Elden Ring, the captivating dark-fantasy RPG from FromSoftware, presents a myriad of challenges and opportunities for players to explore. Among these opportunities is the strategic use of Sacred Seals, special weapons that cast Incantations and scale with the player's Faith stat. Each Seal offers unique advantages and is tailored to enhance specific types of Incantations, making it essential for players to choose the right one for their build. In this guide, we delve into the nine Sacred Seals of Elden Ring, ranking them by their usefulness to help you make the most out of your Faith-focused character.
Harnessing the Madness: Frenzied Flame Seal
The Frenzied Flame Seal stands out for its specialization in Frenzied Flame Incantations, which inflict the debilitating Madness status on foes. This Seal is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires a considerable investment in Faith and is best suited for players adept at utilizing this unique debuff to their advantage. Obtaining the Frenzied Flame Seal is an endeavor in itself, involving a deep dive into Hyetta's questline. Players who commit to this path and master the use of Madness can turn the tides in their favor, controlling the battlefield with an unseen, insidious force.
Despite its potency, the Frenzied Flame Seal is not universally applicable, as it caters to a very specific playstyle. Its power is concentrated on Incantations that may not find use in every encounter, making it a strategic choice for those who have carefully planned their character's progression. If harnessed correctly, the Frenzied Flame Seal can become an integral component of a devastating Faith build, capable of overwhelming adversaries with relentless psychological warfare.
The Versatile Beginning: Finger Seal
In the early stages of Elden Ring, the Finger Seal emerges as a reliable companion for those newly initiated into the world of Faith-based combat. Its accessibility and lack of specialized bonuses make it an ideal starting point for players who are still discovering their preferred playstyle. The Finger Seal's flexibility allows for a balanced approach to character development, letting players invest in Faith while not neglecting other attributes such as Strength or Dexterity.
The utility of the Finger Seal lies in its adaptability. It may not offer the specialized enhancements of its later-game counterparts, but it provides a solid foundation for players exploring the potential of Incantations. As adventurers progress and their build becomes more defined, the Finger Seal often serves as a stepping stone, guiding them towards the more advanced Sacred Seals that better align with their chosen path.
The Pyromancer's Choice: Giant's Seal
For those who revel in the destructive power of fire, the Giant's Seal is a treasure waiting to be discovered in the latter half of Elden Ring's narrative. This Sacred Seal boosts the Fire Giant Incantations, granting players access to some of the most visually spectacular and potent flame-based spells in the game. It is an asset that comes into its own following the defeat of the formidable Fire Giant boss, unlocking abilities that can incinerate enemies with divine vehemence.
The journey to acquire the Giant's Seal is not without its trials, as it is well-guarded within the game's complex landscape. Yet, for those who persevere, the Seal becomes a key ingredient in a high-powered pyromantic arsenal. The boost it provides to fire-based Incantations is invaluable, particularly as players confront the mightiest of Elden Ring's adversaries or delve into the treacherous New Game Plus mode, where every advantage counts.
The Dark Arts of Godslayer: Godslayer's Seal
Early on in the sprawling castle corridors of Stormveil, the Godslayer's Seal beckons to those who dare to wield the dark power of the Godslayer Incantations. This Sacred Seal requires a substantial Faith investment and caters to a niche yet powerful array of abilities. Although its primary function is to enhance Godslayer Incantations, its potency extends to a broader spectrum of spells, offering versatility to Faith-centered builds.
As players delve deeper into Elden Ring's enigmatic lore and face increasingly formidable opponents, the Godslayer's Seal can evolve from a seemingly modest choice to a cornerstone of their character's strength. Its ability to progressively augment the power of Godslayer Incantations ensures that this Sacred Seal remains relevant and potent throughout the entirety of one's journey, making it a wise choice for those committed to mastering the darker side of Faith.
The Bolt from the Blue: Gravel Stone Seal
The Gravel Stone Seal is a testament to the power that lies within the Altus Plateau, serving as a conduit for the electrifying might of Dragon Cult Incantations. This Seal offers a significant boost to lightning-based spells, which can prove to be game-changers in the latter stages of Elden Ring. Its Faith requirement is not as steep as some of its counterparts, yet it grants a respectable enhancement to all Dragon Cult Incantations, which are renowned for their swift and broad-reaching effects.
The tactical advantage of wielding the Gravel Stone Seal is most pronounced in player-versus-player encounters, where lightning spells' speed and area of effect can catch opponents off guard. Furthermore, its moderate Faith investment makes it an attractive option for players who prefer not to allocate excessive points to a single attribute, allowing for a well-rounded character capable of harnessing the tempestuous power of the dragons.
In conclusion, Elden Ring's Sacred Seals are as diverse as they are potent, each offering a unique pathway to power for those who walk the path of Faith. From the early-game versatility of the Finger Seal to the late-game dominance of the Erdtree Seal, players have a plethora of options to tailor their incantation arsenal to their preferred playstyle. Whether you seek to harness the madness of the Frenzied Flame, command the elements with the Giant's or Gravel Stone Seals, or embrace the darkness with the Godslayer's Seal, each choice shapes the destiny of your Tarnished hero in the Lands Between. Choose wisely, and may your Faith guide you to victory.