FromSoftware’s games have always featured character customization prominently, with a main focus being on players deciding what stats they want to allocate in order to create different builds.Elden Ringis no different, with various stats for players to invest in. One of these stats isIntelligence, which is essential for a magic-focused playstyle. Numerous weapons relating this stat can be found throughout the Lands Between.
Shadow of the Erdtreecontinued this, with even more magic-aligned weapons for players to find and equip. Naturally, some are better than others, and some are more prominent. Some are weapons that the player will use to physically deal damage to enemies, while others are catalysts through which the Tarnished can conduct magic to harm foes.
8Thiollier’s Hidden Needle
Can Reach C In Intelligence Scaling, With A Sleep-Inducing Ash Of War
Not every weapon is an obviously large and flashy armament for players to wield.Thiollier’s Hidden Needleis a fist weapon, and a small one at that.
It doesn’t have much range, given it is a fist weapon. However, it can achieve a respectable C in intelligence scaling via upgrading, proving somewhat useful for magic builds. On top of that, the Ash of War lets the player put enemies to sleep, and the following attack can deal bonus damage to foes who are sleeping.
7Staff Of The Great Beyond
Able To Cast Sorceries And Incantations
ThroughoutElden Ring, players who wanted to cast both sorceries and incantations had to wield two separate weapons to do so: a staff, and a seal.Shadow of the Erdtreeintroduced theStaff of the Great Beyond, a weapon that allows players to use sorceries and incantations via one weapon. However, the Tarnished must gothrough a quest to obtain it.
The staff can reach aB in Intelligence scalingwhen it is upgraded, making for a useful staff alongside its unique ability. It might not be the most powerful staff, but it is one of the most convenient.
6Smithscript Cirque
Strong Scaling And Strong Damage
TheSmithscript Cirquethat topped the chart in terms of damage whenShadow of the Erdtreefirst came out. Unfortunately, it has since been nerfed, with a damage reduction.
However, it can still be a viable weapon. It may not be as good, but it is still able to reach aB in Intelligence scalingwhen upgraded and infused as a magic weapon. The damage can still be worthwhile as well, just not as overpowered as it once was.
5Maternal Staff
The Highest Scaling Of The New Staves
With Intelligence builds inElden Ring, players will catalyst is needed to cast spells. Staves are used for sorceries, with only a couple being introduced inShadow of the Erdtree.
TheMaternal Staffachieves anA in Intelligence scalingwhen upgraded fully, making it a valuable acquisition for magic builds. The Maternal Staff enhances thenew finger sorceries, and is also a good choice for arcane builds as it scales well with the stat.
4Star-Lined Sword
Low Magic Scaling, But A Powerful Ash Of War
Katanas have always been a popular piece of weaponry to use in FromSoft’s games, usually being strong ways to deal damage.Elden Ring’sbase game was no different.Shadow of the Erdtreeintroduced even more katanas, one of which is theStar-Lined Sword.
This weapon isn’t the best in Intelligence scaling, but it does have a strong Ash of War that plows through enemies (and it’s magic-themed). The Ash of War has multiple combos that can continue as long as players have stamina, and the weapon can work well on a spellblade build.
3Smithscript Axe
A Nerfed, But Still Capable Weapon
TheSmithscript Axewas once the strongest weapon for Intelligence builds inShadow of the Erdtree. The weapon was able to reach an absurd attack rating that could demolish foes, but has since been nerfed.
However, it isn’t an incapable weapon. It can still be a valuable armament to defeat enemies with, but it won’t reach the peak it was able to. It is able to reach aC in Intelligence scalingwhen upgraded and infused as a magic or cold weapon, reaching a higher attack rating when magic-infused. If anyone is willing to revert theirElden Ringupdates back, then this weapon will be waiting in all its glory.
2Carian Thrusting Shield
A Unique Weapon Suited For Magic Builds
Shadow of the Erdtreeintroduced completely new weapon types, with thrusting shields being one such example.TheCarian Thrusting Shieldis one of these new weapons, and can be purposed for intelligence builds.
As standard, it is suited for Strength and Dexterity players, but infused as a cold weapon, and it achieves a C in Intelligence scaling. Better yet,when infused as a magic weapon, it obtains a B in in Intelligence scaling. Aside from the scaling, it can be a strong weapon, able to deal damage and block attacks. Players can also buff this weapon with spells and greases, increasing how powerful it can be.
1Rellana’s Twin Blades
The Sword Of Night And Flame’s Older Sibling
Rellana is one of the more prominent bossesintroduced inShadow of the Erdtree, barring direct access to Scadu Altus. Being magic-themed herself, her Remembrance allows players to obtain her swords, which scale with Intelligence, along with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith.
As a pair of swords, players attack with both through graceful patterns, making it a fun weapon to use in general. The Ash of War is unique, essentially being a two-for-one. Players can either send out a combo of magic-aligned ranged attacks via a sword, or execute a big faith-based AoE attack, sending fire out from around them, easily defeating groups of enemies.
