When we speak about Elden Ring we need to remember that it has many things in common with Dark Souls. Classes system is pretty similar too but still, there are some changes that we will describe in this post. Also, you will see the list of Keepsakes and the best starting classes to play Elden Ring.
Before you start playing Elden Ring you will need to choose a class. Similar to Dark Souls it will influence your starting Stats and Equipment. Later you will be able to improve and upgrade it. The class only affects starting stats and equipment, any class can use all weapons and spells if it has the required stats. Later in the game, you can reset all stats and redistribute them to your liking.
The other thing that helps you customize options during the early game is a Keepsake. It is similar to Gifts in Dark Souls. The keepsake can be chosen during Character Creation.
Best starting class in Elden Ring
Vagabond is a great class for melee heavy build and as a starter class for beginners. He’s overall the most efficient as it focuses on all-around good stats, such as Dexterity and Strength with high HP, thanks to Vigor. For magic builds – Astrologer and Prophet are great for Pure Intelligence or Faith caster builds with access to spells from the start. Confessor is good for as hybrid class, fighting with weapon and magic. Samurai is a good choice for Dexterity-based builds with fast melee weapons and/or bow.
Starting Classes
Hero – Bandit – Astrologer – Warrior – Prisoner – Confessor – Wretch – Vagabond – Prophet – Samurai
Hero
Starting Level: 7
Vigor: 14
Mind: 9
Endurance: 12
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 9
Intelligence: 7
Faith: 8
Arcane: 11
Starting Weapons
Battle Axe and Large Leather Shield
Starting Spells
None
Bandit
Starting Level: 5
Vigor: 10
Mind: 11
Endurance: 10
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 13
Intelligence: 9
Faith: 8
Arcane: 14
Starting Weapons
Great Knife, Buckler, Shortbow and Bone Arrow (Fletched)
Starting Spells
None
Astrologer
Starting Level: 6
Vigor: 9
Mind: 15
Endurance: 9
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 12
Intelligence: 16
Faith: 7
Arcane: 9
Starting Weapons
Astrologer’s Staff, Short Sword and Scripture Wooden Shield
Starting Spells
Glintstone Pebble and Glintstone Arc
Warrior
Starting Level: 8
Vigor: 11
Mind: 12
Endurance: 11
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 16
Intelligence: 10
Faith: 8
Arcane: 9
Starting Weapons
Scimitar x2 and Riveted Wooden Shield
Starting Spells
None
Prisoner
Starting Level: 9
Vigor: 11
Mind: 12
Endurance: 11
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 14
Intelligence: 14
Faith: 6
Arcane: 9
Starting Weapons
Estoc, Rift Shield and Glintstone Staff
Starting Spells
Magic Glintblade
Confessor
Starting Level: 10
Vigor: 10
Mind: 13
Endurance: 10
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 12
Intelligence: 9
Faith: 14
Arcane: 9
Starting Weapons
Broadsword, Blue Crest Heater Shield and Finger Seal
Starting Spells
Urgent Heal and Assassin’s Approach
Wretch
Starting Level: 1
Vigor: 10
Mind: 10
Endurance: 10
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 10
Intelligence: 10
Faith: 10
Arcane: 10
Starting Weapons
Club
Starting Spells
None
Vagabond
Starting Level: 9
Vigor: 15
Mind: 10
Endurance: 11
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 13
Intelligence: 9
Faith: 9
Arcane: 7
Starting Weapons
Longsword, Halberd and Heater Shield
Starting Spells
None
Prophet
Starting Level: 7
Vigor: 10
Mind: 14
Endurance: 8
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 10
Intelligence: 7
Faith: 16
Arcane: 10
Starting Weapons
Short Spear, Rickety Shield and Finger Seal
Starting Spells
Catch Flame and Heal
Samurai
Starting Level: 9
Vigor: 12
Mind: 11
Endurance: 13
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 15
Intelligence: 9
Faith: 8
Arcane: 8
Starting Weapons
Uchigatana, Red Thorn Roundshield, Longbow, Arrow and Fire Arrow
Starting Spells
None
Keepsakes List
When you chose a keepsake you need to take the one that will fit your gameplay and build. For example, Stonesword Key immediately shows locations to all Stone Imps which is helpful for some classes in the early game. On the other hand, you can focus on utility by increasing your HP or gaining runes for some quick level-ups.
Best Elden Ring Keepsakes: Stonesword Key (opens specific locations that contain rewards), Golden Seed (extra flask charge) or Crimson Amber Medallion (additional max HP)
Crimson Amber Medallion
Raises maximum HP
Lands Between Rune
Use to gain many runes
Golden Seed
Increases Sacred Flask’s number of uses
Fanged Imp Ashes
Summons two fanged imp spirits
Cracked Pot
Container required for crafting cracked pot items
Stonesword Key
Use to break one imp statue seal
Bewitching Branch
Uses FP to charm pierced enemy
Boiled Prawn
Boosts physical damage negation for a time
Shabriri’s Woe
Constantly attracts enemies’ aggression
As you can see there are many options among Elden Ring classes. You can pick what you like the best.