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The Definitive Guide to Arcane Axes in Elden Ring: Unearthing the Best

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The quest for power in Elden Ring leads many Tarnished down diverse paths, and for those embracing the esoteric, Arcane becomes a pivotal stat. While axes may not be the first weapon type that springs to mind when considering Arcane builds, several options can synergize remarkably well. So, which axe reigns supreme for an Arcane build in the Lands Between?

The truth is, there isn’t a single, undisputed “best” Arcane axe. The optimal choice depends heavily on your specific build, playstyle, and preferences. However, we can confidently identify the most promising contender and explain why.

Based on its inherent scaling and unique properties, the Ripple Blade, infused with an appropriate affinity, emerges as the strongest contender for the best Arcane axe in Elden Ring.

Why the Ripple Blade?

Here’s a breakdown of why the Ripple Blade stands out:

Inherent Arcane Scaling: The Ripple Blade possesses innate Arcane scaling, making it a natural fit for builds focused on this stat. This is crucial because it means investing points in Arcane directly translates to increased attack power.
Affinity Infusion Potential: The Ripple Blade is a standard weapon, meaning it can be infused with various affinities using Ashes of War. This is where the weapon truly shines for Arcane builds. Infusing it with the Occult affinity, specifically, will maximize its Arcane scaling, further amplifying your damage output.
Buffable: The Ripple Blade is buffable with spells and greases. This means you can apply enhancements such as Bloodflame Blade or Scholar Armament to further increase its damage output, particularly when facing enemies weak to fire or magic damage.
Relatively Low Requirements: While requiring some Strength and Dexterity, the stat requirements are reasonable, allowing you to allocate more levels into Arcane, Vigor, and Mind.
Unique R2 Attack: The Ripple Blade’s charged heavy attack is a unique upward swing that can be surprisingly effective in PvP and PvE for catching opponents off guard or staggering enemies.

Honerable Mentions

While the Ripple Blade is our top pick, here are other axes that can work well for Arcane builds in Elden Ring:

Hand Axe (with Occult infusion): A simple, readily available weapon that, when infused with Occult, can be a surprisingly effective early-game option. Its low weight and fast attack speed are advantageous.
Sacrificial Axe: While not scaling directly with Arcane, this axe restores FP upon defeating enemies, which can be extremely useful for Arcane casters who rely heavily on spells and weapon skills.
Highland Axe (with Occult infusion): With a reasonable amount of Arcane and infusion, the Highland Axe could be a great choice.
Stormhawk Axe (with Occult infusion): Requires a considerable amount of strength, however, this axe is useful when infused.
Warped Axe (with Occult infusion): With a heavier amount of strength required and infusion, the Warped Axe can dish out some serious damage.
Jawbone Axe (with Occult infusion): This is the only axe that requires faith to use, but can be a viable option for Arcane-Faith builds.
Iron Cleaver (with Occult infusion): With it’s simple design and low weight, this axe is a great candidate for infusion.

How to Optimize Your Arcane Axe Build

To truly unleash the potential of an Arcane axe build, consider these strategies:

Prioritize Arcane: Level Arcane as your primary damage stat. Aim for at least 60 Arcane, and potentially higher, for optimal scaling.
Choose the Right Talismans: Equip talismans that boost your attack power, such as the Axe Talisman (which enhances charged attacks) or talismans that increase Arcane itself. The Lord of Blood’s Exultation is another excellent choice, as it boosts attack power when blood loss occurs nearby, synergizing well with bleed-infused weapons.
Utilize Status Effects: Infuse your axe with bleed, poison, or frostbite to inflict status effects on enemies. Arcane influences the buildup of these effects, making them even more potent.
Consider Incantations: Supplement your axe with powerful Arcane-scaling incantations like Dragon Communion Seal.
Experiment with Ashes of War: Different Ashes of War can drastically alter your playstyle and damage output. Experiment with options like Seppuku (for bleed builds) or Bloodflame Blade to enhance your weapon.
Optimize Your Flasks: Fill your Flask of Wondrous Physick with tears that boost Arcane, elemental damage, or status effect buildup.

