Most gamers associate Dark Souls with massive swords and armor, but the game isn’t limited to these weapons. Instead of relying on close-range combat, you may choose to fight with incantations. Mages and sorcerers can cast a variety of spells in battle, but how exactly do they work?
Dark Souls 3 is a challenging game for hardcore gamers, including making the magic system difficult. Magic is limited, and you must manage your resources wisely to survive. Running out of magic is the worst thing that can happen.
The Types of Spells in Dark Souls 3
There are many different spells in Dark Souls 3 that can be used for offense, defense, or support purpose. They can be broken into the following categories:
Miracles
Miracles tend to deal Lightning damage if they’re offensive. They may also heal or buff the player in different ways. There are 38 Miracles to learn, and all of them get better the more Faith you have. They deal primarily in healing, lightning, and shockwaves.
Sorcery
Scaling with your Intelligence stat, Sorcery is an extensive category of spells. They can deal different types of damage depending on the spell. In Dark Souls 3, you can choose from 38 Sorcery spells, primarily soul spells and invisibility spells.
Pyromancy
As the name suggests, Pyromancy spells primarily deal Fire damage. Some of these spells also increase your resistance to damage. There are 30 different Pyromancy spells in the game, and all of them scale with both Faith and Intelligence.
Before Using Your Spells
Before you can equip and use your favorite spells in combat, there are some items you must get. These are summoning items that make using spells possible.
To cast Miracles, you have to get one of seven Chimes or six Talismans in the game. After that, you can equip the Miracle you want at a bonfire.
Pyromancies rely on one of three catalysts, but you already have a Pyromancy Flame if you start as a Pyromancer. This beginner catalyst lets you equip a Pyromancy spell at bonfires from the get-go.
Sorceries will require one of 12 Staves in the game. Alternatively, you can pick up one of five weapons that allow for Sorcery casting. As with the other two categories, you can equip the particular spell you wish to use at any bonfire.
Unlocking Spells in Dark Souls 3
To unlock a new spell, you have to give a Tome or Scroll to specific NPCs in the game. You can get these items from looting the dead or defeating NPCs. Once you provide it to the NPCs, their shops will let you purchase some new spells.
You start with only a few spells, which can make combat a challenge. Eventually, you’ll gain access to more spells, making spellcasting even more viable when you need to fight.
How to Use Spells in Dark Souls 3
You can start equipping and using spells in combat when you have all the necessary items and stats. Here’s what you must do:
- Head to a bonfire.
- Select “Attune Spell.”
- Equip the spellcasting item in your offhand.
- Select the spell you wish to use.
- Press the button or key to cast the spell.
You need Focus Points (FP) to use spells, and they don’t regenerate over time. Consuming Ashen Estus Flasks is the only way you can replenish FP. Make sure you use your magic strategically and wisely to avoid wasting your resources.
Remember that you can’t cast magic without FP, and you’ll be useless in a fight. It’s a situation you must avoid at all costs.
The later your progress, the more Ashen Estus Flasks you will get. There are also upgrades in the game that make using these flasks more efficient.
Visiting Blacksmith Andre will let you get more Estus Flasks, and you can later ask him to make a certain number of them Ashen.
Burn in My Flames
Using magic in Dark Souls 3 can make the game more interesting. On top of moving around frequently, you have to manage your FP levels to ensure victory. The next time you play the game, try playing with magic-based classes.
Do you enjoy using magic in Dark Souls 3? What are your favorite spells in the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
