With the many powerful spells, reliable rings, and a plethora of catalysts, players in Dark Souls 3 seeking to put together a fun and viable Intelligence build have plenty of options. Though, with so many choices and variables, it can be tricky to determine what is optimal for one's build goals.
However, due to many skilled players and knowledgable Dark Souls 3 veterans combing this incredible game for over 5 years, many awesome mage builds have emerged that any and all can take advantage of for a playthrough heavy in spellcasting.
Updated on November 26, 2021, by Reyadh Rahaman:Even if one plans to spend most of their time enjoying DS3's PvP aspects, there is still a ton of things to see and do in PvE. Taking down bosses and other uniquely powerful foes is always satisfying in this game, especially when done in a new and interesting way. Certain tactics can also make such adversaries go down quicker than usual and allow players to traverse through the other parts of the game with ease. This is especially true on New Game+ and onward, as, by the time one completes the game for the first time, they should have all they need to put together a solid Dark Souls 3 sorcery build.
10 The Pure Intelligence Sorcerer
Build Overview
Youtuber ChaseTheBro came up with this build in 2017 that doesn't do anything radically different from other pure Intelligence builds, yet he has optimized this one to make it very simple to put together and use for both PvE and PvP. The idea is to defeat foes with only sorceries with as little reliance on parrying and melee as possible (ideally none).
PVP Tips
Understanding the range and projectile speed of one's spells is crucial for making the best of this DS3 sorcerer build. Utilize Crystal Soul Spear as a way to pressure foes into evading, though, try using it to steer them in a direction. One may not be able to corner them, but forcing the enemy along a predictable path can allow the player to switch to faster spells like Great Heavy Soul Arrow to unleash a hard-to-dodge barrage of blue-white bolts.
PVE Tips
Since most PvE foes won't prioritize dodging spells, it will be easy to mow enemies down with Crystal Soul Spear from safe distances. However, during some boss fights, it would be best to stick to quicker yet less damaging spells like Great Heavy Soul Arrow.
Stats
- Soul Level: 110
- Vigor: 34
- Attunement: 30
- Endurance: 29
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 11
- Dexterity: 18
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 7
- Luck: 12
Equipment
- Right hand: Court Sorcerer's Staff +10
- Left hand: Scholar's Candlestick +10
- Head: Crown of Dusk
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Prisoner's Chain
- Ring 4: Sage's Ring
- Optional: any usable melee weapon as a back-up in either hand
9 The Battlemage
Build Overview
Intelligence and Strength usually encompass opposing tactics, however, these stats can be married in a build designed for a hyper offense. Youtuber Crozyn assembled a Battlemage build in 2018 that utilizes the mid-range sorceries to deal magic damage and pressure opponents while having a Greataxe equipped for close-range devastation.
PVP Tips
Since this Dark Souls 3 mage build comes with a solid melee weapon, implementing sorceries ideal for close-range is a no-brainer for most who would use this tactic. Homing Crystal Soulmass works very well here as it will always give the enemy something to worry about when they enter melee range, as avoiding both a Greataxe and the swift orbs of magic can be difficult. Ironically, going up against another Intelligence build can be tough for players as it is possible to get out-ranged due to spell choice.
PVE Tips
Players using this build while progressing through the main game should use their spells for ranged combat and their Greataxe for close-quarters confrontations. For better rolls, only equip light armor, however, if one wants to poise through attacks while delivering counterattacks with their Greataxe, heavy armor would be more appropriate.
Stats
- Soul Level: 120
- Vigor: 35
- Attunement: 18
- Endurance: 32
- Vitality: 16
- Strength: 32
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 48
- Faith: 9
- Luck: 7
Equipment
- Right hand: Crystal Greataxe +10
- Left hand: Court Sorcerer's Staff +10
- Head: Anything
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Cloranthy Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Havel's Ring
- Ring 4: Sage's Ring
8 Moonlight Greatsword Mage
Build Overview
Renowned for being one of the only DS3 greatswords meant for Intelligence builds, the Moonlight Greatsword is understandably an awesome choice for mages, as it possesses great stats that give spellcasters a solid melee weapon. Combining the usage of this legendary blade with reliable sorceries is a top-tier combo that any aspiring Intelligence build can take advantage of.
