How Do You Learn Magic in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide?

Unlocking the arcane arts in Elden Ring can significantly enhance your gameplay, offering diverse combat strategies and exploration advantages. This guide, brought to you by LEARNS.EDU.VN, provides detailed steps on how to acquire and master spells in the Lands Between. Discover how to become a powerful mage, regardless of your starting class, by exploring key locations, completing quests, and understanding the nuances of spellcasting, with additional insights into arcane knowledge and effective combat tactics.

1. Understanding the Basics of Magic in Elden Ring

Before diving into the specifics of learning magic, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental mechanics that govern spellcasting in Elden Ring. Magic is divided into two main categories: Sorceries and Incantations.

Sorceries: These are primarily Intelligence-based spells, requiring a staff to cast. They often deal magic damage and are favored by traditional mage builds.
Incantations: These are Faith-based spells, requiring a Sacred Seal to cast. They offer a wider variety of effects, including healing, buffs, and elemental damage.

To cast any spell, you need to have sufficient levels in the required stat (Intelligence or Faith), a suitable casting tool (staff or seal), and FP (Focus Points), which act as mana. As noted by Fextralife, mastering magic in Elden Ring requires understanding these core mechanics and tailoring your build accordingly.

1.1. Key Stats for Magic Users

The effectiveness of your spells heavily relies on your character’s stats. Here’s a breakdown of the essential stats for magic users:

Intelligence: Primarily boosts the power of Sorceries and is required to wield advanced staffs.
Faith: Enhances the potency of Incantations and is necessary for using powerful Sacred Seals.
Mind: Determines your FP pool, allowing you to cast more spells before needing to replenish.
Vigor: Essential for survivability, increasing your HP to withstand enemy attacks.
Endurance: Affects your stamina, crucial for dodging and casting spells in quick succession.

1.2. Choosing the Right Class for Magic

While any class can dabble in magic, some classes are better suited for magic-focused builds. Consider these options:

Astrologer: Starts with high Intelligence and useful early-game Sorceries, making them ideal for a pure mage build.
Prophet: Begins with high Faith and potent Incantations, perfect for a faith-based caster.
Confessor: A balanced class with decent Faith and Strength, allowing for a mix of melee and Incantations.
Prisoner: Starts with a mix of Intelligence and Dexterity, suitable for a spellblade build that combines magic with weapon combat.

2. Finding Spell Teachers and Merchants

One of the primary ways to learn new spells is by finding NPCs who can teach or sell them to you. These NPCs are often located in specific areas and require certain conditions to unlock their services.

2.1. Sorceress Sellen

Sorceress Sellen is one of the first magic teachers you can encounter. She’s found in the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave.

Location: Waypoint Ruins Cellar in Limgrave (east of Agheel Lake).
How to Unlock: Defeat the Mad Pumpkin Head boss guarding her cellar.
Spells Offered: Sellen sells a variety of beginner Sorceries. As you progress her questline, she offers more advanced spells.
Questline: Sellen’s questline involves finding other Sorcerers and making choices that affect the future of Sorcery in the Lands Between. Completing her questline can unlock powerful rewards and insights into the lore of magic.

2.2. Brother Corhyn

Brother Corhyn is a key Incantation teacher who moves to different locations as his quest progresses.

Initial Location: Roundtable Hold.
Later Locations: Altus Plateau, then the Mountaintops of the Giants.
How to Unlock: He is available at Roundtable Hold from the start.
Spells Offered: Corhyn sells a wide range of fundamental Incantations, including healing, buffs, and offensive spells.
Questline: Corhyn’s questline is tied to Goldmask, a mysterious figure seeking to understand the Golden Order. Following their questline can lead to unique Incantations and endings.

2.3. Miriel, Pastor of Vows

Miriel, also known as the Turtle Pope, is a friendly NPC who offers both Sorceries and Incantations.

Location: Church of Vows in Liurnia of the Lakes.
How to Unlock: Miriel is available as soon as you reach the Church of Vows.
Spells Offered: Miriel sells a selection of spells from both Sorceries and Incantations, making them a versatile teacher.
Unique Feature: Miriel also allows you to absolve sins, resetting NPC hostility.

