To pick the right class when you start your journey as a Tarnished in Elden Ring, it is essential to know what stats you should look for and what initial equipment you are getting!
Elden Ring is very flexible regarding its class systems. Before you start your path as a Tarnished in The Lands Between, you will need to choose a class.
However, this class does not bound you to a predetermined path in the game, which means you can, later on, level up your character to match any combat style.
Nonetheless, classes are essential, as they will assign you starting attributes and equipment to start the game with the right foot.
Starting the game with the rights stats and equipment that suit your playstyle makes Elden Ring more manageable. Remember, this game is hard to master but not impossible if you have the right approach.
Here’s a breakdown of all Elden Ring stating classes, stats, and initial equipment:
1. Hero Class Elden Ring
The Hero class in Elden Ring is a great starting point for those looking to begin the game with a Strength build.
The highlights of this class are a high Strength and Vigor value. Stats control HP, FP, Stamina, and many other factors governing your character.
Here is a complete guide explaining all stats and how each of them affects your character in Elden Ring.
Hero Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 7
- Vigor – 14
- Dexterity – 9
- Mind – 9
- Intelligence – 7
- Endurance – 12
- Faith – 8
- Strength – 16
- Arcane – 11
Hero Class Starting Equipment
- Battle Axe
- Large Leather Shield
2. Astrologer Class Elden Ring
The Astrologer class is one of the best starting points for those that want to delve into the glintstone sorceries but still want the aid of a trusty sword and shield.
This class has high Intelligence and Mind stats, a perfect combo for sorceries. But, it is also has a decent Dexterity stat to wield weapons like swords and daggers.
Astrologer Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 6
- Vigor – 9
- Dexterity – 12
- Mind – 15
- Intelligence – 16
- Endurance – 9
- Faith – 7
- Strength – 8
- Arcane – 9
Astrologer Class Starting Equipment
- Astrologer’s Staff
- Short Sword
- Scripture Wooden Shield
- Glintstone Pebble
- Glintstone Arc
Having a hard time choosing your class? Find out which starting class is best for you in Elden Ring.
3. Prisoner Class Elden Ring
The Prisoner class offers a good point for those who want a character with a decent level of Endurance and Strength while also retaining enough Intelligence and Mind stats for sorceries.
If you have not decided yet if you would favor weapons over sorceries, this is a great class to start with, as branching out to any of those game styles will be easier than with an Astrologer or Hero.
Prisoner Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 9
- Vigor – 11
- Dexterity – 14
- Mind – 12
- Intelligence – 14
- Endurance – 11
- Faith – 6
- Strength – 11
- Arcane – 9
Prisoner Class Starting Equipment
- Estoc
- Glintstone Staff
- Rift Roundshield
- Magic Glintblade
4. Prophet Class Elden Ring
Prophet is the perfect class for those interested in incantations. This class has very high Faith and Mind starting stats, creating a solid foundation for incantations.
This is class high FP mixed with the high Faith stats are essential if you want to pursue an Incantation build on Elden Ring.
If you need help understanding FP, here is everything you need to know about Focus Points and how to obtain them.
Prophet Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 7
- Vigor – 10
- Dexterity – 8
- Mind – 14
- Intelligence – 7
- Endurance – 8
- Faith – 16
- Strength – 12
- Arcane – 11
Prophet Class Starting Equipment
- Short Spear
- Finger Seal
- Rickety Shield
- Heal
- Catch Flame
5. Bandit Class Elden Ring
The Bandit class is suited for those who aim to wield a long-range weapon such as a bow. This Elden Ring class starts with high Arcane and Dexterity stats.
Arcane allows for greater item discovery, making this a great class to collect items like valuable ammo from fallen enemies.
Even though the Bandit class excels at ranged combat, it also sports a high Dexterity stat, making it easier to branch out to weapons like Short Sword or Estoc.
Bandit Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 5
- Vigor – 10
- Dexterity – 13
- Mind – 11
- Intelligence – 9
- Endurance – 10
- Faith – 8
- Strength – 9
- Arcane – 14
Bandit Class Starting Equipment
- Great Knife
- Shortbow
- Buckler
- Bone Arrow (Fletched)
6. Warrior Elden Ring Class
For those who want to try a variety of weapons right from the start, the Warrior class is an excellent beginning point on Elden Ring.
If you are planning to wield weapons with high Dexterity requirements and want decent Vigor stats from the get to, the Warrior class is your best bet.
