Elden Ring is FromSoftware's open-world action RPG created in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, set in the sprawling Lands Between. Unlike previous Souls games, it gives you complete freedom to explore six major regions, tackle legacy dungeons in any order, and over 150 boss encounters. The game received its massive Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adding an entirely new map region. With its blend of punishing combat, deep build variety, and cryptic lore, Elden Ring redefined what an open-world RPG can be.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vagabond | S | Tank hits with heavy armor and trade blows with colossal weapons. | Rivers of Blood | Moderate |
| Samurai | S | Aggressive melee with bleed procs that chunk boss health bars. | Moonveil | Moderate |
| Astrologer | A | Stay at range, cast powerful sorceries, and dodge when enemies close distance. | Blasphemous Blade | Yes |
| Prisoner | A | Mix melee weapon arts with sorcery casting for flexible combat. | Hand of Malenia | Yes |
| Wretch | B | Struggle early, then become whatever you want with zero wasted stats. | Starscourge Greatsword | No |
New player? Start with Samurai — see our beginner's guide for why.
Vagabond
The Vagabond starts with the highest combined Vigor and Strength, making it the safest starter class. Its starting Halberd and 100% physical block shield carry you through early game with minimal upgrades needed. Best class for Strength or Quality builds.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Tank hits with heavy armor and trade blows with colossal weapons. |
| Best Equipment | Rivers of Blood |
| Stat Priority | Vigor > Strength > Endurance > Mind |
| Core Gear | Grafted Blade Greatsword, Bull-Goat Armor, Greatshield |
| Key Mechanic | open world exploration |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Tank hits with heavy armor and trade blows with colossal weapons.
- Pairs well with Rivers of Blood
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limgrave to learn Vagabond-specific mechanics
- Focus on open world exploration — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Rivers of Blood as your first major upgrade
- See our full Vagabond build guide for the optimal gear progression
Samurai
Samurai starts with the Uchigatana, one of the best weapons in the entire game thanks to innate bleed buildup. High Dexterity starting stats make it ideal for katana and curved sword builds. The Longbow included lets you pull enemies safely from range.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Aggressive melee with bleed procs that chunk boss health bars. |
| Best Equipment | Moonveil |
| Stat Priority | Vigor > Dexterity > Arcane > Endurance |
| Core Gear | Rivers of Blood, White Mask, Lord of Blood's Exultation |
| Key Mechanic | stance breaking |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Aggressive melee with bleed procs that chunk boss health bars.
- Pairs well with Moonveil
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limgrave to learn Samurai-specific mechanics
- Focus on stance breaking — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Moonveil as your first major upgrade
- See our full Samurai build guide for the optimal gear progression
Astrologer
Astrologer is the dedicated sorcery class with the highest starting Intelligence and a Glintstone Staff ready to go. Early spells like Glintstone Pebble are efficient and scale well. Late game with Lusat's Glintstone Staff and Comet Azur, you can one-shot many bosses.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Stay at range, cast powerful sorceries, and dodge when enemies close distance. |
| Best Equipment | Blasphemous Blade |
| Stat Priority | Vigor > Intelligence > Mind > Dexterity |
| Core Gear | Lusat's Glintstone Staff, Azur's Glintstone Crown, Graven-Mass Talisman |
| Key Mechanic | spirit ash summoning |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Stay at range, cast powerful sorceries, and dodge when enemies close distance.
- Pairs well with Blasphemous Blade
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limgrave to learn Astrologer-specific mechanics
- Focus on spirit ash summoning — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Blasphemous Blade as your first major upgrade
- See our full Astrologer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Prisoner
Prisoner is the hybrid Intelligence/Dexterity class, perfect for Moonveil or Wing of Astel builds. Starts with the Estoc for reliable thrust damage and a basic sorcery catalyst. The split stats mean you come online slightly later but have incredible versatility.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Mix melee weapon arts with sorcery casting for flexible combat. |
| Best Equipment | Hand of Malenia |
| Stat Priority | Vigor > Intelligence > Dexterity > Mind |
| Core Gear | Moonveil, Carian Regal Scepter, Snow Witch Set |
| Key Mechanic | weapon arts |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Mix melee weapon arts with sorcery casting for flexible combat.
- Pairs well with Hand of Malenia
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limgrave to learn Prisoner-specific mechanics
- Focus on weapon arts — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Hand of Malenia as your first major upgrade
- See our full Prisoner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Wretch
Wretch starts at level 1 with all stats at 10 and nothing but a club. It's the hardest early game but the most flexible for min-maxing because no stat points are wasted. Recommended only for experienced players who know exactly what build they want.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Struggle early, then become whatever you want with zero wasted stats. |
| Best Equipment | Starscourge Greatsword |
| Stat Priority | Vigor first, then specialize based on build |
| Core Gear | Depends entirely on chosen build path |
| Key Mechanic | flask of wondrous physick |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Struggle early, then become whatever you want with zero wasted stats.
- Pairs well with Starscourge Greatsword
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Limgrave to learn Wretch-specific mechanics
- Focus on flask of wondrous physick — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Starscourge Greatsword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Wretch build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Samurai is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Vagabond is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Rivers of Blood for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Wretch offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Prisoner shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Elden Ring Guides
- Elden Ring Elden Ring Overview
- Elden Ring Best Builds
- Elden Ring Tier List
- Elden Ring Walkthrough
- Elden Ring Beginner's Guide
- Elden Ring Tips & Tricks
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide
- Elden Ring Combat Guide
- Elden Ring Boss Guide
- Elden Ring Maps & Locations
- Elden Ring Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Elden Ring, check out these related guides:
- Baldur's Gate 3 Classes Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Classes Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Classes Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
