Table of Contents

Mastering Arcane: The Best Early Game Weapons for Aspiring Mages

Quick answer

This page answers What is the best arcane early weapon? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The best early game Arcane weapon truly depends on the game. In Bloodborne, the Flamesprayer is your absolute go-to, while for Elden Ring, early access to the Regalia of Eochaid can provide a significant boost if you know where to look. Let’s dive deep into why these weapons shine, how to acquire them, and explore related tips to maximize your Arcane potential early on.

Bloodborne’s Arcane Early Game: Embrace the Flames

The Flamesprayer is a unique weapon in Bloodborne, falling under the category of Hunter Tools. You don’t directly attack with it like a sword or axe; instead, it consumes QuickSilver Bullets to unleash a continuous stream of fire.

Acquiring the Flamesprayer

Gaining access to the Flamesprayer is relatively straightforward, though it requires a bit of exploration.

Reach Father Gascoigne: Progress through Central Yharnam until you defeat Father Gascoigne, the first major boss.
Return to the Tomb of Oedon: After defeating Gascoigne, return to the area where you fought him. Look for a window with a little girl inside.
Talk to Viola’s Daughter: Speak to the girl through the window. Exhaust her dialogue options.
Receive the Tiny Music Box: She will give you the Tiny Music Box.
Defeat Cleric Beast (if you haven’t already): This is important as talking to Gilbert at the window will only happen after the Cleric Beast is defeated.
Talk to Gilbert at the Window: On the Great Bridge where the Cleric Beast was, find the window with Gilbert. Talking to Gilbert is only possible after defeating the Cleric Beast.
Complete the quest and if you have 10 insight the messenger will appear at the Hunter’s Dream where you can purchase it.

Why the Flamesprayer Excels Early On

Low Stat Requirements: The Flamesprayer has minimal stat requirements, making it accessible to any starting class regardless of build.
Beast Slayer: It deals fire damage, which is exceptionally effective against many early-game enemies, particularly beasts. The constant stream of fire can stagger and quickly melt their health.
Versatile Tool: It can be used to control crowds, set enemies on fire to interrupt their attacks, and even deal with pesky dogs that are immune to staggering with melee weapons.
Damage Scaling: The Flamesprayer’s damage scales directly with your Arcane stat, making it a reliable damage source as you level up.

Saw Cleaver & Saw Spear: Elemental Infusion

While not purely Arcane weapons, the Saw Cleaver and Saw Spear are excellent candidates for early Arcane builds. By infusing these weapons with Fire Gems or Bolt Gems, you can convert their physical damage into elemental damage, which then scales with your Arcane stat.

Serrated Edge Advantage: Both weapons possess serrated edges, granting a bonus against beasts. The Saw Spear is particularly useful because it has serrated edges on both sides.
Gem Farming: Early in the game, you can farm Fire Gems from the Hateful Dogs in the Forbidden Woods. These gems drastically increase the weapons’ fire damage output.

Elden Ring’s Arcane Early Game: Embrace the Regalia of Eochaid

In Elden Ring, while dedicated Arcane scaling weapons are less abundant at the very start, a skilled player can acquire the Regalia of Eochaid relatively early.

Acquiring the Regalia of Eochaid

This weapon requires venturing into Liurnia of the Lakes and completing a specific dungeon.

Travel to Liurnia of the Lakes: This area is accessible immediately after defeating Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle.
Locate the Gaol Cave: This small dungeon is located north of the Church of Vows in Liurnia.
Navigate the Gaol Cave: The dungeon is straightforward. Fight your way through the enemies and make sure you have a torch or lantern.
Defeat the Cemetery Shade Boss: The Regalia of Eochaid is a reward for defeating the boss.

Why the Regalia of Eochaid Excels Early On

Arcane Scaling: The Regalia of Eochaid deals physical and magic damage and scales heavily with Arcane, making it ideal for early-game Arcane builds.
Unique Skill: The weapon’s skill, Eochaid’s Dancing Blade, allows you to charge the blade and launch it forward, dealing significant damage.
Accessibility: While requiring some exploration, the Gaol Cave is accessible relatively early in the game, allowing you to acquire the Regalia of Eochaid before facing many major challenges.
Early Game Damage: The Regalia of Eochaid is a powerful weapon that can carry players throughout the early game and beyond.

Early Arcane Build Strategy: Optimizing for Success

Prioritize Arcane Stat: Focus on leveling your Arcane stat to increase the damage output of your Arcane weapons and improve your item discovery rate.
Utilize Spells and Incantations: Invest in spells and incantations that scale with Arcane. These can provide ranged options and additional utility.
Explore Thoroughly: Search every corner of the game world to discover hidden weapons, items, and spells that can enhance your Arcane build.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons, spells, and talismans to find the combination that best suits your playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What starting class is best for Arcane in Bloodborne? The Waste of Skin is a solid start for min-maxers, but the Troubled Childhood offers a good balance of stats if you are new to the game. Neither is explicitly better than the other for Arcane.
Is Arcane a viable build in Bloodborne? Yes, Arcane is an incredibly powerful build in Bloodborne, especially once you acquire the right Hunter Tools and elemental gems.
What are the best gems for Arcane builds in Bloodborne? Fire Gems, Bolt Gems, and Arcane Gems are essential for converting your weapons’ damage to elemental damage, which then scales with Arcane.
How does Arcane affect item discovery in Bloodborne? Increasing your Arcane stat directly increases your discovery rate, leading to more frequent item drops from enemies. This is extremely helpful for farming blood vials, bullets, and upgrade materials.
What is the soft cap for Arcane in Bloodborne? The soft cap for Arcane is 50. After this point, the benefits diminish, but it’s still worthwhile to invest up to 99 for certain builds.
What starting class is best for Arcane in Elden Ring? The Bandit class starts with the highest Arcane stat (14), making it a natural choice for an Arcane build.
How does Arcane affect item discovery in Elden Ring? Similar to Bloodborne, increasing your Arcane stat directly increases your item discovery rate, making it easier to obtain rare items.
Does Arcane affect bleed buildup in Elden Ring? Yes, Arcane significantly affects the speed and effectiveness of bleed buildup on weapons that inflict bleed status.
What are the best early Arcane scaling weapons in Elden Ring besides the Regalia of Eochaid? Reduvia can be acquired early and scales with arcane.
Is it worth leveling Arcane even if I’m not using Arcane scaling weapons in Elden Ring? Yes, increasing Arcane can still be beneficial for boosting item discovery and resistance to Holy damage and Death Blight.
What are some good spells or incantations for an early-game Arcane build in Elden Ring? Catch Flame and Heal are useful early-game incantations.
Are there any talismans that benefit Arcane builds in Elden Ring? The Silver Scarab talisman increases item discovery, making it a valuable addition to any Arcane build.
What stats should I prioritize besides Arcane for an Arcane build in Elden Ring? Prioritize Vigor for health and Mind for FP (Focus Points). You may also need to invest in Strength or Dexterity to meet the requirements of your chosen weapons.
Is the Rivers of Blood katana considered an early-game weapon in Elden Ring? No, the Rivers of Blood katana is obtained much later in the game, near the end of the main continent.
Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

You can visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to explore how games are being used for education and research.

Hopefully, with the insights provided in this article, you will be more than ready to take on the challenges of either game with an arcane build.