In the world of Dark Souls 3, players eager to create an engaging and effective Intelligence build have an abundance of options, ranging from formidable spells to versatile rings and diverse catalysts. However, with so many choices available, it can be challenging to pinpoint the optimal setup to achieve one’s build objectives.
Fortunately, after years of exploration by skilled players and seasoned veterans of Dark Souls 3, numerous exceptional mage builds have surfaced. These builds can help players enhance their spellcasting playthroughs, making the game more enjoyable and manageable.
Updated on February 12, 2025, by Gerardo Molina: One of the remarkable aspects of Dark Souls 3 is its vast array of weapons, armor, spells, and potential builds. While some players gravitate towards Strength and Poise builds for overpowering assaults, others may prefer more nimble Dexterity weapons. Regardless of playstyle, there are myriad possibilities to enhance one’s gameplay experience. Below are some powerful mage builds designed to assist players who may encounter difficulties at various stages of the game.
12 Quality Sorcerer
Finding the Right Balance Between Faith and Intelligence
Overview of the Build
Quality builds have had a long-standing presence in the Dark Souls series. This particular iteration, however, diverges from the traditional Strength and Dexterity combination seen in earlier games. Instead, it focuses on elevating both Intelligence and Faith attributes. This approach enables players to cast an extensive range of spells while also wielding weaponry that requires higher levels of both stats. Utilizing Yorshka’s Chime alongside the Heretic Staff significantly enhances the effectiveness of this build.
PvP Strategy Tips
As this build emphasizes the casting of powerful spells, it is advisable to maintain a distance from enemies. Keeping opponents within sight while dodging their attacks is crucial, allowing players to focus their Estus charges on Ashen Estus Flasks to maximize survivability.
PvE Strategy Tips
Similar strategies apply in PvE encounters. Most foes can be easily vanquished from a distance, making it essential to dodge and avoid melee range. With sufficient Intelligence and Faith levels, players can cast spells that deal substantial damage to defeat most enemies swiftly.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 110
- Vigor: 20
- Attunement: 37
- Endurance: 20
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 11
- Dexterity: 14
- Intelligence: 45
- Faith: 42
- Luck: 12
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Heretic’s Staff +10
- Left Hand: Yorshka’s Chime +10
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Optional: Any usable melee weapon as a backup
11 Swift Mage
Melding Spellcasting with Quick Dexterity Attacks
Overview of the Build
While spellcasting combined with swift Dexterity weaponry may not be a conventional approach, it offers a unique opportunity for powerful synergy. Players utilizing the Heretic Staff alongside the Great Corvian Scythe can effectively balance ranged and melee combat. When the scythe is upgraded to its sharp variant, it achieves an impressive “S” scaling in Dexterity.
PvP Strategy Tips
Employing a combination strategy often proves successful with this build. Start by casting two spells to deal initial damage, then close in and strike with the Great Corvian Scythe.This alternating attack strategy keeps opponents uncertain and on their toes.
PvE Strategy Tips
In PvE, players should focus on crowd control rather than surprise attacks. Firing magic projectiles to weaken groups of enemies and then transitioning to melee attacks with the Great Corvian Scythe typically yields effective results.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 110
- Vigor: 24
- Attunement: 25
- Endurance: 24
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 11
- Dexterity: 48
- Intelligence: 45
- Faith: 22
- Luck: 12
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Corvian Great Scythe +10
- Left Hand: Heretic’s Staff +10
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Pontiff’s Right Eye
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Hunter’s Ring
10 The Pure Intelligence Sorcerer
Versatile Intelligence Build for Both PvE and PvP
Overview of the Build
Emailing from an original concept by Youtuber ChaseTheBro in 2017, this build offers a straightforward approach to maximizing Intelligence. While it doesn’t introduce revolutionary strategies, it simplifies spellcasting for both PvE and PvP scenarios. Players focus on defeating adversaries solely through sorceries, minimizing the reliance on melee combat.
PvP Strategy Tips
Grasping spell range and projectile velocity is essential for optimizing this build. Using Crystal Soul Spear can create space by pressuring foes to evade, steering them into predictable movements. In turn, players can unleash faster spells like Great Heavy Soul Arrow to initiate devastating combinations.
