Elden Ring classes: starting stats for every class and the best keepsake

Elden Ring has 10 starting classes in the base game, and the Tarnished Pack (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) or the Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 adds two more: the Heavy Knight and the Idus Knight. Below you’ll find the starting stats of all ten original classes, their equipment, what we know about the new classes and which keepsake (starting gift) to pick. Everything is current as of 20 October 2026.

Your class doesn’t lock you in

Before you start counting points, one reassuring fact: you can’t change your class after creating your character, but it doesn’t limit you either. You can level any stat you like, so a Vagabond can become a caster later on. Bandai Namco says it directly: your class is never a limitation, it is a starting point. What you really choose is your starting stat spread and equipment.

If you change your mind later, you can reallocate your stats with Rennala for a Larval Tear. How respec works and what each stat does is covered in our guide to Elden Ring stats.

Starting stats for every class

We only list a number where two sources agree (PCGamesN and IGN). For the Prophet the sources disagree on Strength, Dexterity and Arcane, so those cells show a dash.

Class	Level	Vigor	Mind	Endurance	Strength	Dexterity	Intelligence	Faith	Arcane
Vagabond	9	15	10	11	14	13	9	9	7
Warrior	8	11	12	11	10	16	10	8	9
Hero	7	14	9	12	16	9	7	8	11
Bandit	5	10	11	10	9	13	9	8	14
Astrologer	6	9	15	9	8	12	16	7	9
Prophet	7	10	14	8	–	–	7	16	–
Samurai	9	12	11	13	12	15	9	8	8
Prisoner	9	11	12	11	11	14	14	6	9
Confessor	10	10	13	10	12	12	9	14	9
Wretch	1	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10

What each class is good at

• Vagabond is, in the official description, an exiled knight with a solid, armoured origin. He has the highest starting Vigor and suits melee play.
• Warrior has the highest starting Dexterity and starts with two scimitars.
• Hero has the highest starting Strength and wields a battle axe.
• Bandit has the highest Arcane of the original ten classes.
• Astrologer is a sorcery caster with the highest starting Mind and Intelligence.
• Prophet relies on sacred incantations and has the highest starting Faith.
• Samurai, according to Bandai Namco, deals precise bleeding cuts.
• Prisoner starts with high Intelligence and Dexterity (14 each), while the Confessor starts with high Faith (14).
• Wretch is naked and unbroken, starting at level 1 with 10 in every stat. Reviewers recommend him to experienced players, not complete beginners.

Starting equipment

The table only lists classes where both sources agree on the gear.

Class	Starting equipment
Vagabond	Longsword, Halberd, Heater Shield
Warrior	2× Scimitar, Riveted Wooden Shield
Hero	Battle Axe, Large Leather Shield
Astrologer	Astrologer’s Staff, Short Sword, Scripture Wooden Shield, Glintstone Pebble and Glintstone Arc spells
Samurai	Uchigatana, Longbow, Red Thorn Roundshield
Wretch	Club, no armour

Which class to pick as a beginner

The outlets agree that a melee class is the best choice for a first playthrough. GamesRadar+ and PC Gamer both recommend the Vagabond, who has the most health and carries a halberd and a shield next to his sword. GamesRadar+ also recommends the Samurai, and PCGamesN describes him as a balanced class with a longbow for ranged fights. If magic appeals to you, the Astrologer starts with a staff and two spells. More tips for the opening hours are in our beginner’s guide.

Heavy Knight and Idus Knight from the Tarnished Pack

The two new classes launched on 28 August 2026. On Switch 2 they are part of the Tarnished Edition, and on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One they come with the Tarnished Pack, which costs €4.99 on Steam (as of 20 October 2026). Besides the classes it includes four new armour sets, new weapons and three appearances for Torrent. The new content works in the base game and in Shadow of the Erdtree. Editions and prices are compared in our editions and price guide.

According to Bandai Namco, the Heavy Knight is a knight in massive steel armour carrying a large curved sword. We aren’t listing starting stats for either new class yet. They come from a single outlet, and earlier leaks differ from them, so we won’t present them as verified. Patch 1.17 also lets you buy or find the starting gear of both new classes in the Lands Between.

Keepsakes: which starting gift to choose

During character creation you choose one keepsake, or none at all. There are ten options:

Keepsake	What it does
Crimson Amber Medallion	talisman, raises max HP
Lands Between Rune	3,000 runes
Golden Seed	adds one use to your Sacred Flask
Fanged Imp Ashes	Spirit Ashes, need the Spirit Calling Bell
Cracked Pot (3)	for crafting throwable bombs, the pot doesn’t break
Stonesword Key (2)	opens an imp statue seal, single use
Bewitching Branch (5)	temporarily turns an enemy to your side
Boiled Prawn (5)	temporarily raises physical defence
Shabriri’s Woe	talisman, enemies target you first
None	no gift

GamesRadar+ and PC Gamer both call the Golden Seed the best all-round pick, especially if you want to progress quickly. The Stonesword Key is a strong alternative, and PC Gamer even ranks it first if you aren’t in a hurry and like to explore. For classes with low Vigor, GamesRadar+ suggests the Crimson Amber Medallion. The Boiled Prawn and Bewitching Branch are consumables only, and PC Gamer rates them low.

Join our Discord to discuss which class to start with and show off your character: GamersTogether Discord.

FAQ

Information verified on 20 October 2026. More guides are in our Elden Ring guides.