Vagabond vs. Hero: Which Class Reigns Supreme in Elden Ring?

The eternal question for any Tarnished setting foot in the Lands Between: Vagabond or Hero – which starting class is truly the best in Elden Ring? There’s no simple, definitive answer; it hinges entirely on your intended build and playstyle. For pure Strength builds, the Hero often has a slight edge in early efficiency. However, the Vagabond shines as the most versatile and forgiving class, especially for newcomers. Its balanced stat distribution allows for adaptability, making it easier to respec later if you change your mind. For players seeking a reliable starting point with room to grow in various directions, the Vagabond remains the superior choice.

Diving Deeper: Comparing the Vagabond and Hero

Choosing your starting class in Elden Ring is a pivotal decision, shaping your initial hours in the game. While the Vagabond and Hero may seem similar at first glance, understanding their nuances can significantly impact your early game experience and long-term build viability.

The Vagabond: A Jack-of-All-Trades

The Vagabond enters the Lands Between as a well-rounded option. Its key strengths lie in its high Vigor, providing excellent health and survivability. It also boasts a decent starting level in both Strength and Dexterity, allowing players to experiment with a wide range of weapons.

• Advantages:
  • High Vigor: Ensures greater survivability early on.
  • Balanced Stats: Allows for flexibility in build development.
  • Good Starting Equipment: A decent sword, shield, and armor provide a solid foundation.
• Disadvantages:
  • Low Arcane: Makes it less ideal for builds heavily reliant on Arcane scaling.
  • Slightly Less Optimized for Pure Strength: While capable, it’s not as optimized for pure Strength as the Hero.

The Hero: Strength and Arcane Focused

The Hero distinguishes itself with its focus on Strength and Arcane. The Hero starts with the Battle Axe. This high Strength lets players wield powerful weapons from the outset. The higher Arcane, even though minor at start, can be beneficial for certain builds and item discovery.

• Advantages:
  • High Strength: Ideal for players wanting to immediately use heavy weapons.
  • Higher Arcane: Can be beneficial for item discovery and certain incantations.
• Disadvantages:
  • Lower Health (Vigor) & Armor: Makes the early game more challenging, particularly for new players.
  • Less Dexterity: Limits weapon choices early on, at least until you level up a few times.
  • Less Versatile: Requires more commitment to Strength-based builds.

Determining the “Best” Class: Considerations for New Players

For players new to Elden Ring or the Souls-like genre, the Vagabond offers a much smoother entry point. The higher starting health provides a buffer against mistakes, allowing players to learn enemy attack patterns and master the game’s combat system. The balanced stats also provide more room for experimentation, which is crucial for discovering your preferred playstyle.

The Hero, while strong, demands more strategic play. Its lower health and armor make it less forgiving, requiring players to be more cautious and precise in their movements. It’s a good choice for players who are confident in their Souls-like abilities.

Beyond the Start: Long-Term Build Implications

While starting classes provide an initial advantage, they don’t restrict your character’s development. Elden Ring allows you to allocate stat points as you see fit, eventually overcoming any initial limitations. However, the starting stats can influence the efficiency of your build.

If you plan to focus exclusively on Strength-based weapons and don’t mind the early game challenge, the Hero can be a more efficient choice. Its higher starting Strength allows you to allocate fewer points to that stat, freeing them up for Vigor, Endurance, or other desirable attributes.

However, if you want a character that can seamlessly transition between Strength, Dexterity, and even some magic, the Vagabond‘s balanced stats are invaluable. Its ability to adapt makes it a solid foundation for almost any build.

Conclusion: Choose Your Destiny

Ultimately, the “best” class in Elden Ring is the one that aligns best with your playstyle and build aspirations. The Vagabond provides a safe, versatile, and forgiving starting point, while the Hero offers a more specialized, challenging, but ultimately rewarding experience for Strength-focused players. Analyze your playstyle, consider your desired build, and embrace the Lands Between with confidence. Learning and understanding game play is important in order to advance and be successful in Elden Ring. Consider resources provided at Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org to broaden and sharpen your skills in the video game world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Vagabond class good for beginners? Yes, the Vagabond is an excellent starting class for beginners due to its high Vigor and balanced stats. This provides increased survivability and allows for flexibility in build development.

2. Is the Hero class better for a pure Strength build? In many cases, yes. The Hero‘s higher starting Strength can be more efficient for players focusing solely on Strength-based weapons.

3. Does the Hero class have any advantages over the Vagabond? The Hero starts with higher Strength and Arcane, which can be beneficial for specific builds and item discovery, respectively.

4. Can the Vagabond use magic? Yes, the Vagabond can use magic, but its lower starting Arcane makes it less optimal for builds heavily reliant on sorceries or incantations. However, you can always level up Mind and Intelligence or Faith later.

5. Is the Samurai class better than Vagabond for a Dexterity build? The Samurai is generally considered a better starting class for pure Dexterity builds. The Samurai will offer you an edge with its weapons.

6. What stats should I focus on leveling up first as a Vagabond? Prioritize Vigor to increase your health, followed by Strength and Dexterity to meet weapon requirements and increase damage output. Then work on Endurance.

7. What stats should I focus on leveling up first as a Hero? Focus on Vigor for survivability, and then continue to pump Strength to increase your damage output.

8. Is it possible to respec my character in Elden Ring? Yes, after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, you can respec your character’s stats using Larval Tears.

9. Which starting class has the highest Vigor? The Vagabond has the highest starting Vigor of all classes.

10. Is armor important in Elden Ring? Yes, armor provides physical and magical defense, reducing the damage you take. The Vagabond starts with a decent set of armor.

11. What are some good early-game weapons for the Vagabond? Good choices include the Longsword, Twinblade, and weapons found in early dungeons.

12. What are some good early-game weapons for the Hero? The Battle Axe that the Hero starts with is a solid early-game weapon.

13. Can I beat Elden Ring with any starting class? Yes, Elden Ring can be completed with any starting class. The choice primarily affects the early game and build efficiency.

14. Is the Warrior class a good starting class? The Warrior is a good class for someone looking to do fast damage dealing. However, it is not good for extended fights.

15. Is there a difficulty setting in Elden Ring? No, Elden Ring does not have traditional difficulty settings. The challenge is consistent across all playthroughs.