When you first venture into the sprawling, ash‑stained landscape of Elden Ring, the feeling of uncertainty can be overwhelming. A powerful weapon can shift the tides of your adventure, and the Academy Glintstone Staff is one of the most coveted tools for casters who prefer to strike from a safe distance. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from its elusive discovery location to the best way to harness its full potential.
Where to Find the Academy Glintstone Staff
The staff is your hidden treasure in the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Once you reach the Inquisitor’s Catacombs, follow the lantern fire. The path will take you past the Sanguine Well, where the staff is dropped by a Graven Tinker. Be alert: the creature drops a handful of Staff Tarot Cards that can be used for other upgrades, too.
Crafting Requirements
Although you can acquire the staff directly, forging it can yield higher stats. The following materials are essential:
- Glintstone Chunk (5)
- Crystal Wood (3)
- Gladepride (1)
- Flame of the Erdtree (1)
To combine these, you’ll need to visit the Smithing Table located in the Colloquium Hall. Spend a few Smithing Points and align the materials according to the in‑game schematic.
💡 Note: If you’re low on Flame of the Erdtree, you can use a Soulflame from a defeated Festering Wraith instead.
Stat Breakdown
| Stat | Base Value |
|---|---|
| Effect Strength | 48 |
| Secondary Magic Damage | 27 |
| Weight | 2.5 kg |
| Cast Speed | Fast (8 slots) |
| Ranged Speed | Modest (10 slots) |
These numbers make the Academy Glintstone Staff an ideal starting point for players wanting to blend spellcasting with ranged combat. Its lightness allows for quicker mobilization, which is critical when enemies close in.
Tips for Using It
- Keep your distance: The staff’s primary spell, Glintstone Pebble, does great damage from afar.
- Stack attunement slots: Assign a mix of Glintstone and Perfume Of Witches to cover both primary and secondary spells.
- Use the Blue Perrin Belt to raise your Blue Four Leaf Clover buff, which increases spell potency.
- Pair it with a Shield or Ballista if you need more defense during spellcasting.
Upgrade Path
The staff can be upgraded at the Smithing Table using the usual Glintstone Chunk progress. Each upgrade increases the Effect Strength by roughly 7 points and reduces the Cast Speed penalty. With a maximum of three upgrades, the staff becomes substantially more lethal.
⚠️ Note: After the first upgrade, you must also use a Smithing Stone to unlock the Yielding Golem which allows the staff to cast spells that affect large groups of enemies.
In practice, the Academy Glintstone Staff offers a balanced blend of power and agility, making it a distinct choice for early‑game casters looking to maintain safety while dealing significant battlefield damage. By following the acquisition and upgrading steps above, you’ll ensure this treasured tool is primed to support your adventures across the Lands Between.
What is the best way to obtain the Academy Glintstone Staff?
+The staff drops from the Graven Tinker in the Inquisitor’s Catacombs of the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Explore carefully, keep an eye out for the shapeless tile that appears when the object is near.
Can the Academy Glintstone Staff be upgraded beyond the third level?
+No. Elden Ring only allows up to three upgrades for this staff. After the third, the weapon reaches its maximum stat tier.
What spells are most effective with the Academy Glintstone Staff?
+Glintstone Pebble for single targets, and Glintstone Spark for area of effect damage are both excellent due to their range and synergy with spell buffs.
