Choosing one of the ten classes in Elden Ring can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers to the Souls genre. The initial selection is crucial as it significantly impacts your early gameplay experience, setting the tone for your journey through the Lands Between. However, it’s essential to note that selecting a class is not a lifelong commitment; Elden Ring allows you to develop your character in various ways as you progress.

Each class has unique strengths and weaknesses, focusing on specific skills that cater to different play styles. Whether you prefer ranged magic, brute-force melee combat, or a balanced approach, this guide will help you navigate the options, ensuring you start your adventure on the right foot.

Understanding Attributes

Before delving into the classes, it’s critical to understand the attributes, which define your character’s abilities. In Elden Ring, there are eight main attributes:

Attribute	Description
Vigor	Determines maximum HP, poison immunity, and fire resistance.
Mind	Determines maximum FP (Focus Points) and focus-related resistance.
Endurance	Affects maximum stamina, physical defense, and equipment load.
Strength	Influences overall attack power for strength-scaling weapons and heavy armor usage.
Dexterity	Determines attack power for dexterity-scaling weapons, reduces fall damage, and lowers casting time.
Intelligence	Boosts magical attack power for intelligence-scaling spells.
Faith	Enhances holy damage for faith-scaling spells.
Arcane	Affects item discovery and various resistances.

As you level up, you can allocate points to these attributes, allowing for flexible character development. If you make a mistake, don’t worry; you can reset your points, although it can be time-consuming.

Choosing Your Starting Class

Here’s a breakdown of each class, including starting level, attributes, gear, and playstyle:

1. Vagabond

   • Level: 9
   • Attributes: Vigor 15, Strength 14, Dexterity 13
   • Starting Gear: Longsword, Halberd, Heater Shield
   • Playstyle: A classic sword and shield combatant, perfect for players who enjoy durability and straightforward melee combat.

2. Warrior

   • Level: 8
   • Attributes: Dexterity 16, Strength 12
   • Starting Gear: Scimitars, Riveted Wooden Shield
   • Playstyle: Agile and focused on melee, ideal for players who appreciate quick strikes and parrying.

3. Hero

   • Level: 7
   • Attributes: Strength 16, Vigor 10
   • Starting Gear: Battle Axe, Large Leather Shield
   • Playstyle: A glass cannon focusing on high damage output, requiring players to rely on dodging and timing.

4. Bandit

   • Level: 5
   • Attributes: Dexterity 13, Arcane 14
   • Starting Gear: Great Knife, Buckler, Shortbow
   • Playstyle: Perfect for stealthy players who prefer backstabbing and critical hits, with a decent balance of magic potential.

5. Samurai

   • Level: 13
   • Attributes: Dexterity 15, Strength 12
   • Starting Gear: Uchigatana, Longbow
   • Playstyle: A versatile class that excels in both close-quarters and ranged combat, leveraging bleed damage for effective attacks.

6. Astrologer

   • Level: 6
   • Attributes: Intelligence 16, Mind 15
   • Starting Gear: Astrologer’s Staff, Short Sword
   • Playstyle: Focused on magic, suited for players who want to deal damage from a distance while being fragile in melee.

7. Prophet

   • Level: 7
   • Attributes: Faith 16, Mind 14
   • Starting Gear: Short Spear, Finger Seal
   • Playstyle: A mix of magic and melee, ideal for players who prefer using incantations for healing and damage.

8. Confessor

   • Level: 10
   • Attributes: Faith 14, Dexterity 12
   • Starting Gear: Broadsword, Finger Seal
   • Playstyle: A hybrid class that can adapt to various playstyles, offering flexibility in combat strategies.

9. Prisoner

   • Level: 9
   • Attributes: Intelligence 14, Dexterity 12
   • Starting Gear: Glintstone Staff, Stoc
   • Playstyle: Balances melee and magic, making it suitable for players who want to mix combat styles fluidly.
10. Wretch
    • Level: 1
    • Attributes: Balanced starting stats
    • Starting Gear: Club
    • Playstyle: A challenging starting point for experienced players or those wanting complete control over their character’s development from the ground up.

Finding Your Playstyle

Choosing a starting class is just the beginning of your Elden Ring adventure. Assess your preferred playstyle and how you want to engage with the game. If you prefer a straightforward melee approach, classes like Vagabond or Warrior may be best. For those who enjoy magic or stealth, consider the Astrologer or Bandit.

Regardless of your choice, remember that the character progression system allows for flexibility. Players can evolve their attributes and gear, adapting to challenges throughout their journey.

As you embark on your adventure in Elden Ring, keep in mind that the world is vast and full of surprises. Whether you’re seeking to collect trophies or exploring every corner of the Lands Between, the experience is tailored to your choices. Happy gaming!