Introduction to the Elden Ring Starting Classes Debate on Reddit
When FromSoftware released the massive expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, the gaming community erupted with fresh discussions, build theories, and nostalgia. Naturally, this resurgence led players back to a classic pre-game ritual: agonizing over which Elden Ring starting classes to choose. If you have spent any time browsing the new Elden Ring starting classes Reddit threads, you already know that the community is deeply divided on whether veteran players should start fresh with a blank slate or stick to their over-leveled endgame characters.
Reddit has always been the ultimate battleground for Soulsborne meta-discussions, optimization guides, and heated debates. With thousands of players diving back into the Lands Between to prepare for the DLC, the subreddit has been flooded with questions about the best starting class for Elden Ring DLC, optimal stat allocation, and whether certain classes are completely wasted stats for specific builds.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what the Reddit community is currently saying about starting classes, which archetypes are dominating the meta, and how you should choose your character for your next playthrough. Whether you are aiming for a punishing level 1 run or just want a smooth, overpowered magical journey, understanding the collective wisdom of Reddit can save you dozens of hours of grinding.
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Why Starting Classes Still Matter in Elden Ring
A common misconception among newer players is that starting classes only matter for the first few hours of the game. On various Elden Ring Reddit boards, veterans frequently argue about min-maxing, often referred to as "optimal stat distribution." Because Elden Ring allows players to completely respec their characters after defeating a major mid-game boss, your starting class dictates your minimum possible stat investment in categories like Arcane, Intelligence, or Faith.
For instance, if you choose the Hero class, you start with a very high Strength stat. If you later decide you want to build a pure Intelligence sorcerer, those early points in Strength are locked in. You cannot respec below your starting class's base attributes. This is why Reddit threads analyzing the most efficient starting class are constantly trending. Min-maxers care deeply about saving every single level to stay within the meta-level range for PvP or co-op matchmaking.
However, casual players often point out on Reddit that a few wasted stat points rarely matter for a standard PvE playthrough. Unless you are strictly adhering to a specific PvP rune level cap—such as RL 125 or RL 150—your starting class is mostly about how you want your early game experience to feel. Do you want to start with a heavy shield, a magical staff, or a trusty pair of daggers? Let us dive into what Reddit users recommend for the current meta.
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Top Community Picks on Reddit for New Playthroughs
Browsing through popular Elden Ring starting classes Reddit discussions reveals a few clear fan favorites. While personal playstyle always dictates the best choice, the community generally rallies around specific classes for their versatility, starting gear, and long-term viability.
The Vagabond: The Undisputed King of Versatility
Time and time again, Reddit threads crown the Vagabond as the overall best starting class for beginners and veterans alike. Reddit users love the Vagabond because it starts at Level 9, has high Vigor and Strength, and—crucially—comes equipped with a 100% physical damage reduction shield right out of the gate.
- High starting Vigor ensures you survive early-game boss encounters.
- Excellent melee stat spread that transitions easily into Quality, Strength, or Dex builds.
- Starts with a heavy armor set that provides great poise for the early game.
The only minor downside frequently mentioned on Reddit is that the Vagabond starts with a heavy equipment load, meaning you will fat-roll unless you unequip your halberd or upgrade your Endurance. Despite this small quirk, the consensus is clear: if you are unsure what to pick, pick the Vagabond.
The Samurai: Peak Early Game Damage
If you ask the Elden Ring subreddit about the most satisfying early-game experience, the Samurai is almost always part of the conversation. Reddit users frequently praise the Samurai for offering arguably the strongest starting weapon in the entire game: the Uchigatana.
- The Uchigatana features innate Blood loss buildup, making quick work of early bosses like Margit and Godrick.
- Comes with a longbow, allowing for ranged cheese strategies and pulling enemies from groups.
- Excellent Dexterity scaling and decent starting armor.
Many Reddit threads highlight that the Samurai is the go-to class for players who want to jump straight into fast-paced melee combat without needing to hunt down a decent weapon in the opening zones.
The Astrologer and Prophet: Magic and Faith Meta
For spellcasters, the debate usually boils down to the Astrologer for Intelligence builds or the Prophet for Faith builds. According to popular Reddit theorycrafting posts, both classes offer great starting incantations or sorceries, but they require patience in the early game due to low physical defense.
- Astrologer: Dominates ranged PvE by utilizing Glintstone Pebble to safely melt bosses from a distance. Reddit users often recommend this class for players who find melee combat too punishing initially.
- Prophet: Starts with Catch Flame, which boasts surprisingly high damage output, along with Heal. However, Reddit users note that the Prophet's stat spread can be tricky to optimize if you want to pivot into physical weapons later.
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The Wretch Debate: Masochism or Ultimate Freedom?
