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How to read this Arcane weapon list
This list focuses on PvE and separates weapons with native Arcane scaling from ordinary weapons that can gain Arcane scaling through an affinity. It includes base-game and Shadow of the Erdtree options, with DLC items labeled. It is not a damage ranking for one fixed character: weapon level, Strength and Dexterity investment, enemy resistances, and the weapon skill all affect performance.
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ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition | Digital | Nintendo Switch 2 Digital Code | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Bandai Namco explains that weapon scaling adds bonus damage to base damage and can improve as a weapon is upgraded. Its letter grades cover a range of values, so a displayed grade alone cannot tell you exactly how much damage a stat adds. Ashes of War and Whetblades can change a weapon’s affinity and scaling; check the weapon’s available affinity options and its in-game status buildup before committing materials. See Bandai Namco’s advanced-stats guide.
For weapon scaling, the guide identifies Arcane softcaps at 20, 50, and 80. These are diminishing-return points, not hard caps: Arcane can still contribute beyond them. Those thresholds apply to weapon scaling, not Arcane spell scaling. Arcane can also affect status buildup on qualifying weapons, but the result depends on the weapon and affinity; use the item’s current in-game values rather than assuming all Arcane weapons build status in the same way. Community references on Arcane and weapon scaling provide further detail.
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Best weapons with native Arcane scaling
These weapons have Arcane in their native scaling rather than relying on an affinity change. They are strong starting points for a build that wants Arcane to contribute directly, though their stat requirements and combat roles differ.
1. Rivers of Blood
A strong fit for players who want a katana moveset and a weapon skill built around rapid, blood-inflicting attacks. Its native Arcane scaling makes it a natural candidate for an Arcane build; its value depends on the weapon’s current scaling and your investment in the stats it requires. Choose it for its attack pattern and skill, not simply because its name suggests the most bleed.
2. Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear
This great spear is a compelling pick if you want reach, a heavier weapon feel, and a weapon skill suited to groups or openings. Its native Arcane scaling makes it a direct option for Arcane investment. Its slower attacks and different spacing needs make it less interchangeable with fast weapons such as katanas.
3. Dragon Communion Seal
For a character mixing incantations with melee weapons, the Dragon Communion Seal is the native-Arcane-scaling choice to consider. It is a casting tool rather than a conventional melee weapon, so its place in an Arcane arsenal depends on whether your build actually uses incantations. Do not apply weapon-scaling softcaps to its spell scaling.
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4. Eleonora’s Poleblade
This twinblade offers fast, multi-hit attacks and a distinctive weapon skill, making it attractive to players who want a more mobile approach than a great spear. Its native Arcane scaling supports an Arcane-oriented setup, but check the stat requirements and current status values in-game before deciding how much to invest beyond Arcane.
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5. Marais Executioner’s Sword
A strength-leaning greatsword with native Arcane scaling, this is an option for builds willing to pay for its heavier stat profile. Its weapon skill rewards a different rhythm from a quick status weapon, so it can suit players who want a burst-damage tool rather than repeated light attacks.
6. Regalia of Eochaid
This lighter alternative to Marais Executioner’s Sword has native Arcane scaling and a weapon skill that can deliver a concentrated sequence of attacks. It suits players who want an Arcane-scaling straight sword without adopting a greatsword moveset. Compare its requirements and upgrade progress with the other equipment you plan to use.
7. Reduvia
Reduvia is a compact dagger for close-range attacks and a ranged weapon skill, with native Arcane scaling. Its short reach is the key trade-off: it can be nimble, but it asks you to play closer than a spear or poleblade. It is a reasonable pick for a lighter loadout or as a complementary weapon.
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This axe has native Arcane scaling and is worth considering when you want a comparatively simple melee moveset rather than relying on a signature skill. Its usefulness depends on how its scaling and status interactions fit your build; inspect its current values rather than assuming its Arcane scaling alone guarantees superior damage.
