
ESO Arcanist Class Overview - Elder Scrolls Online
ESO Arcanist Class Overview - Elder Scrolls Online
Arcanist Overview

The Arcanist class in The Elder Scrolls Online offers a dynamic and versatile playstyle, excelling in various combat roles. With the ability to harness arcane energies and forbidden knowledge, Arcanists can adapt to numerous scenarios, making them a popular choice among players.
By exploring the diverse skill lines and utilizing tailored builds, Arcanists can maximize their potential in both PvE and PvP content. Whether you prefer unleashing powerful spells from a distance or engaging enemies up close with melee attacks, the Arcanist class provides the tools necessary for a rewarding and impactful experience in Tamriel.
Arcanist Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✅ High Damage Potential: Arcanists can deal significant damage with their offensive abilities.
- ✅ Versatile Playstyles: Capable of fulfilling DPS, tank, and healer roles effectively.
- ✅ Unique Mechanics: The Crux system adds depth and strategic options to gameplay.
- ✅ Strong Defensive Options: Access to abilities that provide shields and damage mitigation.
- ✅ Effective Healing: Potent healing abilities support both self-sustain and group healing.
Cons
- ❌ Resource Management: Requires careful management of Magicka or Stamina to maintain effectiveness.
- ❌ Complex Rotations: Optimal performance may require mastering intricate skill rotations.
- ❌ Learning Curve: The Crux system and class mechanics may take time to master.
- ❌ Gear Dependency: Performance can be heavily influenced by gear quality and set bonuses.
- ❌ Mobility Limitations: Some builds may lack mobility compared to other classes.
Arcanist Skill Lines
The Curative Runeforms skill-line is part of the Arcanist toolkit and has a focus on offensive abilities. In addition to the powerful skills, you can also select passives that boost your power even further. The Curative Runeforms skill-line is the first out of three Arcanist focused class skill-lines.
- Vitalizing Glyphic: Summon an Apocryphal glyphic, which you and your allies can heal. The glyphic spawns at 30% Health and grows stronger th...
- Glyphic of the Tides: Summon an Apocryphal glyphic, which you and your allies can heal. The glyphic spawns at 53% Health and grows stronger the more you heal it. The power...
- Resonating Glyphic: Summon an Apocryphal glyphic while in combat, which you and your allies can damage. The glyphic spawns at 70% Health and grows stronger the more you d...
The Apocryphal Soldier skill-line is part of the Arcanist toolkit and has a focus on offensive abilities. In addition to the powerful skills, you can also select passives that boost your power even further. The Apocryphal Soldier skill-line is the second out of three Arcanist focused class skill-lines.
- Gibbering Shield: Gather the true strength of Apocrypha around you, forming protective tentacles and a damage shield that absorbs 60% of a...
- Spiteward of the Lucid Mind: Like the rune knights of old, summon a shield that absorbs 4800 damage for 6 seconds, scaling off your Max Health. The first time you take direct dam...
- Impervious Runeward: Like the rune knights of old, summon a shield that absorbs 9916 damage for 1 second, and then 2203 damage for 5 seconds if the first shield persists....
The Herald of the Tome skill-line is part of the Arcanist toolkit and has a focus on offensive abilities. In addition to the powerful skills, you can also select passives that boost your power even further. The Herald of the Tome skill-line is the third out of three Arcanist focused class skill-lines.
- The Unblinking Eye: Tear open the fabric of the Aurbis to summon a scion of Hermaeus Mora. This being casts forth a beam that rends asunder...
- Writhing Runeblades: Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 718 Magic Damage three times and generating Crux. This ability gains betw...
- The Tide King's Gaze: Tear open the fabric of the Aurbis to summon a scion of Hermaeus Mora. This being casts forth a beam that rends asunder reality for 8 seconds that dea...
Arcanist Recommended Builds
DPS Builds
Focuses on maximizing damage output in various scenarios.
Tank Builds
Emphasizes defensive abilities and crowd control for tanking roles.
Healing Builds
Utilizes Arcanist abilities to provide effective healing and support.
Solo Builds
Balanced for solo play, offering survivability and sustained damage.
PvP Builds
Designed for competitive play, focusing on burst damage and mobility.
Arcanist Beginner Tips & Guides
If you're new to The Elder Scrolls Online and looking to start with the Arcanist class, this guide will help you build a strong foundation. Arcanist is very versatile, capable of dealing high damage, tanking, and even offering some support capabilities. Here are a few key tips to get started:
Tips for New Arcanist Players
- Manage Crux – Generate and spend Crux strategically to enhance your abilities.
- Utilize Offensive Skills – Abilities like 'Runeblades' provide strong damage output.
- Leverage Defensive Abilities – Skills such as 'Runespite Ward' offer protection and can be augmented by Crux.
- Maximize Healing – Use 'Remedy Cascade' to heal yourself and allies effectively.
- Stay Versatile – Adapt your build to fulfill different roles as needed.
- Choose the Right Build – Magicka for spellcasting and healing, Stamina for melee and physical damage.
Essential Beginner Guides
For more in-depth beginner guides, check out the following resources:
Frequently asked Questions
What role is best suited for an Arcanist?
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.
Which race is ideal for an Arcanist?
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.
What weapons should an Arcanist use?
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.
How should I distribute my attribute points?
- Stamina DPS: Focus primarily on stamina for increased weapon damage and sustain.
- Magicka DPS: Invest primarily in magicka to enhance spell effectiveness.
- Healer: Prioritize magicka for stronger healing abilities and sustain.
- Tank: Allocate a mix of health and stamina (or magicka for a magicka-based tank).
What are the key skills for a beginner Arcanist?
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.
- 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.
- 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.