Part of Demon's Souls' magic is the number of ways players can customize their character build to suit their play style. Those who like direct combat can go for a melee-centered character, and those who prefer magic can easily make themselves a mage.
It's recommended that beginners go with magic for a more manageable first playthrough. While this is true in some respects, certain areas of the game are harder as a mage too. Fear not, however, since the ten tips below will help make even the hardest parts of Demon's Souls more realistically achievable. You can beat it if you put your mind to it; everyone at TheGamer believes in you.
Updated On January 4, 2022 by Ryan Bamsey: Demon's Souls is consistently brought up in conversations about what makes the PS5 a worthwhile purchase, and with good reason. Playing as a mage is a very fun way to play the game, so we've got some great tips for you.
13 The Ideal Mage Build
Do not be intimidated by the amount of stats there are to upgrade with each level. You really only have to focus on a few as a mag - pay the most attention to the Magic, Intelligence, and Vitality stats.
Magic boosts the damage your spells will inflict, and Intelligence lets you wield more powerful spells while also increasing your MP. Vitality is important for all builds because it improves health. Keep Faith updated as you level up, since it allows you to hold more spells simultaneously, though you max out spells after level 36.
12 The Best Place To Farm Souls
This one is not specific to a mage but vital information to any Demon's Souls player. Once you beat the Storm King boss fight in 4-3, return to the battlefield and you'll find a bunch of Storm Beasts patrolling.
With the Storm Ruler, the same weapon designed to help you defeat the boss (though not exactly required in a mage run!), you can easily take out all the beasts there. Rinse and repeat for a quick injection of souls to level up quickly. This comes in handy during the endgame because some of the final Bosses, the False King, in particular, are brutal.
11 Pick Royalty Class
The Royalty class is the best way to start out for people looking to go almost exclusively with magic. The class is gifted a Silver Catalyst, the Soul Arrow spell, and a Fragrant Ring which recovers MP over time. It's also a great class for hybrid builds - it starts out at a very low level, so you can build however you want.
It should be noted that starting class determines nothing but the stats and equipment at the beginning, but picking Royalty is a good way to set you on the path towards using magic. Magician is also a good choice, but won't get the same neat items as Royalty.
10 Save Yuria The Witch
Yuria the Witch cannot be found until a little later in the game, but it is imperative to find her to unlock some of the strongest spells. A more detailed explanation can be found here, but it involves at least beating the Tower Knight in the first Archstone and the Dragon God in the second Archstone.
Use the Iron Key found off an Official in the 1-3 level and go back to the area right before the Tower Knight boss fight to unlock a door which leads to another key (along with saving Biorr). Then, that key unlocks a gate in the starting area of 1-3. In this area you have to equip the Official's disguise in order to access her.
9 Use Both Catalysts And Talisman
Catalysts are used to cast sorcery spells, most of which are offensive. Talismans are used for miracles, which mostly involve healing and status buffs.
While it is not necessary to increase faith too much if you are only concerned with sorcery, it is always good to have a talisman with you at all times. Even with a small amount of faith, healing yourself provides a notable recovery, and protection miracles can really come in handy.
8 The Cling Ring
This one is not important just for mages, but a must for anybody playing through Demon's Souls for the first time. This ring is found early on in the game but is also easily missable. In 1-1, the first area of the first Archstone, this ring is found right after unlocking the first shortcut.
Right before going through the second fog door, the one guarded by a Blue Eye Knight, go through the doorway to the right and down the stairs to pull the lever — the item ahead, behind the once-locked gate, is the Cling Ring, which decreases the amount of health lost in soul form.
7 Use The Golden Demon Soul To Make The Insanity Catalyst
To unlock this final catalyst, players first have to find Blacksmith Ed in the 2-1 level. Progress through the area far enough and you'll reach a fog gate at the highest point in the mines. Instead of going through the gate, go forward and the path leads outside. Take a right and turn the wheel to activate the moving platforms. Ride these to the bottom to find Ed.
Talk to him for a while, and then you'll have the option to give him the Searing Demon's Soul to enable his weapon upgrading. Then you have to provide him with the Golden Demon's Soul dropped by the Old Monk boss in 3-3 to upgrade the Silver Catalyst to the Insanity Catalyst. This is easily the best use of the Golden Demon Soul for mages.
6 Learn Soul Thirst From Yuria The Witch
The further you progress in the game, the longer it's going to take to level up. To make progression go by a little faster, it is wise to learn Soul Thirst from Yuria the Witch.
It increases the number of souls gained from enemies for 30 seconds. This spell can also be stacked with the Ring of Avarice for even more souls. However, note that you can either get this spell or the Insanity Catalyst, not both since each requires the Golden Demon's Soul.
5 Save Freke In Prison Of Hope
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Several prisoners are still living in level 3-1, and you should really do your best to save them all. Freke the Sage is a must for access to some powerful spell for magess.
He is found early in the level, but the key to his cell is right before the boss battle in one of the towers on either side of the gate. Some of his spells are only unlocked using a boss's soul, so choose carefully.
3 Learn Firestorm From Yuria The Witch
For those looking to break the game, Firestorm is the way to go. This area of effect spell is wickedly powerful, and can even take care of many players invading your world with brutal efficiency.
One has to see Yuria the Witch and then trade a Dragon Demon's Soul to her to learn it. You should already have this item, however, since you have to beat the Dragon God in order to find Yuria in the first place.
2 Equip The Fragrant Ring As Soon As Possible
If you did not already pick the Royalty Class, you should make it the first order of business to pick up a Fragrant Ring. The quickest way to get it is by trading a Brass Telescope, gifted by Ostrava of Boletaria after rescuing him the first time, to Sparkly the Crow, found in 4-1.
You'll find Ostrava of Boletaria in 1-1 near some Dreglings. Defeat the enemies around him and escort him to his destination, clearing the way to make sure he survives. Once the enemies are defeated, talking to him will net you the Brass Telescope.
With the Fragrant Ring equipped, you will steadily recover MP, which will help you save souls as you will be less likely to buy spices early on in the adventure.
1 Find The Once Royal Mistress In The Prison Of Hope
Eventually, you'll be swimming in enough souls to buy consumables like grasses and spices. However, you will still want the lowdown on where to buy these for the cheapest prices. The Once Royal Mistress is the way to go for spices.
You can buy Aged Spices from her for 1,000 souls. She is found in the Prison of Hope (3-1) on the fourth floor. Once you are close, you can hear her singing.