So, you're thinking of diving into the Lands Between as a mage, huh? Awesome choice! Playing a mage in Elden Ring can be incredibly rewarding, letting you sling spells, obliterate enemies from afar, and feel like a true sorcerer. But let's be real, Elden Ring isn't exactly known for holding your hand, especially when it comes to builds. That’s why this guide is here to help you craft a potent mage build right from the start. We'll break down everything you need to know to get started, from stats and equipment to early-game spells and strategies. Get ready to unleash some magical mayhem!

Stats: Leveling Up Your Sorcerer

Stats are the backbone of any Elden Ring build, and for a mage, they're especially crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats you'll want to focus on as you begin your journey:

• Mind: This is your FP (Focus Points) stat, which is essentially your mana. You need FP to cast spells, so the higher your Mind, the more spells you can cast before needing to replenish. As a mage, you'll be relying heavily on spells, so Mind is arguably the most important stat early on. Aim to get this to at least 20-25 early. Don't underestimate the power of endless spells! You’ll want a healthy FP pool to experiment and find your favorites.
• Intelligence: This is your primary damage stat. Intelligence directly affects the damage output of your sorceries. The higher your Intelligence, the more damage your spells will do. It also unlocks the ability to use more powerful sorceries and staffs. Prioritize this stat early on, aiming for 30-40 in the early to mid-game. The more you invest in Intelligence, the quicker those enemies will fall.
• Vigor: Don't neglect your health! Vigor determines your HP (hit points). It doesn't matter how powerful your spells are if you're constantly getting one-shotted by enemies. Aim for at least 20 Vigor early on, and gradually increase it as you progress through the game. Staying alive is key to casting spells! No point in having amazing damage if you’re always watching from the Site of Grace.
• Endurance: This stat governs your stamina and equip load. Stamina is important for dodging, running, and casting spells. Equip load determines how much weight you can carry without being encumbered. As a mage, you won't need as much Endurance as a melee character, but it's still important to have enough to wear decent armor and effectively dodge attacks. Level this as needed, but don't prioritize it over Mind, Intelligence, or Vigor. A little bit of stamina goes a long way, so don't completely ignore it.
• Dexterity: While not a primary stat for mages, Dexterity does have some benefits. It slightly increases casting speed and allows you to wield some weapons that might be useful in a pinch. However, don't invest too heavily in Dexterity early on. Only level it if you find a weapon you really want to use that requires it. Think of this as a bonus stat, not a necessity.
• Strength: You'll only need enough Strength to wield your chosen staff and potentially a backup weapon. Don't invest heavily in Strength unless you plan on using a specific weapon that requires it. Mages are all about finesse, not brute force!
• Arcane & Faith: These stats are primarily for incantations (faith-based spells) and are not essential for a pure sorcery build. You can safely ignore these stats unless you want to experiment with hybrid builds later on.

Early Game Stat Allocation:

As you start the game, focus on getting your Mind to 20, Vigor to 20, and Intelligence to 30. After that, prioritize Intelligence until you reach 40, then start balancing Vigor and Mind as needed. Remember, this is just a guideline, feel free to adjust based on your playstyle and the challenges you face.

Essential Equipment for Aspiring Mages

Having the right equipment can make a huge difference in your effectiveness as a mage. Here's a rundown of some key items you'll want to acquire early on:

• Starting Class: The Astrologer is generally considered the best starting class for a mage. It starts with high Intelligence and Mind, as well as the Glintstone Pebble and Glintstone Arc sorceries, which are excellent for early-game combat. The Prisoner is also a decent choice, offering a balance of Intelligence and Dexterity.
• Staff: Your staff is your weapon of choice. It's what you use to cast sorceries. The Astrologer's Staff, which you start with as an Astrologer, is a solid early-game option. You can find other staffs as you explore the world, some of which offer better scaling or unique abilities. Experiment with different staffs to find one that suits your playstyle. One great early find is the Demi-Human Queen's Staff which can be found in the Weeping Peninsula. This staff has good early scaling and will carry you a decent way into the game.
• Armor: Armor is important for providing protection, but as a mage, you won't need to prioritize heavy armor. Look for armor that offers a good balance of protection and weight. Light to medium armor will allow you to move and dodge more easily, which is crucial for avoiding damage. The Raya Lucarian Sorcerer Set is a great mid-game option which is dropped by the Sorcerer enemies around the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This set offers decent protection and boosts your Intelligence.
• Talismans: Talismans are accessories that provide passive bonuses. There are several talismans that are particularly useful for mages:
  • Radagon's Soreseal: Increases Vigor, Endurance, Strength, and Dexterity, but also increases damage taken. Found in Fort Faroth in Caelid. Use with caution, as the increased damage taken can be risky, but the stat boosts are significant early on.
  • Marika's Soreseal: Increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane, but also increases damage taken. Found in the Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. Like Radagon's Soreseal, use with caution due to the increased damage taken.
  • Cerulean Seed Talisman: Increases the amount of FP restored by flasks. Found in Limgrave, in a chest in the Stormveil Castle. This is a fantastic early-game talisman that will help you sustain your FP.
  • Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces the FP cost of skills. Purchased from War Counselor Iji after giving him Blaidd's questline. Very useful for builds that rely heavily on weapon skills.
• Flasks: Your flasks are your lifeline. Make sure to allocate some of your flasks to FP restoration (Cerulean Flasks). The number of flasks you allocate to FP vs. HP (Crimson Flasks) will depend on your playstyle and how much you rely on spells. Experiment to find a balance that works for you.

