Here’s how to play and build an Astrologer in Elden Ring

Astrologer is one of the most popular classes in Elden Ring, but getting started in the Lands Between can still be challenging and figuring out the ideal build is always tough.

No FromSoftware adventure is complete without magic, and the Astrologer starting class gives players access to spells right from the start. Unlike their real-life counterparts that say heavenly bodies impact daily life, Astrologers in Elden Ring have access to powerful spells that can be used against swarms of enemies and bosses alike There’s nothing the Astrologer can’t handle with a little hard work and know-how.

For those wondering if the Astrologer is good, how to learn new spells, and how to build the class, here’s how to get started with the Astrologer class in Elden Ring.

Is the Astrologer a good starting class in Elden Ring?

The Astrologer is a strong starting class for those starting Elden Ring.

While not nearly as adept at hand-to-hand combat as the Hero or Warrior, the Astrologer excels at ranged combat with some of the best ranged and AOE skills of any Elden Ring starting class. Glintstone Arc can hit multiple enemies in a single cast, so hordes become much more manageable. The starting short sword and shield are a solid pair for early encounters, and many early bosses are susceptible to magic damage.

Regardless of starting power, the Astrologer is the best starting class for players looking to cast spells. 16 intelligence is the highest of any base class and high mind and decent dexterity allows the use of several weapons.

Ashes of War can make any weapon scale off of intelligence, further widening the pool of solid melee options. There aren’t many early weapon upgrades for Astrologer, but good spells and improved shields are easy to find or farm. Dumping the first few levels into strength or dexterity also opens up a bunch of new weapons.

Best Astrologer build in Elden Ring

The best Astrologer build in Elden Ring gets early strength and dexterity, followed by some health. After this point, players can start buffing up intelligence.

Once you become familiar with Melina, it’s time to decide how to upgrade the Astrologer’s stats. While maxing intelligence seems obvious, it’s best to first address the class’s shortcomings. Low endurance and melee stats put a damper on physical combat, so bolstering either strength or dexterity is a good idea.

Low health is another major issue. While choosing the right Elden Ring keepsake can mitigate the problem, pouring some early runes into vigor can prevent getting two-shotted by bosses.

Once the basics are taken care of, it’s time to start buffing the Astrologer’s spells with stats. Most sorceries scale exclusively off intelligence, so pushing it up to the low 20s is a decent choice. Mind will increase the FP bar, allowing more casts between Flasks of Cerulean Tears. To gain more spell slots, players will have to find Memory Stones hidden in the open world. Finger Reader Enia in Roundtable sells a single Memory Stone in exchange for runes. Elden Ring Astrologers might want to consider holding off on stats to afford such a valuable item.

Where to find the first sorcery teacher

After choosing the Astrologer as their Elden Ring starting class, it’s a good idea to look for a sorcery teacher. While the two starting spells are very powerful, it’s always nice to have additional options. Luckily, the first major sorcery teacher in Elden Ring is available very close to the start.

From the starting point, head south along the edge of the Dragon-Burnt Ruins lake until you come to a road. Mounted warriors patrol the nearby paths, so be careful not to draw their attention. Just across from the lake is a ruined fort with several poisonous plants. Hidden in the middle of the structure is a staircase with a simple miniboss encounter. Defeat the monster to reveal a Site of Grace and a new door leading to Sorceress Sellen.

Sellen is the first major sorcery teacher in Elden Ring with several intelligence-based abilities for sale. This includes the two starting spells and a few other odds and ends. She does not sell any catalysts, but she can reveal some secrets behind the study of glintstone sorcery. Astute Tarnished can look for special scrolls through the Lands Between to further expand her inventory.