When Should You Switch to the Carian Regal Scepter in Elden Ring?
The Carian Regal Scepter is a coveted weapon for any sorcery-focused player in Elden Ring. Its potent sorcery scaling and unique Spinning Weapon skill make it a powerful option in the late game. However, the journey to wielding this scepter effectively requires strategic progression. The pivotal question for most mages becomes: When is the right time to abandon the early-game stalwarts like the Meteorite Staff and fully embrace the Carian Regal Scepter? Here’s your definitive guide.
The simple answer is: you should switch to the Carian Regal Scepter when your Intelligence (INT) stat is between 45 and 60, and the Carian Regal Scepter is upgraded to around +6 or +7. At this point, you will see the scepter begin to outpace the Meteorite Staff in terms of sorcery scaling. Prior to this point, the Meteorite Staff’s superior scaling and lower stat requirement make it a better choice. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances that dictate this switch.
Why the Carian Regal Scepter is Worth the Effort
The Carian Regal Scepter isn’t just another staff; it’s a gateway to unparalleled magical might in Elden Ring. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:
- Superior Sorcery Scaling: While the Meteorite Staff is fantastic in the early to mid-game, it has a capped scaling that doesn’t improve with upgrades. The Carian Regal Scepter, on the other hand, boasts an S scaling in Intelligence at higher upgrade levels (+9), surpassing the fixed scaling of the Meteorite Staff.
- Unique Spinning Weapon Ash of War: This isn’t just any Ash of War. The Carian Regal Scepter’s version of Spinning Weapon is unique to the staff, making it a valuable tool for both offense and defense, and can be a surprising mix-up for enemies.
- Boost to Full Moon Sorceries: Specifically, the Carian Regal Scepter buffs the damage of Rennala’s Full Moon and Ranni’s Dark Moon. If you plan to utilize these spells, the Carian Regal Scepter is the premier choice for maximizing their potential.
- All-Around Versatility: It’s not just for moon spells; it also performs exceptionally well with powerful area-of-effect (AoE) sorceries like Carian Greatsword and Gavel of Haima, and is also excellent with long range spells like Loretta’s Greatbow, making it a fantastic all-purpose catalyst for the sorcerer.
Making the Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
First and foremost, you need 60 Intelligence to wield the Carian Regal Scepter effectively. Without this prerequisite, you cannot even equip the scepter, let alone utilize its full power. This makes the staff a mid-to-late game weapon for most builds.
Step 2: Obtain the Scepter
The Carian Regal Scepter is obtained by trading in the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen after defeating Rennala in the Raya Lucaria Academy to Enia in the Roundtable Hold. This means progressing into the Liurnia region, defeating Rennala, and being able to use the Two Fingers Reader at the Roundtable Hold.
Step 3: Upgrade the Scepter
This is crucial. The Carian Regal Scepter scales much better with upgrades than the Meteorite Staff. Aim to get it to +6 or +7 as soon as possible. You need Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade this special weapon. The scepter’s superior scaling becomes noticeable around this upgrade level, surpassing the scaling of the Meteorite Staff and unlocking its true potential.
Step 4: Check Your INT
As mentioned before, the ideal time to switch is when your Intelligence stat is within the 45-60 range. While you can use the scepter before this, it may not be worth it to replace the Meteorite Staff. Beyond 60 INT, the Carian Regal Scepter becomes noticeably more effective than the Meteorite Staff.
Step 5: Re-Spec If Needed
If you’ve been investing heavily into other stats, consider respecing using a Larval Tear if you want to focus on sorcery. While a lower INT build can use the Carian Regal Scepter, they won’t see the same level of damage output.
Step 6: Test Spells and Damage
Finally, run some comparisons. Test your damage output with your usual spells while using both the Meteorite Staff and the upgraded Carian Regal Scepter. Once you see the Carian Regal Scepter consistently outperforming the Meteorite Staff, you’ll know it’s time to make the switch.