9. Ripple Crescent Halberd
The halberd provides more reach than a dagger or axe while retaining native Arcane scaling. It is a practical candidate for players who like broad, spacing-oriented attacks. Consider the stat investment and handling alongside the weapon’s current scaling when comparing it with affinity-modified alternatives.
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10. Serpent Bow
For ranged play, Serpent Bow brings native Arcane scaling to a bow. Its role differs from the melee choices above, and its performance depends on ammunition and target rather than only the weapon’s scaling. Include it if you want an Arcane build to have a ranged option instead of treating every slot as a melee weapon.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Best weapons to give Blood or Occult affinity
A weapon does not need native Arcane scaling to become a candidate for an Arcane build. Where the weapon and Ash of War permit it, Blood or Occult affinity can change its scaling. Blood is commonly chosen when status buildup is central; Occult is an alternative for Arcane-focused damage. Confirm that the affinity is actually available for the weapon and check the resulting scaling and buildup in-game. The choices below are affinity candidates, not claims that every one has native Arcane scaling.
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The Uchigatana is a familiar katana moveset that can be configured for Arcane through a suitable affinity. Blood makes sense when you want to prioritize bleed buildup; Occult may suit a setup that wants Arcane to contribute more directly to weapon damage. Which is preferable depends on your stats and the target, not on a universal rule.
12. Nagakiba with Blood or Occult affinity
For katana users who value extra reach, the Nagakiba can be a strong affinity candidate if its available Ash of War setup allows the desired affinity. Its longer reach changes spacing and attack access compared with the Uchigatana, while its requirements may call for more investment outside Arcane.
13. Cross-Naginata with Blood or Occult affinity
This spear offers a distinct thrusting moveset and can be a useful Arcane-oriented option when configured with an eligible affinity. Its reach and attack pattern make it a different choice from a katana, so compare how it handles the encounters you play rather than comparing only displayed scaling letters.
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14. Great Stars with Blood or Occult affinity
Great Stars gives an affinity-modified Arcane build a heavier striking option. It is a useful contrast to fast blades: its attacks have a different pace and reach, and its suitability depends on whether you want a heavier weapon in your loadout. Verify the affinity and resulting stats on the weapon before upgrading around it.
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15. Great Knife with Blood or Occult affinity
The Great Knife is a light, quick option for players who prefer a dagger’s short-range tempo. With an eligible affinity, it can be configured for an Arcane build, but its reach remains a real limitation. Choose it for speed and handling, not as a substitute for a longer weapon in every encounter.
How to choose among the 15
- Want native Arcane scaling? Start with Rivers of Blood, Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear, Reduvia, or another native option that matches your preferred weapon class.
- Want Arcane on a familiar weapon? Check whether a suitable Ash of War and Whetblade allow Blood or Occult affinity, then compare the resulting in-game values.
- Need reach or a heavier moveset? Consider Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear, Ripple Crescent Halberd, Nagakiba, or Great Stars rather than defaulting to a short blade.
- Building for ranged attacks or incantations? Serpent Bow and Dragon Communion Seal fill roles that melee weapons cannot.
- Planning stats? Remember Arcane’s weapon-scaling softcaps of 20, 50, and 80 are diminishing-return points. Balance Arcane with the weapon’s other requirements and the rest of your build.
- Comparing damage? Keep upgrade level, affinity, stat spread, weapon skill, enemy defenses, and status susceptibility consistent. A letter grade is not a complete performance comparison.
Version context
Bandai Namco’s version 1.17 notes, released August 27, 2026, list changes to several weapons and weapon categories, including Smithscript weapons, Rellana’s Twin Blades, and perfume bottles. The named adjustments do not establish that every Arcane weapon was reviewed or that an older ranking is still valid. Check current in-game scaling and weapon details when making a final choice.
If you do not own the game, Bandai Namco’s official Elden Ring page lists PlayStation 5 among its platforms.
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