If you’ve been hunting for a serious endgame staff, the Carian Regal Scepter is probably already on your radar. This thing drops from Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, and it’s one of the best pure-INT casting tools in Elden Ring. Let’s break down how to upgrade it, what you need, and how to build around it so your sorceries actually hurt.

Quick heads-up before we start:

  • Don’t feed this staff regular Smithing Stones. It won’t work.
  • Don’t waste your Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone if you’re not sure yet.
  • Don’t think two-handing will let you skip the 60 Intelligence requirement. It won’t.

Why You Should Upgrade the Carian Regal Scepter

The Carian Regal Scepter isn’t just another staff. At high Intelligence, it becomes one of the best all-around staves for a dedicated sorcery character.

It also boosts the Full Moon sorceries tied to Rennala. Those spells already lower magic resistance, so you get a nasty one-two punch in boss fights.

Honestly? This is the most reliable “pure mage” weapon in Elden Ring. It doesn’t have flashy special attacks, but it doesn’t need them.

Once you hit +10, the sorcery scaling is excellent. You’ll feel the damage jump compared to early-mid game staves like the Meteorite Staff.

Carian Regal Scepter Upgrade Materials

The Carian Regal Scepter is a unique/somber weapon, so it does not use regular Smithing Stones. You’ll need Somber Smithing Stones, and the upgrade goes from +0 to +10.

Here’s the exact material list for maxing it out:

  • +0 to +1: Somber Smithing Stone [1] ×1
  • +1 to +2: Somber Smithing Stone [2] ×1
  • +2 to +3: Somber Smithing Stone [3] ×1
  • +3 to +4: Somber Smithing Stone [4] ×1
  • +4 to +5: Somber Smithing Stone [5] ×1
  • +5 to +6: Somber Smithing Stone [6] ×1
  • +6 to +7: Somber Smithing Stone [7] ×1
  • +7 to +8: Somber Smithing Stone [8] ×1
  • +8 to +9: Somber Smithing Stone [9] ×1
  • +9 to +10: Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone ×1

So in total, you need one of each Somber Smithing Stone from [1] to [9], plus one Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. That final stone is rare, and you’ll only find a few per playthrough. Don’t blow it on some random weapon you’ll never use.

Carian Regal Scepter Upgrade: Step-By-Step

Here’s how to get this staff and max it out without getting lost.

Step 1: Beat Rennala

The Carian Regal Scepter isn’t a drop. You have to beat Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon at Raya Lucaria Academy in Liurnia.

After the fight, you’ll get the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen.

Step 2: Trade the Remembrance at Roundtable Hold

Take that Remembrance to the Roundtable Hold and talk to Finger Reader Enia. She’s the old lady standing near the big table.

Exchange the Remembrance and choose the Carian Regal Scepter.

You can grab Rennala’s Full Moon sorcery instead, but if you want this staff, pick the scepter. Want both? You can always get the sorcery in a new game cycle or duplicate the Remembrance at a Walking Mausoleum.

Step 3: Gather Somber Smithing Stones

Now the real work starts. Somber Smithing Stones are scattered through mines, tunnels, and late-game areas. Some enemies drop them too.

If you don’t feel like exploring, buy them from the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold. But you’ll only get that shop option after turning in the right Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings.

Step 4: Talk to a Blacksmith

Head back to Roundtable Hold and talk to Hewg. You can also use Iji at Caria Manor, but Hewg is easier since he’s right there.

Choose “Upgrade Weapon,” pick the Carian Regal Scepter, and you can take it straight to +9 if you have the stones.

Step 5: Use the Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for +10

The last upgrade is special. From +9 to +10, you need a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.

Those stones are limited, so check your inventory before using one. You can find them in late-game areas like Crumbling Farum Azula. Watch your surroundings, because they’re usually guarded by tough enemies or sitting on dangerous corpse runs.

Step 6: Get 60+ Intelligence

The Carian Regal Scepter requires 60 Intelligence. If you don’t have it yet, you can’t use it.

No amount of Strength or Dexterity will let you two-hand your way around that Int requirement. Save your levels and pump Intelligence first.

Carian Regal Scepter Stats and How It Works

Once upgraded, this staff has incredible Intelligence scaling. At max level, it reaches S scaling in Intelligence, which is exactly what you want on a pure sorcery build.

It also has a hidden buff to Full Moon sorceries. That means Rennala’s Full Moon and Ranni’s Dark Moon hit even harder than usual.

Those Moon spells already lower magic resistance. So an easy boss plan is: throw a Moon spell, then follow up with Comet or Glintstone Pebble spam.

