So, you're diving into the Lands Between as a mage, huh? Smart choice! In Elden Ring, Intelligence (INT) is your bread and butter for unleashing devastating sorceries and wielding some seriously cool weapons. But just pumping points into INT isn't enough. You need to understand how it affects your character, which stats to prioritize, and where to find the best gear to maximize your magical potential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about leveling Intelligence in Elden Ring, from the early game to the endgame, ensuring you become a formidable force to be reckoned with. Whether you're a seasoned Souls player or a newcomer to the genre, we'll break down the complexities of Intelligence builds in a way that's easy to understand and implement. Prepare to master the arcane arts and dominate your enemies with the power of your mind!

Understanding Intelligence in Elden Ring

Let's break down what Intelligence actually does for you in Elden Ring. It's not just about casting spells, although that's a big part of it.

• Sorcery Scaling: This is the big one. Intelligence directly boosts the effectiveness of your sorceries. The higher your INT, the more damage your spells will do, and the more potent their effects will be. Think of it as the amplifier for your magical abilities.
• Requirements for Sorceries and Weapons: Many sorceries and weapons, especially those with magical affinities, have Intelligence requirements. You won't be able to use them if your INT is too low. So, if you've got your eye on a particular spell or sword, make sure you meet the INT requirement.
• Magic Resistance: Intelligence slightly increases your magic resistance. It's not a huge boost, but it can help you survive magical attacks from enemies and other players. Every little bit counts in the Lands Between!
• Memory Slots: While Intelligence itself doesn't directly increase memory slots (the number of sorceries you can have equipped at once), it often goes hand-in-hand with Mind, which does increase memory slots. So, as you level INT, you'll likely want to invest in Mind as well to take full advantage of your magical prowess.

Why Choose an Intelligence Build?

Intelligence builds in Elden Ring offer a unique and rewarding playstyle. Here's why you might want to consider one:

• Versatile Combat: Sorceries provide a wide range of offensive, defensive, and utility options. You can snipe enemies from afar, unleash powerful area-of-effect spells, buff yourself and your allies, and even turn invisible. The possibilities are nearly endless.
• High Damage Potential: With the right spells and gear, Intelligence builds can dish out massive amounts of damage. You can easily one-shot many enemies and even melt bosses with the right setup.
• Strategic Gameplay: Playing as a mage requires a more strategic approach to combat. You need to manage your FP (Focus Points), position yourself carefully, and choose the right spells for each situation. It's a thinking person's playstyle.
• Unique Weapons: Many of the coolest and most powerful weapons in Elden Ring scale with Intelligence. From magical katanas to gravity-manipulating staves, there's a weapon out there for every INT build.

However, Intelligence builds also have their weaknesses:

• Squishiness: Mages tend to be more fragile than melee-focused characters. You'll need to rely on your positioning and dodging skills to survive.
• FP Management: Sorceries consume FP, so you'll need to manage your FP carefully and invest in Mind to increase your FP pool.
• Reliance on Gear: The effectiveness of your sorceries depends heavily on your staff and other gear. You'll need to find and upgrade the best equipment to maximize your damage output.

Stats to Prioritize

Okay, so you're sold on an Intelligence build. Now, what stats should you focus on leveling? Here's a breakdown:

• Intelligence (INT): Obviously! This is your main stat. Aim to get it to at least 60-80 by the endgame. It directly increases your sorcery scaling and allows you to use more powerful spells and weapons.
• Mind (MND): This increases your FP, which is essential for casting spells. It also increases your Focus, which affects your resistance to Sleep and Madness. Aim for at least 30-40 Mind.
• Vigor (VIG): Don't neglect your health! You need Vigor to survive in Elden Ring. Aim for at least 40-60 Vigor.
• Endurance (END): This increases your stamina, which is important for dodging and running. It also increases your equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor. Aim for at least 20-30 Endurance.
• Dexterity (DEX): Some sorceries have casting time, and dexterity can slightly reduce the casting time. Furthermore, certain weapons that scale with Intelligence also require some Dexterity, so it's worth investing in if you plan to use those weapons.
• Strength (STR): Only level this enough to meet the requirements for your chosen weapons. You don't need a lot of Strength for an Intelligence build.
• Faith (FTH) and Arcane (ARC): You generally don't need these stats for a pure Intelligence build. However, some hybrid builds may require a few points in Faith or Arcane to use certain spells or weapons.

Early Game (Levels 1-30):

In the early game, focus on Vigor, Mind, and Intelligence. Get Vigor to at least 20, Mind to 15-20, and Intelligence to 20-30. This will give you enough health, FP, and damage to survive the early areas.

Mid Game (Levels 30-60):

In the mid-game, continue to level Vigor, Mind, and Intelligence. Get Vigor to 30-40, Mind to 25-30, and Intelligence to 40-60. Start investing in Endurance if you're having trouble with stamina.

