Elden Ring Build Tier List Best Starting Classes For New Players In 2025

For players stepping into the Lands Between, choosing the right starting class can mean the difference between a smooth early game and constant frustration. While Elden Ring allows for incredible flexibility in character development, the initial stats and equipment of each class shape your experience during the critical first few hours. In 2025, with community knowledge refined through years of optimization and meta evolution, certain starting classes stand out as ideal for newcomers. This guide breaks down the current build tier list, highlights top-performing classes, and offers actionable advice to help new players make informed choices.

Why Starting Class Still Matters — Even in an Open Build Game

Elden Ring’s deep progression system lets you respec and pivot builds at any time using Larval Tears and Golden Seeds. However, your starting class determines your baseline stats, which influence how quickly you can access key abilities, survive tough encounters, and progress without relying heavily on external gear or consumables.

For new players unfamiliar with stat soft caps, weapon requirements, or early-game item locations, beginning with a class that aligns with a viable build path reduces early friction. A well-chosen class provides:

• Balanced stat distribution for immediate usability
• Weapons and spells that remain effective into mid-game
• Fewer early stat investments needed to meet gear requirements
• Greater survivability during learning phases

Community consensus, based on thousands of player experiences and speedrun data, has crystallized around a clear tier list—one that reflects not just power, but accessibility and sustainability for beginners.

Build Tier List: Starting Classes Ranked for New Players (2025)

The following table ranks the ten starting classes by overall suitability for new players in 2025, factoring in ease of use, early-game strength, long-term viability, and adaptability.

Rank	Class	Best For	Key Strengths	Tier
1	Warrior	Melee DPS, Dexterity Builds	High DEX, good weapon, solid defense	S
2	Hero	Strength Melee, Tanky Playstyle	High STR, strong early weapon, high HP	A
3	Bandit	Stealth Archery, Hybrid Builds	Good ranged options, high DEX/LCK	A
4	Astrologer	Mage, Intelligence Builds	Strong spell selection, high INT	B
5	Vagabond	Balanced Warrior, Early Flexibility	Well-rounded stats, versatile weapon	B
6	Confessor	Faith Hybrid, Support Builds	Healing access, moderate faith	C
7	Samurai	Early-game Speed, Katana Users	Fast weapon, decent DEX/STR split	C
8	Prisoner	Int/Dex Hybrids, Late Bloomers	High INT & DEX, weak early gear	D
9	Prophet	Faith Casters, Cleric Style	Good faith base, poor early weapon	D
10	Wretch	Challenge Runs Only	Low stats across the board	F

This ranking prioritizes player success probability—not raw power potential. The Wretch, for example, is not inherently “bad,” but its low stats demand extensive grinding or precise route planning, making it ill-suited for most beginners.

Tip: If you're new, avoid classes that require significant investment before becoming functional—prioritize immediate usability over late-game theoretical power.

Top 3 Recommended Starting Classes for 2025 Beginners

1. Warrior – The Ultimate Balanced Starter

The Warrior begins with 11 Dexterity, 11 Vigor, and 10 Mind—making it the go-to choice for players aiming for dexterity-based melee builds. It starts with a Scimitar and Shortbow, both effective and upgradeable weapons that remain useful well into mid-game.

Its balanced stats allow for early access to Ashes of War like *Sealed Sword* or *Spinning Slash*, while requiring minimal stat investment to wield powerful curved swords and twinblades. With minor adjustments, the Warrior can evolve into a pure physical DPS, bleed specialist, or even an int/dex hybrid if desired.

“Starting as a Warrior gives new players breathing room to learn mechanics while staying combat-effective.” — Raul Mendez, Elden Ring Community Guide Curator

2. Hero – Power Through Strength

The Hero excels in raw durability and damage output. With 14 Strength and 14 Vigor, it boasts the highest HP pool at level 1 and starts with a powerful Greataxe—ideal for players who prefer aggressive, high-impact combat.

This class shines in early boss fights such as Margit, where heavy-hitting attacks and tankiness compensate for slower movement. Its stat line supports straightforward progression into greatsword, greataxe, or hammer builds without awkward stat gaps.

While less flexible than the Warrior, the Hero's simplicity makes it perfect for players who want to focus on mastering timing and positioning without juggling multiple stats early on.

3. Bandit – Precision and Range

For players wary of melee chaos, the Bandit offers a unique advantage: a bow. With 11 Dexterity and 10 Luck, it enables stealthy archery playstyles and access to critical hit builds.

The Bandit’s Black Bow is one of the best starting ranged weapons and scales surprisingly well into endgame when infused with Cold or Magic. Pair it with sneak attacks and poison-based Ashes of War, and you’ve got a sustainable solo strategy that avoids close-quarters risk.

Additionally, high Luck opens doors to rare drop farming and unique talismans later—though this is more relevant for completionists than casual players.

