The 20 Best Staffs in Elden Ring, Ranked
Bringing a bad staff to a fight in Elden Ring is like waving your hands in front of an Ancient Dragon, hoping you’ll still win. The game is challenging enough, and magic users need to bring the best tools to the battle. So, if you’re wondering what the best staff in Elden Ring is, the answer highly depends on your build and the staff’s base stats.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 20 best staves you can find in the game and how they can improve your playstyle.
How we came up with this list
To compile our roundups, we evaluate critic ratings and audience research, leveraging our expertise as gamers and developers to bring you the most accurate and helpful information.
Best Staves in Elden Ring at a Glance
| Staff: | Primary benefit: | Location: |
| Azur’s Glintstone Staff | Swift sorcery-casting with top-tier Int scaling | Church of the Cuckoo |
| Lusat’s Glintstone Staff | Int-scaling-focused staff with huge burst potential | Sellia, Town of Sorcery |
| Staff of the Great Beyond | A versatile pick for Int/FAI hybrid users, with dual scaling | Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers |
| Carian Regal Scepter | Top pick for Moon sorcery users looking for an S-ranking Int staff | Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen |
| Rotten Crystal Staff | A high-Int staff that adds rot buildup and boosts Crystal sorceries | Crystalian Mages in the Haligtree area |
| Prince of Death’s Staff | The ultimate Int/FAI hybrid staff for powerful sorcerers | Deeproot Depths |
| Academy Glintstone Staff | Mid-game versatile staff with an S-rank Int scaling | Schoolhouse Classroom at Raya Lucaria Academy |
| Meteorite Staff | Early-game pick with S-rank Int scaling and Gravity sorceries buffs | Street of Sages Ruins |
| Maternal Staff | ARC-heavy catalyst with a boost on Finger sorceries | Ymir questline |
| Carian Glintblade Staff | The perfect choice for Int scaling and spectral sword sorcerers | Top floor of the Highway Lookout Tower |
| Staff of Loss | The best staff for Night sorceries | Sellia, Town of Sorcery |
| Albinauric Staff | An ARC-infused glintstone staff that’s a wonderful mid-game pick for versatility | Prison Town Church |
| Crystal Staff | High Int mid-game staff that boosts Crystalian sorceries with reliable scaling | Academy Crystal Cave, beneath Raya Lucaria Academy |
| Gelmir Glintstone Staff | The ideal hybrid Int/FAI staff that empowers magma sorceries | Man-Serpent Sorcerers in Volcano Manor |
| Carian Glintstone Staff | The perfect Int scaling staff that supports a sword-sorcery catalyst | Carian Study Hall in Liurnia of the Lakes |
| Demi-Human Queen’s Staff | Mid-game staff that’s ideal for Int-hybrid builds | Demi-Human Queen boss in Demi-Human Forest Ruins |
| Staff of the Guilty | For those seeking to enhance Thorn sorceries in an FAI and Bleed build | Dropped by Guilty Sorcerers near Seethewater Terminus and Fort Laeidd |
| The Digger’s Staff | A niche crystal-tunnel catalyst for Stonedigger sorceries | Glintstone Miner enemies in Raya Lurcaria Crystal Tunnel and Sellia Crystal Tunnel |
| Astrologer’s Staff | The perfect starter staff with solid Int scaling | Starting weapon for the Astrologer class, also available for purchase from the Nomadic Merchant at Liurnia of the Lakes for 800 runes |
| Glintstone Staff | Reliable early-game scaling with swift cast speed | Rooftop of the Church of the Cuckoo |
20. Glintstone Staff
Reliable early-game scaling with swift cast speed
| Stat requirements: | Str: 10 Int: 52 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: B |
| Max damage (+25): | 58 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones, Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | No special effect |
| Location: | Rooftop of the Church of the Cuckoo |
When Elden Ring staves are ranked, Glintstone Staff becomes a strong contender due to its essential nature in any sorcery build. It scales strongly with Int and makes it a great early-to-mid-game catalyst.
You can grab this one during the early hours of the game in Liurnia of the Lakes. Head to the Debate Parlor Site of Grace and jump across the rooftops. Climb the ladder and defeat the High Page who guards the Church of the Cuckoo’s upper room. Inside, the staff awaits you.
19. Astrologer’s Staff
The perfect starter staff with solid Int scaling
| Stat requirements: | Str: 7 Int: 16 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Int: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 57 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Nothing special |
| Location: | Starting weapon for the Astrologer class, also available for purchase from the Nomadic Merchant at Liurnia of the Lakes for 800 runes. |
This one’s a straightforward, simple staff that gets the job done. It’s perfect for early sorcerer builds, and one of the first staves you’ll likely wield in Elden Ring. Its accessibility makes it a great choice for beginners.
