Want to sling spells in Elden Ring but lost on Staves & Sacred Seals? This guide breaks down how to cast magic, find the right tools, & dominate as a Sorcerer or Incantation user.
With the release of the new DLC, many of us are jumping back into the base game to circle back on where it all started. Whether you’re looking for a refresher or you’re just starting your journey in this magical realm, you might be wondering how you too can master different spells available in the game. Fear not, for this guide will be your beacon! We will explore the basics of using spells in Elden Ring, from learning them to casting powerful incantations and sorceries. So grab your staff or seal, Tarnished, and prepare to unlock your true magical potential!
How To Use Spells in Elden Ring: 4 Easy Steps
1. Equip a Staff or Sacred Seal
If you’re hoping to cast a spell, you’ll need to equip the right weapon. Equipping a Staff will allow you to cast Sorceries or a Sacred Seal for incantations. To stay vigilant, equip one of these weapons in your offhand slot. You can stay ready for any attacks with a true melee weapon in your main hand.
How to Get a Staff:
- If you pick the Astrologer class when starting the game, you will begin with a staff in your inventory.
- Defeat the Demi-Human Queen in the Forest Ruins. This is located in souther portion of the Weeping Peninsula area of Limgrave.
- You can also find Staves throughout the game that foes dropped or hid across the map. Here’s a good summary of where you can find Staves throughout the game.
How to Get a Sacred Seal:
- If you chose the Confessor or Prophet class during character creation, you’ll have a Sacred Seal in your equipment from the start of Elden Ring.
- Once you gain access to the Roundtable Hold, you’ll find the Twin Maiden Husk vendor. They sell the basic Seal, just be sure to bring some Runes.
- Like Staves, Sacred Seals are also scattered throughout the game and can be found in a variety of locations. For example, you might be able to find a Seal after completing the quest for Beat Clergyman Gurranq in the Caelid region. Here’s a full write-up of where to find Sacred Seals.
2. Use a Site of Grace to Memorize Spells
To prepare spells for casting, rest at a Site of Grace and choose "Memorize Spell" from the menu. You’ll have the option to equip up to ten spells. Keep in mind that some of the most powerful spells require more than a single slot. To add more slots, you’ll need to find Memory Stones in a variety of locations.
Pro Tip: If you’re on the hunt for Memory Stones early in the game,. Travel to the Weeping Peninsula and complete the puzzle at Oridys’s Rise.
3. Use the D-pad to select your spell
Once you’ve properly memorized your spells, it’s time to take action! Use the up direction on the D-pad to switch between spells. Once you find the right one, you’re ready to cast!
4. Use LB/L1 or RB/R1 to Cast your spell
You can use the LB/L1 or RB/R1 buttons to cast spells, depending on which hand holds the spellcasting weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can't I use spells in Elden Ring?
If you have trouble executing spells, you might be facing one of the following issues:
- Not enough Focus Points (FP)
- Do not meet stat requirements
Not Enough Focus Points
Casting any kind of spell is going to take Focus Points. Each spell type requires different amounts of Focus Points and if you’ve run out, you won’t be able to cast much of anything. To replenish your points, you can take a rest at a Site of Grace.
Relying on sites of grace to re-up focus is not a reliable way of playing. You'd have to run back to one every time which would be kinda crazy and not how the game was designed. You can also use your flasks which replenish a portion of your focus, in the same way that your health flasks recover a portion of your health.
Do Not Meet Stat Requirements
All spells and spell categories require a specific amount of stats. You can view the spell stat requirement in your equipment to understand if your character has the ability to perform them. If you’re missing the cut, level up your character.
Don’t forget you can also equip Talismans to increase your stats without directly leveling up your character. Each Talisman has its own effect and weight on your stats. Finding and equipping these can help you quickly get over the hump if you’re wanting to perform a spell that requires an increased level of stats. This Talisman guide shows you exactly where to find each one and the impact it will have on your character.
2. What’s the difference between Sorceries & Incantations?
While sorceries and incantations are both magical in nature, they have distinct differences and functionalities. Knowing how and when to use each type can make your journey through Elden Ring far more effective.
Sorceries Sorcery spells are primarily used in offensive magic and aim to deliver a high amount of damage from a distance.
- Stats: Relies on Intelligence (INT) stat
- Cast Speed: Generally faster than incantations
- Effects: Mainly focused on damage to magic, some options include physical and fire damage.
- Examples: Glintstone Pebble, Rock Sling, Comet Azur
Incantations Incantations are more versatile than sorcery spells. They offer offensive, bluffs, healing, and status spells. Incantations can be used for both offensive and defensive measures.
- Stats: Relies on Faith (FTH) stat
- Cast Speed: Generally slower casting speed compared to sorceries
- Effects: Effects vary and include fire, lightning, buffs, heals, holy damage and status effects like madness
- Examples: Flame of the Fell God, Beast Claw, Erdtree Heal
Unleash Your Inner Mage
Whether this is your first time mastering the fundamentals of spellcasting or your back to hone your skills for the new DLC, you’re now on a path to becoming a formidable opponent. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Staffs and Sacred Seals to find the combination that suits you best.
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