Comparing to Other Options: Lusat’s Staff
The Carian Regal Scepter is a top-tier staff, but it’s not without competition. The primary competitor is Lusat’s Glintstone Staff. Lusat’s Staff generally has the highest sorcery scaling in the game, but it comes with a trade-off: higher FP consumption. The Carian Regal Scepter offers a good balance between damage and cost efficiency. Lusat’s Staff is better in damage alone, but the Carian Regal Scepter gives added damage to “moon” spells, and its FP cost is much more manageable for consistent spellcasting.
The Best Staff for You
Ultimately, the best staff depends on your playstyle. If you favor raw power at any cost, Lusat’s Staff may be preferable for you. However, for most players, the Carian Regal Scepter provides a blend of high scaling, balanced FP consumption, and a unique Ash of War making it one of the best staffs in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand when to switch to the Carian Regal Scepter.
1. Can I get both Rennala’s Full Moon and the Carian Regal Scepter in one playthrough?
Yes, you can. These are not mutually exclusive items. You can duplicate the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen at a Walking Mausoleum to receive both.
2. Is the Carian Regal Scepter the best staff in the game?
It is arguably one of the best due to its balance of high sorcery scaling, manageable FP costs, and the unique Spinning Weapon skill, however, there are other staves that can be considered better depending on a players playstyle and needs.
3. What INT level is needed to use the Carian Regal Scepter?
You need a minimum of 60 Intelligence to equip the Carian Regal Scepter.
4. Can the Carian Regal Scepter be infused with Ashes of War?
No, the Carian Regal Scepter cannot be infused with other Ashes of War. It already has a unique variant of the Spinning Weapon Ash of War.
5. Can you enchant the Carian Regal Scepter with Magic?
No, you cannot enchant it with any Magic or any affinity.
6. What are the strongest staves in Elden Ring?
Top tier staves include Lusat’s Glintstone Staff (highest scaling), Carian Regal Scepter (best balance), Academy Glintstone Staff, and Azur’s Glintstone Staff.
7. Is the Meteorite Staff still useful in the late game?
While the Meteorite Staff is excellent early-to-mid game, its scaling caps, and it will eventually be outclassed by staves like the Carian Regal Scepter or Lusat’s Glintstone Staff in the late game.
8. Does the Carian Regal Scepter boost all spells?
No, it specifically boosts the damage of “full moon” sorceries like Rennala’s Full Moon and Ranni’s Dark Moon.
9. Where can I get the Carian Regal Scepter?
You must trade the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen with Enia at the Roundtable Hold after defeating Rennala.
10. What are Somber Smithing Stones, and where can I find them?
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique weapons like the Carian Regal Scepter. They can be found throughout the game world, in dungeons and from specific NPC merchants.
11. What other staves are good for early game?
The Demi-Human Queen’s Staff is also a good early option. It scales with Intelligence, but is outclassed by the Meteorite Staff, so most players should get the Meteorite Staff early.
12. Is the Carian Regal Scepter better than Lusat’s Glintstone Staff?
It depends on the situation. Lusat’s Staff has higher sorcery scaling but higher FP consumption. The Carian Regal Scepter is more balanced, but does receive added damage to “moon” spells, making it potentially better if used with them.
13. How does the Carian Regal Scepter rank compared to other staves in terms of scaling?
It has an S scaling in Intelligence at +9, making it one of the best scaling staves in the game, though Lusat’s Staff will have higher scaling overall at max level.
14. Can I respec my character to better utilize the Carian Regal Scepter?
Yes, you can respec your character’s stats using Larval Tears, allowing you to optimize your build for using the Carian Regal Scepter.
15. Are sorceries better than incantations in Elden Ring?
The two magic types are very different from one another. Sorceries have high damage potential, while Incantations are more focused on healing, buffs, and elemental attacks. In general, sorceries are considered more powerful and more viable than incantations, but both playstyles are viable.
By understanding these nuances, you’ll be well-equipped to make the switch to the Carian Regal Scepter at the optimal time, maximizing your magical potential in Elden Ring. Good luck, Tarnished!