Unveiling the Arcanist: Elder Scrolls Online’s Newest Class
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The Arcanist is the seventh playable class in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), introduced with the Necrom Chapter in Q2 2023. It’s a versatile class empowered by the secrets of Apocrypha and the forbidden knowledge of Hermaeus Mora. Arcanists channel arcane power, ancient runes, and lost tomes to wield destructive, restorative, and defensive magic, offering players a diverse range of gameplay options. It arrived on PC/Mac on June 5th, 2023 and consoles on June 20th, 2023.
Delving Deeper: The Arcanist’s Core Mechanics
The Arcanist distinguishes itself through a unique mechanic called “Crux.” Many Arcanist abilities generate Crux, which are then consumed by other abilities for enhanced effects. This creates a dynamic gameplay loop where managing Crux becomes essential for maximizing the Arcanist’s potential.
The class boasts three distinct skill lines:
Herald of the Tome
This is the Arcanist’s primary damage-dealing skill line. Herald of the Tome focuses on harnessing the power of Apocrypha to unleash devastating arcane attacks. Abilities in this line allow the Arcanist to summon tentacles, create magical beams, and manipulate the very fabric of reality to obliterate their enemies. Mastering Herald of the Tome is crucial for players seeking to excel as damage dealers.
Apocryphal Soldier
This skill line caters to defensive and utility playstyles. Apocryphal Soldier grants the Arcanist access to abilities that enhance survivability, provide crowd control, and support allies. Abilities in this line focus on shielding, teleportation, and debuffing enemies, enabling players to effectively tank or provide valuable support in group settings.
Curative Runeforms
The healing-oriented skill line. Curative Runeforms empowers the Arcanist to restore health, grant buffs, and protect allies using ancient runes. Abilities within this line utilize the power of arcane runes to mend wounds, fortify defenses, and even resurrect fallen companions, making them invaluable as healers in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Build Diversity: Crafting Your Ideal Arcanist
The Arcanist’s flexible skill lines allow for a wide range of builds. While initially perceived as predominantly Magicka-based, effective Stamina Arcanist builds have emerged, particularly for optimal DPS.
- Magicka Arcanist: Excels in ranged damage and healing, utilizing light armor for magicka sustain and increased spell damage.
- Stamina Arcanist: Employs medium armor for critical damage bonuses and focuses on sustained physical damage output.
- Hybrid Arcanist: Combines elements of both Magicka and Stamina builds, allowing for a balanced approach to combat.
The best race for an Arcanist depends on the desired build and playstyle. Popular choices include:
- Khajiit: Increased critical damage and resource sustain, suitable for both Magicka and Stamina builds.
- Dark Elf (Dunmer): Max stat bonuses making it easy to switch between a Stamina Arcanist Build and Magicka Arcanist Build.
- High Elf (Altmer): Increased Magicka and spell damage, ideal for Magicka-focused builds.
- Breton: Resource sustain and Magicka bonuses, a strong choice for sustain focused Magicka builds.
Is the Arcanist Right For You?
The Arcanist offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience for ESO players. Its flexible skill lines, Crux mechanic, and diverse build options provide something for everyone, whether you prefer dealing damage, healing allies, or tanking enemies.
The Arcanist class provides players with the chance to experiment and discover what works best for them. By embracing the power of Apocrypha, players can unlock the Arcanist’s full potential and become a force to be reckoned with in the world of Tamriel.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the ESO Arcanist
1. What weapons does the Arcanist class use?
While the article mentioned books, grimoires, and picatrix, it’s important to understand that the Arcanist uses standard weapon types available in ESO, such as swords, daggers, bows, staves, etc. The “books” and “tomes” referred to are more thematic representations of the Arcanist’s source of power. There are however, abilities that involve visual spell casts of magical grimoires and books.
2. Can the Arcanist be a tank?
Absolutely! The Apocryphal Soldier skill line provides the necessary tools for tanking, including abilities that generate taunt, provide shields, and increase survivability. The arcanist is not a tanking class, however it can be specced to fulfil a tanking role in certain builds.
3. Is the Arcanist a good class for solo play?
Yes, the Arcanist is well-suited for solo play due to its self-healing capabilities, strong damage output, and access to defensive skills.
4. What is the best Mundus Stone for an Arcanist?
The best Mundus Stone depends on your build and playstyle.
5. Does the Arcanist have pets or summons?
While the Arcanist doesn’t have traditional pets like the Sorcerer’s, some abilities summon temporary tentacles or manifestations of Apocrypha that deal damage or provide support.
6. How does the Crux mechanic work in detail?
Many Arcanist abilities generate Crux, up to a maximum of three. Other abilities consume Crux to enhance their effects. The more Crux consumed, the greater the effect of the ability. Effectively managing Crux generation and consumption is key to maximizing the Arcanist’s potential.
7. Is the Arcanist easy to learn for new players?
The Arcanist can be initially complex due to the Crux mechanic. However, with practice and understanding of the class’s abilities, it can be a rewarding class for both new and experienced players. Templar and Sorcerer are, generally, more accepted as being easier for new players to get to grips with.
8. Are there any unique Arcanist class sets in ESO?
Yes, each major update usually introduces new item sets, some of which are designed to synergize with the Arcanist’s abilities. These sets can significantly enhance the Arcanist’s performance and provide unique build options.
9. How does the Arcanist compare to other classes in terms of DPS?
At release and in subsequent patches, the Arcanist is usually among the top-performing DPS classes in ESO, especially with optimized builds and rotations. However, class balance is constantly adjusted, so its ranking may change over time.
10. What are some essential skills for a Magicka Arcanist?
Some essential skills for a Magicka Arcanist include:
- Fatecarver: A powerful beam that deals significant damage.
- Runeblades: A spammable ability that generates Crux.
- Pragmatic Fate Twist: A powerful teleportation ability.
- Apocryphal Gate: Provides a quick means of traversing the battlefield and aiding in the damage rotation.
11. What are some essential skills for a Stamina Arcanist?
Some essential skills for a Stamina Arcanist include:
- Cephaliarch’s Flail: A powerful stamina based damage source.
- Runeblades: A spammable ability that generates Crux.
- Inspired Scholarship: An ability to reduce enemy armour.
12. How does the Arcanist perform in PvP?
The Arcanist is a strong class in PvP, with its mobility, burst damage, and healing capabilities. Its versatility allows it to adapt to different roles and excel in various PvP scenarios.
13. Do I need to purchase the Necrom Chapter to play the Arcanist?
Yes, the Arcanist class is only available to players who own the Necrom Chapter of The Elder Scrolls Online.
14. Can I respec my Arcanist if I don’t like my build?
Yes, you can respec your Arcanist’s skills and attributes at any time by visiting a shrine or using a respecification scroll. This allows you to experiment with different builds and find what works best for you.
15. What is the Arcanist’s ultimate ability?
The Arcanist has several unique ultimate abilities that are unique for each of the three skill trees. These can range from dealing massive damage to restoring health to providing powerful defensive buffs.