Elden Ring: 7 Tricks to Beat Magic Users in PvP
Magic builds in Elden Ring are no joke. Whether it’s a Sorcerer nuking you from across the map with Comet Azur or a sneaky Faith build hurling Lightning Spears while rolling away, facing a magic user in PvP can feel like trying to dodge raindrops during a storm. But with the right approach, you can flip the script and send even the most seasoned spellcasters back to the grace site.
Here are 7 effective tricks to outplay and defeat magic users in Elden Ring PvP.
1. Use Line of Sight to Break Casting Patterns
Most powerful spells—like Stars of Ruin or Loretta’s Greatbow—require a clear line of sight. Use terrain, walls, and columns to your advantage. Break up their rhythm by forcing them to reposition. This often makes them waste FP and opens up opportunities for surprise rushdowns.
2. Invest in High Poise Armor and Talismans
Magic builds often rely on staggering opponents from range. Wearing high poise armor can help you power through glintstone spells long enough to get in close. Talismans like the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman can reduce physical damage, while the Spelldrake Talisman provides solid protection against magic—critical for any anti-mage setup.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different Elden Ring Items to find a loadout that gives you both speed and survivability.
3. Equip Quick Gap-Closers
Getting into melee range is the fastest way to disrupt a magic user. Skills like Bloodhound’s Step, Quickstep, or Ashes of War such as Flaming Strike can help you close the distance. Colossal weapons are risky here—opt for faster swords or spears that let you stick to your target once you’re in.
4. Bait Out Their FP
Magic builds tend to be FP-hungry. If you can dodge their key spells and survive long enough, they’ll either need to burn a Flask of Cerulean Tears mid-fight (a huge opening) or switch to weaker melee options. Drag out the fight just enough to force them into this situation.
Remember: endurance can be just as effective as aggression.
5. Use Magic Resistance Consumables
Don’t forget to prep before the fight. Items like the Boiled Crab, Spellproof Dried Liver, and Stanching Boluses can drastically reduce incoming damage or counter common status effects like Frostbite. Smart use of consumables is a hallmark of skilled players.
If you need to stock up on essentials, it's always worth finding ways to buy Elden Ring runes and trade for the best defensive gear available.
6. Watch Their Casting Habits
Every mage has patterns. Some spam Glintstone Pebble, others rely on Moonlight Greatsword combos. By recognizing their habits early, you can predict their moves and roll accordingly. Don’t panic—precision dodging is your best defense.
If they rely on charge-ups like Comet Azur, use that long wind-up to either break their cast with a well-timed weapon art or punish the cast with a jumping attack.
7. Punish After Cast Delays
Many spells in Elden Ring have significant recovery frames after casting. That half-second is all you need to close in and land a critical hit. Don’t roll away after dodging—roll towards them instead. This puts pressure on the mage and limits their ability to safely cast again.
Even skilled casters crumble when they can’t create distance.
Magic builds can be incredibly powerful, but they’re not invincible. With smart positioning, well-timed dodges, and the right mix of Elden Ring Items, you can turn even the most dangerous sorcerer duel in your favor. And if you're feeling underpowered, it never hurts to buy Elden Ring runes to upgrade your gear or experiment with different anti-magic builds.
The Lands Between may be full of spell-slinging threats—but with these tricks, you’ll stand a fighting chance in any duel.