Elden Ring DLC Int Tier List - Top 5 Best Intelligence Weapons & Builds in SotF
Welcome back to our Elden Ring DLC Best Weapon Column! Today, we cover the often overlooked Intelligence stat of the Elden Ring DLC. Despite the limited new spells and weapons in Elden Ring DLC, some standout options are worth considering. Here, we rank the top five Intelligence weapons in the DLC, and detail how to set up the most powerful int builds with each one!
Elden Ring DLC Best Intelligence Weapons & Builds in Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC expands the game's already rich tapestry of magical combat by introducing new Intelligence-scaling weapons and build options. In the base game, players have wielded the likes of the Staff of the Guilty, Carian Regal Scepter, and Meteorite Staff to channel powerful sorceries. With the DLC, these familiar implements receive potent upgrades, alongside newcomers like the Carian Inverted Statue. These enhancements allow for even greater magic damage output, further empowering Intelligence builds. New spells such as Rennala's Full Moon also provide fresh strategies and devastating offensive capabilities. Here we will go over the top 5 best Intelligence weapons and builds in the Elden Ring DLC, helping you master the arcane arts and conquer all who stand in your way.
1. Wing of Astel
The Wing of Astel stands out as the best intelligence weapon in the game. This curved sword excels due to its high DPS Ash of War, which not only deals massive damage but also has significant poise-breaking potential. Its unique heavy attack combo allows for a shotgun blast of magic arcs without consuming FP, making it incredibly versatile for both melee and ranged punishes. Whether you're power-stancing it with another curved sword or using it one-handed alongside spells, the Wing of Astel is an all-around powerhouse.
Best Wing of Astel Int Build Setup:
Stats: 55 Vigor, 22 Mind, 25 Endurance, 10 Strength, 17 Dexterity, 80 Intelligence, 10 Faith, 10 Arcane
Weapons: Wing of Astel+10 (Right Hand), Magic Parrying Dagger+25 (Right Hand), Sacred Dagger+25 (Left Hand), Lusat's Glinstone Staff+10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Spellblade Armor Set
Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Graven-Mass Talisman
Flasks: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Opaline Hardtear
2. Dark Moon Greatsword
Though slightly nerfed in recent patches, the Dark Moon Greatsword remains a top-tier weapon due to its mix of magic and frost damage. Its melee attacks now have increased poise potential, making point-blank hits incredibly effective. The weapon's versatility in offering both fast and charged heavy attacks, coupled with its frost buildup and debuff, ensures it remains a formidable choice for intelligence builds.
Best Dark Moon Greatsword Int Build Setup:
Stats: 55 Vigor, 20 Mind, 30 Endurance, 20 Strength, 14 Dexterity, 70 Intelligence, 10 Faith, 10 Arcane
Weapons: Dark Moon Greatsword+10 (Right Hand), Sacred Dagger+25 (Right Hand), Jellyfish Shield+10 (Left Hand), Lusat's Glinstone Staff+10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Spellblade's Pointed Hat, Rellana's Armor, Spellblade's Gloves, Rellana's Greaves
Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Godfrey Icon, Shard of Alexander, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
Flasks: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Stonebarb Cracked Tear
3. Death's Poker
Death's Poker is a highly effective weapon thanks to its Ash of War, Ghostflame Ignition. This ability spreads frost fire on the ground, dealing continuous damage and building up frost status. The heavy attack version of the Ash of War creates a large explosion, providing burst damage and stagger potential. Despite its mediocre melee capabilities, the Ash of War alone makes Death's Poker an invaluable tool for intelligence builds.
Best Death's Poker Int Build Setup:
Stats (Level 150): 55 Vigor, 22 Mind, 25 Endurance, 60 Strength, 17 Dexterity, 30 Intelligence, 10 Faith, 10 Arcane
Weapons: Death's Poker+10 (Right Hand), Sacred Dagger+25 (Right Hand), Meteorite Staff (Left Hand)
Armor: Spellblade's Pointed Hat, Rellana's Armor, Spellblade's Gloves, Rellana's Greaves
Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
Flasks: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Opaline Hardtear
4. Carian Sovereignty (Twin Moon Knight)
Carian Sovereignty involves a new Ash of War, reminiscent of the move seen in the Renala boss fight. It features a powerful two-hit combo: a downward slam followed by a horizontal spin slash with incredible reach and stagger potential. When applied to a magic great sword, this Ash of War provides excellent hyper armor and poise protection, allowing for effective trades and high stagger buildup. The damage and utility it offers make it a formidable choice for Intelligence builds, especially when combined with a great sword that scales well with Intelligence.
Best Carian Sovereignty Int Build Setup:
Stats (Level 150): 55 Vigor, 20 Mind, 26 Endurance, 18 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 80 Intelligence, 10 Faith, 10 Arcane
Weapons: Magic Iron Greatsword+25 with Carian Sovereignty (Right Hand), Sacred Dagger+25 (Right Hand), Lusat's Glinstone Staff+10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Rellana's Armor Set
Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Godfrey Icon, Shard of Alexander, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
Flasks: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Leaden Hardtear
5. Clayman's Harpoon
When equipped with the Ice Spear Ash of War, the Clayman's Harpoon becomes a formidable weapon. The Ash of War offers high damage and frost debuff potential, making it an excellent choice for shotgun-like burst damage. Power-stancing this spear maximizes its effectiveness, allowing for critical punishes and reliable DPS, solidifying its place in the A tier.
Best Clayman's Harpoon Int Build Setup:
Stats (Level 150): 50 Vigor, 24 Mind, 25 Endurance, 40 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 60 Intelligence, 10 Faith, 10 Arcane
Weapons: Clayman's Harpoon+25 (Right Hand), Sacred Dagger+25 (Right Hand), Lusat's Glinstone Staff+10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Spellblade's Armor Set
Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Graven-Mass Talisman
Flasks: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Opaline Hardtear