Top Elden Ring Intelligence Builds: Create the Ultimate Mage or Sorcerer Setup

UPDATE: We’ve added an interactive map to this Elden Ring intelligence build guide to help you with tracking down the necessary items for it.

In the world of FromSoftware’s games, magic has always been a compelling path for players seeking varied powers. In Elden Ring, the landscape of Intelligence builds has been significantly expanded, boasting over 70 spells that can be incredibly potent. This abundance of options has made it possible for players to face formidable bosses with confidence in their magical prowess.

Crafting the ideal Sorcerer build requires an initial investment in Intelligence, continuously bolstering your character as you progress through the game. Many players find that amassing enough Intelligence allows them to unleash spells with devastating effects—a true testament to the Sorcerer’s might in the game.

As you elaborate your strategy with an Intelligence build, you may notice that maintaining a safe distance from enemies often alleviates the need for agile dodging. However, it remains essential to effectively manage your FP (Focus Points) and select the appropriate spells to counter specific bosses, particularly during later stages of the game against relentless foes like Malenia.

To assist you in gathering every necessary item for your Intelligence build, we’ve included an interactive map showcasing the locations of all the essential gear.

Key Stats for an Intelligence Build

To optimize your Sorcerer experience, aim to enhance Intelligence, Mind, Vigor, and sprinkle in some Dexterity:

Intelligence: This is your primary stat, affecting both spellcasting and equipment efficiency. Investing heavily here will maximize your magical output and enhance the effectiveness of your staffs and spells.
Mind: Similar to any magic-centric build, a robust Mind stat is crucial for extending your spell-casting capabilities without frequently depleting your FP.
Vigor: Essential for survivability, a higher Vigor means taking hits from bosses won’t be as punishing, especially as heavy armor isn’t typically feasible for Intelligence builds.
Dexterity: Though often overlooked, Dexterity accelerates your casting time, which can be a game-changer during intense fights.

Starting as an Astrologer class grants you a solid foundation of Mind and Intelligence, enabling you to focus on leveling these stats early on.

Early Game – Level 30+

Initially, you’ll want to cultivate a versatile set of stats:

Vigor: 18
Mind: 19
Endurance: 12
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 16
Intelligence: 20
Faith: 7
Arcane: 9

Mid Game – Level 80+

As you delve deeper into the world of Elden Ring, gradually level up your stats while maintaining a balance:

Vigor: 33
Mind: 30
Endurance: 18
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 20
Intelligence: 30
Faith: 7
Arcane: 9

Late Game – Level 120+

During the late game, you should strive for the soft cap of 60 Intelligence:

Vigor: 40
Mind: 30
Endurance: 18
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 27
Intelligence: 52
Faith: 7
Arcane: 9

Shadow of the Erdtree – Level 150+

As the new challenges emerge in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, your goal is to max out key stats:

Vigor: 58
Mind: 35
Endurance: 20
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 30
Intelligence: 60
Faith: 7
Arcane: 9

If you continue beyond the base game into NG+ modes, consider further enhancing your Vigor and Intelligence for the opportunity to wield even more potent spells that demand higher Intelligence stats.

Flask of Wondrous Physick: Best Choices

Your Flask of Wondrous Physick can make a significant difference, with three essential options:

Magic-Shrouding Crystal Tear: Invaluable for amplifying your magic damage temporarily.
Intelligence-Knot Crystal Tear: Boosts your Intelligence, but its utility diminishes as you cross the 80 Intelligence mark.
Cerulean Hidden Tear: Essential for the late game, this Tear negates all FP consumption temporarily, allowing you to unleash high-cost spells like Comet Azur.

Best Staffs for Your Build

Begin your journey with the Meteorite Staff, an excellent early-game choice that enhances gravity spells. As you move further, aim to acquire:

Academy Glintstone Staff: Offers robust performance for mid-game with an INT requirement of 28.
Lusat’s Glintstone Staff or Azur’s Glintstone Staff: Both are powerful endgame staffs that maximize damage output, with Lusat’s dealing more damage at the cost of FP.
Carian Regal Scepter: Ideal for players exceeding 69 Intelligence, offering remarkable scaling and buffing of moon spells.

Transitioning from the Meteorite Staff to the Academy Glintstone and then to either Lusat’s or Azur’s will ensure your spells are cast with maximum efficiency and output.

Best Weapons for an Intelligence Build

For those moments when melee combat is more appealing, the Moonveil Katana serves as an excellent hybrid option, providing both magic and physical damage. Additional noteworthy options include:

Star-lined Sword: A new addition from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, this katana features a unique Ash of War that enhances versatility.
Wing of Astel: Located in Ainsel River, this weapon excels at dealing magic damage while providing utility with heavy attacks.
Dark Moon Greatsword: Resembles an ideal weapon for players committed to an Intelligence build, possessing strong physical and magic capabilities.

Talismans to Consider

Equipping the right talismans can enhance your build significantly. Here are several options tailored for sorcerers:

Radagon Icon: This essential talisman reduces casting time, crucial for high-cost spells during intense encounters.
Shard of Alexander: Perfect for boosting the damage of weapon skills, especially if wielding the Moonveil Katana.
Graven Mass: Enhances sorcery potency, ensuring spells deliver maximum damage during crucial moments.
Dragoncrest Greatshield: Provides significant physical damage resistance, ideal for mitigating hits from stronger foes.
Moon of Nokstella: Increases memory slots, allowing for a greater variety of spells to be equipped.
Magic Scorpion Charm: Boosts magic damage at the cost of increased physical damage received—best reserved for those with high HP.
Stargazer Heirloom: A great stat booster for utilizing high-requirement spells and staffs.

Essential Spells for Your Build

With numerous spells to choose from, tailoring your selection to the current challenge is key. Here’s a shortlist of powerful spells you should consider:

Rock Sling: Combines early accessibility with high damage potential—especially effective against magic-resistant foes.
Glintstone Pebble: An ideal utility spell for taking out weaker enemies without alerting nearby opponents.
Stars of Ruin: Known for its incredibly good tracking, this spell is especially effective against agile bosses.
Comet Azur: Despite its nerf, still a powerful choice for high-damage situations against slower bosses.
Founding Rain of Stars: Requires practice but offers devastating area damage against groups of enemies.

Armor and Gear Selection

Choosing your armor should prioritize weight and protection while brightening your sorcerer aesthetic. Popular choices include:

Alberich’s Set: A stylish and protective option acquired in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
Queen of the Full Moon Set: Gained after defeating Rennala, this set fits the theme of a powerful magic user.
Spellblade Set: Found alongside Sorcerer Rogier, it embodies the magical prowess you want to channel.

For further insights, don’t miss our guides on other builds, including Blackflame and Faith builds, as well as the comprehensive walkthrough for The Lands Between!

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