Embarking on your Elden Ring journey with a specific build in mind, such as the iconic Sephiroth, requires careful consideration right from the character creation screen. Your starting class dictates your initial stats, equipment, and overall trajectory in the Lands Between. For players aiming to emulate the legendary swordsman’s prowess, selecting the right class is paramount. This guide will analyze the starting classes in Elden Ring to pinpoint the optimal choice for a Sephiroth-inspired build, ensuring you begin your adventure on the right foot.
When envisioning a Sephiroth build in Elden Ring, several key characteristics come to mind. Sephiroth is renowned for his masterful swordsmanship with a katana-like longsword, blending swift, precise strikes with a touch of dark magic. Therefore, an ideal starting class should facilitate a Dexterity-focused melee combat style, potentially incorporating elements of Faith or Intelligence for magical enhancements. Let’s delve into each starting class to determine the best fit for channeling your inner One-Winged Angel.
Hero: A class boasting high HP, Stamina, and Strength, the Hero is physically imposing from the outset. While their raw power is undeniable, the Hero’s lower Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith make them less directly suited for a nimble, magic-infused Sephiroth build. Though adaptable, starting as a Hero might require more stat redistribution later to achieve the desired Sephiroth playstyle.
Bandit: Excelling in ranged combat and possessing high Arcane, the Bandit initially seems like an unconventional choice. However, their Dexterity focus aligns with Sephiroth’s agility. The high Arcane stat, while not directly beneficial to a classic Sephiroth build, could be repurposed for item discovery or even dragon communion incantations for a unique twist. Still, for a purer Sephiroth build, other classes offer a more direct path.
Astrologer: As the name suggests, the Astrologer is attuned to magic, boasting the highest starting Intelligence. While lacking in HP and Strength, their high Mind and Dexterity make them a contender for a magic-infused swordsman. If your Sephiroth build leans heavily into magical enhancements and sorceries, the Astrologer provides a strong foundation. However, be prepared for a challenging early game due to their lower health pool.
Warrior: Wielding twinblades and originating from a nomadic tribe, the Warrior is described as having “exceptional technique.” This class presents a balanced spread, leaning towards Dexterity and Strength, making them suitable for agile melee combat. Their moderate Intelligence opens the door for incorporating magic. The Warrior offers a versatile starting point for players who envision a Sephiroth build that blends physical prowess with magical finesse.
Confessor: A church spy skilled in both swordsmanship and incantations, the Confessor is remarkably well-rounded. With good stats across the board, except for Intelligence and Arcane, they are perfectly poised for a Faith-based melee build. For a Sephiroth build incorporating holy or fire incantations, the Confessor is an excellent choice, providing both combat and spellcasting capabilities from the start.
Vagabond: The Vagabond, an exiled knight, is presented as a robust and adaptable class, ideal for a first playthrough. Their high HP, Vigor, and Strength, combined with decent Dexterity and Mind, offer exceptional survivability and build flexibility. Crucially, they have no points wasted in Arcane, allowing for focused stat allocation. The Vagabond is arguably the most forgiving starting class and a solid foundation for almost any build, including a Sephiroth-inspired one that leans towards a quality or strength-dex hybrid approach.
Prophet: Specializing in healing incantations, the Prophet is geared towards Faith-based gameplay. With high Faith and Mind, but low Intelligence and Strength, they are essentially a magic-focused counterpart to the Hero. While their Faith proficiency aligns with a magic-enhanced Sephiroth, their low Dexterity and Strength might necessitate early investment in these stats to effectively wield katana-style weapons.
Samurai: Hailing from the distant Land of Reeds and starting with a Katana and Longbow, the Samurai class immediately evokes a Sephiroth aesthetic. Their high Dexterity and Endurance, coupled with low Faith, Arcane, and Intelligence, make them a prime candidate for a pure Dexterity-focused melee build. The Samurai’s starting equipment and stat distribution perfectly complement a traditional, sword-focused Sephiroth playstyle.
Wretch: The Wretch, starting at level 1 with minimal equipment and evenly distributed stats, is intentionally challenging. While offering ultimate build flexibility, the Wretch demands significant early game struggle. For experienced Souls players seeking a unique challenge, the Wretch can be molded into any build, including Sephiroth, but it is not recommended for newcomers or those seeking an optimized start.
Elden Ring Starting Classes
Conclusion:
For players aiming for the most seamless transition into a Sephiroth build in Elden Ring, the Samurai and Warrior classes emerge as the strongest contenders. The Samurai‘s starting Katana and Dexterity focus align perfectly with Sephiroth’s iconic weapon and fighting style, offering an immediate thematic and gameplay advantage. The Warrior, with its balanced stats and Dexterity/Intelligence leaning, provides a more versatile starting point for those wanting to incorporate magic more heavily into their Sephiroth build from the beginning. While other classes like the Confessor, Astrologer, and even Vagabond can be adapted, the Samurai and Warrior offer the most direct and efficient paths to embodying the One-Winged Angel in the Lands Between. Ultimately, your choice depends on your preferred balance of melee prowess and magical augmentation for your Sephiroth build, but these classes offer the most promising foundations for your quest.
