Pure Caster vs Hybrid Build Comparison

Build Recommendation Guide • Elden Ring

Should you go all-in on magic or split between melee and casting? Pure casters have higher magic damage but are fragile. Hybrids are more versatile but less powerful in any single area.

Recommended Builds

#1: Pure Sorcery

Pure Sorcery S-Tier Intelligence

Maximum magic damage. Comet Azur combo is exclusive to high-Int pure casters.

Why it works: 80 Intelligence for the hard cap means maximum sorcery damage. Comet Azur's full damage requires heavy Int investment that hybrids can't match while also having melee stats.

View full Pure Sorcery build guide →

#2: Moonveil Magic (Hybrid)

Moonveil Magic S-Tier Intelligence/Dexterity

Best of both worlds: Transient Moonlight + sorceries + katana melee.

Why it works: Moonveil hybrids sacrifice some sorcery damage for katana melee capability. The result is a build that handles any situation — ranged sorceries when safe, melee when needed.

View full Moonveil Magic (Hybrid) build guide →

#3: Carian Sword Sorcery (Melee Mage)

Carian Sword Sorcery A-Tier Intelligence

A caster that fights in melee range using magic swords. The most aggressive hybrid.

Why it works: Carian Slicer and Greatsword sorceries create a melee playstyle that uses Int instead of Str/Dex. You're technically a pure caster but you fight like a melee character.

View full Carian Sword Sorcery (Melee Mage) build guide →