If you're new to Elden Ring, you might be wondering what all the different numbers on your character's screen mean. One of the most important stats, especially if you like magic, is Intelligence. It’s the key to unlocking some of the most powerful and coolest-looking abilities in the game.

So, what does Intelligence do in Elden Ring? In short, Intelligence primarily boosts the power of your Glintstone sorceries and allows you to wield magic-based weapons. It also increases your character's magic resistance, making you tougher against other magic users.

Unlocking the Power of Sorcery

The main reason to level up your Intelligence is to become a powerful sorcerer. The higher your Intelligence, the more damage your spells will do. This is because most of the staffs you use to cast spells get stronger as your Intelligence increases. Think of it like a wizard's strength score.

I remember when I first started my Astrologer playthrough. My little Glintstone Pebble spell barely tickled the bigger enemies. I felt a bit weak, to be honest. But I kept putting points into Intelligence. After a few hours, I found a new spell called Loretta's Greatbow. I spent the next hour defeating enemies to level up my Intelligence just enough to use it. The first time I charged it up and fired a giant magic arrow across the map to one-shot an enemy, I knew I had made the right choice. It was so satisfying!

Wielding Magical Weapons

Intelligence isn't just for casting spells from a distance. Many of the most unique weapons in the game require a certain amount of Intelligence to use properly. These weapons often have special abilities, called Ashes of War, that cast a spell or have a magical effect.

Here are a few examples of popular Intelligence weapons:

• Moonveil: A katana that shoots waves of magical energy.
• Dark Moon Greatsword: A massive sword that can be coated in frost and launch powerful magic beams.
• Wing of Astel: A curved sword that creates exploding nebulas with its heavy attack.

My friend was struggling with a boss and I suggested he try the Moonveil katana since he had a high-Intelligence build. He was hesitant to switch from his trusty longsword, but he gave it a shot. The special ability of the Moonveil, Transient Moonlight, allowed him to stagger the boss easily, and he finally beat it. It completely changed how he approached fights, blending swordplay with magic.

So, if you want to be a powerful sorcerer who can also wield some of the flashiest weapons in The Lands Between, putting points into Intelligence is the way to go.

Want to get your hands on a copy of Elden Ring or buy some in-game items? You can play games on Playstorm and earn gift cards for PlayStation or Xbox to help you on your journey in The Lands Between!