Choosing A Class
Classes in Elden Ring determine your character’s base stats and starting equipment.
If there aren’t any class restrictions, then why should you care about picking a particular class?
A class' starting stats and equipment will influence which gear you’ll be proficient with when you start.
For example, an Astrologer’s high Intelligence means they can use most early-game sorceries without needing to level.
This doesn’t impact PvE much at all, but your character level does impact how PvP works.
Unequipping your helmet to lower your equip load is highly recommended.
Why Choose The Vagabond?
Vagabonds have the ideal stats for quality buildsbuilds that spec equally for Strength and Dexterity.
You start with two great weapons, a decent shield, and a solid armor set.
Remove your helmet, and you have the same movement as the other classes.
If you don’t know which class to play in Elden Ring, the Vagabond is a safe choice.
More importantly, Warriors start the game with two Scimitars you’re able to swing or powerstance simultaneously.
They deal great damage, strike fast, and are fairly easy to use.
Why Choose The Warrior?
This class also has enough starting Intelligence and Mind to use weaker spells as well.
If you want to use fast-hitting weapons for your Elden Ring playthrough, the Warrior is a great choice.
Equip one in each hand and use your powerstance combo to cleave through targets.
They also have a shield for parrying, making the Warrior a great pick for Souls vets.
Newcomers might want to choose a different class for their first playthrough.
To compensate, the Hero has rather lackluster caster stats.
They might not be smart, but their Arcane stat of 11 should make enemy drops slightly more common.
Why Choose The Hero?
Heroes are all brawn, no brain.
You start with a knife that has pitiful range and subpar damage per swing.
However, it attacks quickly and deals excellent backstab and counterattack damage.
To help you land these counterattacks, you have a Bucklerone of the best parrying tools in the game.
Why Choose The Bandit?
Don’t pick the Bandit if you’re new to Soulslikes.
Glintstone Pebble fires a small projectile with a short cast time, perfect for killing fodder enemies.
Why Choose The Astrologer?
Intelligence builds will want to start as Astrologers.Their high starting Intelligence and Mind are ideal for a classic spellcaster.
One common strategy is to enter Caelid and grab theComet Azur sorceryand Meteorite Staff at the very beginning.
If you want to play as a glass cannon, the Astrologer was made for you.
This allows the Prophet to start with an offensive and defensive spell.
Why Choose The Prophet?
Merging pyromancies and miracles into one discipline has made Faith a powerhouse of a utility stat.
With a little investment in Strength, you’re able to eventurn this class into a paladin.
The starting spear and incantations are solid in the beginning while you work on upgrading your character.
Where the Samurai differs is its starting equipment.
The Uchigatana deals excellent damage, can bleed targets, and has a good weapon art.
For ranged encounters, the Longbow deals respectable damage from long range.
Why Choose The Samurai?
QualityandDexterity buildswork best with this class, although dedicated Strength builds can also work.
The Samurai features excellent base stats and arguably the best starting gear in the entire game.
What makes the Samurai so good is the starting Uchigatana and Longbow they get.
The Uchigatana has a fantastic moveset, capable of bleeding targets and stunning foes with its Ash of War.
If you’re new to the Soulslike genre and want a good beginner class, pick the Samurai.
You also know Magic Glintblade, a spell that releases a magic homing sword after a lengthy delay.
Why Choose The Prisoner?
If you’re jumping into Elden Ring with an interest in spellcasting, consider playing a Prisoner.
The major downside with the Prisoner is their starting gear.
While the Estoc is a solid melee weapon, the Rift Shield and their starting armor set are terrible.
Glintblade’s delayed activation makes devastating against AI invaders and bosses, but keep an eye on your FP.
Why Choose The Confessor?
Dex/FaithandStr/Faithbuilds work best with the Confessor, althoughpure Faith buildscan work just as well.
If you want armor, you’ll need to find it.
Why Choose The Wretch?
If it wasn’t clear, the Wretch is the worst starting class for the early game.
You have no armor, spells, and a simple club.
Newer players will struggle playing this.
But having a balanced stat distribution does have its merits.
There are nine keepsakes to choose from when making your character.
Starting Keepsake Options
Keepsake
Effect
Crimson Amber Medallion
Increases your max HP by 5%.
Lands Between Rune
A consumable item that grants 3,000 Runes.
Golden Seed
Increases your Sacred Flask charges by one.
Fanged Imp Ashes
Summons two imp minions to fight alongside you.
Cracked Pot
A container needed to craft certain items.
Stonesword Key
Used to break imp statues, unlocking new areas.
Bewitching Branch
A consumable item that charms enemies.
Consumes FP, and has five uses.
Boiled Prawn
A consumable item that grants physical mitigation for a short duration.
Shabriri’s Woe
While equipped, you draw attention from your enemies more easily.
This lets you heal or recover FP more often.
Next:Elden Ring: Complete Guide And Walkthrough