Since it’s a default pick for the Astrologer class, finding it is no problem. However, you can still buy it from the Nomadic Merchant in Liurnia of the Lakes for 800 runes.
18. The Digger’s Staff
A niche crystal-tunnel catalyst for Stonedigger sorceries
| Stat requirements: | Str: 8 Int: 12 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Int: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 66 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts Stonedigger sorceries, improving their potential |
| Location: | Can be farmed through Glintstone Miner enemies in Raya Lurcaria Crystal Tunnel and Sellia Crystal Tunnel |
This simple yet efficient tool for sorcerer-miners packs a powerful punch, thanks to its synergy with Stonedigger sorceries (such as Shatter Earth). Its S-scaling Int grants commendable sorcery damage.
To get this staff, you’ll need to farm the miner enemies found in Liurnia’s Raya Lucara or Caelid’s Sellia tunnels. Each miner has around a 2%-4% drop rate, so you may end up eliminating a lot of enemies before you get your hands on the Digger’s Staff.
17. Staff of the Guilty
Push Thorn sorceries and blood-loss buildup with this staff
| Stat requirements: | Str: 8 Int: 0 Fai: 12 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Fai: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 66 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones, Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | Boosts Thorn sorceries (about +20%) and adds 45 blood-loss buildup |
| Location: | Dropped by Guilty sorcerers near Seethewater Terminus and Fort Laeidd |
This faith-centred variant of the glintstone staves turns thorn sorceries into lethal weapons. At its max scaling, it improves existing sorceries and enhances bleed builds.
You can obtain this staff as a dropped reward from eliminated Guilty sorcerers (2% chance). They can be found right outside Seethewater Terminus or inside Fort Laiedd.
16. Demi-Human Queen’s Staff
Mid-game staff ideal for Int-hybrid builds
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 10 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Int: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 54 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Nothing special |
| Location: | Dropped by the Demi-Human Queen boss in Demi-Human Forest Ruins |
This staff may seem simple at first, but it becomes an extremely powerful mid-game staff thanks to its S-rank scaling when fully upgraded. It helps you use early-game sorceries well before you invest in Int stats.
To get the staff, you’ll need to defeat the Demi-Human Queen boss in Weeping Peninsula’s forest ruins. Since it’s accessible early on, it’s a great pick for mid-game sorcery builds, particularly before you cross the 35 Int mark.
15. Carian Glintstone Staff
The perfect Int scaling staff that supports a sword-sorcery catalyst
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 24 Dex: 8 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Int: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 25 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts Carian sword sorceries by 15% |
| Location: | Carian Study Hall in Liurnia of the Lakes |
If you’re a sword user looking to cast some magic, this staff forms the perfect hybrid between sword and sorcery builds, making it one of the best glintstone staves in Elden Ring.
To collect this staff, take a break at Carian Study Hall before proceeding with the game’s various boss locations. It will be located on a bench on the circular balcony near the second lift.
14. Gelmir Glintstone Staff
The ideal hybrid Int/FAI staff that empowers magma sorceries
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 14 Fai: 14 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: B Fai: B |
| Max damage (+25): | 50 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts lava (magma) sorceries |
| Location: | Dropped by Man-Serpent Sorcerers in Volcano Manor |
If your Tarnished is nothing short of a pyromancer, wielding the Gelmir Glintstone Staff would be the perfect choice. It’s great for builds that focus on Int and FAI stats while boosting magma sorceries (like Magma Shot).
You can find this weapon by eliminating Man-Serpent Sorcerers found in Valcono Manor, specifically in the Temple of Eiglay region. Keep farming them until you get your hands on the staff.
13. Crystal Staff
High Int mid-game staff that boosts Crystalian sorceries with reliable scaling
| Stat requirements: | Str: 8 Int: 48 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: B → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 31 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts Crystalian sorceries by 10% |
| Location: | Academy Crystal Cave, beneath Raya Lucaria Academy |
For those who wield Crystalian sorceries, this one’s a powerful pick that urges you to push Int past 48. However, it works best when you’ve had some practice with specific sorceries and is best for mid-game and endgame scenarios.
You can find this staff located inside the Academy Crystal Cave, which is right beneath the Raya Lucaria Academy in Liurnia of the Lakes. To reach this spot, head to the cave entrance along the cliffside west of the Raya Lucaria Grand Lift.
12. Albinauric Staff
An ARC-infused glintstone staff that’s an excellent mid-game pick for versatility
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 10 Arc: 12 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: D → B Arc: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 29 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones, Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | Amplifies Arcane-based sorceries |
| Location: | Found behind a secret wall in Prison Town Church |
Since pure ARC builds are a bit rare among Elden Ring classes, this staff may just encourage you to try ARC-based sorceries. This staff lets you push sorcery damage without heavy stat investment, which is always a welcoming quality in a weapon.
