Elden Ring Staff Showdown: Demi-Human Queen vs. Astrologer’s Glintstone Staff – Which Reigns Supreme?

The magic system in Elden Ring is vast and varied, and choosing the right Glintstone Staff can significantly impact your effectiveness as a sorcerer. Two early-game options often compared are the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff and the Astrologer’s Staff. So, is the Demi-Human Queen staff better than the Astrologer’s Glintstone Staff? Generally, no, the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff is not universally better than the Astrologer’s Glintstone Staff, especially in the early game. While the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff eventually surpasses the Astrologer’s Staff in Sorcery Scaling within a specific Intelligence range (10-40), the Astrologer’s Staff offers superior scaling and versatility for dedicated magic builds, particularly those aiming for higher Intelligence levels, from the start. The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff’s unique strength lies in its effectiveness for low-Intelligence builds, allowing hybrid characters to cast spells without heavy investment in the Intelligence stat, and for its Crystal Burst spell. The Astrologer’s Staff is better to start with and focus on until you get a better staff that scales to what you focus on.

Delving Deeper: A Detailed Comparison

To truly understand which staff suits your playstyle, let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of each:

Demi-Human Queen’s Staff: The Hybrid’s Delight

• Strengths:
  • Effective for Low Intelligence Builds: This staff shines when your Intelligence stat is between 10 and 40. It provides excellent Sorcery Scaling within this range, allowing you to cast spells effectively without heavily committing to magic.
  • Accessibility: The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff can be found relatively early in the game, making it a readily available option.
  • Unique Crystal Burst Spell: At 18 Intelligence, you gain access to the Crystal Burst spell, which acts like a “shotgun blast,” making it incredibly effective against smaller, dodging enemies at close range. This offers a tactical advantage in specific combat scenarios.
• Weaknesses:
  • Outscaled at Higher Intelligence: Once you surpass 40 Intelligence, the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff becomes less effective compared to other staves, particularly the Academy Glintstone Staff.
  • Limited Scaling Potential: Its scaling isn’t as impressive as other staves, making it less desirable for pure sorcery builds in the long run.
  • Cannot be Infused with Ashes of War or Enchanted: This limits its customization options.

Astrologer’s Staff: The Sorcerer’s Staple

• Strengths:
  • Excellent Early-Game Option: The Astrologer’s Staff is easily obtainable at the start of the game and provides solid Sorcery Scaling for early-game spells.
  • Versatile Scaling: This staff scales well with Intelligence, making it a reliable choice as you level up your magic abilities. It’s a good choice up to 40+ Intelligence, so it’s a great early game option.
  • Simplicity: It’s a straightforward staff, easy to understand and use.
• Weaknesses:
  • Eventually Outpaced: While excellent early on, the Astrologer’s Staff is eventually outpaced by other staves that offer higher scaling at higher Intelligence levels.
  • Lacks Unique Features: It doesn’t have any special abilities or unique spells attached to it, unlike the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff with its Crystal Burst.

Making the Right Choice for Your Build

The best staff for you depends on your build and playstyle:

• Hybrid Builds (Strength/Intelligence, Dexterity/Intelligence): If you’re creating a character that focuses on both melee combat and magic, and you don’t plan on pushing your Intelligence past 40, the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff can be a valuable asset. The Crystal Burst spell provides a useful close-range option, and the staff allows you to cast spells without dedicating too many points to Intelligence.
• Dedicated Sorcerers: If you’re focusing primarily on magic and plan on leveling your Intelligence significantly, the Astrologer’s Staff is a solid starting point. However, you’ll want to transition to staves like the Academy Glintstone Staff, Carian Regal Scepter, or Lusat’s Glintstone Staff as you progress.

Late Game Considerations

As you progress through Elden Ring, consider these more powerful staves:

• Lusat’s Glintstone Staff: Offers unparalleled damage scaling, especially for players focusing solely on Intelligence. However, it comes with a significant FP cost increase.
• Carian Regal Scepter: A fantastic all-around staff with high Sorcery Scaling and Intelligence scaling, reaching S rank at +9.
• Academy Glintstone Staff: Surpasses the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff at 41 Intelligence and above.
• Meteorite Staff: An excellent early-game choice (though unupgradable) that boasts an S rank in Intelligence scaling and boosts gravity spells.

The choice is yours, Tarnished! Choosing the right staff in Elden Ring is crucial for maximizing your magical potential. By considering your build, playstyle, and Intelligence level, you can select the staff that best suits your needs and conquers the Lands Between. For more insightful content on gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Intelligence level do I need to effectively use the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?

The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff requires a minimum of 10 Intelligence to wield. To use the Crystal Burst spell, you need 18 Intelligence.

2. Is the Astrologer’s Staff better than the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff early game?

Yes, the Astrologer’s Staff is generally better in the very early game for dedicated sorcerers, as its scaling is more reliable. The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff requires more specific stat distribution to be effective early on.

3. Where can I find the Astrologer’s Staff?

You can choose the Astrologer class at the start of the game to begin with this staff. If you choose another class, it can be purchased from merchants early in the game.

4. Where can I find the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?

The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff is dropped by the Demi-Human Queen mini-boss, typically found in caves or ruins. One accessible location is the Weeping Peninsula.

5. What are the best spells to use with the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?

The Crystal Burst spell is the primary reason to use this staff. Other low-Intelligence requirement spells like Glintstone Pebble and Arc can also be effective.

6. What is Sorcery Scaling, and why is it important?

Sorcery Scaling determines the amount of damage your spells deal. A higher Sorcery Scaling value on a staff means your spells will be more powerful.

7. Can I upgrade the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?

Yes, the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff can be upgraded using Smithing Stones.

8. Which staff has the best scaling in Elden Ring overall?

Lusat’s Glintstone Staff generally offers the highest damage scaling at high Intelligence levels, though it comes with an increased FP cost.

9. What other early game staffs are available?

The Meteorite Staff, while not upgradable, is an exceptional early-game staff due to its S-scaling in Intelligence and its boost to Gravity Sorceries. It is located in the Swamp of Aeonia in Caelid.

10. Who is the best NPC to learn sorceries from early in the game?

Sorceress Sellen is a valuable early-game teacher located in the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave. She teaches a variety of Sorceries.

11. Does the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff affect all Glintstone Sorceries?

No, the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff does not provide any specific bonus to all Glintstone Sorceries. Its primary benefit is its effectiveness at lower Intelligence levels and its access to the Crystal Burst spell.

12. How does FP cost factor into choosing a staff?

FP (Focus Points) is your mana pool. Staves like Lusat’s Glintstone Staff deal more damage but increase the FP cost of spells. Consider your FP management when choosing a staff.

13. When should I switch from the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff to a different staff?

Once your Intelligence exceeds 40, you should consider switching to the Academy Glintstone Staff, Carian Regal Scepter, or other higher-scaling staves to maximize your spell damage.

14. Is there a staff that boosts specific types of sorceries?

Yes, the Prince of Death’s Staff boosts Death Sorceries, while the Staff of Loss boosts Invisibility Sorceries.

15. Where can I learn more about Elden Ring strategies and builds?

Online forums, communities, and wikis dedicated to Elden Ring are excellent resources. Experimenting with different builds and spells is also highly encouraged.