20 Best Elden Ring Spells: Top Sorceries
The Lands Between is home to many monstrosities (the Tarnished included), and spells reflect its magic system. Not every personality harnesses spells well, but if they do, they can be an unshakable force capable of polishing your gameplay. To make the most of this playstyle, you should equip yourself with the best spells in Elden Ring.
Keep in mind that every spell can be powerful when wielded by the right staves, but few are more accessible than others. In this article, we’ll look at the best spells you can cast in the game and how to synergize them well with your overall build. Whether you’re new to the game or a worn-out Tarnished that’s in for “one more playthrough,” there’s likely a spell waiting for you.
Incantations vs. Sorceries in Elden Ring
The best incantations in Elden Ring are different than the best spells. Incantations have different scaling attributes and lore, while spells (or sorceries) draw their power from the cosmos and stars. Spells are primarily scaled by intelligence (INT), and you must wield a staff to cast them.
While incantations, on the other hand, scale with Faith (FAI) and are cast using sacred seals. Elden Ring, like many other role-playing games (RPGs), builds its lore into incantations and spells, which build upon several stories and character traits.
Best Early-Game Sorceries in Elden Ring at a Glance
| Spell | Type | Location |
| Rock Sling | Gravity Sorcery | Chest found in the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid |
| Glintstone Pebble | Gravity Sorcery | Part of the kit for the Astrologer class. Can also be purchased from Sorcerer Rogier or Miriel, Pastor of Vows |
| Glintstone Arc | Glintstone Sorcery | Part of the kit for the Astrologer class. Can also be purchased from Sorcerer Sellen at the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave, or Thops at the Church of Liurnia of the Lakes |
| Magic Glintblade | Carian Sorcery | Starting spell for the Prisoner class. Can be purchased from Miriel, Pastor of Vows |
| Carian Slicer | Carian Sword Sorcery | Can be purchased from Sorceress Sellen, Miriel, Pastor of Vows, or obtained from Preceptor Seluvis |
| Carian Greatsword | Carian Sorcery | Purchased from Miriel, Pastor of Vows |
| Loretta’s Greatbow | Carian Sorcery | Dropped by Royal Knight Loretta in Liurnia of the Lakes when defeated |
| Terra Magica | Glintstone Sorcery | Chest at the top of the tower in Academy Crystal Cave |
| Glintstone Icecrag | Cold Sorcery | Purchased from Perceptor Seluvis in Liurnia of the Lakes |
Rock Sling
Powerful early-game pick that fires three fast projectiles
| Type: | Gravity Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 18 |
| FP: | 18 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Chest found in the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid |
Early on in the game, the Rock Sling is one of the best sorceries in Elden Ring. It’s ideal when paired with the Meteorite Staff, making use of the best staves in Elden Ring. It lets you fire three fast, physical damage-wielding projectiles that can stagger enemies. This opens up a window for devastating follow-up attacks, especially if you’re using an INT-scaling weapon like a katana or blades that benefit from DEX/INT synergies.
How To Acquire Rock Sling
First, get to the Dragon-Burnt Ruins exit of the Sellia Crystal Tunnel, and look for a cellar that contains a chest. Once you open this chest, you will be transported to an eerie and dangerous spot around the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid. Here, you’ll find another chest that contains the spell.
Glintstone Pebble
An early pick for those trying out spells for the first time
| Type: | Gravity Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 10 |
| FP: | 7 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Part of the kit for the Astrologer class. Can also be purchased from Sorcerer Rogier or Miriel, Pastor of Vows |
With basic damage potential and extremely low FP cost, this spell can be a reliable pick early on in the game. This one’s especially great for newcomers, as you don’t need to level up in Elden Ring to use this well. It makes the early hours of the game much simpler if you’re a sorcerer.
How To Acquire Glintstone Pebble
If you choose the Astrologer class, you’ll get this automatically. Otherwise, you can purchase it from Sorcerer Rogier at Stormveil Castle or from Miriel, Pastor of Vows, in the Church of Vows.