To find this staff, you’ll need to access the secret wall located in Prison Town Church within Volcano Manor in Atlus Plateau. Once you gain Tanith’s key, roll into the illusory wall and loot the staff from a corpse on a balcony.
11. Staff of Loss
The best staff for Night sorceries
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 14 Dex: 12 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: E → D Dex: E → D Int: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 38 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Evolves Night sorcery damage by 25% |
| Location: | Balcony rooftop in Sellia, Town of Sorcery |
This niche staff is for sorcerers who focus on invisibility-themed Night sorceries (like Night Comet). Its S-rank Int scaling makes it a solid choice for overall utility, along with the passive bonus it provides for Night spells.
You can loot this staff from a corpse found on a balcony in Sellia, Town of Sorcery, in Caelid. It’s reachable with Torrent’s help, as he helps you jump across rooftops.
10. Carian Glintblade Staff
The perfect choice for Int scaling and spectral sword sorcerers
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 22 Dex: 12 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: E → D Dex: E → D Int: C → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 38 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts Glintblade sorceries by 15% |
| Location: | Top floor of the Highway Lookout Tower |
This staff is a must-have if you’re into Glintblade sorceries. Its S-rank Int scaling assures a powerful magic output without any big investments. A 15% buff to blade-casting spells is a perk you simply can’t miss!
You can find this staff on the top floor of the High Lookout Tower in the eastern region of Liurnia of the Lakes. Just climb to the top and loot the staff from the rack.
9. Maternal Staff
ARC-heavy catalyst with a boost on Finger sorceries
| Stat requirements: | Str: 7 Int: 21 Arc: 21 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: E → D Int: D → A Arc: C → A |
| Max damage (+25): | 45 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | +15% buff to Finger sorceries |
| Location: | Obtained by completing the Ymir questline |
This niche powerhouse of ARC+Int builds focuses on Finger sorceries, offering exceptional spell damage. If you want to have some of the best RPG experiences within a magic system, give this one a try! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but certainly something that stands out.
Something that makes this staff so special is the questline attached to it. Once you complete the Ymir quests by defeating Count Ymir at the Cathedral of Manus Metry, you’ll be awarded this staff.
8. Meteorite Staff
Early-game pick with S-rank Int scaling and Gravity sorceries buffs
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 18 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: S |
| Max damage (+25): | 39 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Cannot be upgraded |
| Passive: | Boosts Gravity sorceries by 30% |
| Location: | Found in a broken tower in the Street of Sages Ruins |
As one of the best early-game staves in Elden Ring, this weapon is a strong choice due to its instant S-rank Int scaling. You can make the most of the Meteorite Staff without having to level up in Elden Ring a lot, especially if you’re into Gravity sorceries.
It can be found on a corpse that hangs in a broken tower within the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid, just northeast of the Aeonia Swamp Shore Site of Grace.
7. Academy Glintstone Staff
Mid-game versatile staff with an S-rank Int scaling
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 28 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: E Int: B → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 25 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | No special traits |
| Location: | Schoolhouse Classroom at Raya Lucaria Academy |
This one’s a key mid-game choice for a pure sorcerer build. Thanks to its S-tier Int scaling, it’s ideal for those who seek efficiency in sorcery performance without investing heavily.
You can loot this staff from Thops’ corpse in the Schoolhouse Classroom at Raya Lucaria Academy. It’s accessible once you complete Thops’ quest and obtain the Academy Glintstone Key from the Church of Cuckoo.
6. Prince of Death’s Staff
The ultimate Int/FAI hybrid staff for powerful sorcerers
| Stat requirements: | Str: 6 Int: 18 Fai: 18 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: D → A Fai: D → A |
| Max damage (+25): | 43 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts Death sorceries |
| Location: | Deeproot Depths |
The most powerful sorcerers use staves that scale when they’re playing solo. That’s where the Prince of Death’s Staff shines. It’s a rare gem that surpasses many pure Int staves and reaches some of the best scaling qualities the game has to offer.
You can loot this staff from a corpse found at the top of a tower in Deeproot Depths, northeast of the Nameless Eternal City Site of Grace. Just ride up the path, navigate the area, and you’ll find this spot.
5. Rotten Crystal Staff
A high-Int staff that adds rot buildup and boosts Crystal sorceries
| Stat requirements: | Str: 8 Int: 48 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D Int: B → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 42 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Boosts Crystalian sorceries by 10%, applies Scarlet Rot buildup |
| Location: | Dropped by Putrid Crystalian Mages in the Haligtree area |
The horror themes of Scarlet Rot and everything it’s capable of can be felt through this staff. It’s a solid pick for sorcerers who wish to apply Scarlet Rot buildup while enhancing their Crystalian sorceries. Weird combo, right?
