Elden Ring's DLC has brought an explosion of build variety, but few setups feel as unique and satisfying as a pure Intelligence magic weapon build. While many players default to sorceries or hybrid spellblade setups, this build takes a different approach-focusing almost entirely on magic-infused weapons that scale hard with Intelligence and deliver massive burst damage through Ashes of War and charged attacks.

 

This is a build you don't see very often, but once you understand its strengths, it quickly becomes clear why it's so powerful. From the iconic Moonlight Greatsword to fast, punishing options like Moonveil, this setup excels in invasions, duels, Elden Ring Items and chaotic team fights. Every weapon hits hard, every trade is dangerous for your opponent, and over-aggressive players are punished brutally.

 

Core Concept: Magic Weapons Over Sorcery

 

Rather than leaning on traditional spellcasting, this build is centered around weapon-based magic damage. The idea is simple: maximize Intelligence and let your weapons do the talking.

 

Weapons like the Moonlight Greatsword offer devastating heavy attack projectiles that can frostbite opponents while chunking massive portions of their health bar. Moonveil, on the other hand, provides long-range, reactive punishment that makes healing at a distance extremely risky. Add in high-damage Ashes of War like Waves of Darkness, and suddenly this build becomes a nightmare for teams that try to overwhelm you through aggression.

 

One of the biggest strengths of this setup is flexibility. Almost any weapon can be slotted in, magic-infused, and made viable. Great katanas with Piercing Fang, heavy weapons with charged Ashes, and even unconventional picks all perform well thanks to Intelligence scaling.

 

Stat Allocation: Simple but Effective

 

The stat spread for this build is refreshingly straightforward.

You only invest enough Strength and Dexterity to meet the minimum requirements of the weapons you plan to use.

 

Everything else goes into Intelligence, which is the true engine behind the build's damage.

 

This approach ensures that:

 

 Your magic-infused weapons hit as hard as possible

 Ashes of War scale optimally

 You maintain strong burst potential without overcomplicating the stat spread

 

While the build can feel FP-hungry at times-especially during extended invasions-careful resource management and smart weapon swapping keep it effective throughout long fights.

 

Weapon Highlights

 

Moonlight Greatsword

 

The star of the build. Its fully charged heavy attack deals absurd damage, fires a magic projectile, and can apply frostbite. In invasions, it's particularly strong for punishing overconfident opponents who try to trade into you.

 

Few things are more satisfying than landing a fully charged Moonlight projectile on an enemy who thought they were safe.

Moonveil

 

Moonveil remains one of the most reliable Intelligence-scaling weapons in the game. Its Ash of War allows you to punish heals from long range, catch rolls, and apply sudden pressure when opponents try to disengage.

 

In team fights, Moonveil is invaluable for controlling space and forcing mistakes.

 

Flexible Magic-Infused Options

 

One of the joys of this build is experimentation. A standard great katana with Piercing Fang, magic-infused straight swords, or heavy weapons with chargeable Ashes of War all slot seamlessly into the setup. If it scales with Intelligence, it works.

 

Talisman Setup and Variations

 

Your talisman loadout will shift slightly depending on which weapon you're using, but the core philosophy remains the same: enhance Ashes of War, survivability, and poise.

 

Key Talismans

 

 Shard of Alexander-Mandatory for boosting Ash of War damage

 

 Two-Handed Sword Talisman-Excellent when using heavy, two-handed weapons

 

 Godfrey Icon-Ideal for chargeable Ashes of War and heavy attacks

 

 Erdtree's Favor +2-Extra HP, stamina, and equip load

 

 Bull-Goat's Talisman-Increased poise for surviving trades

 

The final two talisman slots often go to Erdtree's Favor and Bull-Goat's Talisman, ensuring you can tank hits, maintain pressure, and avoid being staggered during crucial moments.

 

Invasion Gameplay: High Risk, High Reward

 

This build truly shines in invasions, where unpredictability and burst damage matter more than raw efficiency. Across locations like Castle Sol, Volcano Manor, Flame Peak, and dragon-wing arenas, the build proves its versatility.

 

Against overly aggressive teams, Waves of Darkness becomes devastating. Enemies who rush in expecting a favorable trade are often wiped out instantly. Magic pots add another layer of chaos, forcing movement errors and opening up follow-up attacks.However, the build does have weaknesses. Stamina management is critical. In prolonged face-trading situations, aggressive teams can drain your stamina and overwhelm you if you're not careful. Using terrain, walls, and vertical cover becomes essential for survival.

 

Adapting to Different Enemy Types

 

Shield Poke and Tank Builds

 

Magic chip damage can still pressure shield users, but patience is required. Fully charged attacks and stamina damage slowly wear them down. In some situations, swapping to weapons better suited for shield pressure-like scythes-is recommended.

 

Wizards and Casters

 

Mirror matches can be chaotic. Against sorcery-heavy opponents, closing distance quickly and applying weapon pressure is often more effective than trying to out-cast them.

 

Bleed and Status Spam

 

Status-focused builds, especially bleed flies, can be frustrating. Strategic use of cover, well-timed trades, and aggressive punish windows are key to preventing status buildup from overwhelming you.

 

Highlight Moments and Memorable Plays

 

Some of the most memorable moments with this build come from creative plays rather than raw damage. Landing plunge attacks from extreme heights, baiting enemies into narrow rooftops, or forcing quit-outs through relentless pressure all add to the build's charm.

 

One standout moment involves sneaking past a fog wall into a boss arena ahead of the host-an incredibly rare and bizarre situation that perfectly captures Elden Ring's invasion unpredictability. While the game ultimately sends you home, moments like these make the build-and invasions themselves-unforgettable.

 

Armor and Fashion

 

The armor setup prioritizes poise, defense, and aesthetics. While stats matter, this build embraces Elden Ring's fashion philosophy. Looking good while nuking enemies with magic weapons is part of the appeal.

 

High poise ensures you can trade when needed, while solid defenses prevent sudden deaths during chaotic team fights.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

 

Strengths

 Massive burst damage

 Excellent weapon variety

 Strong against aggressive teams

 Highly satisfying gameplay

 

Weaknesses

 FP-intensive

 Stamina management required

 Vulnerable in prolonged face-trading without cover

 

Final Thoughts

 

This pure Intelligence magic weapon build is one of the most enjoyable and unique setups in Elden Ring's DLC. It allows you to fully explore magic-scaling weapons that often get overlooked in favor of traditional sorcery builds.

 

If you enjoy high-damage trades, stylish invasions, Elden Ring Runes and flexible weapon choices, this build is absolutely worth trying. It rewards creativity, positioning, and confidence-and when everything clicks, it feels downright magical.