Glintstone Arc
Ideal for crowd control during early-hour playthroughs
| Type: | Glintstone Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 13 |
| FP: | 9 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Part of the kit for the Astrologer class. Can also be purchased from Sorcerer Sellen at the Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave, or Thops at the Church of Liurnia of the Lakes |
This spell’s wide arc lets you hit multiple enemies at once, making it a great pick early on in the game. Use it for crowd-control situations and farming mobs so you can level up quickly. Some spells are great for creating space on the battlefield, and this is one of them.
How To Acquire Glintstone Arc
If you pick the Astrologer class, you’ll have this as part of your loadout. Otherwise, buy it from Sorceress Sellen (Waypoint Ruins in Limgrave) or Thops (Church of Irith in Liurnia of the Lakes). You can also acquire this from Thops after completing his questline and heading to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold by giving them Thops’s Bell Bearing.
Magic Glintblade
Wield a strong spell for strategic and clever plays
| Type: | Carian Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 14 |
| FP: | 12 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Starting spell for the Prisoner class. Can be purchased from Miriel, Pastor of Vows |
Out of all the spells in Elden Ring, this one encourages strategic decision-making. It lets you create a delayed projectile that flies from above and grabs hold of enemies who tend to dodge. This helps build a playstyle around strategic spellcasting, pushing you to use your FP tactfully. You can also create “traps” by urging multiple enemies to counter the spell and approach you slowly.
How To Acquire Magic Glintblade
Start with a Prisoner class to get this spell in an instant. Otherwise, you can buy it for 3000 Runes from Miriel, Pastor of Vows — the giant, adorable turtle — from the Church of Vows in Liurnia of the Lakes.
Carian Slicer
A versatile, powerful spell for combat scenarios
| Type: | Carian Sword Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 14 |
| FP: | 6 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Can be purchased from Sorceress Sellen, Miriel, Pastor of Vows, or obtained from Preceptor Seluvis |
This one’s highly regarded as a fast-paced spell with low FP cost, making it strong. Whether playing online against others or progressing solo, this spell is extremely versatile. You’ll perform chainable attacks, rolling, sprinting, and even jumping in combat without worrying about the spell’s synergy with your build.
How To Acquire Carian Slicer
To find this spell, look for the Royal House Scroll. This key item is located on a corpse east of the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace. Once you have it, give it to Sorceress Sellen (Waypoint Ruins Cellar, Limgrave). You can also give it to Mirield, Pastor of Vows (Liurnia of the Lakes), or Preceptor Seluvis. Then, the spell becomes available for purchase.
Carian Greatsword
Perform wide-sweeping attacks that clear out foes
| Type: | Carian Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 24 |
| FP: | 12 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Purchased from Miriel, Pastor of Vows |
If you’re looking to clear out waves of enemies and build some space for yourself, this is one of the strongest spells in Elden Ring for doing just that. It lets you hit several foes at once, which can be an incredible strategy when visiting Elden Ring’s boss locations, since a lot of “mini-bosses” or swarms of enemies may surround the main objective. Yeah, I’m looking at you, Renalla, Queen of the Full Moon.
How To Acquire the Carian Greatsword
You can buy this spell from Miriel, Pastor of Vows, in the eastern part of Liurnia of the Lakes. It’ll cost you a hefty 10,000 Runes, but it’s worth it!
Loretta’s Greatbow
An easy pick for magic archers looking to snipe from afar
| Type: | Carian Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 26 |
| FP: | 24 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Dropped by Royal Knight Loretta in Liurnia of the Lakes when defeated |
Looking for a way to snipe from afar? This spell lets you deal significant magic damage (single targets) from a safe distance. Letting it charge leads to increased damage potential, adding to an archer-esque playstyle. This can also help you close gaps, in case you need to take out enemies individually, and distracting them from a group is a safe choice.
How To Acquire Loretta’s Greatbow
You’ll earn this as a reward for defeating Royal Knight Loretta, a boss at Caria Manor (Liurnia of the Lakes).
