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Intelligence builds have long been the backbone of high-damage, flashy combat in Elden Ring. With access to powerful spells and weapons imbued with magic scaling, these builds offer some of the most stylish and devastating gameplay options in the Lands Between. As part of our ongoing weapon ranking mini-series, today we’re diving deep into the Top 10 Intelligence Weapons in Elden Ring-all based on natural intelligence scaling Elden Ring Items, raw power, and unique Ashes of War.
Whether you’re a returning veteran or planning your first mage-based build, this list has you covered.
10. Starline Sword (DLC Katana)
Kicking off the list is the Starline Sword, a Katana introduced in the DLC. This weapon is reminiscent of Moonveil, offering quick slashes and innate bleed buildup. Its standout feature is the Ash of War: Own’s Line of Stars, which propels you around the battlefield with rapid, stylish slashes. While it lacks poise and stance-breaking power-making it vulnerable against tankier foes-its agility and cinematic flair earn it a deserving spot in this top 10.
9. Royal Greatsword
A colossal sword with overwhelming raw power and a fan-favorite backstory, the Royal Greatsword wields Wolf’s Assault-an Ash of War that launches the wielder forward in a brutal frost explosion. Its ability to stack Frostbite with both the initial plunge and the AoE detonation makes it a boss-melting powerhouse. While it’s slower and lacks versatility, few weapons deliver satisfying damage like this one.
8. Death Ritual Spear
This spear trades brute force for magical devastation via Spearcaller Ritual, which rains down spectral spears in a large area-similar to Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike. The RNG aspect of its AoE can be inconsistent, but when it hits, it hits. With high critical damage and reliable pierce attacks, this is a flexible option that excels in both PvE and PvP.
7. Carian Knight’s Sword
A straight sword with roots in Caria’s legacy, this weapon comes with the iconic Carian Grandeur Ash of War. Fully charging this Ash unleashes a massive arcane blade swing that can hit for 4,000 to 5,000 damage in NG+7. While the charge time requires smart timing and positioning, the reward is massive burst damage. Plus, the standard pierce moveset makes it reliable even without the Ash.
6. Glintstone Kris
Often overlooked, the Glintstone Kris is a dagger that feels like a budget Comet Azur launcher. Its Glintstone Dart Ash of War lets you cast a projectile, then follow up with a fast lunge. This dual-mode makes it great for both PvP roll-catches and PvE gap closers. With low FP cost and quick casting, it punches far above its weight class. Small but mighty.
5. Clayman’s Harpoon (with Ice Spear Ash of War)
Yes, it bends the rules slightly, but Clayman’s Harpoon naturally scales with Intelligence, even before infusion. Pairing it with Ice Spear turns it into a frost machine, offering high burst damage and ranged utility. If you hit up close, you’ll land both the melee and projectile parts of the Ash, potentially freezing enemies in just two uses. It’s also a spear-meaning strong pierce damage and reach.
4. Moonveil
Arguably the most famous Intelligence weapon in Elden Ring, Moonveil is a bleed-infused Katana with the legendary Transient Moonlight Ash of War. This move fires magic slashes that hit like a truck and can be used from a safe distance. Even in the higher NG+ cycles, it remains relevant due to its bleed buildup and speed. It’s simple, effective, and still among the best.
3. Death’s Poker
Taking third place is the Death’s Poker, a frost-infused greatsword with the infamous Ghostflame Ignition. Triggering this Ash creates a flaming orb that can be detonated with a light or heavy attack. The light attack leaves a ghostflame trail that deals incredible DoT and multiple frost procs. It’s easily capable of outputting 20–30k damage over time. The downside? Mobile enemies like Malenia can dodge your flame trails. For those with the skill, though, it’s one of the most busted weapons in the game.
2. Dark Moon Greatsword
The Dark Moon Greatsword is Elden Ring’s ultimate frost greatsword and a core part of any true Intelligence build. Its Moonlight Greatsword Ash of War empowers the blade, adding magic and frost damage and turning its charged heavy attacks into ranged projectiles. Even after being nerfed, it remains a reliable boss-killer. It’s a safer pick than Death’s Poker, thanks to its consistency and easy-to-buff move set. Stylish, strong, and iconic-just not quite number one.1. Wing of Astel
At the top of the mountain is none other than the Wing of Astel. This curved sword checks every box: fast move set, ranged heavy attacks, great scaling, and the incredible Nebula Ash of War. The charged heavy attacks alone can break stances rapidly, and Nebula unleashes a mist of magic explosions that obliterate grouped enemies or stagger bosses in seconds. Plus, it’s lightweight and FP-efficient-making it an all-around winner.
Unlike slower greatswords, the Wing’s curved sword animations give you agility and control, while still dishing out top-tier damage. It’s also a phenomenal power-stancing option if you want to dual wield. If you haven’t tried it yet-what are you doing? This is the gold standard of Intelligence weapons.
Final Thoughts
Every weapon on this list offers something unique-whether it’s overwhelming AoE damage, frost procs, bleed, or cinematic Ashes of War cheap Elden Ring Runes. But if you’re looking for raw efficiency, versatility, and unmatched fun, the Wing of Astel reigns supreme in the realm of Intelligence weapons.