Can Everyone Use Magic in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, absolutely everyone can use magic in Elden Ring! The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its unparalleled freedom and character customization. While certain starting classes might seem predisposed to melee combat or spellcasting, no class is locked into a specific playstyle. Anyone can become a powerful mage, a formidable warrior, or a hybrid of both, as long as they invest the necessary stats and acquire the appropriate tools.

Elden Ring respects player agency. The starting class you pick is just that: a starting point. It determines your initial stats and equipment, giving you a slight head start in a particular direction. However, the game allows for complete flexibility. A Vagabond, initially geared towards wielding heavy swords, can become a master of sorceries with enough dedication to Intelligence and the acquisition of staves and spells. Similarly, an Astrologer, beginning with potent magical abilities, can don heavy armor and crush enemies with a colossal weapon if they choose to invest in Strength and Endurance.

The only restriction is the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into leveling the stats necessary to wield your desired weapons and cast your chosen spells. This level of customization is why Elden Ring is so captivating and rewarding, encouraging experimentation and allowing players to truly create their own unique character and playstyle.

Understanding Magic in Elden Ring

Magic in Elden Ring comes in two primary flavors: Sorceries and Incantations.

• Sorceries typically scale with the Intelligence stat and are cast using Staves. They encompass a wide range of spells, from simple projectiles like Glintstone Pebble to devastating area-of-effect attacks like Comet Azur. Sorceries often focus on offensive power and control, making them ideal for players who prefer a more strategic, ranged approach to combat.

• Incantations, on the other hand, generally scale with Faith and are cast using Sacred Seals. They cover a broader range of effects, including healing, buffs, elemental attacks, and even debuffs. Incantations often align with different religious or philosophical factions within the game, granting access to unique and powerful abilities.

To effectively use either type of magic, you need to meet the stat requirements for the spells you wish to cast and equip the corresponding casting tool.

Breaking Down the Class Myth

The misconception that certain classes are “unable” to use magic likely stems from their initial stat distribution. A class like the Vagabond, for instance, starts with a low Intelligence and Faith stat. This means that they will need to invest a significant number of level-up points into these stats before they can effectively wield staves or sacred seals and cast powerful spells. However, this is merely a matter of time and resource allocation, not an inherent limitation.

Conversely, the Astrologer, with its high starting Intelligence, can immediately begin casting powerful sorceries. But an Astrologer who wants to wield a massive greatsword will need to invest heavily in Strength and Endurance, potentially neglecting their magic for a while.

The key takeaway is that Elden Ring encourages you to shape your character based on your desired playstyle, regardless of their origin. The starting class is simply a head start, not a life sentence.

FAQs: Diving Deeper into Magic and Classes in Elden Ring

1. Do I need a specific class to get the most out of magic in Elden Ring?

No, you don’t need a specific class. While starting as an Astrologer or Prophet provides an advantage in the early game for magic builds, any class can become a powerful spellcaster. It’s all about how you allocate your stats.

2. Can a melee-focused class like the Warrior effectively use magic?

Absolutely. The Warrior class, known for its high Dexterity and melee prowess, can effectively use magic by investing points into Intelligence or Faith (depending on the desired type of magic) and acquiring the necessary staves or sacred seals. They might even use magic to buff their weapon or deal extra damage.

3. Is it harder to play a mage early on if I choose a non-magic class?

Yes, it can be slightly harder. You’ll need to allocate more level-up points into Intelligence or Faith early on, potentially sacrificing some survivability or damage output in melee combat. However, this is a temporary hurdle.

4. What stats are most important for a magic build?

• For Sorceries, prioritize Intelligence, Mind (for FP, or Focus Points), and Vigor (for health).
• For Incantations, prioritize Faith, Mind, and Vigor.

Some incantations may also require investment into Strength or Dexterity, depending on which Sacred Seal you want to use.

5. What are the best early-game spells to acquire?

• For Sorceries, Glintstone Pebble and Rock Sling are excellent choices. Glintstone Pebble is reliable and efficient, while Rock Sling deals physical damage and can stagger enemies.
• For Incantations, Heal and Flame Sling are great starting options. Heal provides essential sustain, while Flame Sling offers ranged fire damage.

6. Do I need to find a specific item to cast magic?

Yes. You need a Staff to cast Sorceries and a Sacred Seal to cast Incantations. A basic Sacred Seal, the Finger Seal, can be purchased from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold for 800 Runes.

7. Is magic overpowered in Elden Ring?

Magic can be incredibly powerful in Elden Ring, allowing you to defeat bosses from a safe distance and control the battlefield. However, it’s not without its weaknesses. Some enemies are resistant to magic, and running out of FP can leave you vulnerable.

8. Can I respec my stats later in the game if I want to change my build?

Yes, you can. By defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in the Academy of Raya Lucaria, you unlock the ability to respec your stats using Larval Tears. This allows you to experiment with different builds without having to start a new game.

9. Is there a “best” class for magic in Elden Ring?

The Astrologer is often considered the best starting class for magic due to its high Intelligence and starting spells. However, other classes like the Prophet (high Faith) and the Prisoner (balanced stats) can also be excellent choices.

10. How does armor affect magic casting?

Armor provides physical and elemental defense, but it doesn’t directly affect magic casting speed or power. However, heavier armor can increase your equipment load, which can impact your roll speed and overall mobility.

11. Can I use both Sorceries and Incantations on the same character?

Yes, you can create a hybrid build that uses both Sorceries and Incantations. This requires investing points into both Intelligence and Faith, as well as finding staves and sacred seals that scale well with both stats.

12. Is it worth investing in Mind for more FP?

Absolutely. Mind is a crucial stat for any magic build, as it determines your FP, which is consumed when casting spells. Running out of FP in the middle of a boss fight can be disastrous.

13. What are some good talismans for magic users?

Some useful talismans for magic users include:

• Radagon Icon: Shortens spell casting time.
• Cerulean Amber Medallion: Increases maximum FP.
• Graven-School Talisman/Graven-Mass Talisman: Increases sorcery damage.
• Faithful’s Canvas Talisman/ Godfrey Icon: Raises the potency of incantations.

14. Is magic viable in PvP?

Yes, magic can be very effective in PvP, but it requires careful planning and execution. Spells can be telegraphed, so you need to be strategic with your casting and mix them up with melee attacks.

15. Where can I learn more about Elden Ring’s game mechanics?

You can learn more about Elden Ring’s game mechanics by watching tutorial videos on YouTube, reading guides, and engaging with the Elden Ring community on forums and social media. You can also visit the Games Learning Society website for resources and information on game-based learning and the broader implications of games in society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

The Freedom to Choose

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember about Elden Ring is that you have the freedom to play the game however you want. Whether you choose to be a hulking warrior wielding powerful magic, a nimble rogue casting deadly incantations, or anything in between, the choice is yours. So, embrace the challenge, experiment with different builds, and forge your own legend in the Lands Between!