What Class Makes Elden Ring Easy? A Tarnished’s Guide to Victory

The truth is, there’s no true “easy mode” in Elden Ring. It’s a game designed to challenge, to frustrate, and ultimately, to reward perseverance. However, certain starting classes and approaches can certainly make your initial hours in the Lands Between significantly smoother. If you’re looking for the path of least resistance, the Vagabond class is arguably the best starting point for new players. Its high Vigor, Strength, and Dexterity, coupled with starting armor and a reliable sword and shield, provide a strong foundation for survival. The Vagabond allows you to tank damage, deal respectable melee damage, and learn the fundamentals of combat without being overly punished for early mistakes. While other classes might offer specialized power fantasies, the Vagabond provides a sturdy bridge into Elden Ring’s challenging world.

The Vagabond Advantage: A Solid Foundation

The Vagabond excels due to its balanced stats and immediate survivability. Here’s a breakdown of why it stands out:

• High Vigor: Vigor governs your HP, the most essential resource in a game where enemies hit hard. More HP means more mistakes you can afford to make.
• Decent Strength and Dexterity: These stats allow you to wield a wide variety of weapons, giving you options as you explore and discover new armaments. You aren’t locked into a specific playstyle early on.
• Starting Armor and Shield: The Vagabond starts with a full set of armor and a shield, significantly increasing your defense against early game threats. This extra protection can be the difference between life and death.
• Simple Weapon: The Longsword is a basic but effective weapon, easy to understand and use, and can carry you well into the mid-game.

This combination creates a character that is forgiving and adaptable, perfect for learning the game’s core mechanics without constant frustration.

Beyond the Vagabond: Other Viable Options for Beginners

While the Vagabond is often recommended, other classes can also be successful for newcomers, depending on their preferred playstyle:

• Samurai: The Samurai offers a strong offensive start with its Uchigatana. With the right stat allocation and weapon upgrades, the Samurai is an excellent choice for beginner players. This class is more about damage output than tanking, and learning how to dodge will be key.
• Confessor: A hybrid class that combines melee combat with Incantations. This allows the class to use heals and buffs early game. The Confessor can provide some added flexibility for new players.
• Warrior: The Warrior class can dual wield from the very beginning of Elden Ring, which allows for very fun and destructive builds right from the start. Players should know this class has low armor and will require precision to master.
• Paladin (Beginner Build): A tanky melee Build that can Block attacks with a Shield while buffing and healing allies.

The key is to choose a class that aligns with your preferred playstyle and then focus on building it strategically. Don’t spread your stats too thin early on; focus on Vigor and the stats required to wield your chosen weapon effectively.

Tips for Making Elden Ring Easier

Even with the right starting class, Elden Ring can be challenging. Here are some tips to make the game more manageable:

• Explore Thoroughly: The Lands Between are filled with valuable resources, equipment, and secrets. Don’t rush through the main story; take your time to explore and discover what the world has to offer.
• Summon Spirit Ashes: Spirit Ashes are incredibly helpful companions that can distract enemies, deal damage, and provide valuable support. Experiment with different ashes to find ones that complement your playstyle.
• Use Ashes of War: Ashes of War allow you to customize your weapons with different skills and abilities. Find ashes that suit your combat style and don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Level Up Vigor: As mentioned earlier, Vigor is crucial for survival. Prioritize leveling Vigor early on to increase your HP and make you more resilient.
• Learn to Dodge and Block: Mastering the art of dodging and blocking is essential for survival in Elden Ring. Practice your timing and learn enemy attack patterns.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Run Away: Sometimes, the best strategy is to simply run away and regroup. Don’t feel ashamed to retreat from a fight that you’re not prepared for.

Embrace the Challenge

Elden Ring is a difficult game, but it’s also a rewarding one. By choosing a suitable starting class, utilizing helpful tools, and mastering the core mechanics, you can overcome the challenges and experience the epic adventure that awaits. Remember, death is a learning experience. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategy, and never give up. And consider researching the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand how game design fosters these learning experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Elden Ring classes and difficulty:

1. What is the easiest class to play in Elden Ring?

As stated above, the Vagabond is generally considered the easiest class for beginners due to its balanced stats, starting armor, and reliable weapon.

2. Can you make Elden Ring easier?

Yes, Elden Ring offers several tools and strategies to make the game more manageable, including summoning Spirit Ashes, using Ashes of War, leveling Vigor, and exploring thoroughly. There are also items like Rune Arcs that temporarily boost your stats.

3. What class is most fun to play Elden Ring?

“Fun” is subjective! However, popular and engaging builds include:

• Black Flame Wielder
• Holy Knight
• Pure Bleed
• Spellsword
• Hunter of the Dead

Experiment to find a playstyle that resonates with you.

4. What is a good beginner build in Elden Ring?

Besides the Vagabond, beginner-friendly builds include:

• Paladin: A tanky melee build that can block attacks with a shield while buffing and healing allies.
• Mage: A pure caster build that can range enemies down in any scenario.
• Samurai: Focus on melee with Katana while ranging enemies down with your Bow.

5. Is Elden Ring too hard for a casual gamer?

Elden Ring can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Casual gamers can certainly enjoy the game with the right approach and mindset. Don’t be afraid to use the tools and strategies available to make the game more manageable.

6. What is the hardest class to start as in Elden Ring?

The Wretch is undoubtedly the hardest class to start with. It begins at level 1 with minimal equipment, requiring players to scavenge and strategize from the very beginning.

7. Is the Samurai good in Elden Ring?

Yes, the Samurai is a strong class, especially for players who enjoy a fast-paced, offensive playstyle. The Uchigatana is an excellent weapon, and the Samurai’s stats allow for a flexible build.

8. Why is Elden Ring so hard for beginners?

Elden Ring’s difficulty stems from its unforgiving combat mechanics, challenging enemies, and vast, open world. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

9. Is Elden Ring fun for beginners?

Despite its difficulty, Elden Ring can be incredibly fun for beginners. The sense of accomplishment after overcoming a challenging boss or exploring a new area is unparalleled.

10. Is Elden Ring grindy?

Elden Ring can be grindy if you feel the need to be a super-high level before challenging certain bosses. However, skilled players can overcome challenges at lower levels by mastering the game’s mechanics.

11. Can an average gamer beat Elden Ring?

Yes! With the right strategies, tools, and a willingness to learn, the average gamer can absolutely beat Elden Ring.

12. How long to beat Elden Ring as a beginner?

A beginner can expect to spend around 50-70 hours completing the main story, and upwards of 100+ hours exploring the game to completion.

13. Should I play Elden Ring if I haven’t played Dark Souls?

Yes! While previous Souls experience can be helpful, it’s not necessary. Elden Ring is a standalone game that can be enjoyed by newcomers to the genre.

14. Is Samurai or Vagabond better for beginners?

Vagabond is arguably the safer pick. Its build allows players to re-specialize easily if they change their mind later on.

15. What should I level as Samurai Elden Ring?

For a Samurai build, focus on Vigor, Endurance, Strength, and Dexterity. Vigor should be your initial priority, followed by the stats required to wield your chosen weapon effectively.