Early Game Sorceries: Your Magical Arsenal

As a mage, your sorceries are your bread and butter. Here are some essential early-game sorceries you should acquire:

• Glintstone Pebble: This is your basic, reliable damage spell. It's cheap to cast, has good range, and deals decent damage. You start with this spell if you choose the Astrologer class. If not, you can purchase it from Sorceress Sellen in the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave.
• Glintstone Arc: This spell fires a horizontal arc of magic, hitting multiple enemies in front of you. It's great for dealing with groups of enemies. You also start with this spell if you choose the Astrologer class. You can also purchase it from Sorceress Sellen in the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave.
• Carian Slicer: This spell creates a magical blade that you swing at enemies. It's a melee sorcery that deals high damage and is very effective against single targets. You can purchase it from Sorceress Sellen in the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave after giving her the Royal House Scroll which can be found in Fort Haight in Limgrave.
• Rock Sling: This spell hurls rocks at enemies, dealing physical damage. It's particularly effective against enemies resistant to magic. This spell can be found in a chest in the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid. It's a bit out of the way early on, but well worth the trip!
• Scholar's Armament: This spell imbues your right-hand weapon with magic damage, increasing its overall damage output. You can find this spell in a chest in the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This is a great spell for adding extra damage to your weapon, especially if you're using a weapon with good scaling.

Early Game Strategy: Conquering the Lands Between with Magic

Now that you have your stats, equipment, and sorceries sorted out, let's talk about strategy. Here are some tips for playing a mage in the early game:

• Maintain Distance: As a mage, you're relatively squishy. Your goal is to stay as far away from enemies as possible. Use your spells to attack from a distance, and dodge or roll away when enemies get too close. Kiting is your friend! Learn to move effectively while casting spells.
• Manage Your FP: Running out of FP in the middle of a fight is a death sentence. Keep an eye on your FP bar and use Cerulean Flasks to replenish it as needed. The Cerulean Seed Talisman can help you conserve FP. Strategic flask usage is key to surviving tough encounters.
• Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Some enemies are resistant to magic damage. Use Rock Sling to deal physical damage to these enemies. Experiment with different spells to find what works best against different enemy types. Knowing your enemy is half the battle! Pay attention to what works and what doesn't.
• Explore and Experiment: Elden Ring is a vast and open world. Don't be afraid to explore and experiment with different spells, equipment, and strategies. You might discover something new that completely changes your playstyle.
• Summoning: Don't be afraid to summon spirits or other players for help, especially during boss fights. Summons can take the heat off you and give you time to cast spells. Cooperation is key to overcoming some of the game's toughest challenges.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Once you have mastered the basics, here are some advanced tips and tricks to take your mage build to the next level:

• Staff Upgrades: Upgrade your staff at the blacksmith to increase its sorcery scaling. The higher your staff's scaling, the more damage your spells will do. A well-upgraded staff is essential for dealing maximum damage.
• Memory Stones: Collect Memory Stones to increase the number of sorceries you can memorize. The more sorceries you can memorize, the more versatile you'll be in combat. Versatility is key to adapting to different situations.
• Sorcery Scaling: Understand how sorcery scaling works. Different staffs have different scaling values for Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. Choose a staff that scales well with your primary stat (Intelligence). Understanding scaling is crucial for optimizing your damage output.
• Mix and Match Spells: Don't rely on just one or two spells. Experiment with different combinations of spells to create a versatile arsenal. Adaptability is key to overcoming different challenges.
• Charged Spells: Some spells can be charged by holding down the cast button. Charging a spell typically increases its damage or range. Learn which spells can be charged and use them to your advantage.

With this guide, you're well on your way to becoming a powerful mage in Elden Ring. Remember to experiment, adapt, and most importantly, have fun! The Lands Between are waiting to be conquered with your magical prowess. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your spells always hit their mark! Now go out there and become the Elden Lord… with a little bit of magic!