5 Best Base Templates in Elden Ring for New Players

Choosing the right starting setup in Elden Ring can mean the difference between an exhilarating journey through the Lands Between and an exercise in pure frustration. For new players, the sheer volume of weapons, stats, and mechanics can feel overwhelming, making these five reliable, accessible base templates the best starting points for a smooth and rewarding campaign.

When diving into FromSoftware’s sprawling open-world masterwork, beginners often struggle because they spread their attribute points too thin or choose starting classes that lack immediate survivability. A "base template" in this context refers to a foundational character archetype built around a specific starting class, key early-game gear, and an optimal stat distribution. These templates are specifically designed to give newcomers a clear roadmap through Limgrave and beyond, ensuring a comfortable learning curve while maintaining viability deep into the mid-game.

Understanding how these templates function requires looking at early stat allocation, equipment availability, and playstyle execution. Whether you prefer standing your ground behind a heavy shield, casting devastating spells from afar, or darting in with quick melee strikes, the following configurations offer distinct paths to victory.

Understanding Elden Ring Starting Classes and Attributes

Before selecting a specific template, it is vital to understand how starting classes and attributes function in Elden Ring. Unlike traditional role-playing games where your choice locks you into a permanent career, your starting class in Elden Ring is simply a bundle of initial attributes and base equipment. Any class can eventually use any weapon or spell if you invest enough runes into the required stats.

However, starting classes matter immensely for efficiency. Choosing a class that aligns with your intended build prevents wasted stat points. For example, a pure melee brute does not need high Intelligence, while a spellcaster benefits very little from heavy investment in arcane or strength early on.

Core Attributes Every Beginner Should Prioritize

• Vigor: This is the single most important stat for new players. Vigor increases your maximum health pool. No matter what build you choose, leveling Vigor early reduces the frequency of one-shot deaths from bosses and elite enemies.
• Endurance: Determines your stamina bar and equip load. Higher endurance allows you to swing your weapon more times, roll more frequently, and wear heavier armor without fat-rolling.
• Mind: Controls your focus points (FP), which are consumed when casting spells or using weapon skills (Ashes of War).

1. The Vagabond Ironclad: Heavy Shield and Straight Sword

For players who prefer a traditional knight playstyle that prioritizes defense, physical mitigation, and reliable counter-attacks, the Vagabond starting class paired with a medium shield and straight sword serves as the ultimate beginner template.

Why It Works for Beginners

The Vagabond begins the game with the highest combined physical defense, a 100% physical damage reduction shield, and the Longsword. A 100% physical block shield means you take zero health damage from physical strikes while blocking, allowing you to safely learn enemy attack patterns without constantly dodging.

Key Equipment and Setup

• Starting Class: Vagabond
• Primary Weapon: Longsword (upgraded with standard Smithing Stones)
• Shield: Heater Shield or Brass Shield (farmed from Godrick soldiers)
• Armor: Vagabond Knight Set (balanced poise and physical defense)

Stat Investment Roadmap

Focus your early rune allocation on Vigor to reach 25–30 quickly. Concurrently, pump minor points into Endurance to maintain medium roll mobility while wearing heavy armor, and level Strength and Dexterity just enough to wield your chosen mid-game weaponry.

2. The Astrologer Battlemage: Safe Ranged Magic Artillery

If you want to bypass the grueling trial-and-error of close-quarters melee combat, the Astrologer template provides an intuitive, high-damage sorcery setup that lets you eliminate threats from a safe distance.

Why It Works for Beginners

Magic in Elden Ring trivializes many difficult encounters by allowing you to kite enemies and cast spells before they ever enter melee range. Spells like Glintstone Pebble deal high damage efficiently, and starting with high Intelligence opens up powerful utility sorceries early in the game.

Key Equipment and Setup

• Starting Class: Astrologer
• Primary Weapon: Astrologer's Staff / Lordsworn's Greatsword (infused with Magic via Ashes of War)
• Spell Loadout: Glintstone Pebble, Carian Slicer, Glintstone Arc
• Spirit Ash: Lone Wolf Ashes (to draw enemy aggro while you cast)

Stat Investment Roadmap

Prioritize Intelligence to scale your spell damage and meet requirements for mid-game sorceries. Do not neglect Mind (to expand your FP pool for more casts) and Vigor (to survive unexpected ambushes when enemies close the gap).

