There are many classes to choose from in Elden Ring, and it can be hard to determine which one you want to play. New players will notice one specific one that looks very interesting: the Wretch class. This class has been in other FromSoft games, such as Deprived, and it is one of the hardest classes to use. Is it the worst class in the game?
Wretch is the worst class in the game because it has the worst starting stats of all other classes; you only start with a Club, you don’t meet the minimum requirements for most weapons, and it is extremely difficult for early game.
Most people say you should start with Wretch in your first playthrough, but that is up to personal opinion. If you have played any of the Dark Souls games, it might be more enjoyable to start as Wretch. If it is your first FromSoft game, starting with this class is probably not a good idea. You will feel underpowered and not have a great time.
1. It has the worst starting stats of all the other classes
As Wretch, you start with only 10 Attribute points in each stat section, but this is not the worst thing in the world. The bad part about this is that you start with nothing. The only pro with this class is that you have balanced Attributes that let you create any build you want. The big downside to this is that you need to go and find everything else.
If you want a Bleed weapon, you must find one and level yourself up to use it. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it is very difficult to get started. It is extremely satisfying to have fun with this class because you know you are playing the hardest class in the game. Before you choose, understand exactly what you are getting yourself into.
2. You only start with a Club
When you choose Wretch, the only weapon you get is a wooden club. This is not a terrible weapon, but it is fun to defeat things. It staggers enemies fairly quickly, so it’s not useless. You will want to find a new weapon as soon as possible because it won’t do too much when you reach the first few bosses.
It is a weapon that you use to help defend against the most basic enemies. When we started our Wretch playthrough, we found a Morning Star and used that until we got an even better weapon. The Club is just a way to find something better once you get into the game world. If you use the Club later on, you know how to use the weapon well.
3. You won’t meet the minimum requirements for most weapons
Going back to only having 10 Attribute points in each section means most weapons you find you won’t be able to use right away. This is because the minimum requirements are much higher than your starting stats. You can use these weapons, but you won’t get as much damage out of them as you could be getting.
Keep using your Club until you get enough points to meet the minimum requirements for the weapon you want to use. You should also try and find some armor because you will take serious damage if you stay naked. Ensure you don’t find a set with a lot of weight because you will start fat-rolling because of your low stats.
4. It is very difficult for early game
The early game is the most important part of your playthrough because that determines whether you will complete the game. If you have a difficult time when you start, you are more likely to quit because you might think the game is too difficult. You might be annoyed at everything if you choose Wretch for the early game.
Elden Ring is not an easy game at all, but by choosing Wretch, you make it even harder. If you choose Wretch, just ensure you know exactly what you are getting into. Always be prepared for anything when getting into these games, or you will have a hard time.
Should you choose Wretch for your first playthrough?
That is honestly up to you. Many people say it is the best choice for a person’s first playthrough, but it is up to the specific player. When we started, we chose Hero, and this class starts with basic armor, an Axe, and a Shield. We then started another playthrough with a Wretch and enjoyed it.
It is a very difficult playthrough in the beginning as Wretch, and if you know what you are doing, it can be less difficult for you. We would recommend new players to these games start with a regular class, but Veteran players can start with Wretch on their first playthrough. It is definitely different from Dark Souls, so you decide how you want to start.