Is Mimic Tear Good for Mage? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the Mimic Tear is exceptionally good for mages in Elden Ring, and is often considered one of the best Spirit Ashes available, particularly for spellcasters. Its ability to duplicate your character, including their spell loadout, makes it an invaluable asset for both offense and defense, dramatically enhancing a mage’s survivability and damage output.
Why Mimic Tear Excels with Mage Builds
The Mimic Tear’s strength lies in its intelligent AI and its ability to perfectly mirror your current build. For mages, this translates into a powerful ally that can:
- Cast the same spells as you: Imagine doubling your offensive capabilities. With the Mimic Tear, you can unleash a barrage of spells, overwhelming enemies and bosses alike.
- Draw Aggro: The Mimic Tear acts as a sturdy meat shield, absorbing enemy attacks and allowing you to safely cast spells from a distance. This is crucial for mages, who are typically vulnerable in melee combat.
- Apply Status Effects: If your build incorporates status effects like Frostbite or Madness, the Mimic Tear can help quickly build them up, leading to devastating burst damage.
- Use Items and Weapon Skills: The Mimic Tear can use consumables and weapon skills, providing added utility and strategic options.
- Adapt to Different Situations: The Mimic Tear can adapt to the situation, using different spells and tactics based on the enemy type and environment.
Optimizing Your Mimic Tear for Mage Gameplay
While the Mimic Tear is inherently powerful, there are ways to maximize its effectiveness with a mage build:
- Equip a Powerful Weapon: While your Mimic Tear will primarily cast spells, equipping it with a potent weapon, even one that scales with Strength, can significantly improve its melee damage output when it runs out of FP. Something with a good weapon art is a plus.
- Manage FP Consumables: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of Cerulean Tears to keep both you and your Mimic Tear stocked with FP, allowing for sustained spellcasting.
- Choose the Right Armor: Balance defense and equip load. The Mimic Tear’s movement speed is affected by its equip load. Heavier armor provides better protection, but can slow it down, which is important for dodging.
- Utilize Talismans: Equip talismans that enhance spellcasting, increase FP, or boost survivability for both you and your Mimic Tear. Talismans like Cerulean Amber Medallion, Radagon’s Soreseal, or Marika’s Soreseal can be incredibly useful.
- Consider Stance-Breaking Spells: Certain spells like Rock Sling are excellent at staggering enemies. The Mimic Tear can use these to create openings for critical hits, greatly increasing your damage output.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite its many benefits, the Mimic Tear isn’t without its drawbacks:
- FP Consumption: The Mimic Tear mirrors your FP consumption. If you cast expensive spells, your Mimic Tear will quickly run out of FP, reducing its effectiveness.
- Reliance on Your Build: The Mimic Tear is only as good as your current build. If your build is poorly optimized, the Mimic Tear will also be ineffective.
- AI Limitations: While generally intelligent, the Mimic Tear’s AI isn’t perfect. It can sometimes make questionable decisions, such as spamming ineffective spells or getting stuck in the environment.
- Cost to Summon: Summoning the Mimic Tear requires a significant amount of HP. Make sure you have enough health to survive the initial hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best spells for the Mimic Tear to use as a mage?
Spells with good range, damage, and utility are ideal. Consider: Glintstone Pebble (FP efficient), Rock Sling (stance breaking), Comet Azur (burst damage), Loretta’s Greatbow (long range), Terra Magicus (damage buff). Tailor your spell selection to the boss or encounter.
2. How do I obtain the Mimic Tear Ashes?
The Mimic Tear Ashes are found in Nokron, Eternal City, after defeating Radahn, Festival Warrior. It’s located in a chest behind an Imposter Tear Boss in Night’s Sacred Ground.
3. Does the Mimic Tear scale with my stats?
Yes, the Mimic Tear inherits your stats, including Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. This ensures its spells scale effectively with your build.
4. Can the Mimic Tear use Incantations as well as Sorceries?
Yes, if you have the required Faith and a Seal equipped, the Mimic Tear can use Incantations. Hybrid builds are viable with the Mimic Tear.
5. Is the Mimic Tear effective against all bosses?
The Mimic Tear is strong against most bosses, but some bosses with high mobility or AoE attacks can be challenging. Consider switching to a different Spirit Ash if you’re struggling.
6. How can I improve the Mimic Tear’s survivability?
Equip it with high-defense armor, talismans that boost HP or defense, and consider using the Crimsonwhorl Bubbletear in your Flask of Wondrous Physick to mitigate elemental damage.
7. Does the Mimic Tear use my flasks?
No, the Mimic Tear has its own limited supply of Cerulean Tears. Make sure to equip it with a weapon that doesn’t consume too much FP.
8. Can the Mimic Tear use weapon arts?
Yes, the Mimic Tear can use the weapon art of the weapon it’s equipped with. Consider equipping it with a weapon that has a useful weapon art, such as Hoarfrost Stomp or Gravitas.
9. Does the Mimic Tear benefit from my armor effects?
Yes, the Mimic Tear benefits from some armor effects, such as those that increase spell damage or reduce FP consumption. However, some effects may not transfer perfectly.
10. What is the best weapon to equip on the Mimic Tear for a mage build?
A weapon with high raw damage and a useful weapon art is ideal. Weapons like the Black Knife or the Rivers of Blood (if you meet the requirements) are good choices. For pure mages something that scales well from the Intelligence stat.
11. Does the Mimic Tear’s damage increase with upgrades?
Yes, leveling up the Mimic Tear increases its stats and damage output. Use Ghost Gloveworts to upgrade it at Roderika in the Roundtable Hold.
12. Can I control the Mimic Tear’s behavior?
No, you cannot directly control the Mimic Tear’s behavior. It operates based on its AI, which mirrors your actions and adapts to the situation.
13. How does the Mimic Tear handle different enemy types?
The Mimic Tear adapts its spell usage based on the enemy type. For example, it might use ranged spells against melee enemies and vice versa.
14. Is the Mimic Tear still good in the late game?
Yes, the Mimic Tear remains powerful throughout the entire game, especially when fully upgraded. Its ability to double your damage output and draw aggro makes it invaluable in late-game areas and boss fights.
15. Are there any alternatives to Mimic Tear for a mage build?
While Mimic Tear is exceptional, alternatives include Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless, and Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets. These provide different strengths, such as high damage output or aggressive behavior, depending on your playstyle and the encounter.