The Best Weapons For An Arcane Build

It’s no surprise that Hidetaka Miyazaki’s latest game, Elden Ring, will set the bar for future FromSoftware entries. And that’s because Elden Ring has shown the gaming community that it’s possible to create a punishing Souls-like game while still leaving room for the newer audience to enjoy the game. Moreover, Elden Ring gives players near-limitless choices on how they want to approach Lands Between. RELATED: Elden Ring Director Hidetaka Miyazaki Reveals His Favorite FromSoftware Boss And one playing style players enjoy using to beat the ill-omened creatures of Lands Between is with Arcane-powered weapons. And with the 1.03 update for Elden Ring, Arcane-type weapons received a notable buff. But, with so many to choose from, players would do well in learning which ones stand above the rest. Updated May 11, 2023 by Erik Petrovich: The best Arcane weapons Elden Ring has to offer almost all deal some kind of status effect damage, as Arcane tends to increase the amount of build up that, say, Bleed inflicts with each hit. But some stand out for other reasons, like the unique Eochaid’s Dancing Blade Ash of War, or the uniquely Arcane-scaling Serpent Bow. There’s something for almost every Arcane build Elden Ring players can acquire, but not everything is going to work with arguably the best all-around Arcane weapon, Rivers of Blood. Indeed, spellcaster Arcane builds will find more use in the seal and staff available to them, though it’s important to keep in mind that truly powerful Elden Ring Arcane builds tend to be limited in terms of variety. 15 Regalia Of Eochaid Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight PHYS: 117, MAG: 57 Standard and Pierce Straight Sword STR: D DEX: D ARC: D STR: 12 DEX: 18 ARC: 15 Eochaid’s Dancing Blade (15 FP) 5.5 Regalia of Eochaid is perfect for players that haven’t been able to obtain Marais Executioner’s Sword since it shares similar attributes and has the same unique skill. But, the real reason why it fits perfectly with an arcane build in Elden Ring is that it primarily scales with Arcane despite having a D grade scaling when not upgraded. For the best effect, players should only invest enough Dexterity and Strength points to be able to use it effectively and dump the rest into Arcane, as this means other Arcane weapons will be easier to use upon acquisition. Regalia Of Eochaid Location Players can obtain this straight sword after going through the Gaol Cave in Caelid, though it can technically be reached from the Third Church of Marika with some precision. For the rest of us, it’s on top of the cliff just outside the exit to the Gaol Cave in Limgrave. 14 Clinging Bone Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight PHYS: 80, MAG: 24 Standard and Pierce Fist STR: E DEX: C ARC: D STR: 8 DEX: 22 ARC: 16 Lifesteal Fist (14 FP) 2.5 Undoubtedly, Fist weapons are among the least used weapons in Elden Ring because most of them are lackluster and perform poorly in PVE and PVP. Fortunately, there’s an exception with the Clinging Bone since it deals a decent amount of damage once a player has 30+ Arcane. But, of course, nearly every other Arcane weapon has better damage output than this Fist-type weapon, but it is the best Fist weapon for any Arcane builds in Elden Ring. Clinging Bone Location Players can obtain this weapon by defeating Ensha of the Royal Remains at the Roundtable Hold, who is only able to be harmed when he invades after a Great Rune has been found. 13 Albinauric Staff Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Glintstone Staff STR: E DEX: D ARC: C STR: 6 DEX: 10 ARC: 12 NO SKILL 2.5 The Albinauric Staff is the only choice players have if they want to go for an Arcane build in Elden Ring as a magic wielder. And that’s because the Albinauric Staff has an Arcane scaling of C, making it the ideal choice to use with some PvP-oriented spells. One beneficial part of using this Glintstone Staff is that it comes with no unique skill, which means that players have the freedom to choose among one of the few powerful staff-related Ashes of War in Elden Ring. Albinauric Staff Location Players can find this staff within the walls of Volcano Manor, but guarding it is the dreaded Omenkiller. Head upstairs from the Guest Hall grace and take a ladder up to the roof. Then, drop onto the ledge below and come prepared for a fight. 