Ultimate Guide to the Best Arcane Builds in Elden Ring

In *Elden Ring*, Arcane builds focus on Arcane as their primary attribute, allowing players to harness formidable magical capabilities. Instead of relying on conventional weaponry, they utilize powerful incantations like Dragonclaw, Dragonmaw, and Agheel’s Flame. To develop an effective Arcane build, selecting the right stats for early, mid, and late-game stages is essential in Elden Ring.

Choosing an appropriate armor set, such as the Scaled Set, alongside the right weapon like the Ripple Crescent Halberd, is also crucial.

Elden Ring Pure Arcane Build Overview

The Pure Arcane build breaks away from traditional Arcane setups that often depend on bleed damage. Instead, it leverages the unique scaling and strengths of the Ripple Crescent Halberd to inflict physical damage paired with Arcane scaling. While this build may not maximize pure damage output, it remains viable for late game and NG+ scenarios.

• Starting Class: Confessor
• Flask Spread: 3 parts HP to 1 part FP
• Stats: Arcane, Strength, and Vigor (primary), Endurance and Dexterity (secondary)
• Weapons: Ripple Crescent Halberd
• Shield: Eclipse Crest Heater Shield
• Ash of War: Spinning Slash and Parry
• Spirit Summons: Mimic Tear or Spirit Jellyfish
• Incantations: Dragonclaw, Dragonmaw, and Agheel’s Flame
• Armor: Scaled Set with Silver Tear Mask
• Flask of Wondrous Physick: Crimson Burst Crystal Tear and Greenburst Crystal Tear
• Talisman: Spear Talisman, Crimson Amber Medallion, Outer God Heirloom, and Crusade Insignia

Stats for Arcane Build

Stats at Level 60

Stats at Level 100

Stats at Level 150

Top Weapons for Arcane Build

For the Pure Arcane build, the Ripple Crescent Halberd is the weapon of choice. All weapons featuring “Ripple” in their name boast Arcane scaling, and due to the Halberd’s extended range, it represents an ideal choice. You can obtain this weapon by defeating the Albinaurics near Academy Gate Town.

Top Shield

For the Pure Arcane build, we recommend the Eclipse Crest Heater Shield due to its solid defensive capabilities. This shield can be located in the Tombsward Catacombs relatively early in the game.

Essential Ashes of War Options

For the Pure Arcane build, it’s optimal to utilize the default Ash of War, Spinning Slash, that comes with the Ripple Crescent Halberd. This skill allows you to deliver a circular attack that damages any foes in close proximity. For the shield, we suggest using the basic Parry Ash of War to deflect and counter enemy strikes effectively.

Top Incantations for Arcane Build

Considering that the Pure Arcane build is somewhat less powerful compared to the Bleed variant, we’ll incorporate several Incantations to bridge that gap. Our focus will be on three Dragon Communion Incantations for this build.

1. Dragonclaw: This incantation allows you to morph into a dragon and utilize its claws to attack your foes.
2. Dragonmaw: Similar to its predecessor, this incantation transforms you into a dragon that delivers a devastating bite.
3. Agheel’s Flame: Agheel’s Flame engulfs enemies with a rain of fire from above, making it particularly effective against groups.

Top Spirit Summons Choices

Unlike the Bleed build, where we recommend two Incantations for bleed damage, the Pure Arcane build gives you the freedom to choose your Spirit Summons. Here are our suggestions:

1. Mimic Tear: This summon creates a duplicate of your character that fights alongside you, effectively doubling your damage potential.
2. Spirit Jellyfish: A dependable summon that diverts enemy attention while you gradually wear down their health.

Best Armor for Arcane Build in Elden Ring

For the Pure Arcane build, the Scaled Set should be paired with the Silver Tear Mask. This mask enhances your Arcane stat, allowing you to utilize Dragon Communion Incantations earlier in your journey while increasing the overall damage of your weapon, the Ripple Crescent Halberd.

Top Flask of Wondrous Physick

The Flask of Wondrous Physick grants you the ability to combine two temporary buffs into a single-use item. For Arcane builds, we suggest:

1. Crimson Burst Crystal Tear: This Tear gradually restores your HP over time.
2. Greenburst Crystal Tear: This Tear boosts your stamina recovery rate.

Top Talismans for Arcane Build

Talismans provide various buffs for your builds, and you have a total of four slots to equip them. For the Arcane build, these are the recommended Talismans:

1. Spear Talisman: This boosts counterattack damage for thrusting weapons by +15%.
2. Crimson Amber Medallion: This Medallion increases your total HP by +6%.
3. Outer God Heirloom: This item raises your total Arcane stat.
4. Crusade Insignia: This increases your attack power by +15% whenever you defeat an opponent.