Starting your journey as an Astrologer in Elden Ring can feel incredibly powerful, especially when you first unleash sorceries in the tutorial area. However, the vastness of the Lands Between and the brutal encounters that await can quickly become overwhelming. Many newcomers, drawn to Elden Ring‘s immense popularity, might find themselves struggling to optimize their Astrologer build. If you’re feeling lost and unsure how to properly equip your magic-focused character, you’re not alone. This guide compiles essential knowledge gathered from experienced players and in-depth exploration of the game, designed to help Astrologers like you thrive in the early to mid-game challenges of Elden Ring. We’ll cover vital starter gear, understanding equipment load and poise, and effective combat strategies to make your Astrologer a force to be reckoned with.
Must-Have Starter Equipment for Astrologers
The Astrologer class, with its inherent focus on Intelligence, presents a unique gearing challenge in the early stages of Elden Ring. Unlike strength-based classes that have a plethora of melee weapon options, Astrologers need to be more discerning to find equipment that truly complements their magical prowess. Early game weapon choices that scale effectively with Intelligence are limited, and finding powerful staves can also seem elusive at first. However, knowing where to look can dramatically change your early game experience.
Meteorite Staff showcasing its unique branch design, a powerful early game tool for Astrologer builds in Elden Ring.
Two standout pieces of equipment that are highly recommended for early game Astrologers are the Meteorite Staff and the Moonveil katana. These items, when combined with the Rock Sling sorcery, provide a significant power boost that can carry you through a substantial portion of the game. Acquiring them does require some effort, especially the Moonveil, but the investment is well worth it for the enhanced combat effectiveness they offer. Don’t hesitate to consult online guides to pinpoint their exact locations and consider summoning allies for co-op assistance, particularly when facing the Magma Wyrm boss guarding the Moonveil. Before attempting to obtain Moonveil, it’s also highly advisable to secure the Flamedrake Talisman from Groveside Cave to increase your fire resistance, which will be invaluable during the Moonveil boss fight.
It’s important to note that the Moonveil katana has a considerable Dexterity requirement. Before venturing into the dungeon to claim it, ensure you have leveled up your Dexterity stat sufficiently to wield it effectively. This katana’s unique combination of melee and magic capabilities makes it a fantastic weapon for an Astrologer build, offering versatility in combat situations.
Beyond weapons, understanding the nuances of equipment load and its impact on your character’s mobility is crucial for survival in Elden Ring.
Understanding Load Size and Poise for Astrologers
In Elden Ring, your equipment load directly affects your character’s movement and combat agility. Equipping heavier armor might seem like a natural reaction to the game’s challenging encounters, offering increased protection. However, for Astrologers, prioritizing mobility is often more advantageous than maximizing defense, especially in the early to mid-game.
Exile Armor set depicted, illustrating heavy armor that can impact agility if equipment load is not managed carefully in Elden Ring.
Staying within a Medium equipment load is generally recommended for Astrologers and other caster classes. Exceeding this threshold will result in “Heavy Load,” significantly hindering your dodge rolls, making them slower and shorter, and reducing your overall maneuverability. Critically, every item equipped in your hand slots contributes to your equipment load, even if you are not actively wielding them. Carrying an arsenal of weapons in your inventory might seem practical, but it can severely impact your agility if not managed properly.
To optimize your load, consider unequipping unnecessary weapons and shields, especially heavier options, and prioritize lighter armor sets. Initially, reverting to the Astrologer’s starting robes might seem counterintuitive, but the improved agility will significantly enhance your ability to evade enemy attacks and create space for spellcasting.
Another vital stat to consider is Poise. Poise determines your character’s ability to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered or interrupted. Low Poise means you are easily disrupted by enemy blows, particularly from heavy-hitting foes like those found in Stormveil Castle. Fortunately, some lighter armor sets offer surprisingly good Poise. The Exile armor set, dropped by Exile Soldiers in Stormveil Castle, is a notable example. While it might require some adjustments to your equipment load, incorporating pieces of the Exile armor can significantly improve your survivability in close-quarters combat by allowing you to withstand hits and continue casting spells or retaliating. Experiment with different armor combinations to find a balance between protection, Poise, and maintaining a Medium equipment load.
Mastering the Astrologer Fighting Style
The core principle of playing an Astrologer in Elden Ring revolves around strategic spellcasting from a safe distance. Direct melee combat should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary, such as when enemies close the gap or when conserving FP (Focus Points, used for casting spells). Your primary focus should always be on creating and maintaining distance to unleash your powerful sorceries effectively.
Fire pot item in use, demonstrating a ranged combat option for luring enemies or dealing supplemental damage in Elden Ring.
In confined areas like Stormveil Castle, employing a “kiting” strategy can be highly effective. This involves intentionally drawing powerful enemies or groups towards you, then maneuvering to create sufficient space to cast spells while they attempt to close in. While this approach might be slightly time-consuming, the reward of raining down powerful spells on pursuing enemies, such as knights, is immensely satisfying and strategically sound.
Supplementing your sorceries with ranged items is also highly recommended. Projectiles like fire pots, bone darts, knives, and kukri are invaluable tools. They can be used to lure individual enemies from packs, weaken foes before they reach melee range, or finish off low-health opponents when you are low on FP. Consider carrying a crossbow if your equipment load allows, providing another ranged damage option. Remember, Elden Ring, like other FromSoftware games, often presents challenging odds, so leveraging every available tool is crucial for survival and success.
Ash Summons are another game-changing mechanic that Astrologers should fully utilize. These summoned spirits can serve various tactical purposes, but their primary function is to draw enemy attention and aggression, allowing you to cast spells safely from afar. Summoning tanky Ashes, like Oleg or the Lone Wolves, can be particularly beneficial in boss fights, effectively diverting the boss’s focus and providing valuable openings for your sorceries. Crucially, almost all boss arenas in Elden Ring allow summoning, so don’t hesitate to bring these allies into battle.
An Ash Summon in Elden Ring providing combat assistance and drawing enemy aggro, a valuable tool for Astrologer builds.
One exception to the “no melee” rule is the strategic use of backstabs. Landing critical backstab attacks can be essential in boss encounters and significantly simplifies dealing with standard enemies in stealth situations. Mastering the positioning and timing for backstabs provides another tactical advantage that Astrologers should incorporate into their combat repertoire.
By implementing these gear choices and combat strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of Elden Ring as an Astrologer, conquer Stormveil Castle, and progress further into the Lands Between. Embrace the power of sorcery, manage your equipment wisely, and good luck, Tarnished!