12 Ripple Blade Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight PHYS: 75 Standard Axe ARC: C STR: 11 DEX: 11 ARC: 20 Wild Strikes (2 FP, continuous) 4.5 Even though the Ripple Blade is technically a common Axe it still deserves a spot among Elden Ring’s best Arcane weapons because of its scaling. Any weapon grease (Poison, Bleed, Rot, or Sleep) will be significantly more powerful when applied to the Ripple Blade because it has an A scaling for Arcane. RELATED: Elden Ring: The Best Remembrance Weapons, Ranked Players can easily mow down most enemies with the Ripple Blade coated with grease, making it the perfect alternative to Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear (which involves fighting one of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring). Ripple Blade Location The Ripple Blade can be bought from Pidia, Carian Servant, for 3,500 Runes. Pidia can only be found after completing the Carian Manor legacy dungeon, after which players should scan the cliffside by the Manor’s exit for a rooftop they can fall onto. 11 Ripple Crescent Halberd Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight PHYS: 86 Standard and Pierce Halberd ARC: B STR: 12 DEX: 12 ARC: 20 Spinning Slash (6 FP) 8.5 Despite the Ripple Crescent Halberd being the weakest of the bunch (compared to other Halberds), it’s well worth being used by players going for a complete Arcane build. The main reason is that the Ripple Crescent Halberd has an Arcane scaling of B, which means any Status Effects or grease will hit like a truck. But, of course, that means players will need to keep a steady flow of greases since the Ripple Crescent Halberd without it does pitiful damage. It’s useful for Arcane players, but not very good for others, so make sure to have a backup weapon if Weapon Greases run thin. Ripple Crescent Halberd Location The Ripple Crescent Halberd can be framed from just about any Albinauric that wields one, most prominently around Liurnia. Head to the Academy Gate Town Site of Grace to find a convenient patrol of Albinaurics that spawns nearby. Later in the game, the Palace Approach Ledge-Road can be farmed instead. 10 Reduvia Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 79 Standard and Pierce Dagger STR: E DEX: D ARC: D STR: 5 DEX: 13 ARC: 13 Reduvia Blood Blade (6 FP) 2.5 Bleed build up on hit Players who enjoy backstabbing their opponents in Elden Ring, whether in PVP or PVE, will enjoy using the Reduvia as it’s a powerful Arcane-scaling weapon that causes massive Blood Loss Build Up. And despite having limited range (since it’s a dagger), its unique skill Reduvia Blood Blade sends projectiles, causing Hemorrhage. Moreover, upgraded to +10, the Reduvia will cause a +87 Blood Loss Build Up per hit, which can melt most bosses in seconds. Reduvia Location Obtaining the Reduvia bleed dagger takes some skill as players will need to vanquish the NPC Invader Bloody Finger Nerijus, found in the canyon north of Lake Agheel. If the Tarnished waits a little bit after Nerijus invades, Bloody Finger Hunter Yura will be summoned for assistance. 9 Marais Executioner’s Sword Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight PHYS: 94, MAG: 61 Standard and Pierce Greatsword STR: C DEX: E ARC: D STR: 24 DEX: 14 ARC: 23 Eochaid’s Dancing Blade (15 FP) 11.5 Undoubtedly, strength-heavy weapons can deal an insane amount of damage to enemies and bosses, especially if it’s greatswords. So, players who favor strength weapons but want to try an Arcane build will love using Marais Executioner’s Sword. This Greatsword starts with a 94 Physical Damage and can go as high as 230, which is decent when talking about Greatswords. RELATED: Elden Ring: Best Ashes of War, Ranked Moreover, Eochaid’s Dancing Blade is the perfect Weapon Skill to barrage an enemy since it repeatedly spins the sword around. But, the only downside of that Weapon Skill is that it has limited maneuverability, which means players should be careful using it in large groups. Marais Executioner’s Blade Location The Marais Executioner’s Blade is acquired after defeating the current occupant of Castle Marais, Elemer of the Briar. Castle Marais, otherwise called The Shaded Castle, is found next to the entrance to Mt Gelmir in the Altus Plateau, where it looks like a verdant green pasture on the map – in typical FromSoftware fashion, it’s poison. 