One thing to remember: this staff is terrible as a melee weapon. Yes, you can smack someone with it, but that’s not its job. Treat it like a casting tool and keep your distance.

Best Carian Regal Scepter Builds

This staff fits the classic high-Intelligence sorcery setup really well. You don’t need to spread your stats into Strength or Faith. Go all in on Int, keep Mind comfortable, and give yourself enough Vigor to survive mistakes.

Pure Intelligence Moon Mage

This is the most natural build for the Carian Regal Scepter. All about maximizing sorcery damage with Intelligence at 70 to 80.

Recommended stats by level 150:

  • Vigor: 40
  • Mind: 35
  • Endurance: 20
  • Intelligence: 70 to 80
  • Strength/Dexterity/Faith: base starting stats only

Spells you should carry:

  • Rennala’s Full Moon – debuffs the enemy, then you follow up
  • Ranni’s Dark Moon – same bonus, frost-themed sorcery
  • Comet Azur – massive damage in a straight line
  • Glintstone Pebble – your reliable spammable spell
  • Terra Magica – stand in the magic circle and melt bosses

Good talismans for this build:

  • Graven-Mass Talisman – boosts sorcery damage
  • Magic Scorpion Charm – more magic damage, but you take more damage too
  • Radagon Icon – faster casting
  • Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman – better physical defense if the Magic Scorpion Charm makes you too squishy

Want to go full glass-cannon? Swap the Dragoncrest for Godfrey Icon to boost charged spells, especially if you’re using Comet Azur with Terra Magica.

Carian Regal Scepter + Off-Hand Staff Combo

Here’s a neat trick: keep the Carian Regal Scepter in one hand and a support staff in the other.

If you use gravity spells, put the Meteorite Staff in your off-hand for its gravity boost. Want faster casting? Hold Azur’s Glintstone Staff.

Your off-hand staff won’t replace the Carian Regal Scepter’s main job, though. The Regal Scepter is still your best option for high sorcery scaling and Moon spells. The combo is just for min-maxers who want extra damage from specific spell types.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned players mess this up sometimes.

Regular Smithing Stones Won’t Work

The Carian Regal Scepter does not use Smithing Stones. If you bring a pile of regular stones to Hewg, you won’t be able to upgrade it.

Always use Somber Smithing Stones. This is probably the most common mistake people make.

Not Leveling Intelligence to 60 First

The staff is locked behind a 60 Intelligence requirement. If you’ve been dumping points into Mind or Vigor and only have 30 Int, the staff is useless in your hands.

You can’t cheese it by two-handing. Level Int first, then worry about the rest.

Wasting Your Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone

The final upgrade needs a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Those are super limited each playthrough.

Don’t use it on a weapon you barely touch. If you do, you’ll be waiting until New Game Plus or hunting down another hidden one before you can max the Carian Regal Scepter.

Treating It Like a Melee Weapon

Don’t run into enemy groups and start swinging the Carian Regal Scepter like a club.

It can bonk people, but it’s terrible compared to real melee weapons. Stay back, cast spells, and let the magic scaling do the work.

Ignoring the Full Moon Sorcery Bonus

If you’re using this staff, carry at least one Full Moon sorcery. The staff literally boosts those spells.

Skip Rennala’s Full Moon and Ranni’s Dark Moon? Then you’re leaving free damage on the table. Not every boss needs a moon to the face, but most should get one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Carian Regal Scepter better than the Meteorite Staff?

Yes, for late-game builds. The Meteorite Staff is great early because it already has S Intelligence scaling and doesn’t need upgrade stones. But it also can’t be upgraded.

The Carian Regal Scepter at +10 will beat it once your Intelligence is high enough. Use Meteorite Staff until you can get the Carian Regal Scepter upgraded.

Can I use the Carian Regal Scepter with Ranni’s Dark Moon?

Yes. Ranni’s Dark Moon counts as one of the Moon sorceries this staff enhances. Pair it with Rennala’s Full Moon for some strong frost and magic damage combos.

How many Somber Smithing Stones do I need for +10?

You need one of each Somber Smithing Stone from [1] through [9], plus one Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for the final +10. That’s 10 total upgrade stones.

Does two-handing let me use the staff with less Intelligence?

No. Two-handing only increases your effective Strength. The staff’s 60 Intelligence requirement still applies, so you have to level Intelligence to 60 no matter what.

Follow these upgrade steps, keep your stones on point, save that Ancient Dragon Stone, and keep Intelligence at 60 or higher. The Carian Regal Scepter is an endgame beast for mage builds. Once you feel that +10 damage, you won’t want to go back to any starter staff again.