Elden Ring Starting Class Optimizer

Starting class sets your character's level-1 stat spread and starting gear — it doesn't lock you into a build. Pick the class whose stats are already closest to your target build: Hero for Strength, Astrologer for Intelligence, Prophet for Faith, Bandit for Arcane, and Vagabond or Wretch for balanced or fully custom builds.

All 10 Starting Classes Compared

Load any class into the Build Planner above to see its full derived stats (HP, FP, Stamina, Equip Load) instantly.

Starting level and stats per class
Class	Level	VIG	MIN	END	STR	DEX	INT	FAI	ARC
Vagabond	9	15	10	11	14	13	9	9	7
Warrior	8	11	12	11	10	16	10	8	9
Hero	7	14	9	12	16	9	7	8	11
Bandit	5	10	11	10	9	13	9	8	14
Astrologer	6	9	15	9	8	12	16	7	9
Prophet	7	10	14	8	11	10	7	16	10
Confessor	10	10	13	10	12	12	9	14	9
Prisoner	9	11	12	11	11	14	14	6	9
Samurai	9	12	11	13	12	15	9	8	8
Wretch	1	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10

Which Class Should You Pick?

Vagabond (level 9) — Strength/Quality melee — most balanced starter.
Warrior (level 8) — Dexterity builds, dual-wielding.
Hero (level 7) — Pure Strength / Colossal weapons — highest starting STR.
Bandit (level 5) — Arcane / bleed builds — highest starting ARC, lowest level.
Astrologer (level 6) — Intelligence / sorcery builds — highest starting INT.
Prophet (level 7) — Faith / incantation builds — highest starting FAI.
Confessor (level 10) — Faith/Dexterity hybrid — strong all-round starting gear.
Prisoner (level 9) — Intelligence/Dexterity hybrid builds.
Samurai (level 9) — Dexterity/Quality builds — best starting weapon kit.
Wretch (level 1) — Any build via respec — lowest level, maximum flexibility.

Class Choice vs. Long-Term Build

Because total rune cost to reach a given level is identical regardless of starting class, the class you pick mainly affects the early game: how quickly you can use your intended weapon or spell, and what gear you start with. Once you're leveling past 60-80, your choice of class matters far less than how you allocate points from there — see the Stat Calculator & Soft Caps guide for how to spend points efficiently after that point.

Load any starting class and see its full derived stats instantly:

Try Every Class

Starting Class FAQ

What is the best starting class in Elden Ring overall?

There is no single best class — it depends on your build. Vagabond is the most commonly recommended for new players because of its balanced, high-Vigor spread; Wretch is the most flexible for experienced players since every stat starts equal and you keep full control of the build from level 1.

Does starting class matter once you reach a high level?

Not much. Total rune cost to reach a given level is the same no matter which class you start as — class only decides your starting stat spread and starting gear. At high levels, most builds converge on similar final stat totals regardless of starting class.

Which class is best for a Strength build?

Hero starts with the highest Strength (16) and strong Vigor, making it the fastest route into a Strength or Colossal weapon build. Vagabond is a close second with a more balanced overall spread.

Which class is best for beginners?

Vagabond is the most commonly recommended beginner class — it starts with high Vigor for survivability and balanced Strength/Dexterity, so it's forgiving while you learn the game's combat before committing to a specialized build.

Elden Ring Starting Class Optimizer

All 10 Starting Classes Compared

Which Class Should You Pick?

Class Choice vs. Long-Term Build

Starting Class FAQ

More Elden Ring Guides