2.4. Other Spell Merchants

Several other NPCs throughout the Lands Between sell spells. Keep an eye out for these:

Roderika: Initially at Stormhill Shack, later moves to Roundtable Hold. Offers Spirit Tuning, but indirectly helps with magic by enhancing Spirit Ashes.
Enia: Located at Roundtable Hold, she sells spells based on the Remembrance items you acquire from defeating major bosses.
Seluvis: Found at Seluvis’s Rise in Liurnia, he sells Sorceries but is involved in a shady questline.

3. Discovering Spell Locations

Aside from learning spells from teachers, you can also find them scattered throughout the world. Spells are often hidden in chests, dropped by bosses, or obtained by completing quests.

3.1. Exploring Dungeons and Ruins

Many spells are hidden in dungeons and ruins. Thoroughly explore these locations to uncover hidden treasures.

Ruin Strewn Precipice: Contains the Rock Blaster Sorcery.
Black Knife Catacombs: Holds the Black Flame Blade Incantation.
Road’s End Catacombs: Features the family heads Sorcery
Gaol Cave: Hides the Flame Sling Incantation.

3.2. Completing Side Quests

Some spells are rewards for completing side quests. Pay attention to NPC dialogue and follow their questlines to earn valuable spells.

Ranni’s Questline: Rewards the player with the Dark Moon Greatsword and several Sorceries related to the moon.
Millicent’s Questline: Offers access to the Scarlet Aeonia Incantation.

3.3. Defeating Bosses

Certain bosses drop spells upon defeat. These spells are often powerful and unique, reflecting the boss’s abilities.

Red Wolf of Radagon: Drops the Rennala’s Full Moon Sorcery.
Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree: Rewards with Loretta’s Greatbow Sorcery.

4. Essential Early-Game Spells

Acquiring powerful spells early in the game can significantly ease your journey. Here are some essential early-game spells for both Sorcery and Incantation users.

4.1. Early-Game Sorceries

Glintstone Pebble: A basic but effective Sorcery with low FP cost and decent damage.
Glintstone Arc: Hits multiple enemies in an arc, useful for dealing with groups.
Great Glintstone Shard: A stronger version of Glintstone Pebble, dealing more damage at a higher FP cost.
Rock Sling: A gravity-based spell that deals physical damage, effective against armored enemies.

4.2. Early-Game Incantations

Heal: A fundamental healing spell that restores a moderate amount of HP.
Flame Sling: A quick and easy-to-use fire spell that deals fire damage.
Lightning Spear: Hurls a lightning spear at enemies, dealing significant damage.
Bestial Vitality: A healing-over-time Incantation that slowly restores HP.

5. Advanced Spellcasting Techniques

Once you’ve acquired a decent collection of spells, it’s time to refine your spellcasting techniques. Mastering these techniques will make you a formidable mage in both PvE and PvP.

5.1. Optimizing Your Build

Creating an optimized build is crucial for maximizing your spellcasting potential. Here are some tips:

Prioritize Stats: Focus on leveling Intelligence or Faith, depending on your preferred spell type.
Choose the Right Equipment: Select staffs or seals that scale well with your stats and offer useful buffs.
Equip Talismans: Talismans can boost your spell damage, reduce FP costs, or increase your survivability.
Mix and Match Spells: Experiment with different spells to find combinations that suit your playstyle.

5.2. Mastering Spell Combos

Combining spells in creative ways can create powerful combos that devastate enemies.

Frostbite Build-Up: Use spells like Loretta’s Great Snow Globe to inflict Frostbite, then follow up with high-damage spells to exploit the debuff.
Buff Stacking: Combine buffs like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength to significantly increase your damage output.
Crowd Control: Use spells like Rykard’s Rancor to stagger enemies, then follow up with high-damage spells.

5.3. Utilizing the Environment

The environment can be your ally in spellcasting. Use terrain to your advantage to create ambushes, funnel enemies, or gain a tactical advantage.

High Ground: Cast spells from elevated positions to gain better range and avoid melee attacks.
Choke Points: Use spells like Cannon of Haima to create explosive barriers that block narrow passages.
Cover: Use cover to protect yourself while casting spells, especially in PvP.

6. Best Late-Game Spells

As you progress through the game, you’ll gain access to incredibly powerful spells that can turn the tide of battle. Here are some of the best late-game spells for both Sorcery and Incantation users.