PVP Tips
Due to the iconic nature of the blade, everyone will know exactly what to expect when the player shows up with it in hand. This can make landing strikes difficult as the opponent will be able to predict one's attacks with relative ease, therefore one will likely have to open up an assault with a spell to throw the enemy off. Quick sorceries like Great Farron Dart can provide sufficient guerilla tactics to force the adversary into making a mistake that one can capitalize on with a Moonlight Greatsword combo.
PVE Tips
The Moonlight Greatsword is a classic weapon choice for Intelligence builds throughout many FromSoftware games. As one of the few great weapons that scale this well with Intelligence, it's always a fun addition to an otherwise ranged attack-heavy playstyle. Though, with that said, the weapon skill of the Moonlight Greatsword can allow it to be effective at mid-ranged attacks as well if the user can line up their strike properly.
Stats
- Soul Level: 120
- Vigor: 40
- Attunement: 24
- Endurance: 30
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 21
- Dexterity: 18
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 7
- Luck: 12
Equipment
- Right hand: Moonlight Greatsword +5
- Left hand: Court Sorcerer's Staff +10
- Head: Crown of Dusk
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Prisoner's Chain
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 4: Sage's Ring
7 Murky Madness Dark Mage
Build Overview
Magic spells are not the only type available to Intelligence builds, as the mighty dark spells proliferate the game and offer an alternative to the regular spellcasting tactics.Youtuber Games 4 Days assembled this dark sorcery-oriented build in 2017 that works well with the powerful and intimidating Crucifix of the Mad King.
PVP Tips
Players should use similar tactics for this dark DS3 mage build as they would for the Battlemage build, in that both should use spells for short and mid-range that complement the heavy weapon in their main hand. The unpredictability of the Crucifix of the Mad King can be a boon at times by keeping the enemy on their toes and under constant stress, however, not being able to reliably call upon one of its three possible skills can cause one to take unnecessary risks, which foes can use against a player.
PVE Tips
Since there is less pressure in PvE DS3 gameplay, gamers can fool around with the Mad's King Folly weapon skill a bit more. This can make one's next playthrough into a bit of a challenge run if they go through New Game+ or beyond while primarily only using the Crucifix of the Mad King as their weapon.
Stats
- Soul Level: 151
- Vigor: 40
- Attunement: 24
- Endurance: 40
- Vitality: 21
- Strength: 20
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 16
- Luck: 7
Equipment
- Right hand: Crucifix of the Mad King +5
- Left hand: Murky Longstaff +10
- Head: Blindfold Mask
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Dark Clutch Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 4: Sage's Ring
6 Low-Level Cheesy Mist Mage
Build Overview
Pestilent Mist (formerly called Pestilent Mercury) is a sorcery that deals constant damage to any target within the cloud of haze that is expelled after casting, including the player who called it forth. It inflicts damage proportionate to a target's max HP, meaning that bosses and other tough foes are especially susceptible to it, making this spell an ideal way to cheese adversaries. Since it only requires 30 Intelligence to use, many Intelligence builds, especially early-game ones, can make great use of this after acquiring the spell from Orbeck of Vinheim.
PVP Tips
After half a decade since the game's release, players who see this dank fog know to steer well clear of it, and since many PvP areas are located in spacious regions, it will be next to impossible to hurt human foes sufficiently with Pestilent Mist. While great predictive casting can envelop enemies in the deadly mist for a second or two, this is usually not even enough to make them heal, so this spell should only be used for applying pressure and not to actually take anyone down directly.
PVE Tips
As this build is specifically designed to take down bosses easily, players won't find many of their fights with bigger foes that challenging. However, every other type of PvE conflict will be more challenging, as smaller and faster enemies may be able to avoid one's corrosive mist cloud. This is especially true in open areas, which will force players to think outside the box when getting past certain obstacles.
