Elden Ring
Aug 24, 2025
Elden Ring Classes Ranked 2025 List of Starting Classes Ranked
Discover the best Elden Ring starting classes ranked by ease, versatility, and beginner-friendliness. Find out which class truly stands out in early game and long-term play. Photo by: CBR
The beginning of your adventure in the Lands Between is determined by the class you choose in Elden Ring. Some classes give you a distinct advantage early on, especially for new players or those seeking a smoother ride, even though they don't permanently lock you into a build. To help you start your journey with confidence, this guide rates each of the ten starting classes according to their overall value, power, and flexibility.
How Classes Compare
According to a recent ranking by GamesRadar+, adjusted in May 2025, here’s the tier list from best to worst:
Confessor
Vagabond
Warrior
Samurai
Prisoner
Hero
Prophet
Bandit
Astrologer
Wretch
The Confessor takes the top spot thanks to its balanced mix of melee and faith-based abilities, making it an excellent all-around beginner choice.
Best Choices for Novices
Vagabond
With strong strength and dexterity, high vigor (health), and excellent early game equipment, Vagabond is praised as the most beginner-friendly class. It is forgiving of novice players and perfect for melee playstyles.
Confessor
The Confessor gains rank by combining healing and supportive incantations with dependable melee combat. It is a wise choice for players who wish to experiment with magic without compromising durability because of its versatility.
Samurai
Samurai is excellent if you value accuracy and dexterity. It's a strong option for builds that emphasize dexterity because of the Uchigatana and longbow as well as excellent starting endurance.
Community Insights Worth Noting
Discussions among players add helpful context. On r/Eldenring, experienced users highlight Vagabond for being versatile and forgiving. Many also praise Samurai for its beloved weapon loadout and katana, which suits agile, bleed-heavy builds.
Rank | Class | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
1 | Confessor | Balanced melee and magic combo makes it incredibly versatile. |
2 | Vagabond | Excellent early game stats, weapons, and survivability for beginners. |
3 | Samurai | Strong Dexterity start with katana and bow for flexible combat. |
4 | Warrior | High Dexterity for fast melee builds solid dual-wield potential. |
5 | Prisoner | Swift caster-mid-range hybrid, but fragile early on. |
6 | Hero | Pure strength class that hits hard but lacks flexibility. |
7 | Prophet | Faith-based caster with utility incantations; gear feels limited early. |
8 | Bandit | Stealth starter good for bleed and arcane builds; niche early use. |
9 | Astrologer | Powerful sorcerer start squishy and slow early on. |
10 | Wretch | Ultimate blank slate freedom to build anything, but brutal early game. |
Is It Important to Start Class?
Even a simple class setup can develop into anything with runes because Elden Ring permits full respec later, even though some classes give you an early boost. Wretch and Vagabond are both strong contenders, according to The Escapist, but Vagabond has an advantage over new players thanks to its combat-ready equipment.
The balance, robustness, and versatility of the Confessor and Vagabond make them excellent choices for the majority of players, particularly novices. For individuals who value speed and style, Samurai is a powerful shout. However, Elden Ring encourages experimentation and flexibility regardless of the class you select. Choose what feels right and allow your playstyle to develop organically instead of overanalyzing it.