By offering a limitless amount of ways to build and customize your character, Elden Ring remains impressively faithful to the Souls series. Although this is a delight for many long-time FromSoftware fans, it can be daunting for others! No matter which side of the spectrum you fall on, this guide will offer key insight into building your next character.

At the start of a new save, players will have the choice between 10 starting classes, each with unique backgrounds and starting equipment. In this guide, we will go in-depth on our local pyromancer: the prophet.

Getting Started

Base Stats

After reading the prophet's stats, it should become apparent that he/she will be quite a difficult early-game character. Objectively low stats make the prophet an easy target of criticism. That being said, there are two major draws to picking him. A large mana pool (mind,) and high faith will make him a force to be reckoned with for those who build him properly.

Level

7

Vigor

10

Mind

14

Endurance

8

Strength

11

Dexterity

10

Intelligence

7

Faith

16

Arcane

10

Starter Loadout

While the base stats are a bit underwhelming, the prophet comes equipped with a couple of items that will be viable long after you begin. These include both the finger seal and catch flame. While there are definitely better sacred seals to be found later on, there is nothing wrong with using a few somber stones on the finger seal.

Of course, the base armor and short spear should both be dropped as soon as better alternatives can be obtained.

Important Gear

After unlocking the round table, speaking with the Corhyn should be a top priority. He will always be found at the round table, and sells incantations suited for faith builds. Costing only 800 runes, flame sling will be the most powerful early-game incantation, so purchase it before buying anything else from Corhyn.

Depending on your gameplay style, a shield may or may not be in the picture. However, for a prophet, it is highly recommended. A perfect early-game shield can be purchased directly from the Twin Maiden Husks, also found at the round table.

Early on in the game, the prophet will struggle when taking on multiple enemies. For a fantastic AOE incantation, head to the Callu Baptismal Church, located in the weeping peninsula. The item will be found on a corpse against the wall.

It is important to keep in mind that the prophet is not suitable for heavy gear. Make an effort to use weapons such as short swords and short spears. Likewise, don't equip heavy armor. Pumping XP into the strength stat is a quick way to render the prophet ineffective.

Leveling Up

elden ring site of grace

Surprisingly, a really effective way to build to prophet is to min-max. What this essentially means is to keep certain stats intentionally low, while loading up others as much as possible. Thus creating weak points in favor of massive areas of strength. In this case, throw as many levels into the mind and faith stat. Obviously, there are going to be times when a point or two will need to go towards vigor and such, but only do so when necessary. A good rule of thumb: upgrade something if it starts to become the reason you are dying.

For players who want a more rounded character, any stat will do. Just try to avoid putting too much into strength, and never put any points into intelligence. Doing so is redundant as the prophet was made specifically not to run intelligence-based spells.

How To Play The Prophet Class

Generally, it is highly advised to play mid-range as the prophet. A large portion of faith-based incantations were created with this in mind. Unfortunately, for certain fast-moving enemies, this is not always an option. This is where shields come into play.

When playing prophet, It is encouraged to always run a light shield. Because of the prophet's low defense, shields will be your best friend. Don't be afraid to parry, as this is will create a huge opportunity to use those slow but powerful incantations!