In the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring, mastering incantations can be the key to survival and dominance. Whether you’re a seasoned sorcerer or a newcomer to the Lands Between, knowing which spells to wield can significantly enhance your combat prowess. From powerful healing spells like Erdtree Heal to devastating attacks such as Giantsflame Take Thee, this guide explores the best incantations available, ranking them based on their effectiveness in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Prepare to dive into a realm of magic where every choice can turn the tide of battle!
Lightning Spear
The Lightning Spear is a powerful offensive incantation in Elden Ring, associated with the ancient Dragon Cult. This spell allows players to summon and hurl a lightning spear at foes, dealing significant damage. When charged, it not only increases the spear’s impact but also calls down a lightning bolt at the point of impact, enhancing its effectiveness. Players can acquire this incantation by obtaining the Dragon Cult Prayerbook from a Leyndell Knight in East Liurnia and can purchase it for 6,000 runes from either Brother Corhyn or Miriel, Pastor of Vows. With a requirement of 17 Faith and a cost of 18 FP, Lightning Spear is an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate lightning damage into their builds, particularly effective against knight-type enemies and bosses.
This one is a good choice both when it comes to PvE and PvP. Works well on longer distances, the projectile quickly reaches its target, deals a lot of damage and the mana cost of the spell is not that high. Lightning Spear is viable at every phase of the game.
Interestingly enough, if you use this spell on an opponent standing in the water or being rained on, you’ll deal more damage than normal.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 17 Faith points, and one memory slot.
Catch Flame
Catch Flame is an offensive Fire Monk Incantation in Elden Ring, known for its rapid casting and low resource cost. This spell, which can be purchased from Brother Corhyn at the Roundtable Hold for 600 Runes, allows players to unleash a burst of fire from their hands, dealing damage to nearby enemies. With a minimal FP cost of just 10 and requiring only 8 Faith, it is particularly effective for close combat scenarios, making it a valuable tool for early-game encounters. Although its damage output is relatively low, its fast casting speed enables players to chain multiple casts in quick succession, providing a tactical advantage in battles against agile foes.
Underrated, but strong Incantation. It creates a flame cast from your fingers which deals fire damage. The more Faith, the more damage it does.
Unfortunately, the range is low, but the casting animation is very fast. The perfect choice for PvP as well as PvE when you are facing more agile enemies.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 8 Faith, and one memory slot.
Giantsflame Take Thee
Giantsflame Take Thee is a powerful Incantation in Elden Ring, known for its ability to unleash a massive ball of primordial fire that inflicts significant damage. This spell, categorized under Fire Giant Incantations, requires 30 Faith and consumes 30 FP per cast. When charged, it not only increases its potency but also causes the fireball to explode, creating a large area of effect (AoE) that can devastate groups of enemies. Players can acquire this incantation from Brother Corhyn or Miriel, Pastor of Vows, after presenting them with the Giant’s Prayerbook. Its high damage output and knockback effect make it one of the most formidable ranged attacks available in the game, particularly effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
This one is characteristic for its immense fire damage. Viable at medium range, and suitable for both PvE and PvP. Charging this incantation increases the blast power and thus damage. The blast radius may catch more opponents aside from the direct target.
To use this incantation effectively, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 30 Faith and one memory slot.
Flame, Grant me Strength
Flame, Grant Me Strength is a powerful defensive incantation in Elden Ring, originating from the Fire Monks. Found at Fort Gael in Caelid, this incantation creates an invigorating fire that enhances both physical and fire-affinity attack power without harming the caster, making it a strategic choice for players looking to boost their offensive capabilities. Requiring 15 Faith and costing 28 FP, it effectively raises damage output by approximately 20%, making it a valuable asset in combat situations. Its forbidden status among the guardians of the Flame adds an intriguing lore element to its use, emphasizing the tension between power and restraint in the game’s narrative.
This incantation is a useful buff that allows you to increase physical and fire damage by 20% (15% for PvP). Has a duration of 30 seconds.
