Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in FromSoftware’s Dark Souls franchise, choosing your class is a crucial moment in your Elden Ring adventure. Here are our recommendations for the best start to your adventure.
Elden Ring is finally here, promising players an exciting and full-bodied adventure worthy of Dark Souls, but this time in an open world.
As always, you will be able to choose a class when creating your character. The latter does not lock you into a particular build, and a prophet can handle the sword as well as a Samurai if he invests in the necessary characteristics.
Nevertheless, the classes remain important! Each one starts at a different level, different stat distribution, and unique gear. Therefore, some classes are more interesting to move towards a particular gameplay while others leave a wide range of possibilities to the player.
Discover our recommendations now and choose from the start the class that best suits your style of play.
Summary
The best class for beginners
Vagabond
Starting equipment: Longsword, Halberd, Shield
You have never touched a Dark Souls and you want to discover the game by giving yourself the widest range of builds possible? The Vagabond is made for you!
The class starts at level 9, with nicely distributed characteristics. This leaves the player free to test different weapons and builds before eventually specializing by investing in a handful of characteristics.
Don’t think that the Vagabond’s versatility prevents him from being effective in a particular area. After experimenting a bit, you can very easily orient yourself on a build without feeling held back by your choice of class.
The best classes for a melee build
Samurai
Starting equipment: Uchigatana, Longbow, Arrows (normal and flaming), Wooden Shield
The all-new Samurai class is a great option for players looking to make the steel do the talking. Starting at level 9, he has good strength and excellent dexterity. With his katana and his bow, he is immediately ready for battle!
It is possible to orient the Samurai on a dexterity build, strength or even on a mix of both! He is without a doubt the most versatile fighter to create.
Warrior
Starting equipment: Scimitar, Scimitar, Wooden Shield
Less versatile than the Samurai, the Warrior is just as formidable as his colleague!
With two scimitars in its starting equipment and excellent dexterity, this class invites you to orient yourself towards a dexterity build!
The best classes for a mage build
Astrologer
Starting equipment: Sorcery Catalyst, Short Sword, Shield
If you want to survive the Elden Ring experience by casting powerful spells, the Astrologer is definitely the best class for you.
The Astrologer starts at level 6: the first battles will therefore be difficult, but you will have the advantage of being able to quickly invest your points exactly where you want them. With 16 intelligence and immediate access to magic, the spellcaster has everything needed to play a real mage!
Since this class is particularly fragile, you will quickly learn that it is essential to keep your distance from the most threatening enemies. Play it safe, manage your mana wisely and you’ll make an excellent Astrologer!
Prisoner
Starting equipment: Sorcery Catalyst, Rapier, Small Shield
Who is hiding behind this strange metallic mask? No one knows, but his talents as a spellcaster are undeniable!
The Prisoner is slightly less focused on intelligence than the Astrologer, but in return he has a nice dexterity score. It is therefore particularly suitable for a hybrid build, to the delight of players who do not want to choose between magic and melee.
The worst class to start
Indigent
Starting equipment: Club
Dark Souls players have been waiting for it: the Indigent is back! Why choose a useful class when you can carry around in its simplest trappings with a simple club?
The Destitute starts at level 1, has mediocre stats, and doesn’t have any gear to protect himself with. Nevertheless, it is not as useless as it looks. Indeed, it allows its player to distribute the statistics exactly as he wishes with each level climbed… and the first ones are obtained very quickly!
Nevertheless, it is a class to be avoided at all costs for beginners! Elden Ring won’t do you any favours, and taking on a troll while armed with a loincloth and club is an experience best left to veteran players.