U4GM - 10 Ways to Everything You Need to Know About Elden Ring Classes
When you first step into the Lands Between, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your starting class. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to FromSoftware’s brutal yet beautiful world. I’ve played through Elden Ring multiple times using different classes, and through that experience, I’ve learned what makes each one unique and how they impact your long-term journey.
Whether you're focused on maximizing power, survival, or flexibility, understanding classes is key. In this guide, I’ll walk you through ten crucial things to know about Elden Ring classes — with personal insights, expert advice, and practical tips to help you start strong.
1. Your Starting Class Doesn't Lock You In
The most important thing I learned early on is that your starting class is just that — a start. While it affects your initial stats and gear, you can mold your character into anything you want later. After farming Elden Ring Runes and acquiring powerful Elden Ring Items, I transformed my Samurai into a battle mage by mid-game.
2. Each Class Is Built Around a Playstyle
From the nimble Bandit to the tanky Vagabond, each class supports a different playstyle. If you love dodging and striking fast, try the Warrior. Want to wield magic from afar? The Astrologer is your friend. On my first playthrough, I started with the Confessor for its balance of Faith-based magic and melee — a safe and flexible choice for beginners.
3. Some Classes Are Better for Beginners
In my experience, the Vagabond and Confessor are the most forgiving for new players. They offer a good mix of offense and defense, helping you survive while learning the game's mechanics. U4GM’s player community often recommends these two for first-timers, and I agree.
4. Magic Classes Require More Planning
Playing as a mage like the Astrologer or Prophet offers devastating power — once you know what you’re doing. However, they rely heavily on proper FP management and rune investment. It took me several hours (and a lot of Elden Ring Runes) before I truly felt strong as a spellcaster.
5. Dexterity vs. Strength: Know the Difference
Many classes lean into either Dexterity or Strength builds. For instance, the Samurai favors fast, bleed-inducing weapons, while the Hero uses heavy-hitting brute force. I’ve run both styles, and each offers a different rhythm and feel in combat. Strength builds can be slower but rewarding with massive damage.
6. Hybrid Builds Offer Unique Experiences
Some of my favorite playthroughs involved hybrid builds. The Prisoner class, for example, blends Intelligence and Dexterity, enabling swordplay and sorcery. It was challenging at first, but once I got the right Elden Ring Items to support both styles, the build truly shined.
7. Runes Define Your Growth
Every level-up in Elden Ring costs Elden Ring Runes, and every stat point matters. It’s easy to waste runes early without a clear build in mind. I recommend focusing on two or three main stats depending on your chosen path and sticking with them until mid-game.
8. Use U4GM to Learn from Other Players
The U4GM community offers valuable class build advice, especially for PVP or late-game optimization. During my second run, I relied on U4GM to learn how to maximize my bleed build for boss fights and rune farming. The shared experience of veteran players makes a huge difference.
9. Respecting (Respec) Is Always an Option
If you regret your stat investments, fear not — respec is unlocked after defeating Rennala. This system lets you reallocate your points, so you can switch from a Faith-based build to a Strength-heavy warrior with ease. I’ve respec’d three times in one playthrough to experiment with various Elden Ring Items and tactics.
10. Gear and Spells Matter More Than Starting Stats
Ultimately, it’s the gear and spells you equip that define your power. By the late game, I had completely outgrown my class origins thanks to rare Elden Ring Items I collected and the thousands of Elden Ring Runes I farmed. Don’t be afraid to mix and match weapons, armor, and talismans to suit your evolving playstyle.
Choosing a class in Elden Ring is just the beginning of your adventure. With the freedom to evolve, adapt, and experiment, your journey through the Lands Between is what you make of it. Whether you're smashing enemies with colossal blades or casting spells from afar, your character is a reflection of the choices you make — and that’s the beauty of the game.
So pick a class, dive in, gather your Elden Ring Runes, and collect the Elden Ring Items that suit your vision. And if you ever feel stuck or curious about new builds, the U4GM community is always a valuable resource to learn from.