Top Elden Ring Incantations for Early and Late Game Success

UPDATE: We have added two interactive maps to this page showing you the locations of all the best Incantations in Elden Ring.

The sacred abilities of the best Incantations in Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, can only be harnessed by the most devoted Tarnished. These Incantations allow players to summon powerful lightning strikes or enhance their characters with divine blessings, giving faithful builds numerous unique abilities.

Unlike Sorceries, which may be easier to grasp, Incantations present a more complex challenge due to their prolonged casting durations, significant FP costs, and frequently limited damage output. Many of the most potent Incantations are found in late-game sections, requiring players to invest in attributes such as Dexterity and obtain Radagon’s Icon Talisman to reduce casting times effectively.

To assist players in locating these Incantations, we’ve integrated two interactive maps of The Lands Between and the DLC area, the Land of Shadow, highlighting all relevant locations featured in this guide.

Best Elden Ring Incantations for the Early Game

In the early stages of Elden Ring, several Incantations stand out as particularly beneficial:

Catch Flame

For those not starting as a Prophet, Catch Flame is an essential early-game Incantation. Available for just 600 Runes from Brother Corhyn in Roundtable Hold, it allows players to ignite flames and launch them forward in a small cone. Its low FP cost and quick casting time make it a vital asset early on, especially compared to the slower Flame Sling. This Incantation only requires 8 Faith, making it accessible to most classes except the Astrologer and Vagabond.

Flame, Cleanse Me

Flame, Cleanse Me stands out, not for its damage output, but for its utility in removing Scarlet Rot and poison. This Incantation proves indispensable when navigating tricky terrains like Caelid or battling foes like Malenia who utilize Scarlet Rot. While it may seem redundant early on, its ability to cleanse effectively makes it a must-have. You can obtain it from the Fire Monk camp located south of the Church of Vows, where Miriel resides. It requires only 12 Faith to cast.

Bestial Sling

Obtained from Gurranq after delivering him Deathroot, Bestial Sling is a versatile Beast Incantation perfect for early use. It propels small stones in an arc, boasts a minimal casting time, and costs only 7 FP. With a requirement of just 10 Faith, it’s an excellent alternative to other spells with slower projectiles.

The Flame of Frenzy

Finding the Flame of Frenzy Incantation involves visiting Callu Baptismal Church on the Weeping Peninsula. With a Faith requirement of merely 16, this spell unleashes beams of flame that damage enemies in a wide arc, although it does not stagger them, allowing foes to keep advancing. Be cautious, as repeated use builds up your madness meter.

Flame of the Fell God

A striking Legendary Incantation, the Flame of the Fell God can be acquired early by defeating Adan, Thief of Fire at Malefactor’s Evergaol in Liurnia of the Lakes. Although this spell requires a hefty 41 Faith, it summons a fiery orb that tracks and explodes upon contact with enemies, offering substantial damage potential.

Frenzied Burst

Frenzied Burst costs just 22 Faith and unleashes a flame that enemies find challenging to evade. This Incantation is effective even in PvP scenarios, where it can inflict madness on opponents. It is located in Liurnia of the Lakes, dropped by a Teardrop Scarab near the Church of Inhibition.

Honed Bolt

Serving well into later parts of the game, Honed Bolt calls down a lightning strike on targets, making it particularly hard for enemies to dodge. It is sold by Corhyn and Miriel after providing them with the Dragon Cult Prayer Book, requiring only 24 Faith to cast.

Stone of Gurranq

After delivering six Deathroot to the Bestial Clergyman, players receive the Stone of Gurranq Incantation, capable of launching a massive boulder towards foes for heavy damage. Its low FP cost of 15 and Faith requirement of 13 means it’s worthwhile despite its challenging control mechanics.

Ekzykes’ Decay

This Incantation summons dragon breath that inflicts Scarlet Rot over a broad area, making it effective against multiple enemies, especially bosses susceptible to rot. Though it requires a slow casting time, it can be obtained at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion after defeating Ekzykes. It necessitates 23 Faith and 15 Arcane, while the alternative, Rotten Breath, requires only 15 Faith and 12 Arcane.

