Magic in Elden Ring is a powerful tool, whether you’re launching cosmic devastation from a distance or reinforcing your build with buffs and control. From pure Sorceries to primal Incantations, the spell system draws from a rich pool of traditions, including Glintstone sorcery, dragon cult rites, and the corrupted powers of the Frenzied Flame. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best spells currently in the game, chosen for their versatility, raw power, and performance in both PvE and PvP.
Comet Azur
Type: Sorcery
Requires: 60 Intelligence
FP Cost: High (sustained beam)
A signature nuke of the game’s late stages. Comet Azur unleashes a constant beam of pure Glintstone energy that melts bosses and players alike when fully channelled. Pair with the Cerulean Hidden Tear to nullify FP cost for a short time and you can down some enemies before they get close.
Stars of Ruin
Type: Sorcery
Requires: 43 Intelligence
FP Cost: Moderate
This spell fires a barrage of homing Glintstone shards that are difficult to dodge and apply steady pressure. It shines in PvP, where it punishes rolling and keeps agile players from closing in.
Loretta’s Greatbow
Type: Sorcery
Requires: 26 Intelligence
FP Cost: Moderate
Summons a massive spectral bow to fire a magical greatarrow across long distances. It’s excellent for sniping enemies or opening fights from a safe distance. Charged casting increases both damage and stagger.
Night Comet
Type: Sorcery
Requires: 38 Intelligence
FP Cost: Low
This is a stealthier alternative to Comet, with the added benefit of not being detected by most enemy shields or deflection. Night Comet is especially deadly when used with gear that boosts night sorceries and with the right staff setup.
Terra Magica
Type: Sorcery (Buff Zone)
Requires: 20 Intelligence
FP Cost: Low
Places a sigil on the ground that boosts magic damage while you stand inside it. When used strategically in boss fights or with AoE sorceries, the damage boost can turn the tide. Best paired with fixed-position spells like Comet Azur.
Flame, Grant Me Strength
Type: Incantation
Requires: 15 Faith
FP Cost: Low
A short-term buff that increases both physical and fire attack power. While not a damage spell itself, it empowers melee hybrids and fire builds, making it essential for many boss strategies and PvP burst damage.
Black Flame
Type: Incantation
Requires: 20 Faith
FP Cost: Moderate
Throws a ball of black fire that deals initial damage followed by a lingering burn. This scales well with Godslayer’s Seal and is deadly against high-health enemies due to the percentage-based damage.
Ancient Dragons’ Lightning Strike
Type: Incantation
Requires: 26 Faith
FP Cost: High
One of the most explosive area spells. It calls down multiple red lightning bolts over a wide radius, excelling in group combat and boss fights where enemies are staggered or clustered. Often used in Dragon Cult builds with heavy Faith investment.
Swarm of Flies
Type: Incantation
Requires: 11 Faith, 16 Arcane
FP Cost: Low
This sends out a cloud of bloodflies that cause rapid bleed build-up. While its damage is not impressive on its own, it synergises incredibly well with bleed-centric builds and causes chaos in PvP.
Bestial Sling
Type: Incantation
Requires: 10 Faith
FP Cost: Very low
Quick cast time, low FP cost, and solid stagger make this spell an excellent tool for interruption and consistent chip damage. Popular among low-FP builds and as a support spell for aggressive playstyles.
Honourable Mentions
- Ekzykes’s Decay: Great for Scarlet Rot damage over time, especially against tough bosses.
- Ranni’s Dark Moon: Slower than Comet Azur but applies magic defence debuff and frostbite.
- Urgent Heal: Basic, but invaluable in early PvP or fast-paced duelling situations.
- Unseen Form: Useful in PvP and stealth-based exploration builds.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
The best spells in Elden Ring vary depending on your build, stat allocation, and the situation you face. PvE-focused sorcerers often lean on raw power options like Comet Azur or Black Flame, while PvP environments demand faster, more deceptive spells such as Stars of Ruin or Swarm of Flies. Meanwhile, support and buff spells like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Terra Magica round out hybrid builds and offer flexible ways to tip the scales.
The strength of a spell isn’t just in its raw numbers, but how you build around it. Synergising your talismans, catalysts, and armour can transform a decent spell into a devastating one.
