Your starting class in Elden Ring only sets your first stats and gear: every class can become any build. Still, the right class saves levels and gives you a stronger start. Below are all twelve classes, including the two new Tarnished Pack classes, with their starting stats, plus a tool that tells you which class reaches your build at the lowest level.
Which class is best for your build?
Ranked by the final level each class needs to reach the build’s stat spread. A lower level means fewer wasted points.
Best class for beginners
Vagabond or Samurai. The Vagabond starts with 15 Vigor, a shield and heavy armour, so mistakes hurt less. The Samurai starts with the Uchigatana, a longbow and good all-round stats, and it leads straight into the katana and bleed builds.
Every starting class
Heavy Knight (level 10) · Tarnished Pack
A steel-clad knight with the highest starting Endurance (17) and the Hefty Scimitar. Best for: Strength and heavy armor. Full guide.
Idus Knight (level 7) · Tarnished Pack
A light Dexterity knight with the Idus Sword and Silver Grooved Shield. Best for: Dexterity and Faith hybrids. Full guide.
Vagabond (level 9)
Armoured melee knight with the best starting Vigor and heavy armour. Starting gear: Longsword, Halberd, Heater Shield. Best for: Strength, quality.
Warrior (level 8)
Dexterity fighter with the highest starting Dexterity, built for dual-wielding. Starting gear: Two Scimitars, Riveted Wooden Shield. Best for: Dexterity.
Hero (level 7)
Highest starting Strength with good Vigor. Starting gear: Battle Axe, Large Leather Shield. Best for: Strength.
Bandit (level 5)
Highest starting Arcane and a Buckler for parries. Starting gear: Great Knife, Shortbow, Buckler. Best for: Arcane, bleed.
Astrologer (level 6)
Glintstone sorcerer with the highest starting Intelligence and Mind. Starting gear: Short Sword, Astrologer’s Staff, Scripture Wooden Shield. Best for: Intelligence.
Prophet (level 7)
Faith caster with Heal and Catch Flame from the start. Starting gear: Short Spear, Finger Seal, Rickety Shield. Best for: Faith.
Samurai (level 9)
Starts with the Uchigatana, one of the best early weapons in the game. Starting gear: Uchigatana, Longbow, Red Thorn Roundshield. Best for: Dexterity, bleed.
Prisoner (level 9)
Dexterity and Intelligence spellblade. Starting gear: Estoc, Glintstone Staff, Rift Shield. Best for: Int/Dex hybrid.
Confessor (level 10)
Faith hybrid with Urgent Heal and Assassin’s Approach. Starting gear: Broadsword, Finger Seal, Blue Crest Heater Shield. Best for: Faith hybrid.
Wretch (level 1)
Level 1 with 10 in every stat: no wasted points, but no gear. Starting gear: Club. Best for: Any (min-max).
FAQ
Does the starting class matter?
Only a little. By level 150 the difference between classes is a few levels. It matters most in the first hours, when starting gear and stats decide how easy the early game is.
Is the Wretch the best class?
For min-maxing, sometimes: it starts at level 1 with 10 in everything, so it never wastes points. In practice it only wins for builds that need 10 or more in every stat; use the tool above to check your build.
Next: pick a build from the build tier list and plan your levels with the rune calculator.