PvE Strategy Tips
Most PvE enemies will not prioritize dodging magic, making it easy to eliminate them with spells like Crystal Soul Spear from a safe distance. However, in certain boss fights, it may be prudent to switch to quicker spells like Great Heavy Soul Arrow to maintain momentum.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 110
- Vigor: 34
- Attunement: 30
- Endurance: 29
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 11
- Dexterity: 18
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 7
- Luck: 12
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Court Sorcerer’s Staff +10
- Left Hand: Scholar’s Candlestick +10
- Head: Crown of Dusk
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Prisoner’s Chain
- Ring 4: Sage’s Ring
9 The Battlemage
An Unmatched Warrior: Smart and Strong
Overview of the Build
Intelligence and Strength are often viewed as contrasting approaches, but they can be blended into a powerful offensive build.Youtuber Crozyn entered the scene in 2018 with a Battlemage build, utilizing mid-range sorceries to keep pressure on opponents while simultaneously wielding a devastating Greataxe for close combats.
PvP Strategy Tips
Thanks to its solid melee capabilities, this build allows for a seamless integration of sorceries into close-quarters combat. Using spells like Homing Crystal Soulmass keeps foes occupied when they’re within melee range, complicating attempts to evade both magical and physical attacks.
PvE Strategy Tips
As players advance through the game, they should rely on spells for range and use the Greataxe for close encounters. Light armor supports evasive maneuvers, although heavier armor can be beneficial for those who prefer to absorb hits while countering effectively.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 120
- Vigor: 35
- Attunement: 18
- Endurance: 32
- Vitality: 16
- Strength: 32
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 48
- Faith: 9
- Luck: 7
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Crystal Greataxe +10
- Left Hand: Court Sorcerer’s Staff +10
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Cloranthy Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Havel’s Ring
- Ring 4: Sage’s Ring
8 Moonlight Greatsword Mage
Top Build for This Iconic Magical Weapon
Overview of the Build
The Moonlight Greatsword is renowned for being one of the few greatswords in Dark Souls 3 that scales well with Intelligence, making it a fantastic option for mages. It pairs excellently with reliable sorceries, creating a robust and effective build for spellcasters.
PvP Strategy Tips
While players wielding the Moonlight Greatsword may face predictability in combat, opening with quick spells can catch opponents off-guard. For example, using sorceries such as Great Farron Dart can set up an assault, compelling enemies to make mistakes that players can exploit during Moonlight Greatsword strikes.
PvE Strategy Tips
In various FromSoftware titles, the Moonlight Greatsword has become a quintessential weapon for Intelligence builds. Its effective scaling allows it to excel even in melee, and its weapon skill can engage foes from a mid-range, provided players align their attacks carefully.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 120
- Vigor: 40
- Attunement: 24
- Endurance: 30
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 21
- Dexterity: 18
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 7
- Luck: 12
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Moonlight Greatsword +5
- Left Hand: Court Sorcerer’s Staff +10
- Head: Crown of Dusk
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Prisoner’s Chain
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 4: Sage’s Ring
7 Murky Madness Dark Mage
Harnessing the Power of Dark Spellcasting
Overview of the Build
Dark spells provide a significant alternative for Intelligence builds, and the powerful gameplay surrounding them enriches the overall experience. Developed by Youtuber Games 4 Days in 2017, this build effectively employs the potent Crucifix of the Mad King.
PvP Strategy Tips
Similar to the Battlemage strategy, players utilizing dark sorceries should mix short- and medium-range spells that complement their primary weapon. The unpredictability of the Crucifix of the Mad King can serve as a tactical advantage, exerting constant pressure on foes. However, the random nature of its skills may lead to situations where players take unnecessary risks.