In addition to increasing the physical damage of your weapons, beast incantation damage is also increased. A useful buff for both PvP and PvE, especially before a boss fight. Perfect incantation if you fight with fire or bestial incantations and also have a weapon that deals fire damage.
To use this incantation effectively, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 15 Faith points, and one memory slot.
Black Flame
Black Flame is a powerful incantation in Elden Ring, particularly favored by players who build around Faith. This spell, which inflicts both immediate damage and a lingering burn effect, is ideal for dexterity builds due to its ability to enhance weapon damage through the application of festering bloodflame. Players can acquire Black Flame by defeating the Godskin Apostle and obtaining the associated prayer book, allowing them to purchase it from either Brother Corhyn or Miriel, Pastor of Vows. Its relatively low FP cost and quick cast time make it a versatile choice for both PvE and PvP encounters, enabling players to deal substantial damage while maintaining mobility during battles.
This incantation creates a black flame cast from your fingers that flies toward the opponent. The spell takes a lot of time to reach the opponent, so it is better suited to PvE rather than PvP. However, it deals a lot of damage, especially when charged.
Moreover, when this projectile hits an enemy, the opponent takes further damage for a short time, from 2 to 5% of maximum health. Charging makes the blast bigger and can apply a black flame effect to all enemies affected by the blast. Black flame is best against enemies with a lot of health points.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 20 Faith points, and one memory slot.
Beast Claw
The Beast Claw is a newly introduced weapon in Elden Ring, specifically within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This unique weapon takes the form of a ferocious beast’s claws, allowing players to execute rapid slashing attacks that can accumulate blood loss on enemies. To acquire the Beast Claw, players must defeat Logur, the Beast Claw, located in the dense woods southeast of the Gravesite Plain site of grace. With its distinctive moveset and the ability to perform powerful attacks through its Savage Claws skill, this weapon offers a dynamic and aggressive playstyle, making it an exciting addition for players looking to enhance their combat strategies in the game.
The Beast’s Claw is a beastly incantation that creates a few claws on the ground and then releases them straight ahead. Claws pass through enemies, which is why it is a great choice when fighting a large number of enemies.
Using an incantation, weapon, or talisman that enhances physical damage will also increase the strength of the Beast’s Claw. To cumulate this effect even more, you can charge the spell.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 8 Faith, and one memory slot.
Swarm of Flies
Swarm of Flies is an intriguing incantation in Elden Ring that unleashes a swarm of insects to damage enemies over time. This spell is particularly effective in crowd control scenarios, as it can inflict continuous damage while also applying a bleed effect, making it a valuable asset during both PvE and PvP encounters. With its relatively low Faith requirement, Swarm of Flies is accessible to many builds and can be strategically used to disrupt enemy actions and create openings for follow-up attacks. Its unique visual effect and tactical utility make it a noteworthy choice for players looking to enhance their incantation repertoire.
Once this incantation strucks the opponent, it creates a cloud that imposes a bleeding status. If the opponent doesn’t avoid it, the status can stack, dealing a lot of damage.
Swarm of Flies is good for both PvE and PvP. It homes toward the opponent, has good range, you can create several of such swarms, making it very difficult for the enemy to successfully avoid it.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, have at least 11 Faith and 16 Arcane points, and one memory slot.
Bloodflame Talons
Bloodflame Talons is a powerful incantation in Elden Ring that showcases the game’s unique blend of magic and combat. When cast, it unleashes a series of fiery talons that not only deal significant damage to enemies but also inflict a lingering burn effect, making it particularly effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios. This incantation requires a minimum of 20 Faith to wield, allowing players to utilize it as part of their offensive strategy while also benefiting from its ability to debilitate foes over time. Bloodflame Talons is especially favored for its versatility, serving as a formidable option for players looking to enhance their magical arsenal.
This incantation works similar to Catch Flame. You also create a flame in front of you, however Blood Flame Claws are a bit slower. Nevertheless, they deal more damage and also cause bleeding on the opponent.
