Who is Weak to Arcane in Bloodborne?
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 Arcane stat in Bloodborne governs your ability to use Hunter Tools and the damage output of weapons infused with Arcane damage. Understanding enemy weaknesses is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Generally speaking, beasts are often more resistant to Arcane damage, while kin and some human enemies are typically more vulnerable. However, this is a simplification, and specific enemies have vastly different resistances. Always observe and experiment to discover the most effective strategy for each encounter.
Understanding Arcane Damage in Bloodborne
Arcane damage in Bloodborne is a unique damage type that relies on your Arcane stat. Unlike Physical, Bloodtinge, or Fire damage, Arcane effectiveness is less straightforward and depends heavily on enemy type. While some enemies are incredibly susceptible, others are almost completely immune. Identifying these resistances and weaknesses is key to mastering an Arcane build. Many of the Hunter Tools scale directly with Arcane, making them powerful options against enemies vulnerable to this element.
Key Enemy Types and Arcane Resistance
While generalizations exist, precise knowledge triumphs. Here’s a breakdown focusing on broader categories and notable exceptions:
-
Beasts: Generally, beasts tend to resist Arcane damage. Think of creatures like the Scourge Beasts in Yharnam or the Blood-Starved Beast. They’re more susceptible to Fire damage, making a Saw Cleaver with Fire Paper a better choice. However, exceptions exist. Some beasts, particularly those touched by the Great Ones, may display surprising vulnerabilities.
-
Kin: This is where Arcane shines. Kin, creatures related to the Great Ones, are frequently weak to Arcane damage. Examples include the Celestial Emissary, Rom the Vacuous Spider, and Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos. These encounters often become significantly easier when utilizing Hunter Tools like A Call Beyond or Executioner’s Gloves.
-
Humanoids: Human enemies show more variable resistance. Some, like the Church Giants, might have moderate resistance to Arcane, while others, especially those with arcane augmentations, might surprisingly be weak. Experimentation is key.
-
Great Ones: Resistance among Great Ones varies drastically. While some, like Ebrietas, are incredibly weak to Arcane, others may be significantly more resistant. A Call Beyond is exceptionally effective against certain Great Ones and Kin.
Weapons and Arcane Scaling
While Hunter Tools are the primary source of Arcane damage, certain weapons can be infused with Arcane. The Tonitrus and the Boom Hammer are unique in that they natively deal Arcane damage when transformed, scaling with the Arcane stat. Weapons with high base physical damage can be converted to deal Arcane damage through Arcane Blood Gems. A weapon with converted arcane damage will then scale with your arcane stat, making these weapons highly effective with a high arcane stat.
Hunter Tools and Arcane Damage
Hunter Tools are your bread and butter when building an Arcane-focused character. These tools consume Quicksilver Bullets but offer devastating offensive and utility options. They directly scale with your Arcane stat, making them increasingly powerful as you level. Popular choices include:
- A Call Beyond: Fires a barrage of cosmic projectiles, extremely effective against Kin.
- Executioner’s Gloves: Summons spectral executioners to attack, deals significant damage.
- Augur of Ebrietas: Summons a tentacle to parry or attack, deals Arcane damage.
- Tiny Tonitrus: Creates a small lightning storm, dealing Arcane damage in an area.
Utilizing Insight for Arcane Build
Insight, gained by encountering and defeating bosses and discovering secrets, can subtly alter the world and enemy behaviors, sometimes affecting resistances. It’s not a direct increase in Arcane damage, but understanding how Insight influences the game can inform your strategic choices. High insight makes certain enemies stronger which could affect your arcane damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arcane Weaknesses in Bloodborne
1. Is the Orphan of Kos weak to Arcane?
The Orphan of Kos is not particularly weak to Arcane. Fire and Bolt paper applied to a fast weapon are generally more effective. While A Call Beyond can do some damage, it’s not the most optimal strategy. Focus on exploiting his vulnerabilities with visceral attacks and fire-based weaponry.