Stats
- Soul Level: 30 (or higher)
- Vigor: 9
- Attunement: 16
- Endurance: 9
- Vitality: 7
- Strength: 7
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 30
- Faith: 7
- Luck: 12
Equipment
- Right hand: Any sorcery catalyst
- Left hand: Any shield or weapon
- Head: Anything
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Sage's Ring
- Ring 2: Lingering Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Dusk Crown Ring
- Ring 4: Anything
5 Fire Witch Sorcerer
Build Overview
Those desiring to deal both fire and magic damage with their build should seek out the Immolation Tinder dropped by the fire witches at Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. This halberd possesses physical and fire attack as well as A-tier Intelligence scaling when fully upgraded, meaning that the excellent reach of this polearm will deal sufficient damage while also being capable of out-spacing many foes. Furthermore, it can be used as a sorcery catalyst (though not for pyromancies), which lets its wielder use melee attacks and cast spells very fluidly.
PVP Tips
While one will be able to out-space melee attackers, those who get too close can annihilate this build if one does not set up a decent countermeasure, as the handle portions of polearms deal pathetic damage compared to the head of the weapon, and the relatively slow attack speed will mean players will have their attacks interrupted frequently. However, an easy counter to this issue is to have Homing Soulmass or Crystal Homing Soulmass active as much as possible to deter enemies from getting too close.
PVE Tips
Split damage can be both a curse or a blessing. Against foes who have generally average damage reductions to all elements, the Immolation Tinder's moderate physical and fire damage will respectively do little. However, against foes who are weak to physical damage, fire damage, or both, this weapon will be effective. Thankfully, fire is handy against a large number of enemies in DS3, and the only real kinds of threats that resist this element are obviously coated in flames or otherwise have a notable connection to fire.
Stats
- Soul Level: 118
- Vigor: 35
- Attunement: 30
- Endurance: 25
- Vitality: 12
- Strength: 18
- Dexterity: 18
- Intelligence: 60
- Faith: 12
- Luck: 12
Equipment
- Right hand: Immolation Tinder +5
- Left hand: Any shield
- Head: Crown of Dusk
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Sage's Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 4: Prisoner's Chain
4 Faithful Chaotic Heretic
Build Overview
For players seeking even more firepower, this chaotic mage build made by Youtuber xGodsChosenOnex in 2020 may be worth checking out. Combining the use of powerful pyromancies and lightning-based miracles is an excellent two-pronged offensive for spellcasters, as few foes can defend themselves from both types of damage effectively. Backing the spells up with the Demon's Scar (to cast pyromancies as well as for melee attacks) and an infused Great Machete will complete this deadly build.
PVP Tips
As is common with hyper-offensive Dark Souls 3 Intelligence builds, dealing with incoming damage can be a concern. This is due to the lack of effort placed into wearing decent armor in order to excel at casting both pyromancies and miracles with high Intelligence and Faith. As such, defensive buffs like Sacred Oath that increase one's damage absorption, as well as grant other boons, can be handy with this build.
PVE Tips
With both powerful fire and lightning damage at one's disposal, players using this build should be able to unleash solid damage against almost any kind of foe. There are few enemies in the main game that resist both fire and lighting, so the odds of having a favorable match-up against common threats and bosses alike will be high.
Stats
- Soul Level: 150
- Vigor: 35
- Attunement: 30
- Endurance: 32
- Vitality: 15
- Strength: 24
- Dexterity: 16
- Intelligence: 40
- Faith: 40
- Luck: 7
Equipment
- Right hand: Demon's Scar +5
- Left hand: Canvas Talisman +10 (and a Lightning Great Machete +10)
- Head: Anything
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Great Swamp Ring
- Ring 2: Witch's Ring
- Ring 3: Ring of the Sun's First Born
- Ring 4: Sage's Ring
3 Crystal Death Machine
Build Overview
Seeing anyone running around with a Fume Ultra Greatsword coated in jagged blue crystals (the Crystal Magic Weapon spell) is sure to give any player pause, as the sheer amount of damage such a behemoth of a blade can unleash is impressive. Youtuber Blood Turned Coffee put together this intimidating Intelligence build in 2016 for those who want a solid one that utilizes Strength and Intelligence.
PVP Tips
It is ideal to use this build in a manner very similar to a regular melee build, as the greatest way to deal damage is to utilize the buffed Fume Ultra Greatsword. It is recommended to have a fast parrying tool in one's offhand when the player does not need to apply the Crystal Magic Weapon buff, as getting a riposte with this huge mass of magical iron has a decent chance of taking out foes who have low Vigor or have already been injured.
