Elden Ring Arcane Build: Spells, Weapons & Tips

The Elden Ring Arcane Build is a formidable choice in the game. My build focuses on maximizing Arcane while considering Vigor, Endurance, and Dexterity. You won’t need to invest scaling points into other stats.

Here’s an overview of my recommended elements for Arcane build:

1. Spells: Utilize a selection of spells that complement your Arcane build. Choose spells that align with your playstyle and the situation.
2. Talismans: Select talismans that enhance your spellcasting abilities and potentially boost your weapon damage if applicable.
3. Armor: Opt for armor that provides protection and bonuses suitable for your playstyle. Balancing defense and mobility is key.
4. Bleed Weapons: Consider using weapons that scale well with Arcane and can also induce bleed damage. These weapons can unlock the full potential of your build and prove effective against bosses and foes.

Remember that the variety of weapons, spells, and talismans mentioned in the article offers flexibility, allowing you to adapt to different situations in the game.

Elden Ring Arcane Build Explained

The Arcane Build in Elden Ring focuses on Vigor and Arcane attributes and utilizes weapons that trigger blood loss buildup, such as the Reduvia Dagger and Rivers of Blood Katana. This unique mechanic involves impaling your character with the weapon, then bleeding the enemy’s HP over time. The blood loss meter depletes when you’re not hit by the enemy, but hitting the enemy helps maintain it. The damage per second is effective against smaller enemies but less potent against bosses.

Here are the recommended stats for your Elden Ring Arcane Build:

• Vigor: 45-60
• Mind: 19-24
• Endurance: 30-38
• Strength: 12-17
• Dexterity: 28-40
• Intelligence: 7-10
• Faith: 15-25
• Arcane: 50-60

These stats cater to the requirements of your build, with higher values in Vigor, Endurance, Dexterity, and Arcane, as most weapons in the Arcane build have specific stat requirements. The provided stat ranges offer flexibility, allowing you to customize your build to suit your playstyle. Adjust these attributes to achieve your desired health, resistances, and weapon proficiency.

Understanding how each stat functions in Elden Ring is crucial for optimizing your build. For example, investing in Vigor increases your health, making you more resilient in battles and immune to certain environmental hazards like poison and fire.

Spells For Arcane Build

Equipping yourself with the right spells is essential for your Arcane Build. Spells and incantations can turn the tide of battle, offering options for both offense and defense. Here are some of the best spells to consider for your Arcane Build:

1. Fire Sling: A spell for dealing ranged fire damage to enemies.
2. Bloodflame: An offensive spell that can incinerate foes from a distance.
3. Bloodboon: While not as useful in PvE fights, this spell can be less beneficial for your build.
4. Placidusax’s Ruin: Similarly, this spell might not provide significant benefits in PvE encounters.

These spells can provide you with an advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios, allowing you to adapt your strategy and overcome various challenges in Elden Ring.

Swarm of Flies

The Swarm of Flies spell in Elden Ring summons a swarm of flies that precisely target the enemy. These flies can inflict blood loss buildup on the enemy upon contact, and players can cast the spell repeatedly due to its low cast time and minimal FP cost. It’s an unexpected but highly effective weapon.

Once cast, the flies will pursue the target, tracking their movements. The blood loss inflicted on the enemy becomes substantial thanks to a high arcane stat.

You can continuously cast the spell to stack the blood loss effect. In PvP, to deal with opponents who roll frequently, close the gap after casting the spell and attack them with your blood loss weapons.

To acquire the Swarm of Flies spell, head to Mohgwyn Palace. Find the first Sight of Grace, follow the path down the red bloodstream, and enter the second cave. Inside, you’ll discover a body on the ground, which holds the spell.

Bloodboon

You can obtain the Bloodboon spell from the Lord of Blood Boss by exchanging the Remembrance of the Blood Lord, or you can buy it from a vendor. To maximize its damage, consider using a flask of wondrous Physick mix.

Bloodboon costs 15 FP and lets you cast blood flames at a distance, dealing area-of-effect damage and causing significant blood loss. You can boost its damage, cast speed, and reduce startup time with adjustments.

This versatile spell is useful in both PvP and PvE, especially against groups. It hurls blood flames horizontally, leaving lingering fire and blood loss effects. Its low FP cost allows for rapid casting, making it potent when combined with spells like Swarm of Flies.

Ekzyke’s Decay

Ekzyke’s Decay summons a dragon head and emits a potent scarlet rot cloud, a favorite spell. The spell deals exceptionally high damage as it procs on enemies. You can aim the scarlet rot breath in any direction. Charging the spell increases FP consumption. It boasts incredible range and area of effect damage, along with a lingering blood loss and poison effect.

Theodorix’s Magma

The spell closely resembles Ekzyke’s Decay, summoning a dragon head to spew magma flames on the ground for Area of Effect damage to multiple targets. Enemies taking damage by walking across the lingering magma. Obtain Theodorix’s Magma by acquiring Dragon Heart from the Great Wyrm Theodorix at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion.

