Elden Ring Build Guide Easiest Classes For Beginners Who Suck At Souls Games

For many players, the first encounter with a FromSoftware title like Elden Ring can be overwhelming. Fast enemies, cryptic mechanics, and punishing difficulty often lead to frustration—especially if you're new to the Soulsborne genre. But here's the truth: you don’t need lightning-fast reflexes or years of experience to succeed. With the right starting class and a smart approach to progression, even players who \"suck at Souls games\" can conquer the Lands Between.

The key lies in choosing a beginner-friendly build that prioritizes survivability, flexibility, and steady scaling. This guide breaks down the most accessible classes, stat allocation strategies, weapon recommendations, and gameplay tips tailored specifically for those still getting comfortable with dodging, parrying, and managing stamina.

Why Starting Class Matters (More Than You Think)

Your starting class in Elden Ring isn't just cosmetic—it shapes your early-game experience significantly. While all characters eventually diverge based on stat investment, the initial gear, stats, and spell loadouts determine how smoothly you’ll navigate the opening hours. For newcomers, this phase is critical. A poorly equipped or unbalanced start can lead to repeated deaths, confusion, and early burnout.

FromSoftware designed several classes with accessibility in mind. These provide either strong defensive tools, healing options, or ranged capabilities that reduce reliance on perfect timing. The goal isn’t to “min-max” from level 1, but to survive long enough to learn the rhythm of combat and explore without constant fear of dying.

The Best Starting Classes for Absolute Beginners

Not all starting classes are created equal when it comes to easing into Elden Ring’s challenge. Based on stat distribution, equipment, and early access to utility spells, these three stand out as the most beginner-friendly:

1. Wretch – High base Vigor and minimal gear requirements make it the most customizable option. Though it starts weak, its blank-slate nature allows players to adapt quickly based on their playstyle.
2. Samurai – Comes with a solid katana, decent armor, and high Dexterity and Vigor. Excels in mid-range melee combat and reaches powerful weapons early.
3. Confessor – Offers faith-based healing through Golden Vow and minor miracles. Great for players who want to stay alive longer while learning enemy patterns.

Tip: If you're unsure, pick Samurai. It gives you strong early damage, good health, and a fast weapon—perfect for aggressive but cautious play.

Beginner-Friendly Build: Tanky Faith Warrior (Samurai Start)

This build combines durability, healing, and consistent damage—ideal for players still mastering dodge timing and stamina management. It uses the Samurai start for immediate combat effectiveness, then integrates healing magic for extra safety.

Step-by-Step Progression Plan

1. Start as Samurai – You’ll have 11 Vigor, 12 Mind, 14 Endurance, 14 Strength, and 16 Dexterity. This gives you solid HP, stamina, and access to Uchigatana early.
2. Early Leveling Priority:
   • Vigor to 20 (increases survivability significantly).
   • Mind to 16 (unlocks additional Flask charges).
   • Dexterity to 25 (allows use of speed-scaling katanas and bows).
   • Endurance to 20 (more stamina rolls and attacks).
3. Obtain Healing Incantation: Head to the Church of Vows in Limgrave. Purchase Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength from Brother Corhyn. Golden Vow boosts your defense and damage temporarily—excellent during tough fights.
4. Weapon Focus: Stick with katana variants (Uchigatana, Rivers of Blood) or twinblades (Godskin Peeler). These offer fast attack speeds and good bleed buildup, helping chip away at enemies even with imperfect combos.
5. Shield Optional: Use the Brass Shield early for blocking heavy hits. Later, consider dual-wielding or using a talisman for incantations.

Stat Goals by Level 50

Stat	Target Value	Purpose
Vigor	30–40	Survive multiple hits
Endurance	25–30	Roll, attack, and block freely
Mind	20	Carry two Flame Scepters or extra Flask charges
Strength	16	Meet minimum requirements
Dexterity	40	Maximize katana damage
Faith	20	Use Golden Vow and offensive incantations

Tip: Don’t neglect FP (Focus Points). Even non-casters benefit from one healing or buff incantation. It can save your run.

Alternative Path: Pure Mage for Couch Players

If melee feels too intense, a sorcery-focused build offers a safer, more strategic way to progress. You can defeat most enemies from a distance, giving you time to react and reposition.

Recommended Start: Astrologer

The Astrologer begins with 17 Intelligence and the Glintstone Staff, making it the natural choice for spellcasters. It has low Vigor (10), so survival depends on positioning and evasion—but with proper play, it’s very effective.

