U4GM - 10 Starter Classes Ranked in Elden Ring for All Playstyles

Choosing a starting class in Elden Ring is one of the most important decisions you'll make early in the game. While you can eventually shape your character in any direction, your starter class determines your early stats, gear, and overall momentum. As someone who has spent hundreds of hours exploring the Lands Between, respec'ing, and experimenting across multiple playthroughs, I’ve ranked all 10 starter classes based on versatility, ease of use, and effectiveness for different playstyles. Whether you're a melee brawler or a spellcasting tactician, this guide is built on practical experience to help you begin with confidence.

Also, if you're looking to streamline your early journey, especially after picking your class, don’t overlook resources like U4GM—a reliable option when you want to buy Elden Ring Items or stock up on cheap elden ring runes to get a head start.

1. Vagabond – Best All-Around Class

The Vagabond is ideal for new players thanks to high Vigor, Strength, and Dexterity, along with solid armor and a powerful longsword. In my first playthrough, I started with Vagabond and cleared many early bosses with ease due to its balanced stat spread and survivability.

Best for: Melee players who want a tanky yet adaptable build.

2. Astrologer – Powerful Ranged Magic Start

If you’re drawn to sorcery and ranged combat, the Astrologer is unmatched early on. It starts with high Intelligence and Mind, enabling devastating spells like Glintstone Pebble. I ran this class on a second playthrough and quickly deleted early bosses with ranged magic.

Best for: Players who prefer a mage-focused, ranged playstyle.

3. Samurai – Elite Dexterity Starter

Samurai begins with the powerful Uchigatana, one of the best early weapons, and a longbow for ranged support. Its high Dexterity and Endurance give it strong offensive and defensive flexibility. I used the Samurai in a bleed-focused build, and it was smooth sailing through mid-game.

Best for: Agile melee fighters and bleed build enthusiasts.

4. Confessor – Balanced Magic and Melee Hybrid

Confessor is a hidden gem: it starts with good Faith and Strength, decent armor, and healing magic. In co-op or solo runs, this class gave me both survivability and enough offensive power to tackle difficult bosses without needing constant rune farming—though cheap elden ring runes from U4GM helped once or twice during late-game re-specs.

Best for: Players who want a flexible Faith-based hybrid.

5. Warrior – Dual-Wielding Dexterity Champion

Starting with two scimitars, Warrior is for aggressive players who love to dual-wield and hit fast. It’s a high-skill class but incredibly rewarding. Once I got comfortable with spacing and dodging, the Warrior became one of my most thrilling experiences in PvP and PvE.

Best for: Fast-paced, dual-wielding melee playstyles.

6. Hero – High Strength for Big Weapons

Hero gives you raw Strength power from the start. If you like smashing things with giant weapons, this is your class. My Hero run relied on colossal weapons and stagger-heavy combat—though early rune farming or deciding to buy Elden Ring Items became necessary to meet late-game requirements quickly.

Best for: Strength builds and big weapon fans.

7. Prisoner – Glass Cannon Mage Hybrid

With solid Dexterity and Intelligence, the Prisoner is great for spellblades and hybrid mages. The starting gear is a bit odd, and you’ll feel squishy, but once you get your rhythm, it's deadly. I used Prisoner for a Moonveil build that decimated enemies with both sword and spell.

Best for: Spellblade or mixed Dex/Intelligence builds.

8. Prophet – Faith-Based Caster

Prophet begins with strong healing and offensive incantations. While it lacks gear flexibility early on, it's a good foundation for powerful late-game Faith builds. I had to rely on cheap elden ring runes early to quickly get the gear and stats to keep up with other classes.

Best for: Faith casters who want a long-term payoff.

9. Bandit – Stealth and Bleed Specialist

This class feels niche. It starts with a dagger and buckler, ideal for critical hits and stealth. I used Bandit mainly for a bleed build and backstabs, but the early game was rough. With planning, though, it becomes a lethal PvP class later on.

Best for: Stealth players or advanced PvP tactics.

10. Wretch – For Hardcore Roleplayers Only

Starting at level 1 with nothing but a club, the Wretch is the ultimate challenge class. I only picked this once for a hardcore run. While it offers full customization, the early game is brutal unless you’re already an expert—or you’re willing to buy Elden Ring Items early on through U4GM.

Best for: Veteran players who want maximum freedom or challenge.

Your starting class doesn’t lock you into a fixed path, but it defines your early gameplay experience significantly. Whether you're crushing foes with a colossal weapon or obliterating them with magic, understanding your playstyle—and having access to cheap elden ring runes or the right tools through U4GM—makes a world of difference.

Every class has its strengths, but knowing what to expect helps you enjoy the rich combat and exploration that makes Elden Ring unforgettable.