Placidusax’s Ruin

Placidusax’s Ruin is a powerful spell in Elden Ring. It summons a fierce dragon that unleashes a destructive golden breath in a laser-like pattern across the field. This spell can be activated mid-air for a breathtaking effect, especially when leaping from great heights. It offers 360-degree aiming, allowing you to focus the beam on a single target or direct it in any direction, but it depletes your stamina completely.

In PvP, you can combine Placidusax’s Ruin with other attacks. For instance, striking an enemy with your sword and then activating the spell can lead to devastating results. The initial sword hit weakens the enemy, making them vulnerable to the immense damage from Placidusax’s golden breath.

Flame, Grant Me Strength

It is an incantation that boosts melee damage and any fire spells that you use. Any weapon you use will have an increased damage effect if you use the Flame, Grant me Strength incantation. It is a perfect spell for any bleed or arcane build because you will gain more blood loss build-up or damage to your enemies once cast. Before entering into any fight, you can use the spell to buff up other spells and weapons in your arsenal, and you can see the insane difference in damage.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Now, for your Flask of Wondrous Physick, you can use the following mix to produce significant effects. your 

• Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear
• Thorny Cracked Tear

The Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear will buff up your fire spells, and Thorny Cracked Tear will enhance your physical attacks. So, when you’re hitting combos, your attack damage will stack up and deal more damage to the enemy.

Weapons For Arcane Build

To unlock the full potential of an Arcane Build, a perfect weapon is essential. In this section, we’ll explore the top 7 arcane weapons that excel in inducing a substantial blood loss build-up on your foes while delivering significant damage. These weapons are renowned for their high blood loss capabilities, often dispatching enemies within minutes of combat. Their effectiveness extends to both PvE and PvP scenarios, providing players with a distinct advantage.

Furthermore, all seven weapons listed below are adept at handling multiple adversaries simultaneously, rendering them exceptionally potent and lethal.

Godskin Peeler

Basic Information:

Type	Twin Blade
Attack Type	Strike
Skills	Black Flame Tornado
FP Cost	30
Weight	8.0
Sell price	500

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	121	47
Magical Damage	0	31
Fire Damage	0	31
Lightning Damage	0	31
Holy Damage	0	31
Critical Damage	100	-
Boost	-	31

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	17	E
Dexterity	22	C
Intelligence	0	-
Faith	0	-
Arcane	0	-

To boost weapon damage and bleed, use Ash of War Seppuku with Occult. Godskin Peeler’s jump attacks increase blood loss. Pair it with a suitable talisman for extra damage. Ash of War coats blades in blood, enhancing attack power and blood loss. Be aggressive to maintain blood loss. The weapon has good mid-range reach

Eleonora’s Poleblade

Basic Information:

Type	Twin Blade
Attack Type	Standard/Pierce
Skills	Blood Blade Dance
FP Cost	11(-6)
Weight	6.0
Sell price	100

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	72	33
Magical Damage	-	23
Fire Damage	72	47
Lightning Damage	-	23
Holy Damage	-	23
Critical Damage	100	-
Boost	-	28

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	12	E
Dexterity	21	D
Intelligence	-	-
Faith	-	-
Arcane	19	D

Blood Blade Dance is a powerful skill on the Poleblade, scaling with Arcane (requires 19 Arcane). It offers good damage and range. Useful for evading attacks in PvP. Obtained through Yura’s Questline. The weapon allows long-range attacks but has slow heavy attacks, so timing is crucial. Be cautious in challenging situations to avoid getting staggered.

Bloody Helice

Basic Information:

Type	Heavy Thrusting Sword
Attack Type	Standard/Pierce
Skills	Dynast's Finesse
FP Cost	5(-7)
Weight	8.0
Sell price	200

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	121	57
Magical Damage	0	40
Fire Damage	0	40
Lightning Damage	0	40
Holy Damage	0	40
Critical Damage	100	-
Boost	-	34

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	16	E
Dexterity	19	D
Intelligence	0	-
Faith	0	-
Arcane	17	D

Bloody Helice offers mid-range damage with a unique move set, including a dash and thrust. It confuses enemies and deals significant damage with a lasting blood build-up effect. A heavy thrusting sword combining physical damage and bleed build-up. In PvP, it’s a strong choice compared to Rivers of Blood Katana.

Reduvia Dagger

Basic Information:

Type	Dagger
Attack Type	Slash/Pierce
Skills	Reduvia Blood Blade
FP Cost	6(-6)
Weight	2.5
Sell price	100

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	79	38
Magical Damage	-	22
Fire Damage	-	22
Lightning Damage	-	22
Holy Damage	-	22
Critical Damage	110	-
Boost	-	16

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	5	E
Dexterity	13	D
Intelligence	-	-
Faith	-	-
Arcane	13	D

Reduvia is another arcane-scaling weapon with potent blood loss capabilities. This dagger is obtained through Yura’s Questline and excels in close-range combat, proving highly effective when you need to engage in melee confrontations. Its attack pattern is satisfactory, but each well-placed hit can trigger blood loss in your adversaries. However, in rare PvE situations, it may be less effective since you must get close to enemies, leaving you vulnerable to their attacks.

