Is There a Better Staff Than the Meteorite Staff in Elden Ring?
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Yes, while the Meteorite Staff is undeniably a powerhouse in the early to mid-game of Elden Ring, it is not the ultimate staff. Several other staves surpass it, especially when upgraded, making them better options for the late game and specific character builds. The Meteorite Staff’s key limitation is that it cannot be upgraded, which caps its potential scaling and damage output. While it boasts an impressive S scaling in Intelligence early on, other staves catch up and eventually outperform it with proper upgrades. This article will delve into the nuances of staff comparison and explore the various alternatives available to players in Elden Ring.
Why the Meteorite Staff is So Good (and Where It Falls Short)
The Meteorite Staff is renowned for its accessibility and effectiveness early in the game. Found in a ruined tower in Caelid (or accessed early via a teleport chest), it boasts high sorcery scaling right from the start, along with a bonus to gravity sorceries. This makes it ideal for players venturing into a mage build early in their journey, providing significant damage output without requiring any upgrades. Its S scaling in Intelligence means each point invested in the stat pays dividends in damage.
However, its primary drawback is its inability to be upgraded using Smithing Stones. This is a crucial disadvantage because other staves, with upgrades, will eventually surpass the Meteorite Staff’s static scaling. As players progress and their Intelligence stat increases, upgraded staves become the superior option. So, while the Meteorite Staff is a great early game choice, players should always look for better options further in their journey.
The Contenders: Staves that Outperform the Meteorite Staff
Several staves can outperform the Meteorite Staff, particularly as you progress through the game. Here are some of the most notable:
Demi-Human Queen’s Staff
The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff, acquired by defeating the Demi-Human Queen in the Demi-Human Forest Ruins, is a viable alternative, especially for lower Intelligence builds. When fully upgraded, this staff becomes the most powerful option for characters with Intelligence between 10 and 40. It’s important to note, however, that below a +13 upgrade level, the Meteorite Staff is often the superior choice.
Academy Glintstone Staff
The Academy Glintstone Staff is another excellent choice that surpasses the Meteorite Staff at +14 and higher for players with 36 Intelligence. This staff becomes particularly powerful with continued upgrades, offering better overall scaling compared to the Meteorite Staff. It’s worth noting that it overtakes the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff when Intelligence is at 41 or higher.
Lusat’s Glintstone Staff
Considered by many to be the best damage-dealing staff in Elden Ring, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff scales exceptionally well with Intelligence and offers a massive boost to spell damage. It reaches S tier scaling at just +3 and becomes even more powerful when upgraded to +10. However, the significant increase in FP costs associated with this staff is a trade-off that players must manage.
Carian Regal Scepter
The Carian Regal Scepter is another late-game contender that eventually surpasses the Meteorite Staff in damage, but only after significant upgrades and a high Intelligence level. Its scaling doesn’t immediately outshine the Meteorite Staff, making it less potent at lower levels, but its potential at higher levels is undeniable.
Azur’s Glintstone Staff
Azur’s Glintstone Staff is another staff that is often paired with high Intellect builds. While it doesn’t have as much damage scaling as Lusat’s, it excels in casting speed. For those looking to get spells off quickly, this is a great option.
Making the Switch: When to Ditch the Meteorite Staff
The decision of when to switch from the Meteorite Staff largely depends on your build, Intelligence level, and upgrade progress with alternative staves. As a general rule, you should start considering switching once you can upgrade other staves to +7 or higher, and have around 35-40 Intelligence. Once these conditions are met, staffs like the Academy Glintstone or Demi-Human Queen’s Staff begin to show their superiority.
- Early to Mid-Game: The Meteorite Staff is king and should be your go-to staff.
- Mid to Late-Game: Start upgrading other staves like the Academy Glintstone, Demi-Human Queen’s, or Carian Regal Scepter.
- Late Game: If you have a high Intellect build, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff or Azur’s Glintstone Staff are superior.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Elden Ring Staves
1. Can the Meteorite Staff be Upgraded?
No, the Meteorite Staff cannot be upgraded using Smithing Stones. This is its primary limitation and why it’s eventually outclassed by other staves.
2. What are the Stat Requirements for the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?
The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff requires 10 Intelligence to be wielded.
3. How do I get the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?
Defeat the Demi-Human Queen located in the Demi-Human Forest Ruins on the Weeping Peninsula.
4. When Does the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff Outperform the Meteorite Staff?
The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff +13 (and higher) outperforms the Meteorite Staff at 36 Intelligence or lower. Below this upgrade level, the Meteorite Staff is typically superior.
5. Does the Meteorite Staff boost Gravity Sorceries?
Yes, the Meteorite Staff boosts the effectiveness of Gravity Sorceries.
6. What is the Best Staff for a High Intelligence Build?
Lusat’s Glintstone Staff is widely considered the best for high Intelligence builds due to its exceptional damage scaling. However, its higher FP costs should be considered.
7. Can I use Ashes of War on Staves?
Some Glintstone Staves, including the Carian Regal Scepter, can be infused with the Ash of War, Spinning Weapon.
8. What is the best early game spell to pair with the Meteorite Staff?
Rock Sling is excellent in the early game when paired with the Meteorite Staff due to its high damage and tracking capabilities.
9. Where can I find the Meteorite Staff?
The Meteorite Staff is found on a corpse in a ruined tower in Caelid or via the teleport chest in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins in Limgrave.
10. Why is the Meteorite Staff considered S-tier early game?
It has S-rank scaling with Intelligence and very high Sorcery Scaling right from the start, which makes it extremely powerful without any upgrades.
11. What weapon should I pair with the Meteorite Staff early game?
Weapons that scale with INT such as the Moonveil Katana pair well with the Meteorite Staff.
12. Is it worth upgrading the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff?
Yes, it’s definitely worth upgrading the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff, especially if you plan to stay in the 10-40 Intelligence range. It becomes very powerful when upgraded.
13. How do I obtain two Meteorite Staffs?
You can get the Meteorite staff once in the game, and it cannot be obtained twice per save.
14. What’s the difference between Azur’s and Lusat’s Glintstone Staves?
While both are top-tier staves for high Intelligence builds, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff offers higher damage at the cost of higher FP, whereas Azur’s Glintstone Staff offers faster casting speed.
15. Is it good to never get rid of the Meteorite Staff?
No, that’s not the case. While it’s great for the early to mid-game, it will eventually be outclassed by other staves with upgrades. You should switch once you have upgraded other staves.
Conclusion
While the Meteorite Staff is undoubtedly a game-changer in the early stages of Elden Ring, its inability to be upgraded means that it eventually becomes less effective compared to other staves that can be improved using smithing stones. Staves like the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff, Academy Glintstone Staff, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff, and Carian Regal Scepter become superior with upgrades, offering more damage and scaling potential as players advance in the game. Knowing when to make the switch will optimize your build and help you to overcome the challenges Elden Ring throws at you.