It comes in handy in many situations, both in PvE and PvP. You can perform several strikes to maximize damage and induce bleeding. Blood Flame Claws seems to be a better choice for bleeding builds rather than fire builds.
To use this Incantation effectively, you need to have a Seal equipped, have at least 13 Faith and 15 Arcane points, and one memory slot
Black Blade
The Black Blade is a powerful Erdtree Incantation in Elden Ring, acquired by defeating Maliketh, the Black Blade, and exchanging his remembrance at the Roundtable Hold. This incantation allows the caster to summon an illusory black blade, executing a spinning slash that not only inflicts damage but also reduces the target’s maximum HP and continues to sap their current health for a brief period. Requiring 46 Faith and costing 26 FP, it utilizes two memory slots and has been noted for its significant impact in both PvE and PvP scenarios, particularly due to its unique ability to debilitate opponents by limiting their health recovery capabilities. The Black Blade is especially favored in builds that emphasize Faith, making it a strategic choice for players looking to enhance their combat effectiveness against formidable foes.
What makes this incantation a very good choice is the absurdly long range of the projectile it fires, and the damage both from the projectile and the damage over time.
Hitting an enemy with this incantation will cause a black flame to be applied to it, which deals a percentage of damage based on the opponent’s max health. Black Blade is more viable as the enemy max health increases. Perfect for boss battles, but also useful for killing other players, especially those who are trying to retreat to heal themselves.
To use this incantation effectively, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 46 Faith points, and two memory slots.
Lansseax’s Glaive
Lansseax’s Glaive is a powerful incantation in Elden Ring, renowned for its impressive damage output and versatility in combat. This incantation allows players to summon a spear of lightning that can be hurled at enemies, dealing significant damage and providing a tactical advantage during battles. With a Faith requirement of 36, it is accessible to players who have invested in Faith builds, making it a valuable addition to their arsenal. Its relatively low FP cost of 20 enables frequent use, allowing players to maintain pressure on foes without depleting their resources too quickly. Overall, Lansseax’s Glaive stands out as one of the top choices for those looking to harness the power of lightning in their gameplay strategy.
This incantation has many uses, but it is best utilized when attempting to kill a large number of enemies that are at close or medium distance from you. You deal damage from both slash and lightning, which appear at medium range.
Also, when using this incantation, you rise slightly into the air, thanks to which you can avoid some attacks.
To use this incantation effectively, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 40 Faith points and one memory slot.
Pest Threads
Pest Threads is a powerful offensive Incantation in Elden Ring, classified as a Servant of Rot spell. Sold by Sage Gowry in Caelid, this incantation unleashes numerous sticky threads that can ensnare and damage foes, making it particularly effective against enemies afflicted by scarlet rot. To utilize Pest Threads, players need a minimum of 11 Faith and it costs 19 FP to cast. Its unique ability to slow down targets adds to its utility in combat, allowing players to control the battlefield while dealing significant damage. Acquiring this incantation early in the game can provide a substantial advantage against tougher opponents.
Pest threads are mainly oriented towards PvP, as the incantation does not deal that much damage as to rival other available spells in PvE mode. However, it homes perfectly well. Most of the projectiles will hit the enemy anyway, no matter how good the opponent is at dodging.
Therefore, it is a very good choice for PvP fights, especially when we want to deal damage or strike a final blow when the enemy is low on health.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 11 Faith points and one memory slot.
Frenzied Burst
Frenzied Burst is a powerful incantation in Elden Ring that unleashes a concentrated ray of rage, striking enemies in a straight line. This unique spell not only deals damage but also imposes a rage status effect on those it hits, enhancing the damage they receive and briefly stunning them. However, users must be cautious, as casting Frenzied Burst also places the caster in a state of rage, which can have its own implications for gameplay. With a requirement of 22 Faith and one memory slot, this incantation is particularly effective for builds focused on aggression and crowd control, making it a valuable addition to any incantation-focused arsenal.
This is a unique incantation that produces a ray of rage that hits enemies in a straight line. Moreover, it also imposes a rage status on enemies. When this bar is full, you will deal much more damage and stun your opponent for a moment.
