IS MAGE BUILD ACTUALLY CHEATING?! 🧙‍♂️✨

I finally put the theory to the test: I beat EVERY single boss in Elden Ring using NOTHING but Sorceries. No melee, no buffs from incantations, just pure, big-brain magic.

The verdict? It feels less like a challenge and more like I’m breaking the game’s difficulty slider. From deleting Margit with Rock Blaster to cheesing Malenia from across the arena, the damage potential is actually absurd. If you’ve been struggling with endgame bosses, this might just be the “cheat code” you’ve been waiting for.

Are you a “melee-only” purist, or is magic just the ultimate way to play in 2026?

See how I destroyed the Lands Between using only spells: 👇

In the competitive and often elitist world of Soulslike challenges, few topics are as divisive as the use of magic. For years, the Souls community has whispered that using Sorceries is “cheating”—a critique stemming from the ability to deal massive damage from a range that effectively bypasses the game’s core melee-focused mechanics. Recently, content creator Jazza97 set out to prove or disprove this sentiment by completing a full “Sorceries-Only” run, defeating every single boss in the game using exclusively magic.

The “Big Brain” Gameplay Philosophy

The challenge wasn’t just about using magic; it was about demonstrating total mastery of every spell school in the game. Jazza97 committed to utilizing gravity spells, death sorceries, and classic glintstone techniques to ensure no boss could exploit a specific elemental weakness.

The run immediately challenged the notion that magic builds are “easy mode.” While the range is an undeniable advantage, the build requires intense resource management—specifically FP (Focus Points) management and spacing. However, the sheer damage output of spells like Rock Blaster—which Jazza97 used to delete Margit, the Fell Omen, in a staggering display of force—suggests that the “cheat code” label may be grounded in reality [04:19].

Tactical Dominance: Breaking the Bosses

A key highlight of the run was the fight against Godric the Grafted. By utilizing the AoE (Area of Effect) explosion inherent to Rock Blaster, the player managed to phase-transition and stance-break the boss simultaneously, essentially removing the boss’s ability to counter-attack.

As the run progressed into the late game, the focus shifted from “raw damage” to “smart engagement.” Against bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella, the strategy shifted to simple, calculated distancing. Jazza97 showcased that while the fight can be made to look “anticlimactic” by staying out of range, the execution still requires a deep knowledge of boss attack patterns—even if you are fighting from three zip codes away.

The “Pure” Mage Experience

What makes this run particularly interesting for the 2026 meta is the exclusion of external buffs. By refusing to use Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength, Jazza97 proved that Sorceries are self-sufficient. The build relied solely on:

Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear: To maximize elemental damage output.

Ritual Sword Talisman: For the 10% damage increase at full health.

Pure Intelligence Scaling: Utilizing the best staves to ensure every projectile hits like a truck.

This “no-buff-stacking” approach provides a purer look at the game’s magic mechanics, separating the raw power of the spells from the influence of complex, overlapping status effect buffs.

Addressing the “Cheating” Allegation

Is playing a mage “cheating”? The answer provided by this run is nuanced. If the goal is to experience the game’s boss encounters as a tense, close-quarters dance of blades, then yes—Sorcery builds fundamentally remove that tension by allowing the player to control the distance.

However, from a tactical perspective, it is simply a different way to play. The run serves as a refreshing change of pace for players who have spent hundreds of hours “spamming giant swords.” It requires a shift in mindset: moving from reacting to animations to controlling the battlefield.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

After 11 hours and 37 minutes of gameplay, Jazza97 successfully cleared all 26 major bosses, proving that a pure Sorcery run is not only viable but arguably one of the most effective ways to dominate the current Elden Ring meta. Whether you view it as “cheating” or “smart play,” the results are undeniable.

The run serves as a call to action for veteran players. If you feel like the game has lost its excitement, or if you’ve never moved beyond your comfort zone of melee builds, a Sorcery-only run might be the “refreshing” challenge you need. Just be prepared: once you start deleting bosses with a well-placed spell, it might be very hard to go back to the sword.