Elden Ring Classes Tier List

Elden Ring is among the few games that saw two major booms in their popularity. The game quickly rose to fame as millions of players tried to get a taste of the most anticipated game of the year. After the first few months of its release, the number of new players joining the legions became somewhat steady.

However, it all changed when Elden Ring became the game of the year in 2022. As of now, approximately 30 million people worldwide own a copy of the game. The problem is that most newcomers get blanked when asked to choose the starting class. 

For most players, the starting class is what they’d have to stick to for the rest of the game. However, it isn’t true, especially in the case of Elden Ring. For instance, the game gives you complete freedom to trim your character as you progress through the main storyline. Still, it is important to carefully select the best starting class as it dictates your first few hours of gameplay.

When you select a starting class, you will choose the default character attributes, special abilities, and a few starting equipment. So, how can you tell which character class is best for you? That’s where you need the Elden Ring Classes, Tier List. You can read through this list to see the pros and cons of each starting class, making it easy for you to make a choice.

Elden Ring Classes Tier List Guide

Choosing the right starting class for your play style has many benefits in Elden Ring. Firstly, you can use a ton of special weapons, wear sturdy armor, and cast powerful magic spells by picking the right class. How’s that? Well, each item has a unique minimum stats requirement that you must fulfill to use it. So, when you start with a class prescribed for a weapon, it will be fairly easy to use it right away.

In this Elden Ring Classes Tier List, all 10 classes of the game are ranked from S-Tier to C-Tier. These rankings are based on various factors that mainly decide whether or not a class is suitable for newcomers. However, all starting classes in Elden Ring bring some value to the right players. So, make sure that you don’t pick up a class just because it is ranked at the top. Here’s what to expect from various Tiers in this list:

• S-Tier: The S-Tier contains some of the overall best classes in the game. These classes are potent enough to deal serious damage to your opponents. Moreover, you can wield most weapons and wear most armor by choosing a class from this Tier. However, some unique spells and incantations may not be suitable for this category. Apart from that, if it’s your first time playing a FromSoftware.inc title, you should start with one of these classes. 
• A-Tier: The A-Tier classes are no less than the best ones out there. The only reason they are in the second Tier is that they are mostly based on the melee combat. So, unless you are a huge fan of the magic spells, you can pick up any class from this Tier. Moreover, they are also the best ones to play on your second playthrough, as each class has great potential.
• B-Tier: The B-Tier starting classes are a little on the low side for newcomers. However, they are highly effective for some specific playing styles. Moreover, I suggest that you should get some playtime experience before trying out any class from this Tier. In short, they are one of the most powerful classes but only for experienced players.
• C-Tier: One thing you should know, there is no right or wrong choice in class selection. It is true for all classes but one. So, you should only pick this class if you have finished the game at least two times or if someone challenged you to do it. Otherwise, you should stick to the higher Tier classes to enjoy your time in the Lands Between.

Benefits of Elden Ring Classes Tier List

Different Elden Ring Tier lists are very popular these days. Almost everyone is talking about how it helped them. But why do you really need these lists? If this question has hit your mind, then you are not alone. After researching and speaking with numerous players on Reddit, it was found that almost everyone reads Tier lists for the same four reasons:

• It gives you a brief insight into how things are in various character classes. This information is extremely important for new players who have no clue about what to pick. So, instead of trying every class one by one, they can simply choose the one that best fits their play style. 
• The list also gives you information about the strengths and weaknesses of every class. No class is perfect or fully flawed in the game. So, it would be best to know what to expect from each class.
• The list is highly accurate as it is based on the latest findings and patches of each class. So, if you want the latest rankings of each class based on the latest discoveries, you should head directly to the newest Tier list.
• Lastly, the list provides an encyclopedia for various aspects of every class. So, even experienced players can learn a thing or two before jumping into their new experiment. 

Elden Ring Classes Tier List

At this point, you should have no more questions about the benefits of this Tier list. So, without further delay, here are all Elden Ring Classes ranked in this Tier list:

S-Tier:

• Astrologer
• Vagabond
• Samurai

   Astrologer

The Astrologer build is perfectly designed for new sorcerers entering the world. It provides a perfect balance between Mind, Intelligence, and Dexterity so that you have the mental Strength to cast spells.

Moreover, the Astrologer class also comes with the Astrologer’s Staff that you can use to memorize spells. Lastly, the class also comes with backup melee weapons and a shield in case you run out of FP. In short, if you are a fan of magic, you should probably start as an Astrologer before moving on to other character classes.

Vagabond

The Vagabond is perhaps one of the toughest character classes in Elden Ring. It offers a unique balance between Strength and Vigor that you can’t find in any other class. The Vagabond’s character level is also higher than most other classes.

You start the game with a longsword, a halberd, and a heater shield. Moreover, the sturdy armor set makes you look like a complete tank. Similarly, the higher Vigor stats mean your HP will be higher than others. So, it won’t be wrong to say this is the most balanced melee class in the game. In short, if you want to jump right into battle, you should go with the Vagabond starting character class.

Samurai

Samurais are still feared for their abilities on the battlefield. They were once the fighting machines that spared no one. So, what if you want to feel the same way in the Lands Between? In that case, the Samurai class is the perfect spot to start.