To find this staff, you’ll need to eliminate Putrid Crystalian Mages who roam the Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree area. The drop chance is around 8%, so you may need to farm a bit.
4. Carian Regal Scepter
Top pick for Moon sorcery users looking for an S-ranking Int staff
| Stat requirements: | Str: 8 Int: 60 Dex: 10 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: E → D Dex: E → D Int: B → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 58 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | Boosts Full Moon spells (+10%) |
| Location: | Obtained by trading Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen |
If you ever come across a Full Moon sorcerer when playing online, you’ll likely witness this staff’s power. It’s a top-tier staff that boasts S-rank Int scaling and adds a +10 buff while also being capable of AoE attacks.
To get this staff, you’ll need to give Enia the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen, which is obtained by defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
3. Staff of the Great Beyond
A versatile pick for Int/FAI hybrid users, with dual scaling
| Stat requirements: | Str: 7 Int: 25 Fai: 25 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: E → D Int: D → B Fai: D → B |
| Max damage (+25): | 66 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | Nothing unique |
| Location: | Obtained by trading Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers |
This staff serves as a hybrid between Int and FAI builds, highly effective when using spells without worrying about using incantations or sorceries separately. How convenient!
Once you defeat Metyr, Mother of Fingers, trade her remembrance to Enia at Roundtable Hold to acquire this staff. This will require you to have Shadow of the Erdtree DLC installed.
2. Lusat’s Glintstone Staff
Int-scaling-focused staff with huge burst potential
| Stat requirements: | Str: 10 Int: 52 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Int: B → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 55 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone |
| Passive: | Nothing special |
| Location: | Sellia, Town of Sorcery |
As one of the best sorcery staves in Elden Ring, its Int scaling can be quite powerful in both PvE and PvP gameplay. However, it burns through 50% more FP, which can be a huge “nope” for many players.
To get this staff, you’ll need to open a chest found in Sellia, Town of Sorcery, in Caelid. To do so, find a fog wall once you defeat the Nox Swordstress and Nox Priest duo, and light the town’s braziers.
1. Azur’s Glintstone Staff
Swift sorcery-casting with top-tier Int scaling
| Stat requirements: | Str: 10 Int: 52 |
| Max scaling (+25): | Str: D → C Int: B → S |
| Max damage (+25): | 58 Physical |
| Upgrade material: | Somber Smithing Stones |
| Passive: | Reduces casting time for all sorceries |
| Location: | Church of the Cuckoo |
Many players like to get through fights quickly so they can enjoy the story-driven experience in Elden Ring. Thanks to this staff’s excellent casting speed and strong scaling potential, it ranks number one on our list. Faster and stronger casting leads to better chances at winning a fight, and who doesn’t want that?
To get this staff, simply head to the highest level of the Church of the Cuckoo at Raya Lucaria Academy. Here, find the Debate Parlor Site of Grace and leap across the rooftops, climb a ladder, and defeat the High Page. Loot the room, and the staff is yours!
Try More RPGs With Intricate Weapon Systems
When finding the best staff in Elden Ring, you’ll come across notable locations and possibly boss fights. The top PC games and console exclusives are often made of adventurous stuff like this, and Elden Ring is no different!
However, RPGs are a realm of their own, and finding your next game can be a tricky challenge. Make sure you explore a collection of RPG titles that fit your favourite subgenres, narrative themes, and gameplay mechanics. Experiment, dive in, and build new memories!
Best Staves in Elden Ring FAQ
If you’re still wondering which staves are best suited for your playstyle, a few questions and answers can help you make a decision.
What’s the Best Staff in Elden Ring?
The best staff depends on your build. But, in terms of speed and strength, Azur’s Glintstone Staff is an excellent pick. It offers unmatched power for players who wish to make the best of their spellcasting without hindering speed.
Where Is the Best Staff in Elden Ring Located?
Azur’s Glintstone Staff is found in the highest level of the Church of the Cuckoo at Raya Lucaria Academy after defeating the High Page and looting the spot.
What’s the Best Staff for General Use in Elden Ring?
For most of the game, you can use the Academy Glintstone Staff as a safe and reliable choice since it’s easy to get and offers S-scaling Int stats without heavy FP punishments.
Is It Worth It To Upgrade Staves in Elden Ring?
Yes! Upgrading your staff boosts your sorcery scaling, which will significantly improve spell damage.
What Is the Best Staff in Elden Ring Late Game?
During endgame scenarios, the Prince of Death’s Staff and Lusat’s Glintstone Staff are great choices. Both offer versatility and strong scaling.
