As you are getting ready to pick up Elden Ring (understandable considering the consensus of early reviews), you would want to know more about the game's ten classes. Now you can take a closer look at the ten classes before we eventually dive into the Xs and Os that will help you conquer the game.
As in most RPGs, you will find a lot of the usual in Elden Ring:
- Physical damage-based classes, either melee or ranged ones, with some on the tankier and vulgar side, while others will be more dextrous and stealthy.
- Magic-based classes, consisting either of glass cannon or more balanced ones.
- Hybrids revel in combining both types of combat.
Of course, each class aims to accommodate a different playstyle and comes with its pros and cons. Feeling overwhelmed is possible, but it's not a reason to panic as Elden Ring is meant to be challenged.
Anyone who wants to dive into Elden Ring will be happy to know that there are no pre-set starting classes. You can build your character in any way you like by using points to distribute points into the stats that you choose. A starting class can provide gear and stat boosts if you are looking for a particular playstyle.
If you want to max your stats to create the best PvP build possible, you should choose the class most compatible with your goal.
A melee-focused class may result in a full-blown magical build with a few lost points once you reach your level cap. Although a few points won't make a big difference in viability, they can significantly impact a full game of showdowns.
We'll be looking at Elden Ring's different starting classes to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
This guide will only cover the basics of Elden Ring's ten classes, and you can expect more details on each class and optimal or recommended builds soon. However, to get a more precise high-level grasp of the game's fundamentals, you should study this guide in tandem with our introductory stats and leveling guide.
This will give you a clearer outlook on what you should aim for in Elden Ring as a starter and grow from there as you develop a better understanding of the game and each class's more intricate mechanics.
Astrologer
Newcomers looking to use melee and sorcery in battle will find the Astrologer a good choice. This magic-based class has staff to cast sorceries and a short sword to light melee. This class boasts considerable Intelligence and Mind bonuses that will ensure you
hit hard and have plenty to choose from for ranged combat. To make the most of the Astrologer, you will need to spend most of your Intelligence points on Intelligence to maintain your magic damage high. You won't want to rely on a melee weapon for backup, so it is a good idea to increase your Mind stat to cast spells more often. You'll find lots to love if you keep your enemies at bay.
Astrologer starting stats
- Level: 6
- Vigor: 9
- Mind: 15
- Endurance:9
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 16
- Faith: 7
- Arcane: 9
Bandit
The Bandit cannot provide much in the most desired stats. Instead, it offers many points in Arcane. A high level of Dexterity can be helpful, but all other stats start at early levels. The Bandit starts the game with a dagger, bow, and arrows. This makes it a stealth-based class if you're interested.
The Arcane stat allows you to find more items on defeated foes. You can also use it in sorceries, incantations, and other sorceries. However, it best suits niche builds and will not work well for most playstyles. The Bandit is not a good starting class for players looking to max their stats after the game.
Bandit starting stats
- Level: 5
- Vigor: 10
- Mind: 11
- Endurance: 10
- Strength: 9
- Dexterity: 13
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 8
- Arcane: 14
Confessor
The Confessor is a hybrid class. It has many Faith points and solid Strength, Dexterity, and Strength stats. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to cast spells and have flexibility in weapon options. The Confessor comes with a broadsword and a finger seal to cast enchantments.
The Confessor is a great character to begin your adventure with. It can cast incantations and doesn't sacrifice melee abilities. Your low starting Vigor will limit your ability to take hits, but you can increase it to get more protection if needed.
Confessors can use incantations well.
Confessor starting stats
- Level: 10
- Vigor: 10
- Mind: 13
- Endurance: 10
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 14
- Arcane: 9
Hero
The Hero is a simple melee-focused class. It starts the game with high Strength and Endurance stats. A one-handed ax and a shield of medium size for extra protection when needed are also available. Dark Souls melee lovers will feel at home with this simple class.
Your primary stats as a Hero will be Strength and Vigor. Your Strength stat will allow you to wield large weapons designed explicitly for that stat. A high health pool and your higher Vigor stat will help you because you will spend most of your time in close-quarters encounters.