End Game (Levels 60+):

In the end game, max out Intelligence to 80, get Vigor to 50-60, and Mind to 30-40. Put any remaining points into Endurance or Dexterity as needed.

Essential Gear for Intelligence Builds

Your gear is just as important as your stats when it comes to maximizing your magical potential. Here are some key items to look out for:

• Staves: Your staff is your primary weapon for casting sorceries. Different staves have different sorcery scaling and passive effects. Some of the best staves for Intelligence builds include:
  • Meteorite Staff: An excellent early-game staff that boosts gravity sorceries. You can find it in Caelid.
  • Academy Glintstone Staff: A solid all-around staff that can be upgraded to increase its sorcery scaling. You can find it in the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
  • Lusat's Glintstone Staff: One of the most powerful staves in the game, but it consumes more FP per spell. You can find it in Sellia, Town of Sorcery.
  • Carian Regal Scepter: Another top-tier staff that boosts Carian sword sorceries. You get it by trading the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen after defeating Rennala.
• Armor: Armor provides protection from physical and magical damage. Some armor sets also offer passive bonuses that can benefit Intelligence builds. Some good options include:
  • Raya Lucarian Sorcerer Set: A classic sorcerer armor set that provides decent protection and boosts Intelligence.
  • Snow Witch Set: A stylish armor set that boosts cold sorceries. You get it during Ranni's questline.
  • Queen's Crescent Crown: Increases Intelligence at the cost of HP. Found in the Raya Lucaria Academy.
• Talismans: Talismans are equippable items that provide various passive bonuses. Some of the most useful talismans for Intelligence builds include:
  • Radagon Icon: Shortens spell casting time.
  • Cerulean Amber Medallion: Increases maximum FP.
  • Primal Glintstone Blade: Reduces HP consumption of spells.
  • Marika's Soreseal: Raises attributes at the cost of increased damage taken.
• Weapons: While you'll primarily be casting spells, it's good to have a melee weapon for close-quarters combat. Some weapons that scale well with Intelligence include:
  • Moonveil: A katana with a powerful magic-infused weapon skill. Found in Gael Tunnel.
  • Dark Moon Greatsword: A greatsword that deals magic damage and inflicts frostbite. You get it during Ranni's questline.
  • Wing of Astel: A curved sword that deals magic damage and has a unique weapon skill. Found in Uhl Palace Ruins.

Top Sorceries to Acquire

No Intelligence build is complete without a powerful arsenal of spells. Here are some of the best sorceries to acquire in Elden Ring:

• Glintstone Pebble: A basic but effective spell that's perfect for early-game combat.
• Swift Glintstone Shard: A faster version of Glintstone Pebble that's great for dealing with fast-moving enemies.
• Rock Sling: A powerful gravity sorcery that deals physical damage and can stagger enemies. Found in a chest in Street of Sages Ruins, Caelid.
• ** স্টার shower:** Fires many magic projectiles, which can be very effective against larger targets.
• Carian Slicer: A melee sorcery that allows you to slash enemies with a magical blade. Obtained after defeating the Raya Lucarian boss.
• Loretta's Greatbow: A long-range spell that fires a powerful magic arrow. Dropped by Royal Knight Loretta in Caria Manor.
• Terra Magicus: Creates an area that boosts magic damage. Found in Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel.
• Comet Azur: A devastating spell that fires a beam of pure magic. Found in Hermit Village, Mt. Gelmir.

Tips and Tricks for Playing an Intelligence Build

Here are some final tips and tricks to help you master the art of magic in Elden Ring:

• Manage Your FP: Sorceries consume FP, so you'll need to manage your FP carefully. Use Cerulean Flasks to replenish your FP, and consider using talismans that increase your maximum FP or reduce FP consumption.
• Position Yourself Carefully: Mages are fragile, so you'll need to position yourself carefully in combat. Stay out of melee range and use cover to avoid enemy attacks.
• Take Advantage of Weaknesses: Experiment with different spells to find the weaknesses of your enemies. Some enemies are resistant to magic damage, while others are highly vulnerable.
• Mix and Match Spells: Don't rely on just one or two spells. Experiment with different combinations of spells to create a versatile and effective arsenal.
• Explore the World: Many of the best spells and gear for Intelligence builds are hidden throughout the world. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny to find them.
• Don't be afraid to Respec: If you're not happy with your build, you can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear. This allows you to experiment with different builds and find the one that's right for you.

Conclusion

Leveling Intelligence in Elden Ring can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding how Intelligence affects your character, prioritizing the right stats, and acquiring the best gear and spells, you can create a powerful mage who can conquer the Lands Between. So, go forth, Tarnished, and unleash the power of your mind!