Swarm of Flies

Although Swarm of Flies is found in a late-game zone, its placement in Mohgwyn Palace makes it relatively accessible early on. It releases a horde of bloodflies that inflict Bleed on foes, excellent for builds focusing on blood loss, and requires just 11 Faith and 16 Arcane to use.

Best Elden Ring Incantations for Mid to Late Game

Magma Breath

Purchased from the Cathedral of Dragon Communion following the defeat of the Magma Wyrm near Fort Laiedd, Magma Breath is a powerful Incantation that projects magma and continues to damage foes standing within it. It requires 14 Faith and 10 Arcane to effectively use.

Scouring Black Flame

Acquired from the Dragonskin Apostle in Windmill Village, Scouring Black Flame projects a wave of black flame. Although straightforward, its effectiveness and relatively short casting time make it a good choice, requiring 28 Faith.

Golden Vow

Positioned within the Corpse-Stench Shack, Golden Vow is a valuable Incantation for both PvE and PvP, providing a significant buff to both your defenses and that of your allies. It costs 47 FP and requires 25 Faith, making it handy during critical encounters.

Giantsflame Take Thee

Found much later in the game, Giantsflame Take Thee is part of the Giant’s Prayer Book obtained from Guardian Arghanthy in Mountaintops of the Giants. This Incantation costs 13, 000 Runes, requires 30 Faith, and hurls a massive fireball that explodes on impact.

Burn, O Flame

Rewarded for giving Enia the Remembrance of the Fire Giant in Roundtable Hold, Burn, O Flame has a lower Faith requirement than Giantsflame Take Thee. It generates flames from the ground, damaging enemies within its radius, although its randomness and longer casting time might be drawbacks.

Crucible Breath

Among the Crucible Incantations, Aspect of the Crucible: Breath stands out, allowing players to unleash golden flames in a broad arc. This Incantation is acquired after defeating Rykard and requires 27 Faith to use effectively.

Wrath of Gold

Located in Altus Plateau, Wrath of Gold generates a powerful shockwave capable of knocking back enemies. It requires high FP (40) and 32 Faith, making it a valid option if your resources support it.

Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike

Found later in Crumbling Farum Azula, this Incantation lets players unleash red lightning around them. Available after presenting the Ancient Dragon Prayer Book, it has a low Faith requirement of 26 but offers high damage potential.

Best Incantations from Shadow of the Erdtree

Knight’s Lightning Spear

Located within the Scorpion River Catacombs, the Knight’s Lightning Spear is a formidable Dragon Cult Incantation that releases a series of lightning spears at foes. It can easily be overlooked, but it’s essential for players who rely on lightning incantations, requiring 36 Faith to master.

Multilayered Ring of Light

Repurposed from Inquisitor enemies, this Incantation generates a disc that continuously damages and can stun targets. To acquire it, brave the Stone Coffin Fissure and eliminate the Spectral Misbegotten. It requires 36 Faith for use.

Pest-Thread Spears

As a new favorite among players, Pest-Thread Spears costs a mere 26 Faith and uses pest threads to create spears that are launched at enemies. They exhibit excellent damage and tracking, making them a strong choice for players seeking versatile spells. Gather this Incantation near the Church of the Bud.

Fire Serpent

This Incantation unleashes a swiftly-tracking flame at enemies and is an effective ranged option. Fire Serpent requires just 16 Faith and can be acquired by ascending the ladder at the Storehouse, Back Section Site of Grace.

Ghostflame Breath

This Dragon Communion Incantation summons a dragon that spews Ghostflame at targets and requires both 23 Faith and 15 Arcane. Found at the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion, it’s accessible after trading three Dragon Hearts.

Golden Arcs

Requiring 22 Faith, Golden Arcs cast multiple spectral arcs that deal damage to opponents. It’s located early on in Moorth Ruins, necessitating exploration through several openings to uncover it.

Midra’s Flame of Frenzy

Offering the ability to project Frenzyflame while summoning the Lord of Frenzied Flame’s head, this Incantation lets players unleash damage for as long as they maintain casting. Requiring 41 Faith, it’s valuable for AoE combat against mobs, though it could be less effective against single formidable foes. Obtain it by defeating Midra and trading his Remembrance at Roundtable Hold.

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