The best Elden Ring starting classes for beginners are Vagabond, Heavy Knight, and Confessor, ranked for survivability and forgiving stat spreads rather than min-maxed builds. Elden Ring’s roster grew to 12 classes on August 28, 2026, when Patch 1.17 added Heavy Knight and Idus Knight alongside the Tarnished Pack DLC, and this ranking weighs both new options against the original ten.
What Changed in Patch 1.17
FromSoftware shipped Patch 1.17 on August 28, 2026 alongside the paid Tarnished Pack DLC, adding two new starting classes — Heavy Knight and Idus Knight — selectable at character creation, plus new Spectral Steed Attire and two extra NPC invasions. That lands roughly 54 months after Elden Ring’s original February 2022 launch, the first time FromSoftware has added starting classes since the base game shipped. Per Bandai Namco’s official patch notes, the accompanying balance changes — including faster parry timing and lighter shields — are free for every owner of the base game; only the two new classes and cosmetic items require the DLC purchase.
How We Ranked These
This list ranks classes for a first-time or early-game Tarnished, not for late-game min-maxing. The criteria are starting Vigor (survivability), a starting weapon that works without heavy stat investment, and a stat spread that does not lock you into one build before you understand the game. Stats below come from Elden Ring’s official character creation screen, cross-checked against the Fextralife Elden Ring wiki as of September 2026.
| Rank | Class | Level | Vigor | Starting Weapon | Why It’s Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagabond | 9 | 15 | Longsword + Halberd + Heater Shield | Highest starting Vigor of any class, plus a shield and two weapon options out of the gate |
| 2 | Heavy Knight (Patch 1.17) | 10 | 14 | Not yet documented | Highest starting Endurance (17) in the game, meaning more stamina for blocking and swinging while learning enemy patterns |
| 3 | Confessor | 10 | 10 | Broadsword + Finger Seal + Shield | A shield plus both melee and Faith incantations, so you can lean on whichever clicks first |
| 4 | Samurai | 9 | 12 | Uchigatana + Longbow + Roundshield | A ranged option (Longbow) to soften enemies before they close the distance, plus a shield |
| 5 | Bandit | 5 | 10 | Great Knife + Shortbow + Buckler | Lowest starting level of the shielded classes, leaving the most levels to spend as you like |
| 6 | Idus Knight (Patch 1.17) | 7 | 10 | Not yet documented | A Strength-Faith-Dexterity spread wide enough to try multiple weapon types before committing |
Why Vagabond Still Wins for a First Character
Vagabond starts with 15 Vigor — the single highest starting health stat of any class, original or new — paired with a Longsword, a Halberd, and a Heater Shield. That combination lets a new player block, poke at range, or swing melee without changing equipment, while absorbing more early hits.
Heavy Knight’s 17 starting Endurance beats Vagabond’s 11, which matters for stamina-heavy blocking, but Heavy Knight requires owning the Tarnished Pack DLC. Vagabond is free to every player who owns the base game.
Where the New Classes Actually Fit
Heavy Knight and Idus Knight were not built to replace the beginner-friendly originals — they fill gaps the original ten never covered. Heavy Knight’s 17 Endurance is unmatched by any of the original ten classes, making it the tankiest opener FromSoftware has ever shipped for Elden Ring. Idus Knight spreads points across Strength, Dexterity, and Faith more evenly than any original class, which suits players who want to delay committing to a single damage type rather than players who want the safest possible start.
If ranked lists like this one are useful before you commit to a game, our best superhero fighting games ranked and best Spider-Man video games ranked guides use the same beginner-first approach for other genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Elden Ring starting class for beginners?
Vagabond, thanks to its 15 starting Vigor — the highest of any class — plus a Longsword, Halberd, and Heater Shield that cover melee, reach, and blocking without changing equipment.
Do I need the Tarnished Pack DLC to play Heavy Knight or Idus Knight?
Yes. Patch 1.17, released August 28, 2026, added both classes as part of the paid Tarnished Pack DLC. The patch’s balance changes are free, but the new classes are not.
Does starting class matter in the long run?
Less than most new players expect. By level 10, all Elden Ring classes converge on roughly the same total attribute points; the starting class mainly changes how forgiving the first few hours are, not what your character can become.
What does Heavy Knight start with in Elden Ring?
Heavy Knight starts at level 10 with 14 Vigor and 17 Endurance, the highest starting Endurance of any class in the game. Its exact starting weapon has not been fully documented since its August 2026 release.
How many starting classes does Elden Ring have now?
Twelve, as of Patch 1.17 in August 2026: the original ten classes from the 2022 launch, plus Heavy Knight and Idus Knight added with the Tarnished Pack DLC.
