Elden Ring: Leveling Intelligence - The Ultimate Guide

So, you wanna become a powerful sorcerer in the Lands Between, huh? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is all about leveling Intelligence in Elden Ring. We'll cover everything from why Intelligence is so awesome to how to build the ultimate mage character. Get ready to unleash some serious magical mayhem, guys!

Why Choose Intelligence in Elden Ring?

Intelligence (INT) is one of the core stats in Elden Ring, and it's essential for anyone looking to wield powerful sorceries and incantations. But it's not just about casting spells; Intelligence also opens up a whole new world of gameplay possibilities. Let's dive into the specifics.

The Power of Sorceries

Sorceries are the bread and butter of any Intelligence build. These spells allow you to deal massive damage from a distance, control the battlefield, and even debuff enemies. Imagine blasting your foes with Comet Azur, freezing them solid with Ranni's Dark Moon, or summoning a Glintstone Dragon to fight by your side. With high Intelligence, you'll have access to a vast arsenal of spells that can handle any situation. Whether you're facing a horde of enemies or a tough boss, sorceries will give you the edge you need to emerge victorious.

Intelligence Scaling Weapons

But wait, there's more! Intelligence isn't just for spellcasters. Many weapons in Elden Ring scale with Intelligence, meaning their attack power increases as your Intelligence stat goes up. This opens up a hybrid playstyle where you can mix melee combat with spellcasting. Imagine wielding the Moonlight Greatsword, a legendary weapon that deals both physical and magical damage, or the Wing of Astel, a curved sword that fires magical projectiles. With the right build, you can become a force to be reckoned with in both close-quarters and at range.

Skills and Abilities

Intelligence also affects your ability to use certain skills and abilities. Some weapons and shields have unique skills that require a certain Intelligence level to use. These skills can range from powerful attacks to defensive maneuvers, adding even more versatility to your character. For example, the Carian Retaliation skill allows you to parry enemy spells and turn them into your own projectiles, while the Transient Moonlight skill lets you unleash a wave of magical energy with your sword. With high Intelligence, you'll be able to master these skills and use them to your advantage in combat.

Role-Playing and Exploration

Beyond combat, Intelligence also plays a role in exploration and role-playing. Some areas and secrets in the game can only be accessed with high Intelligence. You might need to solve a magical puzzle, decipher an ancient text, or convince an NPC that you're a learned scholar. These moments add depth to the game world and reward players who invest in Intelligence. Plus, let's be honest, it's just cool to feel like a powerful wizard exploring a mysterious world.

Stats to Consider Alongside Intelligence

Alright, so you're sold on Intelligence. But what other stats should you focus on? Here's a quick rundown:

Vigor

Vigor determines your HP, and let's face it, you can't cast spells if you're dead. Aim for at least 40 Vigor, and even more if you're struggling to survive tough encounters. Trust me, having a healthy HP pool will make your life a lot easier.

Mind

Mind governs your FP, which is used to cast spells. The more spells you want to cast, the more Mind you'll need. I suggest a minimum of 30 Mind, this will allow you to use your strongest spells without constantly running out of FP.

Endurance

Endurance affects your stamina and equip load. Stamina is essential for dodging and attacking, while equip load determines how much armor and weapons you can carry without being overburdened. A moderate amount of Endurance will help you move around the battlefield more easily and wear heavier armor.

Dexterity

Dexterity is important for casting spells faster. While it's not essential, increasing your Dexterity can significantly reduce the casting time of your spells, allowing you to unleash them more quickly in combat. This can be a game-changer, especially against fast-moving enemies or in PvP situations. Consider investing some points into Dexterity if you want to maximize your spellcasting efficiency.

Best Starting Classes for Intelligence Builds

Choosing the right starting class can give you a head start on your Intelligence build. Here are a couple of good options:

Astrologer

The Astrologer is the classic mage class, starting with high Intelligence and Mind. If you want to jump straight into spellcasting, this is the way to go.

Prisoner

The Prisoner is a more versatile option, with decent stats in both Intelligence and Dexterity. This allows you to use a wider variety of weapons and skills early on.

Early Game Intelligence Leveling Guide

Okay, you've chosen your class and are ready to start leveling up. Here's a step-by-step guide to the early game:

Focus on Intelligence and Vigor

In the early game, your main focus should be on increasing Intelligence and Vigor. Aim to get Intelligence to at least 30 and Vigor to at least 20 as soon as possible. This will give you enough damage output and survivability to handle most early-game challenges.

Acquire Useful Spells

Head to the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave and talk to Sorceress Sellen. She'll sell you some basic but useful spells like Glintstone Pebble and Arc. These spells will be your bread and butter in the early game, allowing you to deal damage from a distance and conserve FP.

Find Intelligence Scaling Weapons

Explore the Weeping Peninsula to find weapons that scale with Intelligence, such as the Demi-Human Queen's Staff. This staff will significantly boost your sorcery damage, making you even more effective in combat. Additionally, look for weapons with unique skills that require Intelligence, such as the Carian Filigreed Crest, which reduces the FP cost of skills.

Explore and Level Up

Explore the world, defeat enemies, and complete quests to earn runes (the game's currency). Use these runes to level up your Intelligence and Vigor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spells and weapons to find what works best for you.

Mid to Late Game Intelligence Build

As you progress through the game, you'll want to refine your build and acquire more powerful spells and equipment. Here's what to aim for:

Maximize Intelligence

In the mid to late game, you should aim to maximize your Intelligence stat. The higher your Intelligence, the more damage your spells will deal. However, keep in mind that there's a soft cap at 80 Intelligence, meaning the benefits of leveling Intelligence beyond that point will diminish.

Acquire Powerful Spells

Explore the world and complete quests to acquire more powerful spells. Some of the best spells for Intelligence builds include Comet Azur, Ranni's Dark Moon, and Loretta's Greatbow. These spells can deal massive damage to enemies and bosses, making you a force to be reckoned with.

Find Intelligence Scaling Gear

Look for armor and talismans that boost your Intelligence or sorcery damage. The Twinsage Glinstone Crown increases your Intelligence at the cost of HP, while the Radagon Icon shortens the casting time of your spells. These items can significantly enhance your build.

Consider Respeccing

If you're not happy with your current build, you can respec your stats by talking to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in Raya Lucaria Academy. This will allow you to reallocate your stats and try out different builds.

Top Intelligence Scaling Weapons

To round things out, here's a quick list of some top-tier Intelligence scaling weapons:

• Moonlight Greatsword: A legendary greatsword that deals both physical and magical damage.
• Wing of Astel: A curved sword that fires magical projectiles.
• Dark Moon Greatsword: A greatsword imbued with the power of the dark moon. Its heavy attack unleashes a wave of freezing mist.
• Death Ritual Spear: A spear which scales with intelligence, faith and arcane, dealing magic and physical damage.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the ultimate guide to leveling Intelligence in Elden Ring! With the right build and strategy, you can become an unstoppable sorcerer, capable of taking on any challenge the game throws your way. Now go forth, Tarnished, and unleash your magical potential! And don't forget to have fun experimenting with different spells and weapons to find what works best for you. Good luck, and may the stars guide your path!