So, you're diving into the Lands Between as a mage in Elden Ring? Awesome choice, guys! Magic in Elden Ring is seriously powerful and offers a unique way to experience the game. But let's be real, starting out can feel a bit overwhelming with all the stats, spells, and gear to consider. Don't worry, though! This guide is here to walk you through creating a super effective beginner mage build that will have you slinging spells and taking down bosses in no time. We'll cover everything from your starting class and essential stats to early-game spells and equipment. Get ready to become a formidable sorcerer in Elden Ring!

Choosing Your Starting Class: Astrologer or Prisoner?

Alright, let's talk starting classes. In Elden Ring, your initial class sets the foundation for your build. For a beginner mage, the two best options are the Astrologer and the Prisoner. Both have their pros and cons, so let's break them down:

• Astrologer: This class is your classic mage starter. They begin with high Intelligence and Mind, which are crucial for casting powerful spells and having enough FP (Focus Points) to cast them frequently. The Astrologer also starts with two useful sorceries: Glintstone Pebble and Arc. Glintstone Pebble is a reliable, low-FP spell for general combat, while Arc is excellent for dealing with groups of enemies. If you want to jump straight into spellcasting, the Astrologer is a fantastic choice. Plus, their starting equipment is decent for the early game.
• Prisoner: The Prisoner is a bit more of a hybrid class, blending Intelligence with Dexterity. While they don't start with as much raw Intelligence as the Astrologer, they have a head start in Dexterity, which increases casting speed. Faster casting can make a significant difference in combat, allowing you to get spells off before enemies can attack. The Prisoner also starts with a decent weapon, the Estoc, which is helpful for melee combat when you're low on FP or facing magic-resistant enemies. This class is a good option if you want a bit more flexibility in your playstyle.

Which should you choose? If you're completely new to Elden Ring and want the purest mage experience, go with the Astrologer. Their high starting Intelligence and useful spells will make the early game smoother. However, if you prefer a slightly more versatile character and value faster casting speed, the Prisoner is an excellent alternative. Ultimately, the choice is up to your personal preference!

Essential Stats for a Beginner Mage

Stats are the backbone of your build in Elden Ring. As a mage, you'll want to focus on specific stats to maximize your spellcasting potential. Here's a breakdown of the most important stats for a beginner mage:

• Intelligence: This is your bread and butter. Intelligence directly increases the damage of your sorceries and is required to use many of the more powerful spells in the game. Aim to increase your Intelligence consistently throughout your playthrough. For a beginner build, try to get it to at least 40-50 by the mid-game.
• Mind: Mind determines your FP, which is essentially your mana pool. Casting spells consumes FP, so you'll need a decent amount of Mind to cast spells frequently without running out of juice. A good starting point is around 20-25 Mind, but you'll likely want to increase it further as you acquire more powerful and FP-intensive spells.
• Vigor: Don't neglect Vigor! This stat increases your HP (hit points), which is crucial for surviving encounters. Mages tend to be squishy, so having enough Vigor to withstand a few hits is essential. Aim for at least 30-40 Vigor by the mid-game. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.
• Endurance: Endurance affects your stamina and equip load. Stamina is important for dodging and running, while equip load determines how encumbered you are. If your equip load is too high, you'll move and roll slowly, making it harder to avoid enemy attacks. You'll want enough Endurance to wear decent armor without being heavily encumbered. Around 15-20 Endurance should be sufficient for a beginner mage build.
• Dexterity: As mentioned earlier, Dexterity increases casting speed. While it's not as crucial as Intelligence or Mind, having some Dexterity can make a noticeable difference in combat. The Prisoner class starts with a decent amount of Dexterity, but even as an Astrologer, you might want to invest a few points into it later on.
• Strength: You'll only need enough Strength to wield your chosen weapon. For a mage, this will likely be a minimal investment. Don't waste points here unless you specifically want to use a weapon that requires higher Strength.
• Arcane: Arcane primarily affects item discovery and certain dragon communion incantations. It's not essential for a pure sorcery build, so you can safely ignore it.
• Faith: Faith is used for incantations (basically, faith-based magic). Since you're focusing on sorceries, you won't need any Faith.

Prioritizing Stats: In the early game, focus on Vigor, Mind, and Intelligence. Get your Vigor up to a comfortable level so you can survive a few hits, then start increasing your Mind and Intelligence to boost your spellcasting capabilities. Endurance can be leveled as needed to manage your equip load.

