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Vagabond vs. Astrologer: Which Elden Ring Class Reigns Supreme?

Ultimately, neither the Vagabond nor the Astrologer is definitively “better.” The optimal choice depends entirely on your preferred playstyle and build aspirations in Elden Ring. The Vagabond provides a robust starting point with excellent melee capabilities and flexibility, allowing for experimentation with different weapons and armor. In contrast, the Astrologer excels in magic-focused builds, offering potent sorceries right from the start. If you crave a spellcasting experience, the Astrologer is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a more adaptable, melee-oriented character, the Vagabond is a solid and reliable choice.

Understanding the Strengths of Each Class

To make an informed decision, let’s delve deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of each class:

Vagabond: The Adaptable Warrior

The Vagabond stands out as a well-rounded class, ideal for players new to Souls-like games or those unsure about their desired build. Its key advantages include:

High Vigor: Boasting a generous starting health pool, the Vagabond can withstand more punishment, crucial for learning enemy attack patterns and surviving challenging encounters.
Balanced Stats: The Vagabond possesses a good distribution of Strength, Dexterity, and Vigor, enabling it to wield a variety of weapons and armor effectively.
Excellent Starting Equipment: Equipped with sturdy armor, a reliable sword, and a 100% physical damage reduction shield, the Vagabond is well-protected from the outset.
Build Flexibility: The Vagabond’s balanced stats make it suitable for a variety of builds, including strength-focused, dexterity-focused, or even quality builds (a mix of strength and dexterity). It can even dabble in magic later on, although it’s not its primary strength.
Ease of Learning: Due to its survivability and versatile nature, the Vagabond allows players to learn the core mechanics of Elden Ring without being overly punished for mistakes.

Astrologer: The Master of Sorcery

The Astrologer is the go-to class for players who want to unleash powerful spells and dominate enemies from afar. Its defining features are:

High Intelligence: The Astrologer begins with a high Intelligence stat, enabling access to powerful sorceries early in the game.
Starting Spells: The Astrologer starts with Glintstone Pebble and Glintstone Arc, two effective and versatile spells for both single-target damage and crowd control.
Astrologer’s Staff: Equipped with a staff from the beginning, the Astrologer is immediately ready to cast spells.
Potent Early-Game Damage: Sorceries provide significant damage output, allowing the Astrologer to quickly dispatch enemies and bosses, especially early on.
Ranged Combat Prowess: The Astrologer excels at ranged combat, keeping them safe from melee attacks while still dealing substantial damage.
Strong Late-Game Potential: With the right spells and upgrades, the Astrologer can become one of the most powerful classes in Elden Ring, capable of obliterating enemies with ease.
Synergy with Games Learning Society: The Astrologer class in Elden Ring provides many learning opportunities with magic, experimentation, and strategic thinking, aligning well with the educational mission of the Games Learning Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field. More information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Making the Right Choice for You

Consider these factors when choosing between the Vagabond and the Astrologer:

Your Experience with Souls-like Games: If you are new to the genre, the Vagabond’s higher survivability and forgiving nature might be a better starting point.
Your Preferred Playstyle: Do you prefer melee combat, magic, or a combination of both?
Your Desired Build: Do you have a specific build in mind, such as a strength-focused warrior, a dexterity-based rogue, or a pure mage?
Your Tolerance for Challenge: The Astrologer can be squishy early on, requiring careful positioning and skillful spellcasting to survive.

Elden Ring Class FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the differences between the Vagabond and Astrologer, as well as other relevant aspects of class selection in Elden Ring:

FAQ 1: Is the Vagabond the easiest class to play in Elden Ring?

The Vagabond is often considered the easiest starting class for beginners due to its high Vigor, balanced stats, and excellent starting equipment. This makes it more forgiving and allows players to learn the game’s mechanics without being constantly punished.

FAQ 2: Is Astrologer a good class for new players?

While the Vagabond is generally considered “easier,” the Astrologer can still be a good choice for new players specifically interested in magic. Its early-game damage output is high, allowing for relatively smooth progression. However, new players must be prepared to manage their FP (Focus Points, used for casting spells) and maintain distance from enemies.

FAQ 3: Can the Vagabond use magic effectively?

Yes, the Vagabond can use magic, but it’s not its primary strength. Its low Arcane stat limits its access to certain incantations, and its lower Intelligence stat requires more investment to reach the levels needed for powerful sorceries. However, the Vagabond can effectively use weapon buffs (such as magic weapon) to increase damage output and supplement its melee combat.

FAQ 4: Is the Astrologer better than the Prophet?

The Astrologer is generally considered better for pure sorcery builds, while the Prophet is better for faith-based builds (incantations). The Astrologer has higher Intelligence and Mind, while the Prophet has higher Faith, Vigor, and Strength.

FAQ 5: Does the Astrologer need Dexterity?

While not as crucial as Intelligence, Dexterity is still important for the Astrologer. It increases casting speed and weapon attack speed, making the Astrologer more versatile. Many powerful sorceries also have Dexterity requirements.

FAQ 6: What stats should I focus on as a Vagabond?

For the Vagabond, Vigor, Strength, and Dexterity are the most important stats. Vigor increases health, Strength allows you to wield heavier weapons and armor, and Dexterity increases weapon attack speed and damage. You can also invest some points into Endurance to increase stamina and equip load.

FAQ 7: What should I buy first as an Astrologer in Elden Ring?

As an Astrologer, prioritize buying new spells and upgrading your staff. The “Memory Stone” also increases the number of spells you can memorize at once and is very useful. Also look for the Meteorite Staff early on as a powerful upgrade.

FAQ 8: What is the best starting weapon for the Vagabond?

The Vagabond starts with a Longsword. Many people choose the Twinblade early on as a good choice, which is found just outside the starting area.

FAQ 9: Is the Vagabond the best class for a tank build?

The Vagabond is a strong contender for a tank build due to its high Vigor and balanced stats, which allow it to equip heavy armor and shields effectively. However, other classes, such as the Hero, can also be viable tank options, especially if focusing purely on Strength.

FAQ 10: Is the Prisoner a better class than the Astrologer?

The Prisoner is a hybrid class with high Dexterity and Intelligence. It’s a good choice for players who want to combine melee combat with sorceries. The Astrologer is better for pure spellcasting, while the Prisoner offers more versatility.

FAQ 11: Can you respec your stats in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can respec your stats in Elden Ring by speaking to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating her in the Raya Lucarian Academy. This allows you to change your build mid-game if you’re not happy with your initial class choice.

FAQ 12: Is Elden Ring too hard for a casual gamer?

Elden Ring can be challenging for casual gamers, but it’s not insurmountable. The game offers many tools to overcome difficult encounters, such as summoning spirits, using ashes of war, and leveling up your character.

FAQ 13: What’s the most fun class in Elden Ring?

The “most fun” class is subjective and depends on individual preferences. The Vagabond is known for flexibility, and the Astrologer has a strong magical presence. However, many players find classes like the Samurai or Prisoner to be engaging due to their unique playstyles and build options.

FAQ 14: Which class is best for a Strength build?

The Hero is the most efficient class for a pure Strength build.

FAQ 15: Can the Vagabond dual wield weapons?

Yes, the Vagabond can dual wield weapons. By meeting the stat requirements for the weapons, you can powerstance them for increased damage output and unique attack animations.

Is vagabond or astrologer better?