Terra Magica
Empower a unique trait that boosts magic damage potential
| Type: | Glintstone Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 20 |
| FP: | 20 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | A chest at the top of the tower in the Academy Crystal Cave |
This one’s an essential utility spell to have if you’re a sorcerer relying on an INT-based build. During major fights, it provides a strong (around 35%) increase in magical damage as long as you stand within its sigil. Perfect for buffing and stacking damage potential for other sorceries in your loadout.
How To Acquire Terra Magica
You can get this spell once you venture into the Academy Crystal Cave. It requires two Stonesword Keys and a fight against the Crystalian bosses inside. Once they are defeated, take the elevator that leads you to the Academy. The spell will be inside a chest at the top.
Glintstone Icecrag
Fire a swift, cold projectile that inflicts Frostbite
| Type: | Cold Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 15 |
| FP: | 12 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Purchased from Perceptor Seluvis in Liurnia of the Lakes |
This spell is great at mid-range and effective in the hands of INT-based builds. It lets you rapidly inflict Frostbite damage and put some quick casting speed to use when you need to hunt down several enemies. Especially useful when dealing with enemies who are vulnerable to cold.
How To Acquire Glintstone Icecrag
To get this spell, progress through Ranni’s questline until you can access Preceptor Seluvis’ Rise (northern Liurnia of the Lakes). Once you’ve progressed through the narrative, you can purchase the spell for 7,500 Runes from Seluvis.
Best Mid-Late Game Sorceries in Elden Ring at a Glance
| Spell | Type | Location |
| Comet Azur | Primeval Sorcery | Acquired from Primeval Sorcerer Azur in Mt. Gelmir |
| Shard Spiral | Glintstone Sorcery | Purchased from Sorceress Sellen in Rata Lucarian Academy’s Grand Library |
| Greatblade Phalanx | Carian Sorcery | Dropped by Bols, Carian Knight, upon defeat in Cuckoo’s Evergaol |
| Roiling Magma | Magma Sorcery | Dropped by the Magma Wyrm upon defeat at Mt. Gelmir |
| Adula’s Moonblade | Carian Sorcery | Dropped by Glintstone Dragon Adula upon defeat at the Cathedral of Manus Celes |
Comet Azur
Unleash a powerful beam of pure magic that makes you overpowered
| Type: | Primeval Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 60 |
| FP: | 40 |
| Spell Slots: | 3 |
| Location: | Acquired from Primeval Sorcerer Azur in Mt. Gelmir |
This legendary spell needs little introduction, as it’s one of the best spells in Elden Ring. It lets you rapidly deplete an enemy’s health bar, showing off pure magical energy. It’s particularly useful in the game’s single-player experience if you want to bring down bosses without the help of other players (or summons).
How To Acquire Comet Azur
To get this one, travel to Mt. Gelmire and meet Primeval Sorcerer Azur (located near the cliffs at Hermit Village). Just interact with him, and get the spell!
Shard Spiral
Fire twin magical projectiles that deal continuous damage
| Type: | Glintstone Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 27 |
| FP: | 14 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Purchased from Sorceress Sellen in Rata Lucarian Academy’s Grand Library |
This highly effective spell deals extreme damage to large (usually slow) enemies. Its spiraling nature repeatedly hits foes as it passes through them, maximizing its potential. It’s quite FP-efficient, making it a great pick for bosses with big health bars but slow movesets.
How To Acquire Shard Spiral
You’ll need to progress through Sorceress Sellen’s questline to obtain this spell. To be able to purchase the spell (for 8,000 Runes), you need to side with her.
Greatblade Phalanx
Summon magic glintblades that chase enemies
| Type: | Carian Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 29 |
| FP: | 30 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Dropped by Bols, Carian Knight, upon defeat in Cuckoo’s Evergaol |
This spell can be powerful enough to break an enemy’s stance instantly. Its large glintblades let you deal significant damage when they strike, making it excellent in fights where you need to apply consistent damage. Or, when you just need to stack those critical hit points.
How To Acquire Greatblade Phalanx
You’ll need to head to Cuckoo’s Evergaol (Liurnia of the Lakes) for this. Here, defeat Bols, Carian Knight, and the spell will be your reward.