Early-Game Spells: Your Arsenal of Destruction

Now for the fun part: spells! Elden Ring has a vast array of sorceries to choose from, but some are particularly useful for beginners. Here are a few early-game spells that you should definitely acquire:

• Glintstone Pebble: This is your basic, go-to spell. It's cheap, reliable, and deals decent damage. You'll start with this if you choose the Astrologer class. Use it for general combat and picking off weaker enemies.
• Arc: Another starting spell for the Astrologer, Arc is great for dealing with groups of enemies. It fires a wide arc of magical energy that can hit multiple targets. It's also useful for triggering explosive barrels from a distance.
• Glintstone Stars: This spell fires a volley of small, fast-moving projectiles. It's excellent for staggering enemies and dealing consistent damage. You can purchase it from Sorceress Sellen in the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave.
• Swift Glintstone Shard: A faster version of Glintstone Pebble, this spell has a shorter casting time, allowing you to get attacks off more quickly. You can also purchase it from Sorceress Sellen.
• Rock Sling: This is a fantastic early-game spell that deals physical damage instead of magic damage. It's particularly effective against enemies with high magic resistance. You can find it in a chest in the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid. Be careful, though – Caelid is a high-level area, so you might want to grab this spell and run!
• Magic Glintblade: This spell conjures a magical blade that hovers in the air before firing at your target. It's great for catching enemies off guard and dealing significant damage. You can obtain it by completing Sorceress Sellen's questline.

Acquiring Spells: Most spells are obtained by purchasing them from NPCs or finding them in scrolls hidden throughout the world. Be sure to explore thoroughly and talk to all the NPCs you encounter. Sorceress Sellen is a particularly important NPC for mages, as she sells a variety of useful spells and provides valuable information.

Essential Equipment: Staffs and Armor

Your equipment plays a crucial role in your effectiveness as a mage. Here's a rundown of the essential equipment you'll need:

• Staff: Your staff is your primary weapon for casting spells. Different staffs have different stats and scaling, so it's important to choose one that suits your build. For beginners, the Astrologer's Staff (starting equipment for the Astrologer) and the Demi-Human Queen's Staff (dropped by the Demi-Human Queen boss in the Weeping Peninsula) are both excellent choices. The Demi-Human Queen's Staff has better scaling with Intelligence, making it a good option once you've leveled up your Intelligence a bit.
• Armor: As a mage, you won't need heavy armor. You'll want armor that provides decent protection without weighing you down too much. Look for lightweight armor sets that offer good magic resistance. The Spellblade Set, obtained by completing Rogier's questline, is an excellent choice for mages.
• Talismans: Talismans are accessories that provide various buffs. Some useful talismans for mages include the Radagon Icon (shortens casting time), the Marika's Soreseal (increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane, but also increases damage taken), and the Cerulean Seed Talisman (increases FP gained from flasks).

Upgrading Your Staff: Don't forget to upgrade your staff at a Smithing Table or with Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold. Upgrading your staff significantly increases its sorcery scaling, which directly boosts the damage of your spells. Use Smithing Stones to upgrade your staff. You can find Smithing Stones in mines and caves throughout the Lands Between.

Early-Game Strategy: Tips and Tricks for Success

Now that you have your build and equipment sorted out, let's talk about strategy. Here are some tips and tricks to help you succeed as a mage in the early game:

• Maintain Your Distance: Mages are most effective at range. Try to keep your distance from enemies and use your spells to take them down before they can reach you. Use your dodge roll to avoid enemy attacks and reposition yourself as needed.
• Manage Your FP: FP is your lifeline as a mage. Be mindful of your FP consumption and don't waste spells unnecessarily. Use Glintstone Pebble for weaker enemies and save your more powerful spells for tougher encounters. Keep a supply of Cerulean Tears (FP-restoring flasks) on hand.
• Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Some enemies are resistant to magic damage, while others are highly vulnerable. Experiment with different spells to find out what works best against each enemy type. Rock Sling is particularly useful against enemies with high magic resistance.
• Use Summons: Summons can be a valuable asset in combat, especially for mages who tend to be squishy. Spirit Ashes, such as the Lone Wolf Ashes or the Spirit Jellyfish Ashes, can distract enemies and give you time to cast spells. You can acquire Spirit Ashes by exploring the world and completing quests.
• Explore Thoroughly: The Lands Between are full of secrets and hidden treasures. Explore thoroughly to find new spells, equipment, and upgrade materials. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path.
• Level Up Wisely: Focus on leveling up your essential stats (Vigor, Mind, Intelligence) first. Don't spread your stats too thin, as this will make you less effective in combat.

With this guide, you're well on your way to becoming a powerful mage in Elden Ring. Remember to experiment with different spells and equipment to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – learning from your failures is part of the fun! Good luck, Tarnished, and may your spells strike true!