PvE Strategy Tips
In PvE, players can experiment more freely with the Mad King’s weapon skill. This can create a fun challenge in New Game+ runs focused primarily on the Crucifix of the Mad King.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 151
- Vigor: 40
- Attunement: 24
- Endurance: 40
- Vitality: 21
- Strength: 20
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 16
- Luck: 7
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Crucifix of the Mad King +5
- Left Hand: Murky Longstaff +10
- Head: Blindfold Mask
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Dark Clutch Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 4: Sage’s Ring
6 Low-Level Cheesy Mist Mage
Highly Effective Yet Not the Most Entertaining
Overview of the Build
Pestilent Mist (formerly known as Pestilent Mercury) creates a haze that inflicts continuous damage to any entity caught within its radius, including the caster. This spell’s damage is proportional to the target’s maximum HP, making it particularly effective against formidable bosses.Since only 30 Intelligence is required to use it, many early-game Intelligence builds can easily incorporate this spell after obtaining it from Orbeck of Vinheim.
PvP Strategy Tips
Over the years, players have learned to avoid this troublesome cloud due to its notorious nature. Consequently, in expansive PvP arenas, effectively utilizing Pestilent Mist against human foes proves challenging. Instead of direct damage, players should use it as a strategic pressure tool, making enemies hesitate while they prepare for an ambush.
PvE Strategy Tips
This build is particularly effective against bosses, allowing players to easily conquer larger foes. However, smaller, faster enemies may evade the mist, making engagements more complex, especially in open areas.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 30 (or higher)
- Vigor: 9
- Attunement: 16
- Endurance: 9
- Vitality: 7
- Strength: 7
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 30
- Faith: 7
- Luck: 12
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Any sorcery catalyst
- Left Hand: Any shield or weapon
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Sage’s Ring
- Ring 2: Lingering Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Dusk Crown Ring
- Ring 4: Any Item
5 Fire Witch Sorcerer
Flames That Consume Foes
Overview of the Build
To unleash both magic and fire damage, players should seek the Immolation Tinder, a weapon dropped by fire witches in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. This halberd boasts impressive physical and fire damage, alongside A-tier Intelligence scaling. The weapon’s reach ensures effective damage output while also serving as a catalyst for spell casting.
PvP Strategy Tips
While the build excels at outspacing melee competitors, it is vulnerable to close combat. The average damage from polearm handles can be inadequate. To counter this, maintaining spells such as Homing Soulmass or Crystal Homing Soulmass keeps enemies at bay.
PvE Strategy Tips
Split damage can be tricky: against foes with average damage reduction across elements, the Immolation Tinder will not shine. However, for enemies vulnerable to either physical or fire damage, its effectiveness is compounded. Players will find fire is a severe weakness for many foes.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 118
- Vigor: 35
- Attunement: 30
- Endurance: 25
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 18
- Dexterity: 18
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 12
- Luck: 12
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Immolation Tinder +5
- Left Hand: Any shield
- Head: Crown of Dusk
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Sage’s Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 4: Prisoner’s Chain
4 Faithful Chaotic Heretic
Combining Heavy Hits with Pyromancies
Overview of the Build
For players aiming for maximum firepower, this chaotic mage build, created by Youtuber xGodsChosenOnex in 2020, is a formidable choice. It integrates potent pyromancies with lightning-based miracles, presenting a dual threat, as few enemies can successfully defend against both forms of damage efficiently. Support spells can be implemented using the Demon’s Scar for spellcasting and melee attacks, paired with an infused Great Machete for physical prowess.
PvP Strategy Tips
As with most high-aggression builds, maintaining defensive strategies is critical. The lack of robust armor can leave players vulnerable, making it essential to utilize buffs like Sacred Oath to enhance damage absorption and grant other advantages.
PvE Strategy Tips
Armed with formidable fire and lightning capabilities, players can deal substantial damage against a wide array of enemies. There are few foes in the main game who will resist both forms of elemental damage, yielding high effectiveness against both common enemies and bosses.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 150
- Vigor: 35
- Attunement: 30
- Endurance: 32
- Vitality: 15
- Strength: 24
- Dexterity: 16
- Intelligence: 40
- Faith: 40
- Luck: 7
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Demon’s Scar +5
- Left Hand: Canvas Talisman +10 (and a Lightning Great Machete +10)
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Great Swamp Ring
- Ring 2: Witch’s Ring
- Ring 3: Ring of the Sun’s First Born
- Ring 4: Sage’s Ring
3 Crystal Death Machine
Strength Meets Intelligence: A Potent Combination
Overview of the Build
When players wield a Fume Ultra Greatsword coated in blue crystals from the Crystal Magic Weapon spell, it creates an impressive sight that strikes fear into any opponent.Youtuber Blood Turned Coffee developed this formidable Intelligence build in 2016, combining Strength and Intelligence for a powerful effect.
