The Elder Scrolls Online Arcanist Guide

Publication date : 2025-11-27

What is the Arcanist?

In ESO, there is a new class, Arcanist, introduced with the Necrom chapter. He uses the knowledge of Hermaeus Mora and Apocrypha to cast various types of magic. A distinctive feature is Crux—a special power generated by certain abilities and used strategically to achieve stronger effects. The Arcanist can be versatile as a DPS (Magicka or Stamina), tank, or healer/support.

Priorities & Character development

Choose how you want to improve your attribute points:

Magicka: for spell DPS or healer
Stamina → for melee stamina DPS
Health/mix → for tank/support

Choose the right equipment for your role: for example, a destruction staff for Magicka damage, two one-handed weapons or a two-handed weapon for Stamina, or a shield and one-handed weapon for Tank. When playing, you should first focus on defense and then switch to offense when you are stronger.

Skill lines

Herald of the Tome: This focuses on damage, for example, through runes or beams.
Apocryphal Soldier: It focuses on defense, shields, and combat abilities.
Curative Runeforms: Healing, shields, and support for the group.

Suitable for beginners: Place each ability on a tree to let all lines grow well.

Beginner build

Magicka-DPS Arcanist is specialized in spell damage, uses the destruction staff, and wears light armor. The focus is on Herald.
A stamina-DPS arcanist can be combined with an apocryphal soldier, dual-wield, or a two-handed weapon.
Tank/Support The arcanist uses Apocryphal Soldier and Curative Runeforms, wearing either heavy or medium armor, depending on their preference.

Mundus & Champion points

Decide according to your role (attack or defense); use CP first for defense and then for attack.

Tips

In the leveling phase, you should use affordable Overland sets or Craft sets that match your role goals.
In later games, look for meta sets / monster helmets / trial drops for your role.
Choose appropriate traits such as Penetration, Crit, Resist. Choose traits like Infused, Divines, depending on the equipment slot and your role.
First, use abilities that generate Crux stacks. Then use an ability that consumes Crux to achieve maximum effect.
You should use active bonuses, as many passive abilities of the Arcanist increase damage or strengthen shields when you use Crux.
It is important to train basic skills: making quick attacks, dodging or rolling, and stopping the opponents' abilities.
Complete main and zone missions to earn XP, skill points, and initial sets.

Arcanists are known for high damage in PvE and are easy to learn. They are particularly good at using area-of-effect (AoE) spells. There are many useful features, but the mobility of Arcanists is sometimes not as high as that of other classes.

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