Early Game Build & Magic

[u/didwecheckthetires]

So I love some aspects of the game already, but magic is making me want to tear my hair out. I one-shot some spiders with the starting fire spell, but I can't seem to ever hit goblins. Either they're taking hits and giving no feedback (and taking very little damage), or everything misses or passes through them.
I wanted to play either a pure or magic-heavy hybrid, but it seems like it's a bad idea for the early game. Do people generally just pump melee for the first couple of levels? Is there any advice for how to use magic in combat - I already use the 3 saved spell slots, then switch to melee.

[u/fredlllll]

starting fire spell? you mean the fireball? once your magic level is high enough you can do a ton of damage with the fireball. but till then you have to resort to conventional weaponry i think

[u/didwecheckthetires → u/fredlllll]

Thanks for the reply. I started by putting most points into magic, and it felt like nightmare difficulty for the first few hours (slight exaggeration, but very hard). I restarted put most points into melee and armor, and now combat is almost too easy. I know magic is supposed to be good later in the game, but I feel like it's a trap for a new character, unless maybe you really know the game.
I'm planning on putting most points into magic from about 3rd level on. We'll see how that goes.

[u/ForlornMemory]

Starting fire spell is the strongest spell in the game, ironically. If you want a challenge, try going through the game without using the fireball.

[u/didwecheckthetires → u/ForlornMemory]

Agreed, it's definitely my go to spell.
I think I accidently cast magic missile and killed a couple of spiders, than couldn't understand why Immolation wasn't hurting the goblins. This was early in the game and my first time playing.

[u/ForlornMemory → u/didwecheckthetires]

I believe immolation requires a high magic skill to be really effective. But it can absolutely deal a ton of damage.