PvP Strategy Tips
This build functions like a conventional melee setup; optimal damage comes from utilizing the buffed Fume Ultra Greatsword. It’s advantageous to equip a rapid parrying tool in the offhand to capitalize on successful ripostes, maximizing damage against vulnerable foes.
PvE Strategy Tips
The Fume Ultra Greatsword’s high raw damage makes it an excellent option for crowd control. While the necessary investment in stats to wield the weapon one-handed alongside a staff can be substantial, the damage output justifies this investment, enabling players to dominate encounters.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 120
- Vigor: 27
- Attunement: 10
- Endurance: 35
- Vitality: 24
- Strength: 50
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 35
- Faith: 9
- Luck: 7
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Fume Ultra Greatsword +5
- Left Hand: Sage’s Crystal Staff +5
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Ring of Favor
- Ring 2: Lingering Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Cloranthy Ring
- Ring 4: Havel’s Ring
2 Ice, Wind, & Fire Mage
Mastering Elemental Forces
Overview of the Build
This build, while appearing chaotic and similar to a Dexterity-focused character, aims to combine the Snap Freeze spell with Friede’s Great Scythe and the Immolation Tinder. This strategy creates a synergy allowing users to exploit elemental weaknesses and remove resistance gained from frostbite. The Storm Curved Greatsword serves as a utility option, applying pressure and landing swift hits on escaping foes.
PvP Strategy Tips
Players must be judicious in choosing when to utilize each weapon, as all three weapons in this elemental mage build have distinctive and versatile movesets. Gauge opponents’ actions before committing to specific attacks. For resilient, beefy foes, focusing on frost application is recommended. Conversely, agile casters require pressure from the Storm Curved Greatsword to prevent their evasions.
PvE Strategy Tips
Resetting an enemy’s frost resistance with fire can prove significantly more effective in PvE than against human opponents. This tactic can efficiently dismantle foes and bosses who are not frost-resistant, exploiting their weaknesses with minimal risk.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 111
- Vigor: 40
- Attunement: 14
- Endurance: 40
- Vitality: 21
- Strength: 18
- Dexterity: 40
- Intelligence: 23
- Faith: 12
- Luck: 7
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Friede’s Great Scythe +5 (and the Storm Curved Greatsword +5)
- Left Hand: Immolation Tinder +5
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Havel’s Ring
- Ring 2: Ring of Favor
- Ring 3: Cloranthy Ring
- Ring 4: Prisoner’s Chain
1 One-Shot Mage
The Art of the Glass Cannon
Overview of the Build
For players willing to sacrifice defense for unmatched magical potency, the One-Shot Mage build presents a compelling option. Created by Youtuber Mood Master in 2017, this build operates at a staggering 99 Intelligence to unleash devastatingly powerful sorceries.
PvP Strategy Tips
This formidable mage build specializes in obliterating opponents with an overcharged Crystal Soul Spear. Players should avoid lengthy casting times when opting for heavier spells such as White Dragon Breath due to their vulnerability. Instead, play defensively, guiding enemies into situations where they cannot escape draws and maximizing damage opportunities.
PvE Strategy Tips
Given the reliance on exceptionally powerful single-target magic strikes, players face significant counterattack openings. While large sorceries deliver crushing blows, players must remain cautious to avoid quick retaliation from foes. Incorporating quicker spells like Great Heavy Soul Arrow offers a safety net.
Recommended Stats
- Soul Level: 120 (approximately)
- Vigor: 14
- Attunement: 26
- Endurance: 18
- Vitality: 11
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 9
- Intelligence: 99
- Faith: 15
- Luck: 11
Essential Equipment
- Right Hand: Sage’s Crystal Staff +5
- Left Hand: Any Item
- Head: Any Item
- Chest: Any Item
- Arms: Any Item
- Legs: Any Item
- Ring 1: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Magic Clutch Ring
- Ring 4: Red Tearstone Ring
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