2. How does Arcane scale in Bloodborne?
Arcane scaling is generally considered “soft-capped” at 50, meaning that the gains diminish significantly after this point. However, investing beyond 50 Arcane can still provide noticeable improvements to Hunter Tool damage. Experiment to find the optimal balance for your playstyle.
3. What are the best Arcane Blood Gems for my weapon?
The best Arcane Blood Gems depend on your weapon and build. For converting weapons to Arcane damage, look for gems that provide “Arcane ATK UP” and “All ATK UP.” Gems that add flat Arcane damage can also be useful, especially early in the game. Farming the Isz chalice dungeons is usually where high-tier gems are found.
4. Can I convert any weapon to deal Arcane damage?
Yes, almost any weapon can be converted to deal Arcane damage using the appropriate Blood Gems. However, weapons with inherent elemental damage (like the Tonitrus) cannot be further converted. Choose a weapon with high physical damage and good scaling for the best results.
5. How does enemy defense affect Arcane damage?
Enemy defenses reduce the amount of Arcane damage they take. Understanding enemy resistances and choosing the right Hunter Tool or weapon is crucial. If an enemy has high Arcane resistance, consider using a different damage type or adjusting your strategy.
6. Is it viable to focus solely on Arcane in Bloodborne?
Yes, a pure Arcane build is entirely viable and can be incredibly powerful. It requires a strong understanding of enemy weaknesses and a reliance on Hunter Tools. However, it can be challenging early in the game due to the limited availability of Arcane-scaling weapons and Tools.
7. Are Chalice Dungeon bosses weak to Arcane?
The Arcane resistance of Chalice Dungeon bosses varies greatly. Some, like the Bloodletting Beast, are quite resistant, while others, like the Celestial Emissary (if found), are extremely vulnerable. Adapt your strategy based on the specific boss you’re facing.
8. What are the best starting classes for an Arcane build?
The Waste of Skin or Military Veteran are arguably the best starting classes for an Arcane build. The Waste of Skin offers the most flexible stat allocation, while the Military Veteran provides a good balance of strength and skill, which can be useful for using different weapons.
9. How does the Augur of Ebrietas work?
The Augur of Ebrietas is a versatile Hunter Tool that summons a tentacle. It can be used to parry attacks or to launch a close-range attack. It deals Arcane damage and has a relatively low Quicksilver Bullet cost, making it a valuable tool for any Arcane build.
10. Is the Kos Parasite a good weapon for an Arcane build?
Yes, the Kos Parasite is an excellent weapon for an Arcane build, especially after obtaining the Milkweed Rune. In its transformed state, it deals significant Arcane damage and has a unique moveset. However, it requires high Arcane investment to be effective.
11. What is the best early-game Arcane weapon?
Early in the game, the Saw Cleaver infused with fire or bolt paper is extremely effective, especially against beasts. The Flamesprayer is also an early option. Once you access chalice dungeons, farming for arcane gems and infusing a weapon with arcane is also viable.
12. How do I maximize my Arcane damage output?
To maximize your Arcane damage, focus on leveling your Arcane stat, equipping appropriate Blood Gems, and using Hunter Tools that exploit enemy weaknesses. Experiment with different combinations of tools and weapons to find the most effective strategies.
13. Are there any enemies that are completely immune to Arcane damage?
While complete immunity is rare, some enemies have extremely high Arcane resistance, making Arcane damage ineffective. These enemies are best dealt with using physical or other elemental damage types.
14. Does Insight affect Arcane scaling?
Insight itself does not directly affect Arcane scaling. However, having high Insight can alter the behavior and stats of certain enemies, which might indirectly impact the effectiveness of your Arcane damage.
15. How do I farm for Arcane Blood Gems?
The best place to farm for Arcane Blood Gems is in the Chalice Dungeons, particularly the Isz and Pthumeru Ihyll root chalices. Look for enemies and bosses that drop gems with “Arcane ATK UP” or “All ATK UP” effects. Certain dungeon glyphs offer higher drop rates or specific gem types.