So you're building a mage in Elden Ring? Smart choice. But let's be honest - sometimes you just want to smack enemies with something sharp while your FP recovers. That's where intelligence weapons come in. These magical murder tools let you blend spellcasting with melee combat seamlessly. I remember my first playthrough when I stubbornly stuck with the basic staff until Radahn stomped me into paste. That's when I discovered the beautiful synergy of intelligence weapons.
Finding the right intelligence-based weapon isn't just about raw damage numbers either. It's about movesets, ash of war compatibility, stat requirements, and how it complements your playstyle. After three playthroughs as an INT build (and countless deaths), I've learned what works and what leaves you vulnerable during critical moments. This guide cuts through the noise to show you exactly which Elden Ring intelligence weapons deserve your upgrade stones.
What Makes Intelligence Weapons Different?
Regular weapons become intelligence weapons when you apply Magic or Cold affinities through Ashes of War. But true INT-focused weapons have innate magic damage scaling. Why does this matter? Because they typically:
- Deal split physical/magic damage (bypassing physical defenses)
- Scale primarily with Intelligence stat
- Often have unique magical skills
- Can be buffed with spells like Scholar's Armament
- Require less strength/dex investment
That last point is crucial. As a mage, every point matters. If you're pumping 60+ points into INT, you don't want to waste 20 levels on strength just to wield some fancy greatsword. That's why proper intelligence weapons keep stat requirements reasonable while delivering magical punishment.
Weapon Scaling Explained (Without the Math Headache)
Scaling letters matter more than you think. Here's the quick version:
- S scaling: Insane damage return per INT point
- A scaling: Excellent returns
- B scaling: Good but not amazing
- C scaling: Decent if you have moderate INT
- D or E: Basically doesn't scale
Weapons with natural INT scaling usually outperform magic-infused normal weapons. Why? Because they're designed from the ground up for mages. The difference becomes massive at 60+ INT.
The Absolute Best Intelligence Weapons in Elden Ring
After testing every intelligence weapon against bosses, invaders, and unfortunate trolls, here are my top recommendations. Damage numbers assume +10 upgrades and 70 INT:
| Weapon | Type | Phy/Mag Damage | Required Stats | Special Ability | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Moon Greatsword | Greatsword | 274 + 329 | STR 16, DEX 11, INT 38 | Moonlight waves (FP cost) | Ranni's quest finale |
| Wing of Astel | Curved Sword | 128 + 154 | STR 7, DEX 17, INT 20 | Nebula explosion | Uhl Palace Ruins chest |
| Moonveil Katana | Katana | 138 + 132 | STR 12, DEX 18, INT 23 | Transient Moonlight | Caelid Gael Tunnel boss |
| Loretta's War Sickle | Halberd | 238 + 285 | STR 20, DEX 14, INT 20 | Loretta's Slash | Haligtree Loretta drop |
| Bastard's Stars | Flail | 108 + 130 | STR 8, DEX 22, INT 22 | Nebula AOE | Astel Remembrance |
The Dark Moon Greatsword - Still Broken After All Updates
Look, I know everyone recommends this. There's a reason. With its charged R2 moonlight waves dealing 2000+ damage to bosses? Absolutely disgusting. But here's what guides don't tell you - the projectile speed is slow against agile enemies. Against Malenia? You'll miss half your shots. Still, for melting slow tanks like Fire Giant, nothing beats it.
Best For: NG+ runs where you have stats to spare
Annoying Requirement: Completing Ranni's entire quest (takes 5+ hours)
Personal Tip: Combine with Godfrey Icon talisman for 15% stronger charged attacks
Wing of Astel - My Personal Favorite
Don't sleep on this curved sword. The charged R2 fires free magic projectiles with zero FP cost. I cleared entire dungeons without spending FP. The Nebula skill creates delayed explosions that shred large enemies. Against the Godskin Duo? Drop two Nebulas and watch their health vanish.
Early Game Intelligence Weapons You Can Get Immediately
Mid/late game weapons are great, but what about when you're struggling in Limgrave? These are accessible within 2 hours of starting:
| Weapon | Location | Requirements | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Sword | Village of the Albinaurics | STR 13, DEX 10, INT 15 | Pure magic damage |
| Meteoric Ore Blade | Caelid Ruins | STR 15, DEX 14, INT 18 | Gravity skill pulls enemies |
| Glintstone Kris | Sellen Questline | STR 5, DEX 12, INT 16 | Skill shoots Cometshard |
Pro Tip: Grab the Meteorite Staff in Caelid (no upgrades needed, S INT scaling) before hunting these weapons. It's in the Street of Sages Ruins - just watch out for the rotting dogs.
