Elden Ring Prisoner class guide - Stats, items and gameplay

Elden Ring's starting classes can determine how players wish to experience The Lands Between and endure its relentless nature. Boasting high Intelligence, Mind and Dexterity stats, the Prisoner class is one of the ten starting classes in Elden Ring.

It could be the most frightening designed classes thanks to its nightmarish iron mask and worn-out attire. This guide details what players need to know about the Prisoner class from its starting stats, items and gameplay details.

Elden Ring Prisoner class - Starting stats & items

According to its in-game description, the Prisoner is "bound in an iron mask. Studied in glintstone sorcery, having lived among the elite before sentencing." As vague as its description can be, the Prisoner is the game's most peculiar class we've seen.

WARRIOR: A nomad warrior who fights wielding two blades at once. An origin of exceptional technique.
PRISONER: A prisoner bound in an iron mask. Studied in glintstone sorcery, having lived among the elite prior to sentencing.
Pre-Order #ELDENRING: https://t.co/oooEiDTmRvpic.twitter.com/IyzMhb8ZAt

— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING) February 8, 2022

While it's safe to assume, given its description, is that this character class could have experimented with a dark form of magic that was mainly disproved. As a result, they were banished and possibly shamed given the use of an iron mask, hence its rather uncanny appearance.

Let's take a look at the starting equipment for the Prisoner class in Elden Ring:

• Magic Glintblade
• Estoc
• Glintstone Staff
• Rift Shield
• Memory of Grace
• Preferred choice of Keepsake

Like the Astrologer class, the Prisoner class may have practised glintstone sorcery to some extent which could explain the presence of a glintstone weapon and its high Intelligence and Mind stats. Additionally, it boasts pretty high stats across the board; however, it suffers from a low Faith stat, which could mean that it isn't proficient in using incantations effectively.

Below, we have detailed the Prisoner class starting stats in Elden Ring:

• Soul Level - 9
• Vigor - 11
• Dexterity - 14
• Mind - 12
• Intelligence - 14
• Endurance - 11
• Faith - 6
• Strength - 11
• Arcane - 9

Elden Ring Prisoner gameplay advantages

One of the best advantages of the Prisoner class is its versatility in both its Intelligence and Dexterity stats. This means that it can inflict a decent amount of damage with both spells and weapons that scale off the Dexterity stat.

Like the Astrologer class, it has a reasonably high Mind stat which means it could also benefit from the Focus Points pool to cast spells. The Focus Points pool grants you the ability to cast more spells, in the case of the Prisoner class, as long as you refill it using the Flask of Cerulean Tears.

This can be achieved by defeating Cerulean Teardrop Scarabs, groups of enemies or one powerful boss. Increasing your Focus Points will increase your Mind stat, which requires Runes to upgrade it.

Players looking for a hybrid build or seeking flexibility on how you wish to build this character, the Prisoner class would best serve this purpose. Beginners may be advised to start with a more forgiving class as the Prisoner class will make it tricky to learn new or better melee skills and obtain better equipment.

This class appeals to veteran Soulsborne players as it effectively balances melee and spellcasting attacks for decent damage. Nevertheless, it does provide ample opportunities to build a well-rounded character depending on your playstyle.

• Read more: Elden Ring Tree Sentinel boss guide - How to beat and location

Featured image courtesy of FromSoftware.