3. The Samurai Bleed Striker: Agility and High Damage Output

The Samurai class offers one of the most powerful starting packages in the entire game, combining a devastating starting katana with a ranged bow option and solid medium armor.

Why It Works for Beginners

The Uchigatana deals innate blood loss buildup (Hemorrhage). When this status meter fills up on an enemy, it chunks a massive percentage of their maximum health, making it exceptionally effective against high-health bosses. Furthermore, the katana's heavy attacks and unique skill (Unsheen) stagger enemies quickly.

Key Equipment and Setup

• Starting Class: Samurai
• Primary Weapon: Uchigatana (two-handed or dual-wielded with a second katana found later)
• Secondary Weapon: Longbow (ideal for pulling single enemies from groups)
• Ash of War: Bloody Slash (found in Fort Haight)

Stat Investment Roadmap

Focus primarily on Dexterity to boost your katana physical output, alongside Vigor for survivability. Once you unlock weapon affinities, scaling your weapon with Blood or Occult via the Arcane stat will maximize your hemorrhage proc frequency.

4. The Confessor Paladin: Blended Melee and Healing Utility

Players who want a balanced hybrid experience—combining respectable melee prowess with self-healing incantations and defensive buffs—will find the Confessor template to be an ideal, self-sustaining choice.

Why It Works for Beginners

Incantations in Elden Ring include faith-based healing spells like Heal and defensive buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow. This allows new players to conserve their limited Crimson Flasks by healing between encounters, significantly increasing exploration stamina in dungeons.

Key Equipment and Setup

• Starting Class: Confessor
• Primary Weapon: Broadsword or Winged Scythe
• Sacred Seal: Finger Seal (used to cast incantations)
• Key Spells: Heal, Urgent Heal, Blessing's Boon

Stat Investment Roadmap

Distribute points between Faith (to meet spell requirements and scale incantations), Strength or Dexterity (for weapon damage), and Vigor. Keep Mind at a manageable level to ensure you always have enough FP to cast utility spells.

5. The Wretch Unbound: Pure Flexibility and Crafting Focus

While the Wretch is notoriously known as the "naked class" starting at level 1 with a club and zero defensive gear, it serves as the ultimate clean slate for players who want absolute control over their character build.

Why It Works for Beginners

Because every attribute starts at a flat 10, the Wretch has zero wasted points in any category. This makes it mathematically optimal for players who change their build mid-campaign (via the in-game respec mechanic after defeating Rennala). Additionally, starting naked forces you to scavenge and learn equipment management immediately.

Key Equipment and Setup

• Starting Class: Wretch
• Primary Weapon: Club (upgraded) transitioned rapidly into any found weapon
• Armor: Piecemeal armor sets collected from early-game defeated soldiers

Stat Investment Roadmap

Because you start from scratch, your roadmap depends entirely on your chosen direction. However, veterans recommend pumping early points directly into Vigor to compensate for the lack of starting defensive gear while you scavenge better equipment across Limgrave.

Comparative Overview of Elden Ring Starter Templates

Essential Early-Game Tips for All Templates

Regardless of which base template you choose, adhering to a few fundamental survival rules will dramatically improve your early Elden Ring experience:

1. Upgrade Weapons Before Stats: In the early game, upgrading your weapon at the Smithing Table in the Church of Elleh or at the Roundtable Hold yields a much higher damage increase than pumping points into offensive attributes.
2. Utilize Spirit Ashes: Do not ignore spirit summons like the Lone Wolf Ashes or Jellyfish. They pull enemy aggro away from you, creating vital windows to heal or cast spells.
3. Master the Mounted Combat: Torrent, your spectral steed, is not just for travel. Use hit-and-run tactics on horseback against field bosses like the Tree Sentinel or dragons for a massive tactical advantage.
4. Don't Fight Everything: If a boss or enemy group repeatedly crushes you, mark the map and explore elsewhere. Elden Ring rewards open-world exploration and leveling up organically.

Summary Recommendation and Next Actions

Selecting your template is only the first step. If you want the most forgiving introduction to the game, start with the Vagabond or Samurai template, prioritizing Vigor above all else during your first twenty levels. Explore Limgrave thoroughly, clear the minor dungeons to collect upgrade materials, and practice timing your rolls and guards. Once you secure your footing, the vast expanse of the Lands Between will open up, allowing you to tailor your chosen template into a personalized powerhouse.