The class mainly focuses on the stats that help you in combat. Moreover, the Dexterity part makes up for the lack of magic in this class. Lastly, a Samurai start with a Katana, a longbow, and a few fire arrows in the inventory. So, you can conquer your enemies in both melees and ranged combat. In short, if you want to see some action without any delay, you should choose the Samurai class.

A-Tier:

• Warrior
• Hero
• Confessor
• Prisoner

Warrior

The Warrior class has all that it takes to conquer the Lands Between. If not for a few flaws, this class deserves the top spot. Unfortunately, you must learn the class to unlock its true potential. In other words, your first few hours in the game won’t be as effective, but you can instantly transform your character into a lethal killing machine.

The Warrior class mainly focuses on Dexterity. In fact, it has the highest Dexterity among all other classes. Moreover, the Warrior character starts with a pair of scimitars that you can dual-wield for the best results. In short, if you are ready to put some time and effort into your character, I suggest that you start your journey as a Warrior.

Hero

Why are you in the Lands Between? To become a hero, of course! The Hero class is a Strength focused class that takes care of all your needs on the battlefield. It is a balanced class that offers sufficient HP, stamina, and the Strength to wield powerful weapons.

Moreover, you also get a few spare points to invest in any attribute. The class starts with a battle axe and a leather shield, making it a melee-focused class. Furthermore, you can easily grip the potential of this class just by facing a few enemies. So, if you are a newbie looking for some fast-paced battles, I suggest that you give this class a shot.

Confessor

Almost every guide you read will tell you to start as a Confessor. The main reason is that this class is somewhat of a hybrid between melee and magic combat. If you haven’t decided how to tackle your enemies, you should go with this class. It offers a balance in all stats, with the main focus on melee and magic.

However, the defensive traits are a bit low; you will eventually get it right by investing a few points. Moreover, the class comes equipped with a sword, a shield, a fingerseal, a healing spell, and the Assassin’s Approach incantation. So, you will have everything you need to survive your first few hours in the Lands Between.

Prisoner

The Prisoner class is often avoided by most newcomers. On the other hand, veterans dive right in either as a Prisoner or a Warrior. It is another Hybrid class that focuses mainly on magic and somewhat on melee combat.

The high Intelligence gives you just enough FP to defeat your first few opponents. Moreover, the starting equipment includes a sword, a shield, a staff, and a Glintblade incantation. So, you can easily enjoy the pros and cons of both combat systems before choosing one.

However, you must work on the Endurance and Vigor part if you choose the melee style. In other words, you should try other classes if you haven’t played any other FromSoftware Inc titles.

B-Tier

• Bandit
• Prophet

Bandit

Bandits have the advantage of stealth and ambush in all RPGs. The stealth is a new concept in Elden Ring, but players have already fallen in love. For the most part, you will feel like playing as an Assassin.

Moreover, the Arcane and Dexterity will take care of your ranged combat needs. However, this class falls short in the aggressive combat department. The class starts with a bow, a few bone arrows, a knife, and a shield.

You will instantly grasp the ideas of ranged and close combat. However, these tools won’t last long against an aggressive enemy. So, you must only choose this class if you are ready to invest countless hours in upgrading your character.

Prophet

Magic hasn’t always been a favorite combat system in FromSoftware Inc games. In fact, most players even thought of it as a joke when the Prophet class was introduced. The Prophet is a purely magic-focused class with no support for melee combat.

The high stats in Faith ensures that you have enough resources to master the spells or summon a few helpful spirits. Moreover, the class comes with a short spear, a shield, a fingerseal, a healing spell, and a fire incantation. So, it is the second pure magic class after the Astrologer.

However, it is only suitable for experienced players who understand the ways of magic in Elden Ring. So, you should only pick this class if you know the magic combat system or have the energy to learn it from scratch.

C-Tier

The C-Tier only contains one single class, i.e., the Wretch. So, it won’t be wrong to say that this Tier was created especially for this weak starting character class. 

Wretch

The Wretch class is undoubtedly the most underprivileged class in Elden Ring. You may consider it as the weakest class, but for some players, it offers endless potential. The Wretch class is a blank sheet of paper that you can fill with whatever you like.

This class can easily become the most powerful character builds in the game. Moreover, the class starts with level 1 and comes with cheap character upgrades. However, you must first explore the Lands Between with nothing but a club in your inventory.

If you are willing to go through such troubles, the Wretch class will eventually pay off for your struggles. Still, it is highly recommended to avoid this class unless you have completed the game a couple of times.

Conclusion

Elden Ring has a unique class system that offers many improvements from the Dark Souls formula. For instance, it gives equal opportunities for both melee and magic combat systems. As most RPGs are magic-friendly these days, Elden Ring naturally had to support the concept.

However, choosing the right character class is extremely important, especially if it’s your first time. The right class, according to your style, can make things fairly easy. On the contrary, an uncalculated selection may ruin the whole experience for you.

Therefore, this Elden Ring Classes Tier List ranks all the classes based on their potential for newcomers. After reading this article, you can easily decide how you want to survive in the Lands Between.