8 Varre’s Bouquet Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 46 Strike Straight Sword STR: E DEX: D ARC: C STR: 8 DEX: 16 ARC: 24 Blood Tax (14 FP) 2.0 Bleed build up on hit Even though Varre’s Bouquet has a low base AR (attack rating), its Blood Loss build up scaling makes up for it – plus it’s basically a bouquet of flowers, the perfect accouterment to a romantic cosplay. Its Ash of War called Blood Tax not only deals a decent amount of damage but also steals HP from the target, which is quite useful during PVP encounters. But lets be honest, players aren’t looking for this weapon for its combat buffs, they just want to own a piece of Elden Bling. Varre’s Bouquet Location Coming across this Hammer-type weapon is no walk in the park since players will need to complete White-Faced Varré’s questline. This means players will need to use Bloody Fingers to invade other players – or NPCs – and dab a piece of cloth in the blood of a Maiden. Then, in Mohgwyn Palace, his quest completes with a duel. 7 Eleonora’s Poleblade Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 72, FIRE: 72 Standard and Pierce Twinblade STR: E DEX: D ARC: D STR: 12 DEX: 21 ARC: 19 Bloodblade Dance (11 FP) 6.0 Bleed build up on hit One of the few Twinblade weapons worth investing in any FromSoftware game is Eleonora’s Poleblade, which not only scales with Arcane but also Dexterity. Eleonora’s Poleblade deals a massive amount of Blood Loss build up and deals Fire Damage that can be buffed with other skills. RELATED: Great FromSoftware Games That Are Totally Different From SoulsBorne Its weapon skill, Bloodblade Dance, performs a flurry of tornado-like attacks that can stagger most enemies and bosses. Its triple-pronged damage types and Status Effects make it a force to be reckoned with, and a great base for a Darth Maul build. Eleonora’s Poleblade Location Obtaining Eleonora’s Poleblade isn’t so complicated since players will only need to start (but not finish) Bloody Finger Hunter Yura’s questline. Talk to Yura in Limgrave, then head to the Altus Plateau’s Second Church of Marika to be invaded by Eleonora. She drops her weapon upon defeat. 6 Bloody Helice Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 121 Standard and Pierce Heavy Thrusting Sword STR: E DEX: D ARC: D STR: 16 DEX: 19 ARC: 17 Dynast’s Finesse (5 FP) 8.0 Bleed build up on hit The Bloody Helice is the ideal poking weapon since it offers quick thrust attacks with a decent attack range. On top of that, as with other Arcane-type weapons, this Heavy Thrusting Sword deals a significant amount of Blood Loss build up at higher levels. The initial part of the Ash of War animation makes the player invincible, which means a well-timed use can protect a player from instant death. Bloody Helice Location Finding this impressive Arcane weapon won’t be easy as some weapons as players will need to fight a Sanguine Noble plus a whole pack of annoying stray dogs with a high amount of Blood Loss build up. Head to the south of the Writheblood Ruins to find this boss, after which the Bloody Helice can be found in a chest. 5 Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 96, FIRE: 62 Pierce Great Spear STR: D DEX: E ARC: D STR: 24 DEX: 14 ARC: 27 Bloodboon Ritual (20 FP) 10.0 Bleed build up on hit Before Elden Ring’s 1.03 patch, players could easily cheese the boss battle of Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn Palace, but after, players quickly realized that they’d need to fight him straight on, which isn’t easy. RELATED: Elden Ring: Most Annoying Enemies, Ranked This Great Spear uses Fire Damage primarily but also deals an insane amount of Blood Loss Build Up (+73) even without using Somber Smithing Stones. Moreover, its Weapon Skill coats the Great Spear with Bloodflame, which will quickly do away with an enemy or player. Moghwyn’s Sacred Spear Location Players who want to wield the powerful Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear will have to overcome their fear and face the Lord of Blood himself. It will only drop after trading in his Remembrance with Enia at Roundtable Hold. The other option is a cursed blood incantation which, while good, isn’t as cool as a Trident that pierces the Formless Mother’s belly to inflict bleed. 