Long time reader, long time poster. Building a mage is more complicated/rewarding in a lot of games. Then playing them is an art in of itself as all the buffs and spells are a specific series of events to maximize efficacy.
That's why i play everything as a swordsman. Even shooters.
There was a lot of learning during that playthrough as well so it was a combo of figuring out this style of game and trying to build a more complex character.
Probably why I love "Paladin" builds. Start with sword, get magic later.
I don't know if this is an option in Elden Rings.
I used a sword a lot as i was building up the spell casting ability. I think I would’ve given up on the game if I was forced to use magic 100% of the time.
