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Navigating the Lands Between: Which Elden Ring Class is Easiest for Beginners?

The question of which class is “easiest” in Elden Ring is nuanced, but the Vagabond generally takes the crown for newcomers. Its balanced starting stats, access to solid armor, a reliable sword, and a dependable shield create a forgiving foundation for learning the game’s mechanics without being instantly punished for every mistake. This robust starting point allows players to absorb the intricacies of combat, exploration, and character progression without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Why the Vagabond Excels for Beginners

The Vagabond’s strength lies in its well-roundedness. It doesn’t specialize in any particular area like magic or specific weapon types, but that’s precisely what makes it beginner-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s a great choice:

High Vigor: The Vagabond begins with a respectable amount of Vigor, translating to more health. This extra health pool provides a safety net, allowing you to survive more hits while learning enemy attack patterns and timings.
Decent Strength and Dexterity: These stats allow you to wield a variety of weapons, giving you flexibility to experiment and find a playstyle that suits you. You’re not immediately locked into a specific weapon type, and you can easily switch between them.
Solid Starting Gear: The Longsword, Heater Shield, and chainmail armor provide good protection and offensive capability from the start. The shield is particularly crucial, allowing you to block attacks and learn the parry mechanic at your own pace. This is arguably the most important aspect for new players.
Adaptability: The Vagabond’s stat distribution is flexible enough to branch into different builds later in the game. While it doesn’t excel in any one area initially, it can easily transition into a Strength, Dexterity, or even a hybrid build as you gain experience. This eliminates the need to restart your character if you decide to change your focus later on.

Other Beginner-Friendly Considerations

While the Vagabond is often cited as the easiest, other classes have their merits for new players, depending on their preferred playstyle:

Astrologer: If you’re drawn to magic, the Astrologer is the most obvious choice. Starting with powerful spells allows you to engage enemies from a distance, keeping you relatively safe. However, it requires understanding mana management and positioning, which might be challenging for some beginners.
Warrior: Similar to the Vagabond in terms of melee focus, the Warrior starts with high Dexterity and dual scimitars. This allows for quick, aggressive attacks, but it requires a more active and precise playstyle than the Vagabond’s block-and-attack approach.
Samurai: The Samurai is a strong contender, boasting excellent starting stats and powerful weapons like the Uchigatana. Its high Dexterity makes it effective with katanas and bows, but it lacks the Vagabond’s immediate defensive capabilities with a reliable shield.

The Importance of Playstyle

Ultimately, the “easiest” class is subjective and depends on your playstyle. If you prefer ranged combat, the Astrologer might be easier for you than the Vagabond. If you enjoy aggressive, fast-paced combat, the Warrior or Samurai could be a better fit. The most important factor is choosing a class that aligns with your natural inclinations and makes the early game enjoyable. The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ emphasizes that enjoyment significantly enhances learning and engagement in any game.

15 FAQs for Elden Ring Beginners

Here are some common questions that beginner Elden Ring players have:

Does my starting class lock me into a specific playstyle?

No! Your starting class only determines your initial stats and equipment. You can freely level up any stats you want and use any weapons or spells you find. The starting class simply provides a head start.
Is magic difficult for beginners to use?

Magic can be very powerful but requires understanding FP (mana), spell slots, and enemy weaknesses. It also usually means a squishier character. However, some find it easier to stay at range and avoid melee combat entirely.
What stats are most important for a beginner Vagabond?

Focus on Vigor for health, Endurance for stamina (important for attacking, blocking, and dodging), and then Strength or Dexterity depending on your preferred weapon.
How important is dodging in Elden Ring?

Dodging is absolutely crucial. Mastering the timing of your rolls to avoid enemy attacks is essential for survival. A heavier equipment load will make your dodge less effective (a “fat roll”), so pay attention to your equip load stat.
What is the best early-game weapon for a Vagabond?

The Longsword is a solid starting weapon, but you can quickly find better options. Explore the early areas and experiment with different weapons to see what suits you best. The Lordsworn’s Straight Sword, obtainable early on, is a good upgrade.
Should I focus on leveling up one stat at a time?

It’s generally recommended to spread your stats out early on. Prioritize Vigor and Endurance to increase your survivability, then invest in damage stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane) to meet the requirements for your chosen weapons and spells.
Is it okay to use summons in Elden Ring?

Absolutely! Spirit Ashes are a valuable tool, especially for beginners. They can draw aggro, deal extra damage, and make difficult encounters more manageable. Don’t be afraid to use them.
What is “poise” and why is it important?

Poise is a stat that determines how easily you are staggered when hit. Higher poise allows you to withstand more hits without being interrupted, which is especially useful for melee characters. Heavier armor typically provides more poise.
How do I respec my character in Elden Ring?

You can respec your character’s stats after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in Raya Lucaria Academy. You’ll need a Larval Tear to respec.
Is it better to use a shield or two-hand my weapon?

Using a shield provides defense and allows you to block attacks. Two-handing a weapon increases your Strength stat by 50% and often provides a different moveset with greater damage output. Experiment with both and see what works best for you.
What do I do if I’m stuck on a boss?

Don’t be afraid to explore other areas, level up your character, upgrade your weapons, and try different strategies. You can also summon other players for help or use Spirit Ashes. There’s no shame in coming back to a boss later when you’re stronger.
How do I upgrade my weapons?

You can upgrade your weapons at a blacksmith using Smithing Stones. Early on, you’ll find Smithing Stones in mines and dungeons. Later, you can unlock the ability to purchase them from certain vendors.
What’s the best way to find new weapons and armor?

Explore thoroughly! Many weapons and armor pieces are hidden in dungeons, caves, and behind illusory walls. Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t be afraid to deviate from the main path.
Should I worry about PvP (player versus player) combat?

PvP is an optional part of Elden Ring. You can avoid it entirely if you prefer by not using certain online items or summoning other players for co-op. If you do engage in PvP, be prepared for challenging and unpredictable encounters.
Is there a “right” way to play Elden Ring?

Absolutely not! Elden Ring is designed to be a highly customizable and open-ended experience. Play however you want, experiment with different builds, and enjoy the freedom to explore and discover at your own pace. There is not a “right” path, and that’s part of what makes the game special.

Final Thoughts

While the Vagabond offers a forgiving starting point, remember that the “easiest” class is ultimately the one that resonates best with your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and embrace the challenge. Elden Ring is a demanding but rewarding game, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Good luck, Tarnished!

What is easiest class in Elden Ring?