The
Arcanist is a
versatile class introduced in
The Elder Scrolls Online, excelling in
damage-dealing (DPS), tanking, and healing roles. They wield the power of
Apocryphal magic, tapping into the mysterious forces of
Hermaeus Mora to unleash destructive abilities, create protective barriers, and heal allies.
- Magicka Arcanists are powerful spellcasters, excelling in both single-target and AoE damage.
- Stamina Arcanists utilize their abilities to deal melee or ranged weapon-based damage with high sustain.
- Arcanist tanks are incredibly sturdy, with shields, crowd control, and resource regeneration built into their toolkit.
- Arcanist healers use defensive wards and healing abilities to provide powerful support for allies.
The best race for an Arcanist depends on the role you choose:
- For stamina DPS: Orcs, Redguards, and Khajiit offer stamina sustain and increased weapon/spell damage.
- For magicka DPS: High Elves, Dark Elves, and Bretons provide magicka sustain and spell damage bonuses.
- For healing: Bretons and Argonians excel due to their magicka recovery and healing passives.
- For tanking: Nords, Imperials, and Argonians provide excellent health, resistances, and sustain.
While racial passives enhance performance, any race can effectively play as an Arcanist.
Weapon choice depends on your build and preferred playstyle:
- Stamina DPS: Dual wielding, two-handed weapons, and bows are great for melee or ranged combat.
- Magicka DPS: Destruction staves (Inferno or Lightning) enhance spell damage and area control.
- Healing: Restoration staves maximize healing potential and sustain.
- Tanking: One-handed and shield for defense, or Ice staves for magicka-based tanking.
For new Arcanist players, these abilities provide a strong foundation:
Herald of the Tome (DPS-focused skills):- Runeblades (Escalating Runeblades or Writhing Runeblades) – A spammable ranged attack that builds Crux (Arcanist’s unique resource).
- Fatecarver (Exhausting Fatecarver or Pragmatic Fatecarver) – A channeled beam attack that deals massive damage.
- The Unblinking Eye (Piercing Eye or Furious Eye) – Summons a destructive eye for burst AoE damage.
Soldier of Apocrypha (Tank-focused skills):- Runic Jolt (Runic Sunder or Runic Embrace) – A taunt ability that also debuffs enemies.
- Runic Ward (Impervious Runeward or Abiding Runeward) – A powerful shield that absorbs damage.
- Runespite Ward (Escalating Runeward or Implacable Runeward) – Provides damage resistance and healing.
Curative Runeforms (Healing-focused skills):- Vitalizing Glyphic (Resonating Glyphic or Curative Glyphic) – Summons a glyph that heals and buffs allies.
- Chakram Shields (Tidal Chakram or Chakram of Destiny) – Grants a protective shield to you and your allies.
- Apocryphal Gate – Creates two portals, allowing fast repositioning during combat.
Arcanists are an
excellent choice for players who enjoy dark magic, reality-warping abilities, and manipulating eldritch energy. Whether you prefer
channeling destructive beams, shielding allies with runes, or summoning Apocryphal constructs, the
Arcanist offers a
unique and dynamic playstyle in ESO.