6.1. Late-Game Sorceries

Comet Azur: A devastating beam of energy that deals massive damage over time.
Rennala’s Full Moon: Summons a full moon that deals magic damage and reduces enemy magic resistance.
Stars of Ruin: Fires a barrage of homing projectiles that track enemies with incredible accuracy.
Founding Rain of Stars: Creates a rain of stars that deals continuous damage in a large area.

6.2. Late-Game Incantations

Elden Stars: Summons a swirling mass of golden stars that explode on impact.
Black Flame Ritual: Creates a large black flame that deals damage over time and reduces enemy HP.
Placidusax’s Ruin: Unleashes a powerful dragon breath that deals lightning damage and can stagger enemies.
Gurranq’s Beast Claw: Hurls massive beast claws that deal physical damage and stagger enemies.

7. Optimizing Magic for Different Playstyles

Magic in Elden Ring is versatile and can be adapted to various playstyles. Whether you prefer ranged combat, melee hybrid builds, or support roles, there’s a magic build for you.

7.1. Pure Mage Build

A pure mage build focuses exclusively on spellcasting, maximizing damage output and crowd control.

Stats: High Intelligence, Mind, and Vigor.
Equipment: Staff with high Sorcery Scaling, Talismans that boost spell damage and reduce FP costs.
Spells: Comet Azur, Stars of Ruin, Rennala’s Full Moon, Founding Rain of Stars.
Playstyle: Maintain distance from enemies, use crowd control spells to manage groups, and unleash high-damage spells on bosses.

7.2. Spellblade Build

A spellblade build combines melee combat with spellcasting, creating a versatile and dynamic playstyle.

Stats: Balanced mix of Intelligence, Dexterity, and Vigor.
Equipment: Weapon with innate magic scaling, Staff for casting buffs and utility spells, Talismans that boost both melee and magic damage.
Spells: Scholar’s Armament, Magic Weapon, Carian Piercer, Swift Glintstone Shard.
Playstyle: Use weapon skills and melee attacks to deal damage, supplement with spells for range and utility.

7.3. Faith-Based Support Build

A faith-based support build focuses on healing, buffing, and debuffing, providing valuable support to allies in cooperative play.

Stats: High Faith, Mind, and Vigor.
Equipment: Sacred Seal with high Incantation Scaling, Talismans that boost healing and buff effects.
Spells: Heal, Golden Vow, Blessing’s Boon, Black Flame Protection.
Playstyle: Stay behind allies, use healing spells to keep them alive, and apply buffs to increase their damage and defense.

8. Utilizing Spirit Ashes with Magic Builds

Spirit Ashes can significantly enhance your magic build by providing valuable distractions, dealing additional damage, or offering support.

8.1. Best Spirit Ashes for Mages

Lhutel the Headless: A durable and aggressive Spirit Ash that can draw enemy aggro.
Black Knife Tiche: A nimble assassin that deals high damage and can dodge enemy attacks.
Mimic Tear: Creates a copy of your character, doubling your damage output and spellcasting potential.
Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets: These dual puppets can inflict bleed buildup, making them effective against bosses.

8.2. Synergizing Spirit Ashes with Spells

Distraction: Use Spirit Ashes to draw enemy aggro, allowing you to cast spells safely from a distance.
Damage Amplification: Combine Spirit Ashes with debuff spells to amplify their damage output.
Support: Use Spirit Ashes that provide healing or buffs to support your build.

9. PvP Magic Strategies

Magic can be a powerful tool in PvP, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some strategies to help you succeed in PvP as a mage.

9.1. Mind Games

Use spells to bait opponents, create distractions, and control the battlefield.

Delayed Attacks: Cast spells with delayed activation to catch opponents off guard.
Illusory Spells: Use spells like Night Comet to create illusions and confuse opponents.
Environmental Control: Use spells like Cannon of Haima to create barriers and restrict opponent movement.

9.2. Spacing and Positioning

Maintaining proper spacing and positioning is crucial for avoiding melee attacks and maximizing your spell range.

Roll Catching: Use spells like Swift Glintstone Shard to catch opponents during their roll animation.
Zoning: Use spells like Loretta’s Greatbow to keep opponents at a distance and control the battlefield.
Defensive Spells: Use spells like Carian Retaliation to parry incoming spells and retaliate with a powerful counterattack.

9.3. Adapting to Opponents

Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on your opponent’s playstyle.

