What is the Best Seal to Use in Elden Ring?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The “best” seal in Elden Ring is context-dependent, heavily reliant on your Faith (FTH) stat, preferred incantations, and overall build. There isn’t a single universally superior seal. However, for optimized builds, the Erdtree Seal generally reigns supreme at 80 Faith due to its unparalleled Incantation Scaling. But don’t write off the rest! Many seals excel at lower stat investments or for specific incantation types.
Understanding Seals: A Deep Dive
Seals, like staves for sorceries, are essential for casting incantations in Elden Ring. They scale with Faith (primarily), and some also scale with Strength, Intelligence, or Arcane. The key metric is Incantation Scaling, which dictates the potency of your spells. Higher Incantation Scaling translates to more damage, healing, and buff effectiveness. Different seals also boast unique passive boosts to specific incantation schools.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Seal
-
Faith Investment: The amount of Faith you’re willing to invest directly impacts the seal’s effectiveness. Some seals are efficient at lower levels, while others demand significant stat investment for optimal performance.
-
Incantation Type: Certain seals provide passive bonuses to specific incantation types, such as Bestial Incantations, Dragon Communion Incantations, or Golden Order Incantations.
-
Weight and Stat Requirements: Consider the weight of the seal and any additional stat requirements (Strength, Intelligence, Arcane) as they contribute to your equip load and build viability.
-
Playstyle: Your preferred playstyle is crucial. Are you a dedicated caster, a hybrid melee/caster, or a support-focused player? Different seals cater to different styles.
The Top Contenders: A Seal Tier List
While the “best” is subjective, here’s a breakdown of highly regarded seals and their strengths:
-
S-Tier (Late Game, High Faith Builds):
- Erdtree Seal: Dominates at 80 Faith, offering the highest overall Incantation Scaling. An all-around powerhouse.
-
A-Tier (Mid to Late Game, Good Faith Scaling or Niche Uses):
- Godslayer’s Seal: Excellent for Black Flame incantations and respectable Incantation Scaling.
- Golden Order Seal: Scales with both Faith and Intelligence, ideal for builds utilizing Golden Order incantations.
- Frenzied Flame Seal: Scales with Faith, Intelligence, and Arcane; provides the highest incantation scaling at very high stat levels, but hurts the user each time it’s used.
- Gravel Stone Seal: Boosts Dragon Cult incantations, valuable for lightning-based builds.
-
B-Tier (Early to Mid Game, Specific Builds):
- Clawmark Seal: Scales with both Strength and Faith, perfect for Strength/Faith hybrid builds utilizing Bestial incantations. Boosts Bestial incantations.
- Dragon Communion Seal: Scales with Faith, Arcane, Strength, and Dexterity (though Strength and Dexterity scaling is negligible), excelling with Dragon Communion incantations, requires arcane investment.
- Finger Seal: A good starting seal available early on, suitable for initial Faith builds before better options become available.
-
C-Tier (Early Game, Less Specialized):
- Prophet’s Seal: Another early-game option. Functionally similar to the Finger Seal but found in a different starting class or location.
- Beast Claw GreatHammer: Has a seal built into the weapon. Melee/Caster hybrid using Beast incantations.
The Erdtree Seal: King of the Faith Casters
The Erdtree Seal is often considered the pinnacle for pure Faith builds. Its Incantation Scaling surpasses most other seals, particularly at high Faith levels (70-80). This makes it ideal for maximizing damage output, healing potency, and buff effectiveness. If your goal is to sling powerful incantations and your Faith stat is high, the Erdtree Seal is your best bet.
Beyond the Erdtree: Specialized Builds
While the Erdtree Seal is powerful, specialized builds can benefit greatly from other seals. For example, a Strength/Faith build utilizing Bestial incantations would find the Clawmark Seal far more effective due to its Strength scaling and boost to Bestial incantations. A Dragon Communion focused build would greatly benefit from the Dragon Communion Seal. The Gravel Stone Seal is excellent for lightning-focused Dragon Cult builds, while the Godslayer’s Seal enhances the potent Black Flame incantations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does Incantation Scaling work?
