I. Introduction
Elden Ring is an upcoming action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Set in an open world environment, the game features a robust combat system that allows players to choose from a wide variety of weapons, abilities, and spells to defeat enemies.
Spells are an integral part of the game’s combat system, providing unique and powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of spellcasting in Elden Ring, including how to use them effectively in combat, the top spells every player should master, and how to customize your spellcasting for different gameplay styles.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide on Casting Spells in Elden Ring
Before we dive into the specifics of individual spells, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the spellcasting mechanics in Elden Ring. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cast spells in the game:
Step 1: Equip a spell in one of your spell slots. You can equip spells at any bonfire by selecting the ‘Attune Spell’ option
Step 2: Use your catalyst weapon to cast the spell. Catalysts come in two types – staffs for sorceries and chimes for miracles. Hold down the attack button to charge and aim your spell, and release to cast it.
Step 3: Manage your spell usage. Each spell has a limited number of uses and must be replenished using a rest at a bonfire or an Ashen Estus Flask.
Step 4: Dodge/evade out of the way of enemy attacks. Spells are powerful, but they take time to cast. Timing and positioning are key to successfully casting spells in combat.
Step 5: Hit your target. Depending on the spell, you’ll need to aim precisely to hit your target before they move out of range. Consider using lock-on if available to keep track of your foe.
III. The Top 10 Spells Every Elden Ring Player Should Master
Now that you have a better understanding of how spellcasting works in Elden Ring, let’s take a look at the top 10 spells every player should master. These are the most versatile and useful spells in the game:
1. Fireball – a simple but effective spell that deals fire damage to enemies at range.
2. Soul Arrow: a ranged spell that deals magic damage.
3. Great Soul Arrow: a more powerful version of Soul Arrow.
4. Homing Soul Mass: a spell that creates a ring of energy orbs that automatically targets nearby enemies.
5. Lightning Spear: a miraculous ranged spell that deals lightning damage.
6. Heal: a miracle that restores HP.
7. Great Heal: a more powerful version of Heal that restores even more HP.
8. Magic Weapon: a sorcery that imbues weapons with magic damage.
9. Great Magic Weapon: a more powerful version of Magic Weapon.
10. Darkmoon Blade: a powerful miracle that imbues weapons with lightning damage.
Each of these spells has its own unique advantages and can be upgraded for greater effectiveness. Experiment with them to find the best spell for your playstyle.
IV. How to Customize Your Spellcasting for Different Gameplay Styles in Elden Ring
Elden Ring offers different gameplay styles to players based on their preferences for weapons and abilities. Whether you prefer to play as a mage, melee specialist, or hybrid, there are ways to customize your spellcasting for maximum effectiveness. Here are some tips:
Mage playstyle: Mages rely heavily on sorceries and should focus on upgrading intelligence and attunement to increase spell-casting power and capacity. Equip convenient weapons for close combat defense like catalysts or daggers.
Melee playstyle: Melee fighters should consider using miracles for supportive effects like healing spells. Focus on increasing vitality and endurance for more hitpoints and stamina respectively. Equip weapons focused on hitting enemies hard like greatswords or hammers.
Hybrid playstyle: Hybrid players should mix and match spells and weapons that complement each other. Invest in both intelligence and faith to get the most effective spells from both schools of magic. Equip versatile weapons that complement spells usage, such as a sword or spear.
V. An Overview of the Most Useful and Powerful Spells in Elden Ring
While all the spells in Elden Ring have their uses, there are a few that stand out as particularly powerful and effective in combat. Here’s a closer look at some of the most useful:
Great Combustion: a pyromancer spell that launches a powerful burst of fire up close.
Chaos Storm: another pyromancy spell that creates massive explosive blasts around you character.
Homing Crystal Soul Mass: a sorcery spell that launches a series of homing crystal orbs that inflict heavy damage to targets it comes across.
Dark Blade: a miracle that imbues melee weapons with dark damage and increases the effectiveness of abyssal weapon infusion.
Wrath of the Gods: a miracle that unleashes an area of effect explosion that deals a massive amount of holy damage.
These spells often require significant investment in a specific spellcasting category, so it’s important to focus your character build and spell selection to get the most out of them.
VI. Tips and Tricks for Effectively Combining Spells with Weapons and Other Abilities in Elden Ring
For maximum effectiveness, it’s important to know how to combine spells with weapons and other abilities in the game. Here are some tips and tricks:
Use spell-enhanced weapons: Many spells can be cast to enchant your weapons and increase their damage output. Consider using the Magic Weapon spell on a staff or Dark Blade on a sword to give you an edge in combat.
Combo your spells: Try synergizing your spells together; for example, launching a long-range spell to stun an enemy before closing in to finish them with melee.
Upgrade your spells: Just like with your weapons, upgrading your spells can make a big difference in their effectiveness. Obtain spell scrolls to learn new spells and invest in getting the best effects of each spell.
VII. Conclusion
Spellcasting in Elden Ring adds a unique and dynamic element to the game’s combat system, allowing players to approach battles in a variety of ways. By following the step-by-step guide on casting spells, mastering the top 10 spells, customizing your spellcasting to your gameplay style, learning the most powerful spells and effectively combining them with other abilities, you can become a master of Elden Ring’s spellcasting mechanics. With so much variation, the possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with the various options available to get the most out of your character build.