Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed action RPG, is a world brimming with deep lore, intricate combat mechanics, and endless possibilities for player expression. One of the most captivating and versatile aspects of the game is the use of Faith as a stat, which empowers a wide range of unique builds and abilities. Among the myriad ways to experience the Lands Between, the “Surge of Faith” playstyle stands out, offering players a powerful tool to wield divine magic and overwhelming foes with the might of their belief. In this article, we’ll explore the role of Faith in Elden Ring, what the Surge of Faith build entails, and how you can make the most of this gameplay style.
Understanding Faith in Elden Ring
Faith in Elden Ring is one of the game’s primary stats, alongside Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Arcane. It governs your ability to cast incantations, the divine magic that offers both offensive and defensive capabilities. Whether you’re healing your allies, summoning powerful creatures, or raining down holy fire upon enemies, Faith gives players access to a wide variety of magical powers.
What sets Faith apart from other magic stats like Intelligence or Arcane is its connection to the world’s gods and the divine. Incantations, unlike sorceries, are often tied to religious rites and celestial forces. A Faith build in Elden Ring doesn’t just focus on raw damage; it’s about aligning yourself with the divine, and many of the best incantations have a thematic link to the gods, healing, and purification.
What is Surge of Faith?
The “Surge of Faith” is a term that encompasses the powerful potential of Faith-focused builds in Elden Ring. This surge refers to the way Faith players harness divine energy to both support themselves and devastate their enemies. Faith builds can often seem less flashy than their Intelligence-based sorcery counterparts, but they can deliver far-reaching, high-damage incantations that can turn the tide of any battle.
A Surge of Faith build typically involves prioritizing the Faith stat, with players focusing on boosting their ability to cast powerful incantations. The synergy between Faith and key equipment—such as sacred seals, talismans, and armor—plays a crucial role in enhancing the build’s effectiveness. Many Faith users also invest in Mind for greater FP (mana) capacity, allowing them to continuously cast their divine abilities without running out of energy.
Best Incantations for Surge of Faith Builds
To make the most out of a Surge of Faith build, players should equip themselves with the best incantations that scale with Faith. Here are a few standout examples:
1. **Flame, Grant Me Strength**: A must-have incantation for any Faith build, this spell enhances your attack power with fire, giving you a powerful boost when dealing with tougher enemies.
2. **Radagon’s Scarseal**: While not technically an incantation, this talisman increases Faith, allowing you to cast higher-level spells with ease. The trade-off is increased damage taken, but the benefits far outweigh the risks for a true Surge of Faith build.
3. **Elden Stars**: This powerful and slow-moving magic is perfect for taking down large groups of enemies or as a support tool in boss fights. It heals allies and damages foes, demonstrating the versatility of Faith builds.
4. **Blessed Weapon**: This incantation adds holy damage to your weapon, allowing you to enhance your physical attacks with divine energy. It’s especially effective when paired with enemies vulnerable to holy damage.
Building Your Surge of Faith Character
To truly harness the Surge of Faith, consider the following strategies when building your character:
– **Prioritize Faith and Mind**: Maximize your Faith stat to unlock powerful incantations, while also investing in Mind to expand your FP pool. This ensures that you can both deal substantial damage and sustain your magic in long battles.
– **Equip the Right Sacred Seal**: Your choice of seal plays a vital role in how effectively you can cast incantations. The **Golden Sealed Ring** or **Finger Seal** are top choices for enhancing your incantation power.
– **Maximize Your Defense and Healing**: Since Faith builds are often more vulnerable in close combat, equip armor and talismans that increase your resilience. Consider talismans that boost resistance to elemental damage, or use incantations like **Heal** to keep your health topped off during tough encounters.
– **Balance Offense and Defense**: While focusing on Faith-based damage, ensure your build isn’t overly dependent on it. Invest in weapon upgrades and physical stats to create a balanced approach to both melee and magical combat.
Why Choose a Surge of Faith Build?
A Surge of Faith build in Elden Ring offers players a unique experience. While many players gravitate towards the explosive power of Intelligence builds or the nimble dexterity of Dexterity builds, Faith offers a more strategic, balanced approach. With the power to heal, buff, and blast away enemies with devastating divine incantations, players who opt for this build enjoy a versatile gameplay experience. Furthermore, the role of Faith within the world of Elden Ring—tied to the gods, the grace of the divine, and the mystical forces that govern the universe—adds a layer of depth to the roleplaying experience.
In addition, the Surge of Faith build provides a degree of “hidden strength.” It’s not the type of build that’s immediately obvious to most players, but when it hits, it can absolutely overwhelm opponents. Whether you’re wiping out hordes of enemies with radiant lightning bolts or providing support to your fellow Tarnished, the Surge of Faith is a powerful and rewarding playstyle.
Conclusion
In the world of Elden Ring, where danger lurks around every corner, a Surge of Faith build offers a unique way to confront the forces of darkness. Faith builds allow you to channel the divine power of the gods into devastating spells and mighty incantations that can heal, protect, and obliterate enemies with holy wrath. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to experiment with new playstyles or a newcomer eager to explore the Lands Between, a Surge of Faith build could be your path to becoming a legendary Tarnished. Embrace the power of belief and let the divine surge through you as you forge your destiny in Elden Ring.
