Elden Ring Wretch Build: Stats, Weapons, Equipment

Choosing the Wretch build in Elden Ring isn't for the fainthearted, but it does allow you more freedom and customisation than any other class. This starter class begins on 1 for every single stat, so it is as close to a clean slate as you can get in the game. 

Elden Ring is not an easy game, and choosing the Wretch out the gate is just one more way to ensure you're truly having the most challenging experience you can. Of the ten starter classes, there is no doubt that this will be the most challenging on offer.

However, if you are unsure of how you wish to play the game it does offer the most opportunity for change and choice. If you respect down the line, you have much more freedom than with the other classes too. 

Here is all you need to know about the Wretch class in Elden Ring, including some help with levelling and what equipment will work best.

For more class builds, check out:

• Elden Ring Samurai build
• Elden Ring Vagabond build
• Elden Ring Astrologer build
• Elden Ring Hero build
• Elden Ring Prophet build
• Elden Ring Bandit build
• Elden Ring Warrior build
• Elden Ring Prisoner build
• Elden Ring Confessor build

Elden Ring Wretch build: Stats and levelling

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A Wretch build has the freedom to go in a few different directions from the get-go, and you don't really need to focus on certain stats that you already have a boost in. This is going to make the start of the game harder, as you won't hit for a massive amount of damage, but you'll receive a lot back. The only consistent suggestion for levelling we have is to put points into Vigor early, as you'll need the extra health. 

The rest depends on whether you're focusing on a physical, magical, or mixed build, and these can still be split into further physical and magical damage types. We suggest taking a look at one of the above build guides to see what type of playstyle you want to replicate and going from there. This class will also encourage you to explore more, as it's more necessary to get runes and better equipment early on. 

• Need more help in Elden Ring? Check out our guide on how to defeat Starscourge Radahn as well

Elden Ring Wretch build: Best weapons

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As you can go in any direction when it comes to equipment, we'll just highlight some of the strongest weapons, armours, and talismans in the game for you to have a look for. This could provide you with a tangible goal in your playthrough, or just give you an idea of what to look out for. You can also respec a little while into the game by using the Elden Ring Larval Tears, so you'll have plenty of choices to have another go at levelling if one build isn't working for you.

For weapons, there are a tonne of quality ones available, and Elden Ring's build diversity gives you a lot of choices. One of the best you can use in the game is called Eleonora's Poleblade. This is a twinblade weapon that has some of the best DPS in the game thanks to its bleed effect and skill. It requires 12 Strength, 21 Dexterity, and 19 Arcane, and you can earn it by killing an invader at the Second Church of Marika in the Altus Plateau. This is the best weapon in the game for Arcane builds, so if that's your stat of choice, we recommend this.

Another great weapon and the best colossal sword in the game is the Starscourge Greatsword, which can be bought from Enia at the Roundtable Hold, once you have defeated Radahn and have the Remembrance of the Starscourge. It needs 38 Strength, 12 Dexterity, and 15 Intelligence, making it perfect for Vagabond or Hero builds, but its high stats also mean it's a much later-game weapon.

If you're looking for a more magic-appropriate weapon to make use of, the Lusat's Glintstone Staff is by far the best choice. This is great if you are primarily levelling Intelligence as it requires 52, along with 10 Strength.

It can be found in Sellia, Town of Sorcery inside a chest near where you can fight the Nox Swordstress and Nox Priest bosses. The staff has some of the best damage scaling of any staff, and it enhances the power of all sorceries you cast with it, but consumes additional FP. If you've put a tonne of points into Mind this won't be an issue, so look out for this when you are thinking of a sorcerer build like the Astrologer. 

A good choice of physical weapon that works well with Faith users is the Gargoyle's Black Blades. It needs 18 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 22 Faith to wield effectively, but it's a great melee choice when you are putting lots of points into Faith. You have to defeat the Black Blade Kindred first, who can be found just before the Grand Lift of Rold.

• Check out the best order to tackle the legacy dungeons in Elden Ring

Elden Ring Wretch build: Best armours 

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For armours, we also have some choices that depend on your playstyle. For magic users, the Spellblade set is incredibly powerful, and a great choice if you are specialising in sorceries. You can get this early in Stormveil Castle by killing Sorcerer Rogier, but it's also available in Leyndell later in the game. 

One great armour set that can be found in Leyndell is Lionel the Lionhearted's armour. This is the best heavy armour set, giving you a tonne of protection and increased poise, so you are much harder to knock over. You'll need to get into the area below the capital to find the corpse with this set, but don't wait too long as Leyndell undergoes some changes late in the game.

If you're looking for something a little lighter that still provides high protection, the Briar set is a great choice, and a go-to for Samurai and Warrior builds. You'll need to travel to The Shaded Castle in the Atlus Plateau and defeat the boss of this area called Elemer of the Briar first. After this, go to the Roundtable Hold to purchase the set from Enia. 

• Here is how to get the Comet Azur spell in Elden Ring 

Elden Ring Wretch build: Best talismans 

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Lastly, there are some very powerful talismans worth seeking out during the game. We highlight some of these in the Elden Ring Legendary Talismans guide, but there are plenty of others that still provide very powerful effects. 

A solid early-game choice is the Gold Scarab talisman, which gives you a 20% boost in acquiring runes, letting you get way more levels in throughout your playthrough. The Erdtree's Favour talismans are also solid, raising your max HP, stamina, and equip load.

The Green Turtle talisman increases your stamina restoration speed, which is vital for some builds focused on dodging and fighting up close. For players who need extra equip load to use heavy armour or power stance with colossal swords, the Great-Jar's Arsenal is a top-tier choice. 

For players who are taking advantage of the combat skills and Elden Ring Ashes of War, the Shard of Alexander will increase the damage of all weapon skills. Millicent's Prothesis is an imperative talisman for players with fast-attacking weapons like Eleonora's Poleblade, as it boosts Dexterity by five and raises the power of successive attacks.

That's all for our Elden Ring Wretch build, and now you have an idea of the type of freedom afforded by this class, and some of the best equipment in the game to find.

Wondering about the Elden Ring length? We have a breakdown of how long it will take to complete depending on your playstyle.