Roiling Magma
Take charge of a slow-moving ball of magma that bursts into pools of lava
| Type: | Magma Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 21, FAI 10 |
| FP: | 16 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Dropped by the Magma Wyrm upon defeat at Mt. Gelmir |
This spell’s area denial and damage potential make it a superb pick for mid to end-game scenarios. It lets you persistently create pools of lava, forcing enemies to reposition and create some space. The fight is yours to win if a slow-moving or stationary foe gets trapped in the lava.
How To Acquire Roiling Magma
You need to encounter and win a specific Magma Wyrm boss fight to get this spell. Head to Fort Laiedd (western region of Mt. Gelmir) to find the boss.
Adula’s Moonblade
Wield a large and cold magic greatsword for sweeping and mid-range attacks
| Type: | Carian Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 32 |
| FP: | 26 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Dropped by Glintstone Dragon Adula upon defeat at the Cathedral of Manus Celes |
This highly versatile spell lets you enjoy both melee and mid-range attacks. It inflicts Frostbite, lets you perform sweeping attacks, and fires a mid-range projectile. Some weapons fit all sorts of RPG classes, and Adula’s Moonblade is a powerful example of that.
How To Acquire Adula’s Moonblade
You can obtain this one by defeating Glintstone Dragon Adula at the Cathedral of Manus Celes. This will require you to progress through Ranni’s quests until you can access the Moonlight Altar plateau.
Best Shadow of the Erdtree Sorceries (DLC)
| Spell | Type | Location |
| Impenetrable Thorns | Thorn Sorcery | Looted from a corpse in the Specimen Storage area of the Shadow Keep |
| Blades of Stone | Gravity Sorcery | Exchange Remembrance of the Wild Boar Rider with Enia at the Roundtable Hold |
| Gravitational Missile | Gravity Sorcery | Dropped by the Fallingstar Beast at Fingerstone Hill |
| Rellana’s Twin Moons | Moon Sorcery | Exchange Remembrance of the Twin Moon Knight with Enia at the Roundtable Hold |
| Cherishing Fingers | Finger Sorcery | Cemetery west of the Church of Manus Metyr |
| Glintstone Nails | Finger Sorcery | Can be purchased from Count Ymir at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr |
Impenetrable Thorns
Summon multiple Scadutree thorns that inflict Bleed buildup
| Type: | Thorn Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | FAI 24 |
| FP: | 15, along with some HP |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Looted from a corpse in the Specimen Storage area of the Shadow Keep |
This offensive spell is great for FAI-scaling builds, and lets you fire several thorns that apply Bleed buildup against enemies. Its multiple projectiles are helpful during fights where you need to consistently apply pressure. Bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree are particularly tough, so this can be highly useful!
How To Acquire Impenetrable Thorns
For this spell, you’ll need to head to the Shadow Keep and find the Specimen Storage area. Here, on the seventh floor, you’ll reach the walkway that leads to Messmer the Impaler. Step onto the balcony, and look down to spot a Vampire Bat. Carefully drop down, defeat the enemy, and find a corpse that holds the spell.
Blades of Stone
Summon multiple blade-like rocks that erupt from the area and clear crowds
| Type: | Gravity Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 48 |
| FP: | 28 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Exchange Remembrance of the Wild Boar Rider with Enia at the Roundtable Hold |
If you’re looking to quickly clear out mobs during endgame scenarios, especially in the DLC, this spell can do the trick. Thanks to its AoE damage, it hits multiple enemies at once and gives you a chance to break an enemy’s stance. You can also expect to inflict critical hits frequently.
How To Acquire Blades of Stone
To get this spell, you’ll need to first defeat Commander Gaius in the Shadow Keep (Back Gate). Once you have his Remembrance of the Wild Boar Rider, take it to Enia at the Roundtable Hold and exchange it for the spell.
