Magic builds in Elden Ring offer some of the most versatile and devastating playstyles in the game. Whether you're launching sorceries from a distance or enchanting weapons with deadly spells, the right magical armament can transform your journey through the Lands Between. For those investing their hard-earned Elden Ring runes into intelligence or faith, upgrading the right weapon is essential. Below are six magic weapons that are well worth your resources, time, and attention.
1. Moonveil
Moonveil is arguably one of the most iconic magic weapons in Elden Ring. This katana scales primarily with intelligence and dexterity, and it features the Transient Moonlight weapon skill, which fires a fast magical slash. It’s particularly effective in both PvE and PvP, offering stagger potential and solid range. Found in Gael Tunnel, it’s a must-have for intelligence-based builds looking to blend melee and magic.
2. Dark Moon Greatsword
A spiritual successor to the Moonlight Greatsword, this weapon is a powerhouse for pure intelligence builds. It not only deals massive frost and magic damage but also has a charged heavy attack that unleashes powerful ranged beams. Found after completing Ranni’s questline, the Dark Moon Greatsword becomes a centerpiece for late-game sorcerers who have accumulated enough Elden Ring runes to fully upgrade it.
3. Lusat’s Glintstone Staff
For players committed to maximizing sorcery damage, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff is unparalleled. It doesn’t have any flashy weapon arts, but it provides the highest sorcery scaling in the game—at the cost of increased FP consumption. When you buy Elden Ring runes or earn them through farming, investing them in upgrading this staff can take your magic damage to new heights.
4. Sword of Night and Flame
This hybrid weapon scales with intelligence and faith, making it ideal for players experimenting with both schools of magic. Its unique Night-and-Flame Stance lets players unleash a powerful beam of magic or a wide fire sweep, depending on the input. While it was nerfed in earlier patches, it remains incredibly viable and worth upgrading for mixed casters.
5. Death’s Poker
An underrated gem for those leaning into intelligence and status effects, Death’s Poker delivers magic and frost damage in spades. Its unique weapon skill, Ghostflame Ignition, creates AoE frost explosions, which are devastating in both PvE and crowd control situations. This weapon benefits greatly from upgrades, and it's an excellent pick if you're looking to conserve FP while still dishing out magical damage.
6. Crystal Sword
Though not as flashy as others on this list, the Crystal Sword is a solid early-to-mid game weapon that scales with intelligence. Its simplicity and ease of use make it ideal for newer players or anyone looking to try out magic melee builds. It’s easily found and upgraded, making it a great investment when you want to get the most out of your Elden Ring runes without grinding excessively.
Choosing the right magic weapon can greatly affect your effectiveness and enjoyment in Elden Ring. Whether you’re looking to wield powerful sorceries from a distance or enchant weapons for close combat, these six weapons offer something for every magic-focused player. Don’t hesitate to invest your resources wisely—and if you’re short on upgrade materials or runes, you can always buy Elden Ring runes from reliable sources like U4GM to save time and stay competitive.
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