Is blood or occult better for arcane builds?

Is Blood or Occult Better for Arcane Builds?

In the world of Elden Ring, building an arcane-focused character can be a daunting task. With the vast array of abilities and skills to choose from, it’s essential to understand which weapons and talents will best serve your build. In this article, we’ll dive into the age-old debate: is blood or occult better for arcane builds?

Blood Infusion: A Closer Look

Blood infusion is a popular choice for arcane builds, and for good reason. By combining blood with arcane, players can deal significant damage while also applying bleed effects to their enemies. Bleed damage scales with the player’s Arcane stat, making it a crucial aspect of any arcane build.

The benefits of blood infusion include:

• Increased damage output: Blood infusion applies bleed damage to enemies, which can be a game-changer in PvP and PvE encounters.
• Added survivability: Bleed effects can attract the attention of enemies, making it easier to manage aggro and stay safe.
• Flexibility: Blood infusion can be used in conjunction with other talents and abilities, providing a high degree of customization.

However, blood infusion is not without its drawbacks. It requires a significant investment in Strength stat, which may divert attention from other important attributes. Additionally, the bleed effect can be interrupted by enemies, rendering the damage it deals ineffective.

Occult Scaling: A Game-Changer

Occult scaling, on the other hand, is a relatively new mechanic in Elden Ring. By applying occult to weapons, players can increase their arcane damage output while also gaining access to new abilities and effects.

The benefits of occult scaling include:

• Increased arcane damage: Occult scaling allows players to deal more damage with their arcane abilities, making it an attractive choice for any arcane build.
• Access to new abilities: Occult scaling unlocks new talents and abilities, providing players with more options for customizing their build.
• Flexibility: Occult scaling can be used with a variety of weapons and abilities, making it a versatile choice for players.

However, occult scaling has its own set of limitations. It only works with weapons that have innate occult scaling, which can be a limitation for players who prefer using other types of weapons.

Comparing Blood and Occult

So, which is better for arcane builds: blood or occult? The answer ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle. If you prioritize dealing massive damage and applying bleed effects, blood infusion may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced approach with increased arcane damage and access to new abilities, occult scaling may be the way to go.

Here’s a comparison of the two in a table:

Conclusion

In conclusion, both blood infusion and occult scaling have their merits and drawbacks. When it comes to arcane builds, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle. By understanding the benefits and limitations of each, players can make an informed decision and optimize their build for maximum effectiveness. Whether you prefer the damage output and survivability of blood infusion or the versatility and arcane damage of occult scaling, Elden Ring has something for everyone.

References

• Elden Ring Wiki: "Blood Infusion" and "Occult Scaling"
• GameFAQs: "Best Arcane Weapons for PvP and PvE"
• Gamerant: "How to Build a Strong Arcane Character"