Elden Ring Classes Guide: Best Classes for Beginners and Veterans
Looking to conquer the Lands Between but unsure which Elden Ring class to choose? Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned Soulsborne player, selecting the right class can shape your entire adventure. In this guide, we’ll break down all Elden Ring classes, their strengths, playstyles, and tips to optimize your build for success. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Elden Ring classes and find the perfect fit for your journey!
What Are Elden Ring Classes?
In Elden Ring, classes serve as starting templates that determine your initial stats, weapons, and armor. While your class sets the foundation, the game’s flexible progression system lets you customize your build as you level up. With 10 unique Elden Ring classes to choose from, each offers distinct advantages tailored to different playstyles, from melee bruisers to spell-slinging sorcerers.
The Elden Ring classes are:
Below, we’ll explore each class, their starting stats and the best scenarios to pick them for an SEO-optimized deep dive into Elden Ring classes.
Vagabond: The All-Rounder
Best for: Beginners, melee-focused players
Starting Stats: High Vigor (15), Strength (14), Dexterity (13)
Starting Gear: Longsword, Halberd, Heater Shield
The Vagabond is the jack of all trades among Elden Ring classes. With balanced stats and solid starting gear, it’s perfect for players who want flexibility.
High Vigor gives you a decent health pool, while Strength and Dexterity allow you to experiment with various weapons early on.
Why Choose Vagabond?
- Ideal for learning the game’s mechanics.
- Versatile for Strength or Dexterity builds.
- Great for players who want to tank hits and deal melee damage.
Tips: Invest in Vigor and Endurance early for survivability, then focus on Strength or Dexterity depending on your preferred weapons.
Warrior: The Dual Wielding Dynamo
Best for: Dexterity builds, aggressive playstyles
Starting Stats: High Dexterity (16), Vigor (11)
Starting Gear: Dual Scimitars, Riveted Wooden Shield
The Warrior is a dream for players who love fast, flashy combat. Dual-wielding scimitars let you unleash rapid combos, making this one of the best Elden Ring classes for Dexterity focused builds.
Why Choose Warrior?
- Perfect for bleed builds with katanas or curved swords.
- High Dexterity supports agile, evasion based play.
- Great for players who enjoy high risk, high reward combat.
Tips: Boost Dexterity and Endurance to maximize attack speed and stamina. Grab bleed weapons like the Uchigatana early to dominate.
Hero: The Strength Powerhouse
Best for: Strength builds, heavy weapon enthusiasts
Starting Stats: High Strength (16), Vigor (14)
Starting Gear: Battle Axe, Large Leather Shield
The Hero is the go to class for players who want to crush enemies with massive weapons. Its high Strength makes it one of the best Elden Ring classes for wielding greatswords, hammers and colossal weapons.
Why Choose Hero?
- Excels at dealing massive single hit damage.
- High Vigor ensures you can take a few hits.
- Ideal for players who love slow, deliberate combat.
Tips: Prioritize Strength and Vigor, then add Endurance for heavier armor. Look for weapons like the Greatsword or Zweihander for devastating attacks.
Bandit: The Stealthy Sniper
Best for: Stealth players, archers, critical hit builds
Starting Stats: High Arcane (14), Dexterity (13)
Starting Gear: Shortbow, Dagger, Buckler
The Bandit is perfect for players who prefer cunning over brute force. With high Arcane, this class excels at landing critical hits and triggering status effects like bleed or poison.
Why Choose Bandit?
- Great for bow focused or stealth builds.
- High Arcane boosts item discovery and status effects.
- Ideal for players who enjoy parrying and backstabbing.
Tips: Invest in Dexterity for better bow damage and Arcane for status effects. The Buckler’s parry skill is a game changer for skilled players.
Astrologer: The Magic Master
Best for: Sorcery builds, ranged magic users
Starting Stats: High Intelligence (16), Mind (12)
Starting Gear: Short Sword, Astrologer’s Staff, Scripture Wooden Shield
The Astrologer is the premier choice for spellcasters. With high Intelligence and a starting staff, this class lets you cast powerful sorceries from the get-go, making it one of the most popular Elden Ring classes for magic users.
Why Choose Astrologer?
- Excels at ranged combat with spells like Glintstone Pebble.
- High Intelligence supports powerful late game sorceries.
- Great for players who prefer keeping enemies at a distance.