Anti-Mage Tactics: Equip talismans that increase magic resistance and use spells like Magic Fortification to mitigate damage.
Anti-Melee Tactics: Use spells like Rock Sling to stagger opponents and create distance, or equip weapons with parry skills to counter their attacks.
Team Coordination: In team-based PvP, coordinate with your allies to create synergistic combos and support each other.

10. Resources for Further Learning

To deepen your understanding of magic in Elden Ring, consider exploring these resources:

10.1. Online Communities

Elden Ring Subreddit: A community hub for sharing tips, builds, and strategies.
Fextralife Wiki: A comprehensive wiki with detailed information on spells, equipment, and NPCs.
YouTube Channels: Channels like FightinCowboy and VaatiVidya offer in-depth guides and lore analysis.

10.2. Books and Guides

Official Strategy Guide: Provides detailed maps, item locations, and boss strategies.
Fan-Made Guides: Community-created guides offer unique insights and advanced techniques.

10.3. Educational Websites

LEARNS.EDU.VN: Offers articles and guides on various topics, including gaming strategies and educational content.

Alt: Elden Ring Glintstone Dragon Smarag guarding the Academy Crystal Cave entrance, showcasing the dragon’s crystal-infused scales.

FAQ: Mastering Magic in Elden Ring

Here are some frequently asked questions about learning and mastering magic in Elden Ring.

Q1: How do I unlock more spell slots in Elden Ring?

To unlock more spell slots, you need to increase your Memory stat. Each point in Memory grants you additional slots, allowing you to equip more spells at once.

Q2: Where can I find Sorceress Sellen after completing her questline?

Sorceress Sellen’s location after completing her questline depends on the choices you made during the quest. She will either be at the Raya Lucarian Grand Library or remain at the Waypoint Ruins.

Q3: How do I reset my stats in Elden Ring to optimize my magic build?

You can reset your stats by using a Larval Tear at Raya Lucarian Grand Library after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. This allows you to reallocate your stats and optimize your build.

Q4: What is the best staff for Sorceries in Elden Ring?

The best staff depends on your Intelligence level and preferred spell type. Some popular choices include the Lusat’s Glintstone Staff for maximum damage, the Carian Regal Scepter for versatility, and the Azur’s Glintstone Staff for increased casting speed.

Q5: What is the best Sacred Seal for Incantations in Elden Ring?

Similar to staffs, the best Sacred Seal depends on your Faith level and preferred Incantation type. Some top contenders include the Erdtree Seal for high Incantation scaling, the Godslayer’s Seal for Black Flame Incantations, and the Clawmark Seal for Beast Incantations.

Q6: How do I increase my FP (Focus Points) in Elden Ring?

You can increase your FP by leveling up the Mind stat. Each point in Mind grants you additional FP, allowing you to cast more spells before needing to replenish.

Q7: Are there any talismans that reduce FP consumption in Elden Ring?

Yes, the Cerulean Amber Medallion and the Cerulean Seed Talisman are two talismans that reduce FP consumption, allowing you to cast more spells with the same amount of FP.

Q8: How do I find rare and powerful spells in Elden Ring?

Rare and powerful spells are often hidden in secret locations, dropped by bosses, or obtained by completing challenging quests. Explore thoroughly and pay attention to NPC dialogue to uncover these treasures.

Q9: Can I use magic in Elden Ring without investing heavily in Intelligence or Faith?

Yes, there are some spells that require minimal stat investment and can still be useful for utility or support purposes. However, to maximize the effectiveness of your spells, it’s recommended to invest in Intelligence or Faith.

Q10: What are the best strategies for dealing with enemies resistant to magic in Elden Ring?

When facing enemies resistant to magic, consider using spells that deal physical or elemental damage, or switch to a weapon with a different damage type. Also, consider using buffs and debuffs to amplify your damage output and weaken enemy defenses.

Mastering magic in Elden Ring is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, experimentation, and a willingness to learn. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a powerful mage in the Lands Between. Remember to explore, experiment, and adapt your playstyle to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Happy spellcasting from all of us at LEARNS.EDU.VN!

Ready to delve deeper into the arcane arts and other exciting topics? Visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today to explore our extensive collection of articles and courses designed to enhance your knowledge and skills. Our expert-curated content is tailored to meet the needs of learners of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply a curious mind, learns.edu.vn has something for you. Start your learning journey with us and unlock your full potential! Contact us at 123 Education Way, Learnville, CA 90210, United States, Whatsapp: +1 555-555-1212.