Magic builds in Dark Souls 3 are some of the most fun you can have in the game. There are a number of ways to build a good Sorcerer and each build uses special equipment to maximize their potential.
You need to think about where to put your stats early and if you prefer long-range or up close and personal with your magic builds.
Early Game
Early game Sorcerers will rely heavily onHeavy Soul Arrowas their high damage spell until they unlock Orbeck and purchase theGreatvariants of Soul and Heavy Soul Arrow.Farron FlashswordandSoul Greatswordcan be useful for bosses like Deacons or large groups of enemies as well.
Stats and equipment should be:
Related:Best Code Vein Builds
TheChloranthy Ringis found relatively early in the game and is especially useful for players finding themselves out of stamina. Using the staff’s Weapon Art for a temporary increase in damage should not be underestimated as damage is multiplicative. Farron Dart and Great Farron Dart are decent spells, butGreat Soul Arrowis almost always better to use.
Pure Sorcery
There are a few ways to maximize damage while retaining survivability for players wanting to avoid weapons and play a pure sorcerer. A healthy amount of Vigor is always a must, but 60 Intelligence and about 30 Attunement should be what players aim for.
One hand should have the main staff with the other holding one of the three other buffing catalysts. With theWitchtree Branch, players can remove the Sage Ring for another damage buff ring or something for survivability, such as theRing of Favor. With theSage’s Crystal Staff, players should use the catalyst’s Weapon Art for it but continue using their primary staff to get the effect.Scholar’s Candlestickis useful for players not wanting to keep repeatedly using a Weapon Art buff and want a passive damage buff instead.
Melee Mage
Players wanting to use magic but still want to fight at close range should invest inCrystal Gems. Infusing a weapon with a Crystal Gem will cause a weapon to scale with Intelligence. Otherwise, there are a few alternatives for players not wanting to go this route.
Using melee weapons will also mean that attack buffing equipment can be used such asFlynn’s Ring. Moonlight Greatsword’s Weapon Art can do a lot of damage but it is usually better to use a spell instead. The FP cost of the Weapon Art may be more enticing but its range and low mobility while using it aren’t worth it.Immolation Tinderand theGreatsword of Judgmentare great alternatives for a melee weapon for players not wanting to transpose the Soul of Oceiros or fight Heysel.
Dark Sorcerer
Using the Izalith Staff and Karla, this build is a great alternative to use against magic-resistant bosses. Using the Blindfold Mask and Dark Clutch Ring, Dark Sorceries can do lots of damage. For melee variants, using a Dark Gem will have a weapon scale with INT and FTH. Spells are limited, butGreat Soul DregsandAffinitycan easily be acquired with no soul transposition required.
Alternatives
There are two catalysts that are worth noting for sorcerers. TheArchdeacon’s Great Staffuses Faith instead of Intelligence to cast Sorceries but with a catch. Players must still have the right amount of Intelligence in the listed requirement when attuning a spell.
The other catalyst is theGolden Ritual Spearthat works the same but can be used as a weapon as well. The Archdeacon staff outpaces it as a catalyst but pales in comparison if players plan to melee attack.
Using these alternatives will have players leveling both Faith and Intelligence so Miracles, Pyromancies, and Dark versions of spells may be good to equip. Both catalysts won’t do as much damage while casting Dark spells compared to using the Izalith Staff but might be worth it for players experimenting with Faith builds.
Equipment
Staves
The Catalyst that Sorcerers use to cast spells comes in the shape of staves. There are two main staves that will be used for casting, but other staves are worth talking about for their unique playstyle.
There are many rings, armor pieces, and weapons that provide bonuses useful for sorcerers. Many of them can be swapped for more protective equipment, but the damage trade-off is noticeable.
Weapons
Armor
Many different items in Dark Souls 3 can be used in combination to make great builds. Comfort should be the top priority in any build a player decides to make and there are many ways to incorporate defense to match one’s style of gameplay.
For more magic guides, check outBest Magic Builds In Demon’s Soulson Pro Game Guides.