Incantation Scaling is a numerical value that determines the effectiveness of your incantations. The higher the Incantation Scaling, the more damage, healing, or buff potency your spells will have. It’s primarily influenced by your Faith stat and the seal’s scaling properties.
2. What’s the difference between Faith scaling and Incantation Scaling?
Faith scaling refers to how much a seal’s Incantation Scaling increases as you level up your Faith stat. Incantation Scaling is the actual number that determines the potency of your spells. A seal with better Faith scaling will see a greater increase in Incantation Scaling as you increase your Faith.
3. Does upgrading my seal increase Incantation Scaling?
Yes, upgrading your seal at a blacksmith using smithing stones will significantly increase its Incantation Scaling. This is crucial for maximizing your spellcasting potential.
4. How do I find the Erdtree Seal?
The Erdtree Seal is located in Volcano Manor. You need to progress through the Volcano Manor questline, and then head to the Prison Town Church Site of Grace. Leave the church, jump down the rooftops, and follow the path around, and you will find it on a body.
5. Is it worth using a seal with multiple scaling stats (Faith/Intelligence, etc.)?
Seals that scale with multiple stats can be very effective, but they require a more significant stat investment. They shine in hybrid builds where you’re already investing in those stats, but they might not be optimal for a pure Faith build.
6. What is the best early-game seal?
The Finger Seal and Prophet’s Seal are both excellent early-game options. They are readily available and provide sufficient Incantation Scaling for the initial stages of the game.
7. Does the seal’s weapon skill matter?
No, seals do not have weapon skills. They are purely for casting incantations.
8. How does the Clawmark Seal work for Strength/Faith builds?
The Clawmark Seal scales with both Strength and Faith, making it ideal for Strength/Faith hybrid builds. Its Incantation Scaling increases with both stats, and it also provides a boost to Bestial Incantations, which often have lower Faith requirements.
9. What are Bestial Incantations, and why use them?
Bestial Incantations are a unique type of incantation that typically involves throwing rocks or clawing at enemies. They have lower Faith requirements and are often favored by Strength/Faith builds due to their offensive capabilities and synergy with the Clawmark Seal.
10. Does the Dragon Communion Seal require a lot of Arcane?
Yes, the Dragon Communion Seal requires a significant investment in Arcane to be effective. Its Incantation Scaling relies heavily on Arcane, making it suitable for builds that utilize Dragon Communion incantations and scaling arcane weapons.
11. What are Dragon Communion Incantations?
Dragon Communion Incantations allow you to assume draconic forms and unleash powerful breath attacks. They often have high stat requirements (Faith, Arcane) but offer devastating offensive capabilities.
12. How does the Golden Order Seal compare to the Erdtree Seal?
The Golden Order Seal scales with both Faith and Intelligence, while the Erdtree Seal scales solely with Faith. At very high Faith and Intelligence, the Golden Order Seal can rival or even surpass the Erdtree Seal, especially when using Golden Order incantations. However, the Erdtree Seal is generally easier to optimize for pure Faith builds.
13. What is the Frenzied Flame Seal, and who should use it?
The Frenzied Flame Seal is a unique seal that scales with Faith, Intelligence, and Arcane. It provides the highest incantation scaling at very high stat levels, but it inflicts self-damage with each incantation cast. It’s best suited for very niche builds who are willing to sacrifice hit points for maximum damage.
14. Can I use a seal in my off-hand while wielding a weapon?
Yes, you can equip a seal in your off-hand while wielding a weapon in your main hand. This allows you to quickly switch between melee combat and spellcasting.
15. How important is it to upgrade my seal?
Upgrading your seal is extremely important. Each upgrade increases Incantation Scaling, leading to significantly more powerful incantations. Prioritize upgrading your chosen seal alongside your weapons to maximize your effectiveness in combat.