Introduction
Elden Ring is one of the most successful open-world action RPGs ever created by FromSoftware. At the start of your adventure, you’ll choose one of several Elden Ring Classes, each offering unique strengths, weapons, and playstyles. Picking the right class can shape your entire journey through the Lands Between. In this guide, we’ll explore all 10 starting classes, their advantages, and the best builds for 2025.
1. Vagabond
- Playstyle: Tanky melee fighter with high Vigor and Strength.
- Best For: Beginners who want survivability.
- Weapons: Longsword, Halberd.
- Tips: Upgrade Vigor early to handle boss fights with ease.
2. Warrior
- Playstyle: Dual-wield melee with high Dexterity.
- Best For: Players who like fast, aggressive combat.
- Weapons: Scimitars, Twinblades.
- Tips: Invest in Endurance for stamina-heavy combos.
3. Hero
- Playstyle: Heavy Strength build.
- Best For: Big weapon lovers like Colossal Swords and Axes.
- Weapons: Battle Axe, Great Club.
- Tips: Focus on Strength and Vigor for raw damage output.
4. Bandit
- Playstyle: Stealth and ranged combat.
- Best For: Archery and backstab enthusiasts.
- Weapons: Shortbow, Daggers.
- Tips: Pump Dexterity and Arcane for bleed builds.
5. Astrologer
- Playstyle: Long-range magic DPS.
- Best For: Magic lovers who prefer Sorcery.
- Weapons: Staff, Glintstone spells.
- Tips: Upgrade Intelligence for powerful spells.
6. Prophet
- Playstyle: Faith-based healer and support.
- Best For: Co-op play or hybrid melee-caster builds.
- Weapons: Sacred Seal, Spear.
- Tips: Focus on Faith and Mind for healing efficiency.
7. Samurai
- Playstyle: Balanced melee and ranged with bleed potential.
- Best For: Versatile solo play.
- Weapons: Uchigatana, Longbow.
- Tips: Strengthen Dexterity for bleed scaling.
8. Prisoner
- Playstyle: Magic-melee hybrid.
- Best For: Players who like versatility.
- Weapons: Estoc, Magic Staff.
- Tips: Balance Dexterity and Intelligence.
9. Confessor
- Playstyle: Faith-melee hybrid.
- Best For: Balanced healing and melee damage.
- Weapons: Broadsword, Sacred Seal.
- Tips: Pump Faith and Strength for utility builds.
10. Wretch
- Playstyle: True blank slate, starts at level 1.
- Best For: Hardcore players who want full customization.
- Weapons: Club.
- Tips: Only pick if you want a challenge.
Best Class for Beginners in 2025
If you’re new, Vagabond and Samurai remain top picks. Vagabond gives you high health and defense, while Samurai offers speed, range, and bleed damage potential.
Advanced Tips for Every Class
- Stat Scaling: Always upgrade your main damage stat first.
- Weapon Infusions: Match your infusion to your build (Heavy for Strength, Keen for Dexterity, etc.).
- Armor Choices: Heavier armor offers better defense but reduces mobility.
- Talismans: Use talismans that boost your main playstyle—like Radagon’s Scarseal for melee.
Elden Ring Classes in PvP vs PvE
- PvE: Vagabond, Samurai, and Astrologer shine for solo exploration.
- PvP: Bandit and Hero dominate due to burst damage and bleed effects.
Conclusion
Your choice of class will influence your first few hours in Elden Ring, but with enough levels, you can adapt any character into your preferred playstyle. Whether you choose the raw power of Hero, the magical dominance of Astrologer, or the balanced Samurai, each of the Elden Ring Classes offers a unique path through the Lands Between.