PVE Tips
The Fume Ultra Greatsword is one of the best weapons to use if one wants to slam enemies around. The stat investment needed to wield it one-handed alongside a staff in the offhand is pretty high, but it's worth it for the huge damage potential. High damage per hit combined with great poise health lets players use the Fume Ultra Greatsword to stun, stagger, or flatten nearly anything.
Stats
- Soul Level: 120
- Vigor: 27
- Attunement: 10
- Endurance: 35
- Vitality: 24
- Strength: 50
- Dexterity: 12
- Intelligence: 35
- Faith: 9
- Luck: 7
Equipment
- Right hand: Fume Ultra Greatsword +5
- Left hand: Sage's Crystal Staff +5
- Head: Anything
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Ring of Favor
- Ring 2: Lingering Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Cloranthy Ring
- Ring 4: Havel's Ring
2 Ice, Wind, & Fire Mage
Build Overview
While this build has a lot going on and appears more like a crazy Dexterity character, the prime goal of this one is to use the Snap Freeze spell in conjunction with Friede's Great Scythe for frost build-up and the fire attacks of the Immolation Tinder (as well as using it as a sorcery catalyst) to remove the targets temporary resistance boost to this status ailment gained after being frostbitten. The Storm Curved Greatsword is merely there to apply pressure and possibly execute a quick, unexpected hit on fleeing foes.
PVP Tips
The greatest challenge when using this build is knowing when to use which weapon and how, as all three listed for this elemental DS3 mage build have unique and versatile movesets. The best thing to do is gauge what the opponent is up to before committing to any attack. For beefier warrior foes, stick to primarily applying frost, though, enemies that favor casting will need to be hunted down with the Storm Curved Greatsword if they insist on constantly fleeing.
PVE Tips
Resetting a target's frost resistance with fire damage is way more effective in PvE than it is in PvP against enemies that aren't resistant or immune to frost damage. This is due to the AI simply not knowing how to counter such a strategy besides its usual dodge or block methods. As such, this tactic can be used to cripple and hurt plenty of foes and bosses in the main game.
Stats
- Soul Level: 111
- Vigor: 40
- Attunement: 14
- Endurance: 40
- Vitality: 21
- Strength: 18
- Dexterity: 40
- Intelligence: 23
- Faith: 12
- Luck: 7
Equipment
- Right hand: Fride's Great Scythe +5 (and the Storm Curved Greatsword +5)
- Left hand: Immolation Tinder +5
- Head: Anything
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Havel's Ring
- Ring 2: Ring of Favor
- Ring 3: Cloranthy Ring
- Ring 4: Prisoner's Chain
1 One-Shot Mage
Build Overview
For overwhelming magical power at the cost of sacrificing every bit of defense, players can put together a one-shot build to become the deadliest of the glass cannons. The Youtuber Mood Master came up with this mighty mage tactic in 2017 that uses a colossal 99 Intelligence stat for overkill sorceries.
PVP Tips
This immensely powerful mage build is a one-trick pony that relies on blasting enemies with a supercharged Crystal Soul Spear. It is not advised to try this build with heftier sorceries like White Dragon Breath and Soul Stream as they take too long to cast and can be dodged easier. Players seeking success should play evasively to lure enemies into situations where they can't avoid a spell, otherwise, the caster will meet a quick end due to having very little HP and defense.
PVE Tips
Since this build relies heavily on huge singular magic attacks, there are plenty of openings for enemy counterattacks. Players can dish out powerful sorceries, however, they will be vulnerable due to low HP. Trying to land big hits on every enemy is not advised, so bring some other faster spells like Great Heavy Soul Arrow.
Stats
- Soul Level: 120 (approximately)
- Vigor: 14
- Attunement: 26
- Endurance: 18
- Vitality: 11
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 9
- Intelligence: 99
- Faith: 15
- Luck: 11
Equipment
- Right hand: Sage's Crystal Staff +5
- Left hand: Anything
- Head: Anything
- Chest: Anything
- Arms: Anything
- Legs: Anything
- Ring 1: Young Dragon Ring
- Ring 2: Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring
- Ring 3: Magic Clutch Ring
- Ring 4: Red Tearstone Ring
Dark Souls 3 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.