Games in the Soulsborne franchise are known to feature anywhere between eight to ten playable classes. Aside from a slew of cosmetic tweaks that are usually made available on the character creation screen, players are also able to customize their gameplay experience as they progress through the main campaign. In that sense, Elden Ring diligently follows in the footsteps of its predecessors.
FromSoftware's latest game offers 10 archetypal classes to choose from. While the starting class determines base stats and equipment, it by no means prevents players from exploring hybrid builds later on. Depending on their preferred playstyle, players can specialize in melee or long-range combat or even a combination of both. Should the players wish to face their adversaries from afar, the Astrologer class will ensure safe passage through The Lands Between with the help of magic.
What Is Elden Ring's Astrologer Class?
As a class that boasts high Mind and Intelligence base stats, Astrologers are an ideal choice for players looking to pursue a mage build without having to adjust their playstyle mid-game. The class starts off with two spells, Glintstone Pebble and Glintstone Arc, which are powerful enough to be a viable means of offense throughout the entire game. In terms of beginning equipment, Astrologers get to wield a Staff, a Short Sword and a Wooden Shield to help fend for themselves during the introductory portion of their journey.
Since the class excels at dealing ranged magic damage, players should primarily focus on upgrading their Intelligence first and Mind second. While the Mind stat ensures that Astrologers have more Focus Points (FP) to cast their spells, Intelligence allows them to boost the damage dealt per hit. Allocating a few points in Vigor is also beneficial, as it will help avoid unwarranted deaths in the overworld.
When it comes to mage builds in Elden Ring, players should keep in mind that spells consume both FP and stamina. As such, investing points in Endurance will ensure that an Astrologer has the necessary means to dodge incoming attacks after showering the opponent with spells. On the other hand, points allotted to Dexterity will contribute to a faster cast speed, whereas increased Faith allows Astrologers to rely on incantations and equip weapons that support their usage.
Best Strategies for Astrologers
Astrologers' defensive strategy mainly revolves around avoiding melee combat whenever possible. This includes maintaining a safe distance from the opponent while casting spells and evading incoming attacks when the situation calls for it. To make the strategy manageable, players need to keep their FP bar from depleting. Golden Seeds will help them in this endeavor, both as a Keepsake and when discovered in the wild, while Sites of Grace will allow the players to allocate their Flasks as they please.
By and large, Flasks of Cerulean Tears are Astrologers' best friends on the battlefield and should be favored on most occasions. Since they replenish FP, these Flasks will ensure that Astrologers retain their spellcasting advantage without having to resort to close-range interactions with enemies. Given the fact that defeating strong opponents, or groups of opponents, refills Flasks, progressing through the story as an Astrologer may seem easy in theory. However, in practice, the game’s steep and unforgiving learning curve results in recurring close calls more often than anticipated.
Equipment Scaling Is Vital for Elden Ring's Astrologers
Although the Astrologer class has the advantage of a well-balanced Staff and two effective spells from the get-go, formidable overworld opponents will prompt the players to seek out better equipment shortly after being introduced to the map of West Limgrave. While staves are recommended for Astrologers at any level, having a shield and a melee weapon will also come in handy. Fortunately, gamers will not have to travel far.
Early on, Astrologers will benefit the most from Demi-Human Queen's Staff, which happens to be a mini-boss drop and scales primarily with Dexterity and Strength. As the overworld challenges rise, however, players should look into getting the Meteorite Staff from a chest in Aeonia Swamp. This weapon has an impressive S-rank scaling with Intelligence and a passive ability to improve Gravity spells, but it cannot be upgraded. For Astrologers that have reached Raya Lucaria Academy, another great weapon that scales with Intelligence and supports upgrades via Smithing Stones is Azur's Glintstone Staff.
As opposed to predominant long-range weapons, armor selection is more versatile. It mainly depends on the preferred Astrologer build. Alberich's Set, the Snow Witch Set, and even Twinned Armor from the Twinned Set combined with Glintstone Crown from the Raya Lucarian Sorcerer Set are viable options.
The Best Spells for Astrologers
Aside from various equipment that compliments the Astrologer's innate affinity for magic, players will need to learn more spells as they explore The Lands Between. While the overworld has several Sorceries and hidden Memory Stones that will effectively allow Astrologers to increase their array of spells, some of the best Sorceries can be purchased from NPCs. One such NPC is Sorceress Sellen in Waypoint Ruins, whose initial selection expands as the players supply her with different Scrolls.
A rule of thumb for Astrologers is to favor spells that promote prudent resource consumption. Avoiding Sorceries that have long cast times or cost too much FP will help them survive while ensuring that they do not run out of FP Flasks prematurely. In addition to the two beginner spells, Astrologers should consider learning Swift Glintstone Shard, Carian Slicer, Glintstone Cometshard, Loretta's Greatbow and Glintblade Phalanx. While Glintstone Cometshard and Loretta's Greatbow stand as an exception to the rule of thumb, Glintblade Phalnax's FP consumption can be rectified by strategic use of its Ash of War instead.