Warrior Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 8
- Vigor – 11
- Dexterity – 16
- Mind – 12
- Intelligence – 10
- Endurance – 11
- Faith – 8
- Strength – 10
- Arcane – 9
Warrior Class Starting Equipment
- Scimitar x2
- Riveted Wooden Shield
7. Confessor Elden Ring Class
The Confessor character class is an excellent starting point in Elden Ring if you want to try incantations, but also consider a strong focus on high Strength and Dexterity weapons down the road.
It offers a high Faith stat while retaining great Strength and Dexterity and decent Vigor. You have to keep in mind this class starts at Soul Lvl 10, so leveling up will be slower at the beginning.
Confessor Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 10
- Vigor – 10
- Dexterity – 12
- Mind – 13
- Intelligence – 9
- Endurance – 10
- Faith – 14
- Strength – 12
- Arcane – 9
Confessor Class Starting Equipment
- Broadsword
- Blue Crest Heater Shield
- Finger Seal
- Assassin’s Approach
- Urgent Heal
8. Vagabond Elden Ring Class
This is the equivalent of a tank character class on Elden Ring. Well, as much as a tank would last in the unforgiving Lands Between.
Vagabond has the highest Vigor of any other starting class, meaning that you will be able to get one or two additional hits when you start the game.
Vagabond Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 9
- Vigor – 15
- Dexterity – 13
- Mind – 10
- Intelligence – 9
- Endurance – 11
- Faith – 9
- Strength – 14
- Arcane – 7
Vagabond Class Starting Equipment
- Longsword
- Halberd
- Heater Shield
9. Samurai Elden Ring Class
If you loved the Uchigatana on the Souls games, this is the perfect class for you. Regarding stats, this Elden Ring character class starts with high Dexterity and good Strenght and Endurance.
These stats are the perfect match to wield the Uchigatana. Additionally, if you want to complement your playstyle with ranged weapons, this class includes a Long Bow and Fire arrows.
Samurai Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 9
- Vigor – 12
- Dexterity – 15
- Mind – 11
- Intelligence – 9
- Endurance – 13
- Faith – 8
- Strength – 12
- Arcane – 8
Samurai Class Starting Equipment
- Uchigatana
- Longbow
- Red Thorn Roundshield
- Arrow
- Fire Arrow
10. Wretch Elden Ring Character Class
Do you want some additional challenge on your playthrough? Look no further than the Wretch Elden Ring character class.
This class starts with a value of 10 on stats across the board. Since this character class starts at level 1, you will shape it according to your preferred playstyle.
DO NOT choose this class if you are not experienced with Soulslike titles. But at the same time, here’s why you NEED to pick Wretch for the best Elden Ring experience!
Wretch Class Stats
- Souls Lvl – 1
- Vigor – 10
- Dexterity – 10
- Mind – 10
- Intelligence – 10
- Endurance – 10
- Faith – 10
- Strength – 10
- Arcane – 10
Wretch Class Starting Equipment
- Club
All Elden Ring Character Classes Starting Items
On Elden Ring, all character classes start with the same items, a Vision of Grace and your own choice of Keepsake.
These are the starting items for all classes in Elden Ring:
- Vision of Grace (for Multiplayer gameplay)
- Keepsafe
- Crimson Amber Medallion
- Land’s Between Rune
- Golden Seed
- Fanged Imp Ashes
- Cracked Pot
- Stonesword Key
- Bewitching Branch
- Boiled Prawn
- Shabriri’s Woe
This is everything you need to know about Elden Ring’s character classes, stats, and initial equipment to start your travel as a Tarnished!
Source: Elden Ring Wiki
Thursday 17th of February 2022
Hey, this might just be me being stupid again, but what about all the classes shown in the Elden Ring Open Beta? I remember seeing a ton of people pick classes like the Bloody Wolf and Enchanted Knight,but haven't seen them mentioned in any class lists. Did FromSoft rework them, or am I just dumb?
Friday 18th of February 2022
@Kc7192, From network test to some extent or another uses thematic builds rather then actual classes for the finished game.
The "classes" for the network test where just demo builds and nothing else.
Thursday 17th of February 2022
Hi, you show Wretch as starting at soul level 10, but in your write-up you mention he would start at soul level 1. Also, you mention for Prisoner that one of their strong points is strength, but then you show the Dex stat as being 3 points better, so maybe the strong point is actually Dex. Also, "strength" is misspelled among some other typos.
Thursday 17th of February 2022
Wrong starting Stats And equipment for Wretched class
Thursday 17th of February 2022
Thanks for letting us know, corrected now!