Early Game Priorities

• Get Glintstone Pebble and Glacial Epoch from the Raya Lucaria Academy tutorial area.
• Upgrade your staff at Smithing Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold.
• Invest primarily in Intelligence (aim for 50+) and keep Vigor at 20–25 for basic survivability.
• Use Ash of War like Shared Order or Order Call on a shield for emergency healing if needed.

“Magic users in Elden Ring aren’t fragile if played smart. Positioning, summoning, and stagger management matter more than raw stats.” — Kaelen, Elden Ring Speedrun Coach

Essential Tips for Newcomers Who Hate Dying

Even with a solid build, poor habits can derail your progress. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Don’t Rush Combat

New players often fall into the trap of attacking wildly. Instead, observe enemy tells. Most foes telegraph attacks clearly. Wait, dodge, then counter. One well-placed hit does more than five panicked swings.

Use Spirit Summons Early and Often

You gain access to spirit ashes around 1–2 hours into the game. Summoning a wolf or warrior distracts enemies and creates openings. It’s not cheating—it’s strategy.

Explore Sideways Before Pushing Forward

The game opens up quickly. If you’re stuck on a boss or enemy, try exploring another region. You’ll find better gear, runes, and confidence before returning stronger.

Manage Stamina Like Your Life Depends On It (It Does)

Nothing kills beginners faster than running out of stamina mid-fight. Avoid jumping, rolling unnecessarily, or spamming attacks. Always leave at least one roll’s worth in reserve.

Tip: Press L1/LB to ready your weapon instead of holding it out. This conserves stamina when walking through safe areas.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s First Run

Sarah had never played a Souls game before. Her first attempt was as a Prisoner—high Mind and Dexterity, but low Vigor. She died repeatedly in Stormveil Castle, frustrated by soldiers with shields and knights with reach.

On her second try, she started as a Samurai, focused on leveling Vigor and Endurance, picked up Golden Vow, and used Torrent to reposition during fights. She summoned Mimic Tear at Godrick and defeated him with minimal stress. By prioritizing survivability over flair, she completed her first full run in under 60 hours—something she thought impossible after her first week of quitting.

Her takeaway? “I didn’t get better at dodging. I got smarter about not needing to dodge.”

Beginner Build Checklist

Follow this checklist to ensure a smooth start:

• ✅ Choose Samurai, Wretch, or Confessor as starting class
• ✅ Level Vigor to at least 20 before focusing on damage stats
• ✅ Obtain a healing or buff incantation/sorcery by Level 20
• ✅ Upgrade your weapon at a Smithing Table by Level 25
• ✅ Acquire Spirit Ashes and use them in tough fights
• ✅ Equip a Talisman or Catalyst early for spell casting
• ✅ Explore Limgrave fully before attempting main bosses
• ✅ Use fast weapons (katanas, twinblades) for easier combos

FAQ: Common Questions from New Players

Do I need to parry or backstab to win?

No. While parrying and stealth attacks are effective, they require precision. Most enemies can be defeated safely using hit-and-run tactics, ranged spells, or summoning allies. Focus on what feels comfortable.

What’s the easiest boss in Elden Ring?

Margit, the Fell Omen is often considered the first major roadblock, but technically, the game’s easiest optional boss is Patches in the Chapel of Anticipation. However, many players find Tree Sentinel (non-mandatory) to be a manageable early challenge if approached carefully with arrows or summons.

Can I respec my character?

Yes. After defeating the first mandatory boss (Margit), you’ll receive the Larval Tear item. Use it at any Site of Grace to completely reset your attribute points and redistribute them. This removes the pressure to “get it right” the first time.

Final Thoughts: You’re Stronger Than You Think

Elden Ring isn’t about being the best player on day one. It’s about persistence, adaptation, and learning from failure. The fact that you’re reading a guide means you’re already ahead of most beginners. You don’t need to master every mechanic immediately. Start with a forgiving build, survive a little longer each time, and gradually expand your comfort zone.

Remember: every expert was once a beginner who kept going. Whether you’re swinging a greatsword or launching fireballs from afar, the journey through the Lands Between is yours to shape. Pick a class, follow a plan, and take it one step at a time.

💬 Which starting class worked best for you? Share your beginner story or ask questions in the comments—help others avoid the same mistakes you did!