Elden Ring Class Tier List: All Classes Ranked

Before diving into the ranking, you need to know how Elden Ring’s classes work. The game has got ten different classes, each suited for different playstyles. Whatever choice you make, especially at the beginning, is what will ultimately define your playstyle. Considering all the factors, I have curated an Elden Ring class tier list for you. It’s basically a detailed guide where I’ll scrutinize each class, its strengths, and most importantly, which is best for a start.

There is no surprise that the class choice will also influence your first few hours in the game—for instance, the starting character’s stats and equipment. However, you always have the liberty to revamp your character later in the game. 

Long story short, the class you pick at the beginning will give you a little direction into Elden Ring and some gear to maneuver to the point from where you can take charge. Below is the Elden Ring class tier list, where all 10 Classes are ranked from best to worst.

Let’s look at the comparison between all Elden Ring Classes:

Elden Ring Classes Tier List 

More from eXputer: Elden Ring Weapons Tier List

The primary reason you need an Elden Ring class tier list is that all of the 10 put at your disposal play differently. Hence, consequently, not all might be the best choice to mark your entrance into the game. 

Do mind that no class is weak. It’s just that some prove pretty flexible on all occasions while the others may only work at a particular point in the game. On this note, let’s get into it! 

S-Tier Classes 

These Elden Ring classes are the best of all the 10. All of them are potent enough to dish off considerable damage to your foes in the initial times. Though these classes aren’t entirely perfect, their failings are far more minor than the rest. 

For beginner players looking forward to starting with an unforgettable triumph, these Elden Ring classes are the best fit then. 

Vagabond

Players aren’t short of melee classes in the Elden Ring, but the utter tank here simply wins the contest. I believe this is primarily due to Vagabond’s sheer virtue of tackiness. It is undoubtedly one of the best Elden Ring classes for beginners, if not the best.

Vagabond houses a lot of punch, thanks to the great armor onboard. Players will enjoy the incredible synergy of Dexterity and Strength on offer and the fact that it starts with a Longsword and heavy shield. Meaning players can propel any way they like! 

With essential qualities for intense battles, it provides an ideal starting point. The class boasts high Vigor and a robust health pool. Yet, it lacks in Faith, Intelligence, and Mind. Enhancing these areas could elevate the Vagabond to a tier rank beyond S!

Astrologer

I don’t know whether any of you would like to hear about it or not, but astrology is evolving as the most potent way of conduct in the Elden Ring compared to any other. Keeping this in mind, an astrology-oriented class is necessary; fortunately, Elden Ring has one. 

The class supports both witchcraft and melee stance and begins with offering a minimal yet practical set of sorceries. They are not as flashy as the ones you’ll be eager to get hold of, but they efficiently help players digest and ultimately master the Elden Ring magic system.

With sorceries, this class also keeps some backup weapons at your disposal. This includes a sword, a small shield, and a staff. The Astrologer class gets better with the story, inducing fresher and more potent Sorceries that, later in the game, will do more good than harm. 

Samurai

Embrace devastating power with the Samurai class, offering the opportunity to wield the agile and formidable Uchigatana. This mighty sword delivers powerful blows and inflicts a massive bleed effect.

The Samurai focuses on Dexterity, with close attention to Endurance and Vigor, while placing less emphasis on stealth. Enjoy a versatile playstyle with both ranged and melee attacks using a longbow, offhand shield, and fire arrows alongside the sturdy katana.

Survivability is enhanced through strategic point allocation, allowing players to fully explore Elden Ring’s open world from the beginning. However, addressing the downside of the Vagabond class requires additional points to boost faith and intelligence for sorcery compatibility.

A-Tier Classes

While not as extraordinary as the S-Tier classes, these picks can’t be ignored either. Given their unique stats that perfectly fit different niches, these classes are worth your attention.  

Warrior

Prisoner

Hero

This class is yet another melee class you can rely on for the early game. It is not well-rounded for spellcasting but is designed to support a fast-paced melee character focusing more on Strength rather than Dexterity. 

Great Strength paired with substantial Stamina, high Vigor, and top-notch Endurance make the Hero class ideal for newbie Elden Ring combatants. Those who want to get the hang of the game in no more than a couple of hits can only make the most out of this class. 

The Hero class provides a substantial health pool and allows players to wield large weapons effectively. Players have the freedom to allocate stat points based on their preferences. Starting with a one-handed ax and a medium-sized shield, it’s a fair trade for a robust beginning.

Confessor

Named for its association with Stealth, the Confessor is a versatile “hybrid” class akin to the prisoner. It can serve as a competent melee attacker or a Faith-loaded caster. While not the best in either category, the Confessor excels as a two-in-one class, making it a great choice for melee enthusiasts interested in learning magic.

Opting for the Confessor class can help you learn a bit of the Elden Ring’s magic mechanism without having to digest the whole forcefully. The class dashes off with a mighty sword, finger seal, potential to synergize with Dexterity and Strength, and a solid shield to block incoming shots.

However, what plays the role of a magic glue here is the solid Faith and Vigor rating. It allows you to have multiple high-power weapons while also letting you use magic. However, you need to add extra points to defense stats in order to deal with hits in the initial game. 

B-Tier Classes 

Classes of the B-Tier should not be underestimated. Though they couldn’t make it to the top ranks, these Elden Ring classes are best if wielded with specific playstyles. I’ll recommend the below-mentioned classes to veteran players only.  Beginners might even try their luck, but once they have been in the game for at least some time. 

Prophet

I know that most of the true Dark Soul fans are amazed to see yet another sorcery class in Elden Ring. The game has really left a lot of traditions behind. Nevertheless, this class isn’t as competent as the other sorcery classes. Please don’t assume it’s weak, though. 

Thanks to the impressive starting Faith stats, the Prophet class can be called one of the best spellcasters in the horde. However, due to no support for melee attacks, it’s not a hybrid pick. Moreover, it’s fragile and possesses weak starting items (just a finger seal and a spear). 

Until a player gets a good grip on maneuvering magic incantations and summons, wielding the Prophet class can be challenging. Players looking for a Faith-based starting class and those who know how to tackle magic may consider picking the Prophet. 

Bandit

Stealth is a new playstyle that you can tread on in Elden Ring, and I know you are super excited to get hold of it; however, that doesn’t mean you make any wrong decisions. Meaning doesn’t opt for the Stealth-oriented Bandit class before knowing about it. 

This class begins with a bow and arrow to take charge of the bosses from a distance, a decent knife, and a shield too. With Stealth, the class houses substantial Dexterity and Arcane as well. 

Because of them, Bandit will do fine while you tour through the game’s open world but won’t prove to be of much help against aggressive bosses.  

C-Tier Classes

These classes lack a little too much. For starter Elden Ring fellas, they are certainly not the classes I would prefer. However, being a pro gamer or someone who just likes experimenting with every possibility put forth by Elden Ring, you can still try them.  

Wretch

Takeaway

That sums up my guide on the best classes in Elden Ring. Do note that none of the classes are substandard or entirely unsuitable to employ; as such players can do better with some once they fully understand the game mechanics. 

Which one do you like the most from my Elden Ring class tier list? And does it fit your playstyle? I personally found the Vagabond to offer a balanced play style. 

Why My Tier List Ranking Matters

Exputer strives to put forth the most unbiased pieces of gaming information for the reader. Trustable sources, experiences, information sites, and opinions of veteran players back everything I share with you. Because Tier lists still tend to be subjective matters, my opinions may differ from yours. Therefore, I wholeheartedly invite you to lead constructive discussions in the comments below.