4 Morgott’s Cursed Sword Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 120 Slash Curved Greatsword STR: E DEX: C ARC: D STR: 14 DEX: 25 ARC: 17 Cursed-Blood Slice (20 FP) 7.5 Bleed build up on hit One of the lightest Curved Greatswords in Elden Ring, Morgott’s Cursed Sword is a worthy weapon to use in PvP and PvE alike. Its Ash of War, Cursed-Blood Slice, is one of the most impactful in the game, though it has been nerfed a little bit since the game launched. Morgott’s Cursed Sword deals Bleed build up innately, which is amplified by its Cursed-Blood Slice. It’s useful, though much better when fully upgraded or part of a dual-wielding build. Morgott’s Cursed Sword Location Players can acquire this Arcane-type weapon after receiving Remembrance of the Omen King after defeating Morgott, the Omen King. But, they’ll need to choose between Morgott’s Cursed Sword or Regal Omen Bairn, or they can duplicate the remembrance and get both. 3 Serpent Bow Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 75 N/A Bow STR: E DEX: D ARC: D STR: 8 DEX: 15 ARC: 11 Mighty Shot (6 FP) 3.5 Extra Poison damage on each shot Sadly, there are a very limited number of Arcane bows in Elden Ring, but the Serpent Bow makes up for that since it has a unique ability that causes arrows to deal Poison build up. Moreover, using Bloodbone Arrows with the Serpent Bow will make the weapon cause Blood Loss and Poison build up. RELATED: Elden Ring: The Best Places To Farm Runes In Caelid It’s worth noting that the Arcane scaling doesn’t influence the amount of Status Effect build up is not affected by Arcane scaling, just its damage. Of all the bows to add to an Arcane build Elden Ring offers its players, the Serpent Bow is the only one that relies on the stat at all, though. Serpent Bow Location Obtaining the bow requires players to venture into Dragonbarrow, where they’ll find an Abandoned Cave (one of many hidden locations in Elden Ring). To make matters worse, within the cave are pools of Scarlet Rot, so players should only enter when they have the consumables or incantations to dispel it, like Flame, Cleanse Me. 2 Dragon Communion Seal Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties Sacred Seal FAITH: D ARC: D FAITH: 10 ARC: 10 NO SKILL 0 Buffs Dragon Communion spells The must-have Seal for a Faith and Arcane build, the Dragon Communion Seal, will make any Dragon Communion Incantations deal even more damage to enemies and players. For example, Incantations like Rotten Breath (causes Scarlet Rot) or Borealis’s Mist (causes Ice damage) do a lot more damage while using the Dragon Communion Seal. It’s the only Seal that scales with Arcane, and it just so happens to work well with some of the best Arcane-oriented incantations and spells. Just don’t expect it to be an easy thing to find. Dragon Communion Seal Location To get the Dragon Communion Seal, players must use two Stonesword Keys at the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave at the beginning of the game. This area is quite challenging, so players should learn some useful tricks before being crushed by the annoying Chariots. This Seal is being guarded by a Banished Knight at the end of a tunnel. 1 Rivers Of Blood Damage and Types Weapon Type Scaling Level Requirements Ash of War Weight Special Properties PHYS: 76, FIRE: 76 Slash and Pierce Katana STR: E DEX: E ARC: D STR: 12 DEX: 18 ARC: 20 Corpse Piler (17 FP) 6.5 Bleed build up on hit Undoubtedly, the best Arcane weapon for PvE and PvP is the Rivers of Blood Katana. One of the reasons why most players favor this weapon is because of its powerful Weapon Skill: Corpse Piler. This skill creates large streaks of blood that cause significant damage to enemies and players from far away while dealing huge Blood Loss build up. Since it’s a Katana, every attack can be performed in quick succession, leaving very little time for enemies or players to react. It’s been nerfed a little bit, but it still reigns supreme amongst the other best Arcane Elden Ring weapons. Rivers of Blood Location Rivers of Blood drops from Bloody Finger Okina, who helped the Tarnished beat Radahn earlier in the game. Players that want to use this weapon will need to get it before reaching the Forge of the Giants and defeating the Fire Giant, at the Church of Repose on the way to the boss area. Elden Ring is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. MORE: Complete Guide To Elden Ring: Weapons, Items, Tips, Tricks, Bosses, & Builds