapons and the ability to use magic.
Samurai
The Samurai class is a versatile and reliable choice. The starting weapon is a trusty companion that will serve you well throughout the game, and the longbow provides a flexible ranged option.
While the shield may not be as effective, the Samurai class shines in its speed and agility, thanks to its high dexterity stats, allowing players to move quickly and gracefully through battle, evading enemy attacks with ease. This class is perfect for players who want to experience the thrill of fast-paced combat while also having an authentic weapon to rely on.
Pros/Cons
The Samurai class has great physical stats and starting equipment that can be useful throughout the game. However, it lacks spellcasting abilities, and the starting shield is not very effective.
Confessor
The Confessor class is an excellent choice for players who want to jump into the action quickly, with one of the highest starting levels in the game. This class boasts well-balanced stats across the board, except for Intelligence and Arcane.
This class truly shines in its proficiency in Faith and Strength, making it the perfect class for players who want a versatile and powerful character. A Confessor typically wields a light weapon in one hand and a Seal in the other.
Pros/Cons
The Confessor class is a great choice for players who value durability in combat. With the ability to block damage and heal, it is able to withstand a lot of punishment. It also has good starting gear and spells that give players an advantage early on. However, it has some downsides. One of them is that the class has a lower health pool than other classes.
