TL;DR
- Carian Phalanx creates defensive glintblades that auto-attack approaching enemies
- Requires 34 Intelligence and can be purchased from Seluvis for 12,000 runes
- Alternative acquisition via Seluvis’s Bell Bearing after Ranni’s questline
- Excellent for setting up spell combos and controlling enemy movement
- Integrates with multiple major questlines including Ranni and Dung Eater
For sorcery specialists in Elden Ring who prefer tactical defensive positioning, Carian Phalanx represents one of the most sophisticated protective spells available. This advanced sorcery generates an overhead formation of magical blades that automatically engage hostile targets entering their detection radius, creating a formidable perimeter defense system that punishes aggressive enemy approaches while you prepare your next offensive move.
Carian Phalanx demands 34 Intelligence points to cast effectively. The spell conjures multiple enchanted glintblades that remain suspended above your character until adversaries venture within their activation range. This makes it exceptionally valuable for pre-engagement setup, allowing the blades to strike opponents while you channel other incantations, thereby optimizing your damage potential through layered spellcasting.
The official item description provides crucial insights:
One of the sorceries of the Carian royal family. Creates a defensive arch of numerous magic glintblades overhead, which automatically attack nearby foes. This sorcery can be used cast while in motion. An enhanced version of the glintblade sorcery used by enchanted knights.
Strategic Insight: The mobility aspect of Carian Phalanx is frequently underestimated. Unlike many defensive spells that root you in place, this sorcery permits continuous movement while maintaining your protective blade formation, making it ideal for kiting strategies against aggressive bosses.
Carian Phalanx becomes available through Preceptor Seluvis at Seluvis’s Rise within Liurnia of the Lakes for 12,000 runes. To access this region, you must first conquer Caria Manor in the northern section, defeat the area boss Royal Knight Loretta, then proceed through the manor’s rear exit to discover the Three Sisters sub-region.
Your initial encounter with Seluvis occurs in spectral form at Ranni’s Rise, the westernmost tower behind Caria Manor. This interaction initiates Ranni the Witch’s extensive questline, where Seluvis serves as a significant supporting character. After this spectral meeting concludes, he relocates to his personal tower situated in the southern portion of the area behind the manor.
At Seluvis’s Rise, he assigns you to deliver a mysterious potion to Nepheli Loux. This creates a branching narrative decision point: you may administer the potion to Nepheli at Roundtable Hold, consult Gideon Ofnir about its disposal, or retain it for the Dung Eater questline toward the game’s conclusion. Each choice influences broader narrative arcs, though obtaining Carian Phalanx merely requires completing one decision path and reporting back to Seluvis.
Upon resolving the potion dilemma, Seluvis unlocks his exclusive sorcery inventory. Carian Phalanx is among these specialized spells, purchasable for 12,000 runes.
Seluvis’s Rise
Alternative Acquisition: Should you prefer to delay purchase, completing Ranni’s comprehensive questline results in Seluvis’s demise, enabling acquisition of his bell bearing from Seluvis’s Rise. Present Seluvis’s Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks merchants at Roundtable Hold to access his complete sorcery collection, including Carian Phalanx.
Pro Tip: Many players mistakenly attempt to purchase Carian Phalanx before advancing Ranni’s quest sufficiently. Ensure you’ve spoken with Seluvis in both his spectral form and at his tower before expecting the spell to appear in his inventory.
Beyond its obvious defensive utility, Carian Phalanx offers sophisticated combat applications that separate novice and expert sorcerers. The spell’s true power emerges when integrated into comprehensive battle strategies rather than used as a standalone defensive measure.
PvP Combat Excellence: In player versus player encounters, Carian Phalanx creates psychological pressure and area denial. Opponents must either trigger your blades and take damage or alter their approach patterns, giving you tactical advantages. The glintblades remain active for approximately 15 seconds, providing substantial coverage during critical engagement windows.
Boss Fight Strategies: Against aggressive bosses like Malenia or Radahn, deploy Carian Phalanx during their recovery animations or phase transitions. The auto-tracking blades will strike during your dodging sequences, converting defensive maneuvers into offensive opportunities.
Optimal Spell Combinations: Pair Carian Phalanx with fast-casting sorceries like Glintstone Pebble or longer channeling spells such as Comet Azur. The phalanx blades will punish bosses who attempt to interrupt your casting sequences, effectively creating casting protection windows.
Advanced Technique – Bait and Punish: Cast Carian Phalanx, then intentionally position yourself to lure enemies into the activation zone. This works exceptionally well in corridor fights or against large enemies with predictable charge attacks.
For players seeking to master Elden Ring’s magic systems, understanding how Carian Phalanx integrates with other combat elements is crucial. Our Class Guide provides additional insights into optimizing your character build around defensive sorcery strategies.
Action Checklist
- Complete Caria Manor and defeat Royal Knight Loretta
- Speak with spectral Seluvis at Ranni’s Rise to begin questline
- Visit Seluvis’s Rise and accept the potion delivery quest
- Resolve the potion dilemma (Nepheli, Gideon, or Dung Eater path)
- Return to Seluvis and purchase Carian Phalanx for 12,000 runes
- Practice spell integration in combat scenarios
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Elden Ring: Where To Get Carian Phalanx Master Elden Ring's defensive sorcery Carian Phalanx with location guide and advanced combat tactics
