The Elden Ring 1.04 patch notes detailed a large number of balance updates and adjustments for stats, equipment, and magic, and they’ve managed to make Faith and Intelligence builds even better. The latest patch from Elden Ring developer FromSoftware has removed bugs from the game, but the biggest talking point once again relates to balancing changes. Magic users specifically received buffs to many combat spells, meaning that Faith and Intelligence builds have become even more powerful.
Spellcasting has always been a major draw for fans in the Souls games. While some players choose to wield a colossal Greatsword in battle, others wish to cast magic and dispatch their foes from afar. The spellcasting system in FromSoftware’s latest entry starts off rather weak and underwhelming at times. However, magic builds in Elden Ring can become overpowered if used correctly. For example, players can use specific items that greatly improve the effectiveness of spells, such as the Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear. This consumable will boost magic damage by 20% for three minutes. The drawback to using spells in Elden Ring is the FP cost, casting length, and recovery time. However, with the new update, challenging any of the game’s strong bosses with Sorceries or Incantations has become much easier.
Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco, recently revealed the patch notes for version 1.04. Players will receive a slight increase in FP and Stamina growth rates at lower levels. While beneficial to everyone, Faith and Intelligence builds will now have an easier time fighting bosses at the start of the game. Learning to manage FP and Stamina costs properly can be tricky and often leads to death for players in the Elden Ring. A large number of Sorceries and Incantations received major buffs in the new patch. The majority of spells listed have had their FP cost reduced, Stamina cost reduced, damage increased, recovery decreased, or casting speed increased. Specific spells, such as Scouring Black Flame, have had their attack range and area of effect increased as well. All of these stats are vitally important for magic users and can make choosing specific Sorceries or Incantations a more viable option. However, not all spells that are detailed were given a complete buff in the new update.
Buffs And Nerfs To Spellcasting In Elden Ring Patch 1.04
In the 1.04 patch notes released by Bandai Namco, one Sorcery and two Incantations in Elden Ring have had one aspect of the spell decreased and others increased. Both Adula’s Moonblade and Flame, Fall Upon Them deal less damage in a single cast but gain improved performance for continuous and multiple hits. This Incantation also received a reduction in FP cost. Howl of Shabriri now has an increased cast speed and decreased recovery time, in exchange for a decrease in madness buildup on enemies. Potentially unfortunate for some, however, is that three Incantations obtained nerfs in the new update. The blood loss buildup on enemies from Swarm of Flies is decreased, while both The Flame of Frenzy and Frenzied Burst received a decrease in the madness buildup on enemies when cast. Although some spells had to be balanced, magic users can still rejoice over the buffs that most Sorceries and Incantations did receive.
Patches and updates are important for creating a better experience for all players. Difficulty in Elden Ring is an integral part of the game and of the previous Soulsborne entries FromSoftware has developed. Without the struggle to survive, overcoming challenging bosses would have less of an impact. Magic in Elden Ring can be overpowered with the right tools, but nothing should make the game inherently easy.
Source: Bandai Namco