Elden Ring Starting Classes and Keepsakes

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.

Keepsakes List

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

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Hero

Starting Weapons

Battle Axe and Large Leather Shield
Starting Spells
None

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Bandit

Starting Weapons

Great Knife, Buckler, Shortbow and Bone Arrow (Fletched)
Starting Spells
None

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Astrologer

Starting Weapons

Astrologer’s Staff, Short Sword and Scripture Wooden Shield
Starting Spells

Glintstone Pebble and Glintstone Arc

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Warrior

Starting Weapons

Scimitar x2 and Riveted Wooden Shield
Starting Spells
None

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Prisoner

Starting Weapons

Estoc, Rift Shield and Glintstone Staff
Starting Spells

Magic Glintblade

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Confessor

Starting Weapons

Broadsword, Blue Crest Heater Shield and Finger Seal
Starting Spells

Urgent Heal and Assassin’s Approach

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Wretch

Starting Weapons

Club
Starting Spells
None

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Vagabond

Starting Weapons

Longsword, Halberd and Heater Shield
Starting Spells
None

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Prophet

Starting Weapons

Short Spear, Rickety Shield and Finger Seal
Starting Spells

Catch Flame and Heal

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Samurai

Starting Weapons

Uchigatana, Red Thorn Roundshield, Longbow, Arrow and Fire Arrow
Starting Spells
None

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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.