Where to Learn Spells in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
Elden Ring, the sprawling open-world RPG from FromSoftware, offers players a vast array of combat options. Among the most versatile and powerful are spells, divided into Sorceries and Incantations. For those Tarnished eager to master the arcane arts, knowing where to learn spells in Elden Ring is crucial. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the key locations and NPCs that offer spell training, ensuring you can build the mage character of your dreams. Whether you’re a seasoned Souls veteran or a newcomer to the Lands Between, understanding the nuances of spell acquisition will significantly enhance your Elden Ring experience.
Understanding Sorceries and Incantations
Before diving into specific locations, it’s important to differentiate between Sorceries and Incantations. Sorceries primarily scale with Intelligence and are learned from scrolls found throughout the game or purchased from specific vendors. Incantations, on the other hand, usually scale with Faith, and sometimes other stats, and are often tied to specific factions or storylines. Knowing which type of magic you wish to specialize in will significantly narrow down your search for where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
Key Locations and NPCs for Sorceries
Raya Lucarian Academy
The Raya Lucarian Academy, located in the heart of Liurnia of the Lakes, is a primary hub for sorcery. Within its hallowed halls, you’ll find several key NPCs and opportunities to acquire powerful spells. This is a crucial location to learn where to learn spells in Elden Ring if you are focused on Sorceries.
- Sorcerer Thops: Found outside the Academy, Thops is a struggling sorcerer who offers basic but essential sorceries. Completing his questline provides access to additional spells.
- Miriel, Pastor of Vows: Found at the Church of Vows on the Eastern Liurnia, Miriel offers both sorceries and incantations, and can teach you new spells after giving him scrolls and prayerbooks.
- Primeval Sorcerer Azur: While not a vendor, finding Azur will grant you the Comet Azur sorcery, a powerful beam attack, and is a step in Sellen’s questline.
Sorceress Sellen
Sorceress Sellen is arguably the most important NPC for sorcery builds. She can be found in the Waypoint Ruins Cellar in Limgrave. Initially, she sells basic sorceries, but as you progress her questline, she offers more advanced spells and even allows you to turn in scrolls you find throughout the world. Knowing her location is paramount when considering where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
To advance Sellen’s quest, you’ll need to find Primeval Sorcerer Azur and Lusat, retrieving their respective Glintstone Crowns. These crowns not only enhance specific sorceries but also are crucial for progressing her storyline, ultimately unlocking more powerful spells. This questline provides access to some of the most potent sorceries in the game.
Hidden Locations and Scrolls
Many sorceries are not purchased from vendors but are found as scrolls hidden throughout the world. These scrolls can then be given to Sellen, Miriel, or Thops to unlock new spells for purchase. Some notable scroll locations include:
- Royal House Scroll: Found in the ruins near Agheel Lake in Limgrave.
- Academy Scroll: Located within the Raya Lucarian Academy, requiring some exploration to find.
- Conspectus Scroll: Also within the Raya Lucarian Academy, hidden in a more challenging area.
Finding these scrolls is essential to expand your repertoire of where to learn spells in Elden Ring. Explore thoroughly, as hidden nooks and crannies often hold valuable secrets.
Key Locations and NPCs for Incantations
Roundtable Hold
The Roundtable Hold serves as a hub for many important NPCs, including those who teach Incantations. This is one of the first locations players will discover when considering where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
- Brother Corhyn: Initially found in the Roundtable Hold, Corhyn sells basic Incantations. His questline involves following Goldmask, eventually leading to new Incantations and a deeper understanding of the Golden Order.
- Miriel, Pastor of Vows: As mentioned earlier, Miriel also teaches Incantations.
Dragon Communion Altar
For players interested in dragon-based Incantations, the Dragon Communion Altar is a must-visit. This altar allows you to exchange Dragon Hearts for powerful dragon-themed spells. There are multiple Dragon Communion Altars, including one in Limgrave and another in Caelid. These Altars are critical for knowing where to learn spells in Elden Ring if you are interested in Dragon Communion Incantations.
Gurranq, Beast Clergyman
Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman, resides in the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid. He offers Incantations in exchange for Deathroot, which can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between. He provides access to bestial incantations, offering a unique flavor to your spellcasting arsenal. Finding Gurranq is essential for players seeking where to learn spells in Elden Ring related to the bestial arts.
Hidden Locations and Prayerbooks
Similar to Sorceries, many Incantations are unlocked by finding Prayerbooks and giving them to relevant NPCs. Some notable Prayerbook locations include:
- Golden Order Prayerbook: Found in the Foot of the Four Belfries in Liurnia.
- Godskin Prayerbook: Located in Stormveil Castle.
- Dragon Cult Prayerbook: Found in the Liurnia Divine Tower.
These Prayerbooks contain powerful Incantations that can significantly enhance your combat prowess. Exploring thoroughly and uncovering these hidden treasures is key to mastering Incantations, and understanding where to learn spells in Elden Ring in general.
Optimizing Your Spell Learning Journey
Stat Allocation
Before embarking on your spell-learning journey, carefully consider your stat allocation. Sorceries primarily require Intelligence, while Incantations typically require Faith. Some Incantations may also require Arcane or Strength. Balancing your stats to meet the requirements of your desired spells is crucial for effective spellcasting. Understanding the stat requirements influences your decision of where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
Memory Slots
Memory Slots determine how many spells you can equip at a time. Increasing your Mind stat grants you more Memory Slots, allowing you to carry a wider variety of spells into battle. This is particularly important for hybrid builds that utilize both Sorceries and Incantations. Planning your memory slots is a vital part of deciding where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
Talismans and Equipment
Certain Talismans and equipment can significantly enhance your spellcasting abilities. For example, the Radagon Icon reduces casting time, while the Godfrey Icon boosts charged spell damage. Experiment with different combinations to optimize your build. Finding equipment that enhances your spellcasting is critical, no matter where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
Advanced Spell Acquisition Techniques
Exploring Hidden Areas
Elden Ring is filled with hidden areas and secrets. Many powerful spells are located in these obscure locations, rewarding players who are willing to venture off the beaten path. Thorough exploration is essential for discovering the full range of spells available. Remember that discovering secret areas expands your knowledge of where to learn spells in Elden Ring.
Completing NPC Questlines
Many NPCs have intricate questlines that, when completed, reward you with unique spells and equipment. Following these questlines not only enriches the game’s lore but also unlocks powerful new options for your character. Fully completing NPC questlines is crucial for learning where to learn spells in Elden Ring, and for acquiring unique and powerful spells.
Defeating Bosses
Certain bosses drop key items or unlock access to areas containing powerful spells. Overcoming these challenges is a rite of passage for any aspiring mage. Bosses are a key element in determining where to learn spells in Elden Ring, as they often guard powerful incantations and sorceries, or the means to acquire them.
Conclusion
Mastering magic in Elden Ring requires dedication, exploration, and a keen understanding of the game’s systems. By knowing where to learn spells in Elden Ring and utilizing the resources available, you can create a formidable spellcaster capable of conquering the Lands Between. Remember to experiment with different spells, optimize your build, and never stop exploring. The path to becoming a powerful mage is challenging but immensely rewarding. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your spells strike true!