Unleash the Power of Arcane in the Lands Between

While axes may not be the most popular weapon choice for Arcane builds in Elden Ring, they can be surprisingly effective when optimized correctly. The Ripple Blade, with its inherent Arcane scaling and infusion potential, stands out as the best option, allowing you to unleash devastating attacks and status effects upon your enemies. Combine it with strategic talismans, incantations, and Ashes of War, and you’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the Lands Between. Embrace the power of the occult, and carve your own legend in the Age of the Elden Ring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arcane Axes in Elden Ring

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the intricacies of Arcane axe builds in Elden Ring:

What does Arcane actually do in Elden Ring? Arcane primarily governs your Item Discovery (increasing the chance of item drops from enemies), improves your resistance to Holy damage, and scales the effectiveness of certain spells and weapons. It also influences the buildup of status effects like bleed, poison, and sleep.
Is Arcane a worthwhile stat to invest in? Absolutely! While it may not be as straightforward as Strength or Dexterity, Arcane is incredibly valuable for builds that utilize status effects, specific weapons, and certain types of magic. It can significantly improve your farming efficiency and unlock powerful offensive options.
What is the soft cap for Arcane? The soft cap for Arcane is generally considered to be around 60. After this point, the benefits of each additional level diminish, although investing beyond 60 can still be worthwhile for specific builds.
How does Item Discovery work? Item Discovery increases the likelihood that enemies will drop items upon death. A higher Item Discovery stat translates to a higher chance of obtaining rare or valuable items. You can further boost Item Discovery by using items like the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot.
What are the best talismans for an Arcane axe build? Some of the best talismans for an Arcane axe build include: Axe Talisman, Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Marika’s Soreseal/Scarseal, Millicent’s Prosthesis, and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia.
What are some good Ashes of War for an Arcane axe? Good Ashes of War options depend on your build and playstyle. Seppuku is excellent for bleed builds, Bloodflame Blade adds fire damage and bleed buildup, and other options like Hoarfrost Stomp can provide crowd control.
Can I use an axe with Dragon Communion Seal incantations? Yes! The Dragon Communion Seal scales with Arcane and Faith, making it an ideal choice for Arcane builds that also incorporate dragon incantations. This allows you to supplement your axe attacks with powerful breath attacks and other draconic abilities.
Does the Silver Tear Mask actually increase Arcane? Yes, the Silver Tear Mask increases your Arcane stat by 8 points. However, it comes with the downside of reducing your physical attack power. Weigh the benefits against the drawbacks based on your specific build.
How do I infuse my axe with an affinity? You need to acquire the Whetstone Knife from the Gatefront Ruins early in the game. Then, at a Site of Grace, you can select “Ashes of War” and apply an Ash of War to your axe. Certain Ashes of War will also allow you to choose an affinity, such as Occult, which maximizes Arcane scaling.
Is it better to two-hand or one-hand an Arcane axe? This depends on the specific axe and your playstyle. Two-handing increases your Strength, which can be beneficial for axes with high Strength requirements. However, one-handing allows you to use a shield for added defense or cast spells with a staff or seal in your other hand.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when building an Arcane axe character? Common mistakes include neglecting Vigor, spreading stats too thin, and failing to optimize your talismans and Ashes of War. Prioritize Arcane, ensure you have enough health to survive encounters, and carefully select your equipment to maximize your damage output.
How do I find the Ripple Blade? The Ripple Blade is dropped by Albinauric enemies found in Liurnia of the Lakes, specifically near the Albinauric Rise.
Are there any specific bosses that are particularly vulnerable to Arcane axe builds? Enemies weak to bleed are excellent targets for Arcane axe builds that utilize bleed infusions or weapons like Rivers of Blood. Experiment to discover vulnerabilities!
Where can I learn more about game theory?

To learn more about game design and the mechanics of gameplay, including complex systems like those found in Elden Ring, consider exploring the resources offered by the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover a wealth of information.
Can I respec my character in Elden Ring? Yes, you can respec your character by using a Larval Tear after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, at the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This allows you to redistribute your stats and experiment with different builds.