Hero starting stats
- Level: 7
- Vigor: 14
- Mind: 9
- Endurance: 12
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 9
- Intelligence: 7
- Faith: 8
- Arcane: 11
Prisoner
The iron mask is the first thing you will notice about the Prisoner class. Despite its strange appearance, Prisoner is a solid choice if you want to create an agile melee/casting hybrid character. It has high Intelligence and Dexterity stats, and its starting gear includes an estoc and a staff to cast sorceries.
To make this class more practical for long-term melee battles, you'll need to be skilled at rolling or make up much ground in Vigor/Endurance. It starts with low HP and limited stamina. This class is still a great starting class if you want to be equally skilled in magic and swordplay.
Prisoner starting stats
- Level: 6
- Vigor: 11
- Mind: 12
- Endurance: 11
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 14
- Intelligence: 14
- Faith: 6
- Arcane: 9
Prophet
The Faith-based Prophet class is focused on incantations and healing. They start with low Vigor and decent Strength. For casting incantations, they can use a spear and finger seal. They are a hybrid class, which will be beneficial if you want to add melee options to your healing and damage spells.
When used to its full potential, the Prophet can be mighty. Using healing spells and obtaining them can make it a formidable character. If you are comfortable being a glass cannon, this class is excellent. It favors higher Mind and Faith stats than more health. Be prepared to be mobile and take the time to prepare for fights.
Prophet starting stats
- Level: 7
- Vigor: 10
- Mind: 14
- Endurance: 8
- Strength: 11
- Dexterity: 10
- Intelligence: 7
- Faith: 16
- Arcane: 10
Samurai
The Samurai is equipped with a mighty longbow, katana, and visually striking armor. Although the class is heavily focused on Dexterity, it also has a decent amount of Vigor and Endurance so that you can start with some survivability.
Low Intelligence, Faith, and Magic will mean you won't rely on magic. The Samurai is undoubtedly the most versatile of all starting options. However, the Vagabond will likely be a better choice for hybrid builds unless you are very particular about the class' aesthetic.
Samurai starting stats
- Level: 9
- Vigor: 11
- Mind: 11
- Endurance: 13
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 15
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 8
- Arcane: 8
Vagabond
- Level: 9
- Vigor: 15
- Mind: 10
- Endurance: 11
- Strength: 14
- Dexterity: 13
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 9
- Arcane: 7
The Vagabond is an established knight with heavy armor, a straight blade, and a shield to prepare for close-quarters battles. The Vagabond's high starting Vigor makes them the tankiest of all the classes. It also has a nearly equal split between Strength/Dexterity, making it ideal for Quality builds. These increase both stats to a minimum of 40 to specialize equally in all types of melee weapons back up. If you use magic frequently, you will better choose a specialized class.
The Vagabond is a tank-like character.
Warrior
For fans of fast-paced melee combat, the Warrior is a dual-wielding powerhouse. The Warrior starts with a high-level Dexterity stat, two scimitars, and can do some severe damage while having limited defense options. This class is excellent if you are open to using smaller weapons and a bow.
Remember that your Vigor is very low, and you will need to increase your Strength stat to support heavier armor. If you sign up for this low-defense, quick-hitting option, you should be able to keep things lightweight and mobile.
Warrior starting stats
- Level: 8
- Vigor: 11
- Mind: 12
- Endurance: 11
- Strength: 10
- Dexterity: 16
- Intelligence: 10
- Faith: 8
- Arcane: 9
Wretch
The Wretch is an undefined character who starts with all stats set at level 10. He can only use a club to boink baddies. If you enjoy the idea of starting with nothing and then having to find loot, this is an option worth considering. You have complete control over your stats, so you can build your character as you wish.
The downside to the Wretch is the inability to min-max optimized builds at the PVP cap, as every stat starts at 10. You'll always get a few points more in useless stats, regardless of what build you want to achieve. While those few points will not always make or break your build, PVP can be fierce, so you need to aim to maximize your potential.
Wretch starting stats
- Level: 1
- Vigor: 10
- Mind: 10
- Endurance: 10
- Strength: 10
- Dexterity: 10
- Intelligence: 10
- Faith: 10
- Arcane: 10