Charges are the ammo
Staves cast from a charge pool that refills. Spamming empties you mid-fight, so cast with intent and let the pool recover.
The armor database shows the Magic pieces that boost your staff damage and survivability in the dark.
Pair with Magic armor
A Magic build in the right set out-damages a mixed one. Wear the class that matches your staff for the bonus to land.
Element answers
Many Shroud foes resist physical. An elemental staff often breaks them where a sword bounces off and wastes your swings.
Scale the staves
Better staves and charges come from bosses. Clear them in order to grow your magic smoothly into the late game.
The consumable database keeps you healed while you learn the cast timing on each new staff.