Best Starting Class Guide

Picking a starting class is not as important a decision as it is in other RPGs as it doesn't lock you to a specific skillset that restricts you to certain abilities. In Elden Ring the character class that you pick does not define what your character can do. Every class can wield all weapons, items and abilities, provided you level up stats in that direction. There are a total of 10 starting classes to choose between in Elden Ring and this Best Starting Class Guide will help you decide the correct one to pick for your playstyle.

1) Samurai

The Samurai class is a great all-rounder. It has high Dexterity making it powerful during close and long-range combat. This class also has decent health and stamina.

Soul Level: 9

Vigor: 12

Mind: 11

Endurance: 13

Strength: 12

Dexterity: 15

Intelligence: 9

Faith: 8

Arcane: 8

Starting Equipment

- Uchigatana

- Longbow

- Arrow

- Fire Arrow

- Red Thorn Roundshield

Starting Armor

- Land of Reeds Helm

- Land of Reeds Armor

- Land of Reeds Gauntlets

- Land of Reeds Greaves

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

2) Hero

The Hero class starts with a massive 16 strength and a Battle Axe that allows you to cut down early enemies with ease. This class also starts with great Endurance and Vigor which helps to keep your health and stamina on the high end.

Soul Level: 7

Vigor: 14

Mind: 9

Endurance: 12

Strength: 16

Dexterity: 9

Intelligence: 7

Faith: 8

Arcane: 11

Starting Equipment

- Battle Axe

- Large Leather Shield

Starting Armor

- Champion Headband

- Champion Pauldron

- Champion Bracers

- Champion Gaiters

Starting Item

Memory of Grace

- Player Choice of Keepsake

3) Prophet

The Prophet class has early access to powerful Faith-based Incantations. The downside of this class is their low health.

Soul Level: 7

Vigor: 10

Mind: 14

Endurance: 8

Strength: 11

Dexterity: 10

Intelligence: 7

Faith: 16

Arcane: 10

Starting Equipment

- Heal

- Catch Flame

- Short Spear

- Finger Seal

- Rickety Shield

Starting Armor

- Prophet Blindfold

- Prophet Robe

- Prophet Trousers

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

4) Vagabond

The Vagabond class is unmatched when it comes to survivability due to its high Vigor for extra health. This class starts with great armor and two efficient weapon options that deal good damage in melee combat from the start.

Soul Level: 9

Vigor: 15

Mind: 10

Endurance: 11

Strength: 14

Dexterity: 13

Intelligence: 9

Faith: 9

Arcane: 7

Starting Equipment

- Longsword

- Halberd

- Heater Shield

Starting Armor

- Vagabond Knight Helm

- Vagabond Knight Armor

- Vagabond Knight Gauntlets

- Vagabond Knight Greaves

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

5) Confessor

The Confessor class gives you flexibility in your build, it has a decent stat spread which enables you to try out different playstyles before settling on one. This class starts with high Faith, which is needed to cast healing spells.

Soul Level: 10

Vigor: 10

Mind: 13

Endurance: 10

Strength: 12

Dexterity: 12

Intelligence: 9

Faith: 14

Arcane: 9

Starting Equipment

- Urgent Heal

- Assassin's Approach

- Broadsword

- Finger Seal

- Blue Crest Heater Shield

Starting Armor

- Confessor Hood

- Confessor Armor

- Confessor Gloves

- Confessor Boots

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

6) Astrologer

The Astrologer class starts with high intelligence which means you will be able to do more magic damage and be able to use high-level spells sooner. Although this class has plenty of raw power the downside is its low health and stamina.

Soul Level: 6

Vigor: 9

Mind: 15

Endurance: 9

Strength: 8

Dexterity: 12

Intelligence: 16

Faith: 7

Arcane: 9

Starting Equipment

- Glintstone Pebble

- Glintstone Arc

- Short Sword

- Astrologer's Staff

- Scripture Wooden Shield

Starting Armor

- Astrologer Hood

- Astrologer Robe

- Astrologer Gloves

- Astrologer Trousers

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

7) Warrior

The Warrior class starts with very high Dexterity but low Vigor and Endurance. This class is able to do massive damage with its dual swords, but managing stamina is difficult.

Soul Level: 8

Vigor: 11

Mind: 12

Endurance: 11

Strength: 10

Dexterity: 16

Intelligence: 10

Faith: 8

Arcane: 9

Starting Equipment

- 2x Scimitar

- Riveted Wooden Shield

Armor

- Blue Cloth Cowl

- Blue Cloth Vest

- Warrior Gauntlets

- Warrior Greaves

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

8) Prisoner

The Prisoner class is great for hybrid Dexterity/Intelligence builds. Its downside is its low Vigor and Faith which makes staying alive tough in the early game.

Soul Level: 6

Vigor: 11

Mind: 12

Endurance: 11

Strength: 8

Dexterity: 14

Intelligence: 14

Faith: 6

Arcane: 9

Starting Equipment

- Magic Glintblade

- Estoc

- Glintstone Staff

- Rift Shield

Armor

- Prisoner Iron Mask

- Prisoner Clothing

- Prisoner Trousers

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player Keepsake choice

9) Bandit

The Bandit class is a low-health stealth class that specializes in bow damage and parry attacks.

Soul Level: 5

Vigor: 10

Mind: 11

Endurance: 10

Strength: 9

Dexterity: 13

Intelligence: 9

Faith: 8

Arcane: 14

Starting Equipment

- Great Knife

- Shortbow

- Bone Arrow (Fletched)

- Buckler

Armor

- Bandit Mask

- Bandit Garb

- Bandit Manchettes

- Bandit Boots

Starting Items

- Memory of Grace

- Player choice of Keepsake

10) Wretch

The Wretch class starts off under equipped, it does however give experienced players the most flexibility in their later builds.

Soul Level: 1

Vigor: 10

Mind: 10

Endurance: 10

Strength: 10

Dexterity: 10

Intelligence: 10

Faith: 10

Arcane: 10

Starting Equipment

- Club

Armor

None

Take a look at our Best Starting Keepsakes to find out which one we consider to be the best choice in Elden Ring.