What you need to be careful about is that using this incantation puts you in an rage status as well. However, this is one of the better choices for the madman build.
To use this incantation successfully, you need to have a Seal equipped, at least 22 Faith points, and one memory slot.
Rotten Breath
Rotten Breath is a powerful Dragon Incantation in Elden Ring that allows players to unleash a cloud of Scarlet Rot upon their enemies. This offensive spell can be obtained by offering a Dragon Heart at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion, making it accessible early in the game. With a relatively low requirement of 15 Faith and 12 Arcane, Rotten Breath is considered one of the most effective spells for dealing damage over time, inflicting significant health loss on affected foes. The spell’s area-of-effect damage and ability to stagger enemies make it particularly useful in both boss fights and crowd control situations, solidifying its reputation as a must-have for players looking to dominate their opponents with rot-based tactics.
This incantation is a very good choice for both PvE and invasions, especially in narrow corridors. When casting, your hero will stand still for a moment. After a while, a dragon’s head will appear, from which a cloud of rot will be released, dealing a lot of damage and imposing the scarlet rot status.
What are the top S-tier incantations in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, the S-tier incantations stand out for their exceptional power and versatility, making them essential for any serious build. Here are the top S-tier incantations to consider:
- Pest-Thread Spears: This incantation features aggressive tracking and high damage, ideal for staggering enemies, particularly effective against larger bosses.
- Knight’s Lightning Spear: A powerful spell that launches multiple lightning projectiles, making it excellent for targeting evasive foes.
- Heal From Afar: The best healing incantation, providing substantial healing with lower FP cost and faster casting, perfect for supporting allies from a distance.
- Fire Serpent: An efficient and quick-casting fire spell that tracks enemies well, making it a reliable choice for consistent damage output.
- Giantsflame Take Thee: Known for its immense fire damage, this incantation can be charged for even greater impact and is effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
- Black Flame: This incantation deals significant initial damage and applies a lingering burn effect, making it particularly useful against tough opponents.
- Scouring Black Flame: A chargeable spell that delivers a powerful arc of black flame, effective in both range and damage.
- Swarm of Flies: Notable for its tracking capabilities and status effect application, this incantation is particularly useful in crowd control situations.
These incantations not only enhance offensive capabilities but also provide crucial support in various combat scenarios throughout the game .
What are the best S-tier incantations for PvP
In Elden Ring, the best S-tier incantations for PvP offer a combination of high damage, effective status effects, and excellent tracking capabilities. Here are the top choices:
- Pest-Thread Spears: This incantation features aggressive tracking and high damage, making it particularly effective in PvP. Its ability to stagger opponents adds to its utility, especially against larger foes and during mounted combat.
- Knight’s Lightning Spear: A superior version of the standard Lightning Spear, this incantation releases multiple projectiles that track enemies effectively. It’s particularly useful against agile opponents, allowing for significant damage output in quick succession.
- Swarm of Flies: Known for its excellent tracking and ability to inflict bleeding damage, this incantation can create multiple swarms that make it difficult for enemies to evade. Its effectiveness in PvP stems from its capacity to stack damage over time.
- Black Flame: This powerful spell deals significant initial damage and inflicts a lingering black flame effect that drains a percentage of the target’s health over time. It’s particularly effective against high-health opponents, making it a strong choice in PvP encounters.
- Rotten Breath: While it requires standing still during casting, this incantation releases a damaging cloud that inflicts Scarlet Rot, making it devastating in narrow spaces or against opponents who struggle to dodge. Its area denial capabilities are invaluable in PvP situations.
- Fire Serpent: A low-cost incantation with excellent tracking that deals respectable damage, making it easy to use effectively in PvP scenarios. Its quick casting time allows for rapid follow-up attacks.
- Black Blade: This incantation offers long-range projectile attacks with both immediate damage and a damaging effect over time. It is particularly useful against players attempting to heal or reposition during battles.
These incantations not only enhance offensive capabilities but also provide strategic advantages in the competitive landscape of Elden Ring’s PvP environment.