No discussion about Elden Ring starting classes on Reddit is complete without mentioning the infamous Wretch. Starting at Level 1 with all attributes set to 10 and equipped with nothing more than a wooden club and a loincloth, the Wretch divides the community into two distinct camps.
On one side, hardcore purists on Reddit swear by the Wretch. They argue that starting at Level 1 gives you absolute freedom to mold your character in any direction without feeling like you have "wasted" stats in areas you do not care about. It is also the ultimate class for players attempting a level 1 run (RL1), a massive challenge category within the community.
On the other side, many Reddit users warn newcomers against choosing the Wretch. Without any armor or a shield, the early game can be brutally unforgiving. You will spend your first few hours dying repeatedly just to scrape together basic clothing and weapons. The common consensus on Reddit is simple: choose the Wretch only if you want the ultimate roleplaying challenge, not because it is statistically superior.
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Hidden Gems: Prisoner and Confessor
While Vagabond, Samurai, and Wretch dominate most upvoted threads, classes like the Prisoner and Confessor receive plenty of love in niche Reddit build guides.
The Prisoner offers a sleek hybrid playstyle combining Dexterity and Intelligence. Reddit users frequently share creative PvP and PvE builds utilizing the Prisoner's starting spell, Magic Glintblade, which allows for delayed attacks that can easily trick both AI enemies and human opponents.
Meanwhile, the Confessor is the premier choice for a Paladin or hybrid Strength/Faith build. Starting with a 100% physical block shield and the Assassin's Approach incantation—which silences your footsteps—the Confessor is beloved by Reddit users who enjoy stealth gameplay combined with holy healing magic.
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Tips from the Reddit Community for Choosing Your Class
Before you lock in your character creation screen, consider these community-approved tips gathered from top-voted Elden Ring Reddit threads:
- Do not stress too much about min-maxing: Unless you plan to stay strictly at a low PvP level bracket, a few inefficient stat points will not ruin your game.
- Prioritize Vigor: Almost every high-upvoted guide on Reddit emphasizes that leveling Vigor early is more important than boosting your damage stats.
- Consider your endgame weapon: Look up late-game weapons you might want to use and pick the starting class that wastes the fewest levels getting the minimum stat requirements to wield them.
- Embrace experimentation: Elden Ring is designed to be replayed. Your first starting class does not define your entire journey.
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Conclusion
Navigating the endless sea of opinions in new Elden Ring starting classes Reddit discussions can be overwhelming, but the core takeaway is remarkably straightforward. If you want safety and versatility, go with the Vagabond. If you want incredible early-game DPS, choose the Samurai. If you want pure magical dominance, pick the Astrologer or Prophet. And if you are ready to embrace the true punishing spirit of the Lands Between with a wooden club, the Wretch awaits. Ultimately, the best starting class is the one that matches the playstyle you find the most fun.
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FAQ
Q: Which starting class is best for absolute beginners in Elden Ring?
A:According to the consensus on Reddit, the Vagabond is widely considered the best starting class for beginners. It features high Vigor for survivability, heavy armor for poise, and a 100% physical damage reduction shield right from the start, making the steep learning curve much more manageable.
Q: Does your starting class matter if you can respec your stats later?
A:Yes, but mostly for advanced min-maxing. While you can reallocate your stats after defeating a major mid-game boss, you cannot lower your stats below the baseline numbers of your chosen starting class. For casual PvE playthroughs, this difference is negligible, but for competitive PvP builds at specific level caps, min-maxers care deeply about starting class efficiency.
Q: Is the Wretch a good starting class for a first-time player?
A:Reddit strongly advises against picking the Wretch for your very first playthrough unless you specifically want a punishing challenge. Starting at Level 1 with no armor and only a club means you will die very easily and have a much harder time in the early game compared to other classes.
Q: What is the best starting class for a Mage or Intelligence build?
A:The Astrologer is the top community pick for pure Intelligence builds. It starts with high Mind and Intelligence, giving you plenty of Focus Points for casting spells and granting access to powerful ranged sorceries right from the beginning of the game.
Q: Which starting class has the best starting weapon?
A:Many Reddit users argue that the Samurai has the best starting weapon package thanks to the Uchigatana. Its natural Blood loss buildup makes it incredibly powerful against early and late-game bosses alike, carrying players easily through major chunks of the game.
Q: Can I change my starting class later in the game?
A:No, your starting class is permanent once you lock it in at character creation. However, Elden Ring allows you to completely change your character's appearance, gender, and stat distribution (via Larval Tears) later on, allowing you to completely change your build archetype regardless of what class you started with.
Q: Which class is best for a hybrid Faith and Strength (Paladin) build?
A:The Confessor or the Vagabond are frequently recommended on Reddit for Paladin builds. The Confessor starts with Faith-based incantations and a healing spell, while the Vagabond provides a sturdier physical stat foundation that you can later infuse with Faith scaling.