Gravitational Missile
Fire a gravitational projectile that pulls enemies towards it and explodes
| Type: | Gravity Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 36 |
| FP: | 18 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Dropped by the Fallingstar Beast at Fingerstone Hill |
Exceptionally good at crowd control, this spell lets you pull enemies towards the projectile. It strategically sets up an AoE effect, allowing you to direct it towards grounds or walls and helping you clear out multiple enemies in tight spaces. This may take some practice, but it’s worth the hassle!
How To Acquire Gravitational Missile
Start by travelling to the Hinterlands area. Head northwest from the Fingerstone Hill Site of Grace and find the large crater. Here, you’ll need to defeat the Fallingstar Beast boss to acquire the spell.
Rellana’s Twin Moons
Wield the power of twin moons that strike the ground one after another, causing explosions
| Type: | Moon Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 72 |
| FP: | 47 |
| Spell Slots: | 2 |
| Location: | Exchange Remembrance of the Twin Moon Knight with Enia at the Roundtable Hold |
This is a powerful, high-impact spell thanks to its significant AoE magical damage. You can command two moons to crash and strike the ground, causing severe damage to foes. It’s guaranteed to hit multiple energies, causing them to either die or slow down so you can attack when needed.
How To Acquire Rellana’s Twin Moons
The spell is tied to some of the best pieces of lore in the game within the DLC, and requires you to defeat Relllana, Twin Moon Knight, at Castle Ensis. Take her Remembrance to Enia at the Roundtable Hold, and exchange it for the spell.
Cherishing Fingers
Become a finger-summoner, shooting projectiles that damage foes around you
| Type: | Finger Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 36 |
| FP: | 20 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Cemetery west of the Church of Manus Metyr |
Finger sorceries are quite unique (albeit slightly weird), and unironically great for most classes in Elden Ring. With this spell, you can enjoy some defense as it provides a temporary shield that deflects magic and physical projectiles, while also inflicting damage that can stagger nearby foes.
How To Acquire Cherishing Fingers
To obtain this spell, you must first complete Count Ymir’s quests. At the end of it all, you’ll find the spell on a grave in the cemetery to the west of the Cathedral of Manus Metyr.
Glintstone Nails
Fire several shattering magic nails that cause burst damage
| Type: | Finger Sorcery |
| Stat Requirements: | INT 32 |
| FP: | 23 |
| Spell Slots: | 1 |
| Location: | Can be purchased from Count Ymir at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr |
The spell lets you fire nails that excel at burst damage, ensuring decent damage against large enemies. The projectiles have a unique trait that lets them track enemies, making it difficult for them to dodge the attacks. This makes the spell reliable in challenging fights.
How To Acquire Glintstone Nails
To get this one, buy it from Count Ymir, High Priest, for 12,000 Runes. He resides at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr in Scadu Atlus. However, you need to complete the first step of his questline to unlock the shop.
Unlock Powerful Spells in New Worlds
When looking for Elden Ring’s best spells, you’ll meet many fascinating characters and uncover adventurous quests. Elden Ring’s deep mechanics will likely encourage you to explore more games. So, whether you’re looking for the next best RPGs on Steam or any other platform, get ready to dive into new worlds!
We suggest browsing through a collection of RPG titles so you can pick a game that suits your favorite themes. From majestic dragons to enchanting sorceries, there’s a lot to uncover in these games as they help you build a passion for gaming that suits you.
Elden Ring Best Spells FAQ
Spells let you buff up your playstyle by introducing your Tarnished to new damage and possibilities. It’s unique to each player, and how you cast them is entirely up to you.
What Are the Best Sorceries in Elden Ring?
The best spells in Elden Ring often blend high damage, crowd-control efficiency, and overall utility. Comet Azur and Carian Slicer are awesome spells for newcomers and veteran sorcerers.
What’s the Best Starter Spell in Elden Ring?
Glintstone Pebble for the Astrologer class is a great pick because it has a low FP requirement and is quite reliable during early-game scenarios.
What’s the Best PvP Spell in Elden Ring?
In PvP scenarios, Carian Slicer is a dominant spell. Its high-damage melee attacks and a fast moveset give you a versatile stance in many situations.