Step-by-Step: Building Success from Level 1 to Stormveil

Reaching Stormveil Castle is a major milestone for new players. Here’s a proven sequence to maximize efficiency and survival odds using a recommended class (e.g., Warrior):

1. Choose Warrior or Hero – Ensures strong early combat performance without dependency on rare drops.
2. Head to the Church of Elleh – Obtain a Flask of Crimson Tears upgrade from the nomadic merchant and speak to Melina for Torrent.
3. Ride to Agheel Lake – Defeat the dragon to gain runes and a sense of scale for boss mechanics.
4. Proceed to Stranded Graveyard – Acquire the Spirit Calling Bell and summon Patches for easy loot access.
5. Clear Limgrave Tunnels or Summon Cave – Gain early Ashes of War like *Lion’s Claw* or *Square Off* to enhance mobility and burst damage.
6. Upgrade Weapon to +4 – Use Smithing Stones found in the wild; prioritize weapon upgrades over armor early.
7. Take the Coastal Cave shortcut – Bypass challenging open areas and approach Stormveil from the south.
8. Use Spirits Strategically – Summon Mimic Tear or Lone Wolf ashes to distract enemies during boss fights.

Following this path minimizes exposure to overwhelming threats while building confidence and resource reserves.

Common Mistakes New Players Make with Starting Classes

Even with a strong class choice, many beginners falter due to misconceptions about progression. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Over-investing in unnecessary stats – Don’t raise Faith unless using healing; don’t max Vigor too early.
• Ignoring Ashes of War – These transform basic weapons into specialized tools. Experiment early.
• Skipping spirit summons – They reduce pressure significantly, especially during bosses.
• Sticking rigidly to starting gear – Better weapons exist within the first few hours—explore tombs and caves.
• Underestimating FP (Focus Points) – Even non-casters benefit from basic incantations like *Flame, Grant Me Strength*.

Tip: Always check your weapon’s upgrade path at a smithing table. Some weapons scale poorly unless properly enhanced or infused.

Real Example: Sarah’s First Playthrough (New Player, Spring 2025)

Sarah, a first-time Soulslike player, chose the Prisoner class because she wanted to try a magic-focused build. Despite high Intelligence and Dexterity, she struggled early—her starting dagger lacked range, her health was low, and she couldn’t cast spells effectively without investing further in Mind and Intelligence.

After dying repeatedly in the Weeping Peninsula, she reset and restarted as a Warrior. With better survivability and a stronger weapon, she cleared the same zone in half the time. By level 25, she had adopted a bleed-infused curved sword build, used *Carian Greatsword* as a backup spell, and defeated Margit with minimal deaths.

Her experience illustrates a key truth: starting strong matters. Potential doesn’t help if you never reach the point where it activates.

Checklist: Choosing Your Ideal Starting Class in 2025

Before hitting “New Game,” ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I prefer melee, ranged, or spellcasting?
2. Am I comfortable managing multiple resources (HP, FP, stamina)?
3. Do I want to specialize early or stay flexible?
4. Am I willing to grind for stats or do I want immediate effectiveness?
5. Have I researched basic infusions and Ashes of War options?

If you answered “melee,” “yes,” “flexible,” “immediate,” and “somewhat,” the Warrior is almost certainly your best bet. If you crave raw power and don’t mind slower pacing, go Hero. For tactical, ranged-oriented players, Bandit remains unmatched.

FAQ: Common Questions About Starting Classes in 2025

Can I change my build later if I pick the wrong class?

Absolutely. Elden Ring’s respec system allows full stat and attribute reallocation via Larval Tears and Golden Seeds. However, acquiring these items takes time and exploration, so starting strong accelerates early progress.

Is the Astrologer still good for mages in 2025?

Yes—but with caveats. The Astrologer has high Intelligence and starts with useful glintstone spells like *Glacial Stone Spear*. However, its staff lacks scaling, and early FP is limited. Many mages now recommend starting as a Vagabond or Warrior and switching to INT later, using the flexibility to survive early zones before transitioning to spellcasting.

Why is the Wretch ranked so low?

The Wretch has the lowest stats in every category, forcing new players to invest heavily in levels before meeting basic gear requirements. While popular in challenge runs, it introduces unnecessary difficulty for those still learning dodging, blocking, and enemy patterns.

Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Play Stronger

The best starting class isn’t the one with the highest theoretical damage—it’s the one that helps you learn the game without constant frustration. In 2025, the Warrior, Hero, and Bandit continue to dominate newcomer recommendations because they offer stability, immediate utility, and smooth transitions into endgame builds.

Don’t let the freedom of customization paralyze your start. Begin with a class that empowers you, follow a logical progression path, and let your understanding of the world grow alongside your character. The Lands Between reward patience, observation, and smart choices—and the right beginning sets the tone for everything that follows.

💬 Which class did you start with? Share your first Elden Ring experience and whether you’d choose differently today!