Secret OP Intelligence Weapons Most Players Miss
Beyond the popular picks, these hidden gems deserve attention:
Death's Poker (Greatsword): Found in Caelid by killing Death Rite Bird near Southern Aeonia Swamp. Its Ghostflame Ignition skill leaves fire trails that melt enemies. Ridiculous against groups.
Helphen's Steeple (Greatsword): Drops from Tibia Mariner in Mountaintops. Temporarily buffs with ghostflame for extra magic damage. Looks terrifying too.
Carian Knight's Sword (Straight Sword): Obtained from Carian Study Hall. Blocks while attacking with its skill. Perfect defensive option.
Infusion vs Unique Intelligence Weapons
Should you use natural INT weapons or infuse regular ones? Here's the breakdown:
| Aspect | Unique INT Weapons | Infused Weapons |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Potential | Higher at high INT | Lower scaling |
| Flexibility | Fixed skills | Any Ash of War |
| Buffable | Most cannot be buffed | Can apply magic grease |
| Early Game Viability | Few options | Available immediately |
My rule of thumb? Unique weapons for pure INT builds. Infused weapons for hybrid builds (like INT/STR). Clayman's Harpoon with Ice Spear ash is shockingly good when infused.
Essential Talismans for Intelligence Weapon Users
Weapons alone won't cut it. These talismans multiply effectiveness:
- Magic Scorpion Charm: 12% magic damage boost (found in Seluvis' quest)
- Godfrey Icon: 15% stronger charged attacks (Leyndell)
- Shard of Alexander: 15% stronger skills (complete Alexander's quest)
- Ritual Sword Talisman: 10% damage at full HP (Lux Ruins)
Critical Mistakes Intelligence Builds Make
After helping dozens of players respec, I see these errors constantly:
Ignoring Vigor: Yes, you're a mage. No, 25 vigor isn't enough for Mountaintops. Aim for 40 minimum.
Overlooking Poise: Getting interrupted mid-cast? Wear at least 51 poise armor.
FP Mismanagement: Don't just chug cerulean flasks. Use Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce skill costs.
Stat Spread Too Thin: If your STR/DEX exceeds your INT, you're doing it wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elden Ring Intelligence Weapons
Can intelligence weapons be buffed with spells?
Most unique intelligence weapons cannot (like Moonveil or Dark Moon GS). But magic-infused regular weapons can use Scholar's Armament or magic grease.
What's the earliest intelligence weapon I can get?
Crystal Sword in Village of the Albinaurics. Requires beating an easy boss, but doable at level 20. Meteorite Ore Blade is nearby in Caelid ruins.
Do cold weapons count as intelligence weapons?
Yes! Cold affinity adds INT scaling and frost buildup. Try cold-infused Rapier with Glintstone Pebble ash - insane burst damage.
Why does my intelligence weapon feel weak?
Three common reasons: 1) Not upgraded enough 2) Low intelligence stat 3) Enemy has high magic resistance. Always carry a physical backup weapon.
What's better for pure casters - weapons or spells?
Weapons conserve FP. Against magic-resistant foes like Rennala? Pull out a physical-intelligence hybrid weapon immediately.
Advanced Tactics for Intelligence Weapon Masters
Once you've got the basics down, these techniques change everything:
Jump Attack Combos: Jump R2 + instant Moonveil skill catches roll-spammers.
Weapon Swap Parries: Parry with Carian Retaliation shield then switch to weapon for critical.
Status Stacking: Use cold affinity to proc frost, then fire damage to reset it.
Skill Canceling: Bait attacks by starting Wing of Astel's Nebula then rolling away.
Experiment with these against NPC invaders before taking them online. Nothing more satisfying than melting an overconfident Rivers of Blood user with perfectly timed Moonlight waves.
My Biggest Intelligence Weapon Regret
Not trying Loretta's War Sickle sooner. That range! Charged R2s hit enemies three miles away. The weapon art? Deceptively wide arc. Carried me through Haligtree when spells were too slow. Don't sleep on halberds.
Final Thoughts on Elden Ring Intelligence Builds
Finding your perfect intelligence weapon transforms gameplay. I went from struggling against Margit to shredging endgame bosses once I committed to Wing of Astel. Remember:
- Early game: Crystal Sword or Meteorite Ore Blade
- Mid game: Moonveil or Loretta's Sickle
- End game: Dark Moon Greatsword or Bastard's Stars
- PvP secret: Death's Poker explosion traps
Don't be afraid to test weapons against Gatefront soldiers. Moveset comfort matters more than spreadsheet numbers. Now go out there and make Rennala proud, fellow scholars.
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