When it comes to overpowered archetypes in Elden Ring, Intelligence builds might just reign supreme. Between the devastating spell list, iconic weapons like the Dark Moon Greatsword and Moonveil Elden Ring Items, and the ability to erase bosses in seconds with spells like Comet Azur, it's no surprise the sorcerer playstyle has become a fan favorite.

In this ultimate guide, we're diving deep into a Level 150 Intelligence build that will let you cast every sorcery, wield nearly every Intelligence weapon, and buff yourself into absurd damage numbers-all while turning the game into your personal magic showcase. Whether you're a veteran in New Game+ or just now tuning your sorcery setup, this guide breaks down the stats, spells, weapons, talismans, and buffs you'll need to become the ultimate battle mage in the Lands Between.

Build Overview: Why Intelligence Rules

The Intelligence stat does more than just unlock flashy spells-it empowers some of the best hybrid melee options in the game. Think Wing of Astel's devastating nebula burst, or Moonveil's bleed-scaling katana slice. With this build, you're not choosing between melee and magic-you're dominating with both.

Add in a toolkit of ranged nukes, AoE monsters, and status effects like Frost and Bleed, and you've got a build that's as versatile as it is lethal.

Character Stats at Level 150

This stat distribution is designed to maximize your spell access, damage output, and equipment flexibility:

 Vigor: 50

 Mind: 18

 Endurance: 24

 Strength: 16

 Dexterity: 18

 Intelligence: 60

 Faith: 33

 Arcane: 10

Key Stat Notes:

 60 Intelligence: Unlocks and scales nearly every spell and weapon.

 33 Faith: To use Golden Vow (+15% damage) and Howl of Shabriri (+25% damage).

 Endurance 24: Allows for midweight or heavier armor if you don't want to run glass cannon.

 Mind 18: Balanced FP economy-can be boosted with FP flasks or swapped with armor if you cast frequently.

Spell Buff Stacking for Maximum Damage

Here's how you push your damage into the stratosphere:

 Golden Vow (Incantation) → +15% damage

 Howl of Shabriri (Incantation) → +25% damage

 Terra Magica (Sorcery) → +35% magic damage in the zone

 Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear → +20% magic damage (Physick)

 Intelligence-Knot Crystal Tear → +10 INT (Physick)

 Spellblade Armor Set → +8% damage (2% per piece)

All of this stacks. It's possible to buff yourself up to a ridiculous +100%+ increase in spell and Ash of War damage with the right sequence.

Best Intelligence-Based Weapons

You've got a smorgasbord of broken Intelligence weapons to play with. Here are the highlights:

1. Dark Moon Greatsword

 Signature frost-based greatsword.

 Buffed Ash of War deals massive stance and frostbite damage.

 Frostbite alone reduces enemy HP by 10% and defense by 20%.

2. Moonveil

 Katana with Transient Moonlight: instant ranged slashes.

 Applies Bleed and Magic damage-perfect for PvP and PvE.

3. Wing of Astel

 Light curved sword with Nebula explosion AoE Ash.

 Also usable with low Strength thanks to two-handing mechanics.

4. Lusat's Glintstone Staff

 Best raw damage scaling staff for sorceries.

 Slight FP penalty is manageable with flasks or Mind investment.

5. Death's Poker, Sword of Night and Flame, and Scepter of the All-Knowing

 Niche but fun, each offering strong Intelligence-scaling alternatives.

Pro Tip: Two-handing boosts Strength by 50%, so your 16 Strength becomes 24-enough to wield most heavy Int weapons like Helphen's Steeple without compromising the build.

Spells to Obliterate Everything

You'll be able to cast every single Intelligence spell in the game, including:

 Comet Azur-For nuke-style one-shots.

 Stars of Ruin-Fast-tracking bosses and enemies at range.

 Glintstone Pebble-Basic but efficient for early game or sniping.

 Cannon of Haima / Cannon of Astel-Devastating AoE with stagger potential.

 Ranni's Dark Moon / Rennala's Full Moon-Debuff and massive AoE damage.

 Terra Magica-Essential for burst setup.

This list doesn't even scratch the surface. With full Intelligence, you have total spell freedom-adjust your arsenal based on the fight.

Talismans That Seal the Deal

Equip these four talismans to round out the build:

 Shard of Alexander

 +15% Ash of War damage.

 Boosts Moonveil, Nebula, and Dark Moon GS specials.

 Graven-Mass Talisman

 +8% sorcery damage.

 Essential for nukes and spam casting.

 Ritual Sword Talisman

 +10% attack power at full HP.

 Great synergy with ranged glass cannon builds.

 Magic Scorpion Charm

 +12% magic damage (at the cost of some defense).

You can swap for Radagon Icon (faster casting) or Godfrey Icon (charged sorcery boost) depending on your spell style.Flask of Wondrous Physick: The Secret Sauce

The Wondrous Physick Flask adds two crucial effects:

 Intelligence-Knot Crystal Tear (+10 INT)

 Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear (+20% magic damage)

 Drink this right before a boss fight or before you fire Comet Azur and you'll see a truly unfair amount of damage.

Armor: Spellblade or Bulk?

Spellblade Set (Rogier's armor):

 +8% damage (2% per piece) for both sorceries and magic Ashes of War.

 Lightweight and stylish-best for full damage output.

Heavier Sets (Bull-Goat, Banished Knight):

 If you want more survivability, invest more into Endurance.

 Great option if you prefer to play aggressively with melee weapons like the Dark Moon GS.

You can mix and match if you want a balance of fashion, function, and firepower.

Playstyle Tips

 Open with Terra Magica, Golden Vow, and Howl of Shabriri before boss fights.

 Use Comet Azur or Stars of Ruin to melt bosses before they can react.

 Swap to melee (Moonveil or Wing of Astel) when enemies close in.

 For aggressive bosses, rely on Ranni's Dark Moon to lower their resistances before nuking.

 Don't forget to top off health to benefit from Ritual Sword Talisman damage.

Final Thoughts-Is This the Best Build in Elden Ring?

Absolutely. If you're looking for:

 Spell versatility

 Boss-melting potential

 PvP and PvE dominance

 A build that feels like you're cheating (in a good way)

Then this Intelligence build is your golden ticket Elden Ring Runes. It's stupidly powerful, endlessly fun, and brutally effective.