Rivers of Blood

The Katana does incredible damage in PvP invasions, and you can use it to inflict blood loss build-up on your enemies. Many players have spammed its move set in PvP fights and succeeded in winning countless battles!

Basic Information:

Type	Katana
Attack Type	Slash/Pierce
Skills	Corpse Piler
FP Cost	17(-9)
Weight	6.5
Sell price	500

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	76	36
Magical Damage	-	26
Fire Damage	76	52
Lightning Damage	-	26
Holy Damage	-	26
Critical Damage	100	-
Boost	-	31

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	12	E
Dexterity	18	D
Intelligence	-	-
Faith	-	-
Arcane	20	D

The Rivers of Blood Katana is a powerful weapon in PvP fights. It offers high damage, great range, and a deadly move set. The Katana inflicts significant blood loss on enemies, making it lethal over time. Its long-range and slashing capabilities are beneficial for mid-range combat. Many players use it in a Samurai Build, and it scales well with Arcane for incredible damage.

In PvP, the Katana is effective in outnumbered situations, dealing double damage in duals and affecting multiple players with its slashes and pierce attacks, causing intense blood loss. It combines high base damage with bleed build-up and has a unique skill that boosts bleed and raw damage. It’s a valuable addition to an Arcane Build.

Talisman

• Ritual Sword

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Basic Information:

Type	Great Spear
Attack Type	Pierce
Skills	Bloodboon Ritual
FP Cost	20(-20)
Weight	10
Sell price	100

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	96	57
Magical Damage	-	36
Fire Damage	62	49
Lightning Damage	-	36
Holy Damage	-	36
Critical Damage	100	-
Boost	-	46

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	24	D
Dexterity	14	E
Intelligence	-	-
Faith	-	-
Arcane	27	D

The spear in the game is extremely powerful. By using the L2 button on your controller, you can execute the devastating “Devil’s Horns” attack with insane damage and remarkable range. It deals area-of-effect damage to nearby foes, creating a visually striking red animation.

Furthermore, the spear is highly versatile, allowing you to perform three consecutive “Sacred Spear” combos for devastating damage. Pairing it with the recommended talisman can significantly boost its damage output, making it a formidable choice for eliminating enemies or groups of mobs in Elden Ring.

Talisman

• Lord of Blood’s Exultation

Marais Executioner’s Sword

Basic Information:

Type	Great Swords
Attack Type	Standard/Pierce
Skills	Eochaid’s Dancing Blade
FP Cost	15
Weight	11.5
Sell price	1000

Stats:

Attribute	Attack	Guard
Physical Damage	94	68
Magical Damage	61	49
Fire Damage	-	36
Lightning Damage	-	36
Holy Damage	-	36
Critical Damage	100	-
Boost	-	46

Requirements:

Attribute	Values	Scaling
Strength	24	C
Dexterity	14	E
Intelligence	-	-
Faith	-	-
Arcane	23	D

The Marais Executioner’s Sword has unique characteristics in Elden Ring. It primarily scales with Strength and secondarily with Arcane, with minimum requirements of 24 Strength, 23 Arcane, and 14 Dexterity. It’s a visually appealing weapon with a noteworthy skill called “Dancing Blade.” This skill infuses the sword with devilish energy, allowing you to strike enemies from any distance. When the sword connects, it performs a spinning attack with impressive range and damage.

In PvP battles, this sword can be challenging to use effectively because opponents often dodge attacks with rolls and slides. However, if you manage to connect, it deals substantial damage, both during and after the throw. Additionally, the sword has an impressive blood loss build-up, allowing you to stack up blood procs and swiftly eliminate enemies. The Marais Executioner’s Sword is a viable choice for your Arcane Build among the top 7 alternatives.

Talisman

• Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
• Eochaid’s Dancing Blade
• Shard of Alexander

The above talismans are recommended for the Executioner’s Sword as they buff the damage output of the sword.

Related: Best Talismans to use in Elden Ring.

Dragon Communion Seal

The Dragon Communion Seal is not a weapon but a seal that enhances Dragon Communion incantations, including spells like Ekzyke’s Decay and Placidusax’s Ruin, which I discussed earlier. It’s an excellent choice for your Arcane Build because you’ll be using these dragon incantations.

Players might wonder about the difference between the Dragon Communion Seal and the Erdtree Seal. Both are ideal for scaling with Arcane and Faith. However, it’s important to note that the Dragon Seal is better suited for Arcane builds, while the Erdtree Seal is perfect for Faith builds. So, make sure not to confuse the two when optimizing your character’s build!

Man-Serpent’s Shield

The relatively small shield serves as a defensive option for countering minor attacks. While not essential, it can be handy for dealing with less threatening foes and adds style when paired with samurai armor. However, for those pursuing a devastating blood loss build-up strategy, a shield may not be necessary. Why bother with defense when you can quickly eliminate enemies in just a few hits?

To further enhance your damage output, consider equipping armor pieces that boost your attack. The White Mask, in particular, can be an excellent choice for increasing your damage output.

That concludes my Arcane Build guide. Feel free to share your feedback in the comments and let us know which combination of spells and weapons worked best for you. If you’re interested in exploring different builds, check out our collection of Elden Ring guides on our website.