Tips: Boost Intelligence and Mind for more spell damage and FP. Grab the Meteorite Staff early to amplify your sorceries.
Prophet: The Faithful Caster
Best for: Faith builds, incantation users
Starting Stats: High Faith (16), Vigor (12)
Starting Gear: Finger Seal, Short Spear, Rickety Shield
The Prophet is the go-to class for players who want to harness the power of incantations. From healing spells to lightning bolts, this class offers a versatile magical playstyle.
Why Choose Prophet?
- Perfect for Faith based builds with healing and offensive spells.
- High Faith unlocks powerful incantations like Dragon Communion spells.
- Great for co-op players who want to support allies.
Tips: Focus on Faith and Mind, and seek out incantations like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Lightning Spear for versatility.
Samurai: The Elegant Swordsman
Best for: Dexterity builds, katana enthusiasts
Starting Stats: High Dexterity (15), Vigor (12)
Starting Gear: Uchigatana, Longbow, Red Thorn Roundshield
The Samurai is one of the most stylish Elden Ring classes, starting with the iconic Uchigatana and a longbow for ranged attacks. It’s perfect for players who want a mix of melee and ranged combat.
Why Choose Samurai?
- The Uchigatana is a top-tier Dexterity weapon with bleed.
- High Dexterity supports katana and bow builds.
- Ideal for players who love samurai inspired aesthetics.
Tips: Invest in Dexterity and Vigor, and consider adding Arcane for bleed synergy. The Uchigatana will carry you far into the game.
Prisoner: The Spellblade Hybrid
Best for: Hybrid Intelligence/Dexterity builds
Starting Stats: High Intelligence (14), Dexterity (14)
Starting Gear: Glintstone Staff, Estoc, Rift Shield
The Prisoner blends sorcery and melee combat, making it one of the most unique Elden Ring classes. It’s ideal for players who want to cast spells while wielding a rapier or other Dexterity weapons.
Why Choose Prisoner?
- Perfect for spellblade builds combining magic and melee.
- High Intelligence and Dexterity offer build flexibility.
- Great for players who enjoy tactical combat.
Tips: Balance Intelligence and Dexterity, and grab spells like Carian Slicer for close range magic damage.
Confessor: The Holy Warrior
Best for: Faith/Melee hybrid builds
Starting Stats: High Faith (13), Strength (12), Dexterity (12)
Starting Gear: Broadsword, Finger Seal, Blue Crest Heater Shield
The Confessor is a versatile class that blends melee prowess with Faith based incantations. It’s perfect for players who want a paladin style playstyle.
Why Choose Confessor?
- Balanced stats for melee and Faith builds.
- Great for hybrid builds with buffs and healing spells.
- Ideal for co-op and defensive playstyles.
Tips: Invest in Faith for incantations and Strength or Dexterity for weapon scaling. Use buffs like Golden Vow to boost your combat power.
Wretch: The Blank Slate
Best for: Experienced players, custom builds
Starting Stats: All stats at 10
Starting Gear: Club
The Wretch is the ultimate challenge class, starting with minimal gear and evenly distributed stats. It’s not recommended for beginners but offers unmatched flexibility for veterans.
Why Choose Wretch?
- Complete freedom to shape your build from scratch.
- Ideal for players who want a true challenge.
- Great for min-maxing specific stats.
Tips: Plan your build early and prioritize key stats like Vigor, Strength, or Intelligence. Be prepared for a tough early game.
How to Choose the Best Elden Ring Class for You
When picking an Elden Ring class, consider your preferred playstyle:
- Melee Lovers: Vagabond, Hero, Samurai, or Warrior.
- Magic Users: Astrologer or Prophet.
- Hybrid Players: Prisoner or Confessor.
- Stealth/Archery Fans: Bandit.
- Challenge Seekers: Wretch.
Since Elden Ring allows stat respeccing later via Rennala, your starting class isn’t a permanent commitment. Experiment and find what feels right!
Conclusion
Choosing the right Elden Ring class sets the tone for your adventure in the Lands Between. Whether you’re swinging a colossal greatsword as a Hero, casting meteors as an Astrologer, or slicing enemies with a Samurai’s Uchigatana, there’s a class for every playstyle. Experiment, level up and forge your legend!
What’s your favorite Elden Ring class? Share your thoughts in the comments below and check out our other Elden Ring guides for more tips on builds, weapons, and strategies!
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