Arcane Gems

Posted onby

Bloodborne Wiki » Upgrades » Blood Gems » Top-tier Farmable Gem Chalices
Source EditSitemapLicense
page revision: 39, last edited: 02 July 2017
  1. Arcane Gems Bloodborne
  2. Arcane Gems
  3. Gemstone Iv Arcane Decoy
  4. Arcane Gems Bloodborne

162: Paladin, Priest, Warlock, Demon Hunter: Captured Time Scar: 138: Arcane Relic. Arcane Gems does not feature a bonus round, but even that is not necessary because of the arcane mechanics, which give you the chance of landing the premier prize on the very first spin. That, however, comes at a price as the gameplay turns out to be quite repetitive the same thing over and over again without the anticipation of triggering a. There are also the Gem of Physical Insight, and the Gem of Arcane insight. These gems, when used by a standard pawn, will grant them the 'physical affinity' or 'magical affinity' trait respectively, allowing them to learn a physical or mage class. Gem Crafting work speed is.


Top-tier Farmable Gem Chalices [Spreadsheet]

CodeRoot ChaliceRitesGem Type/PrefixShapeRarityFirst EffectSecond EffectThird EffectLayerDirections/Boss/Notes
kkvk8gsj Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Cold Radial 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Pthumerian Elder boss (Roaming Pthumerian Descendent layer 3)
4irp2fsr Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Cold Radial 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Pthumerian Elder boss
camejqft Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Cold Radial 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 4 Pthumerian Elder boss (Oil field)
7vvid666 Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Fire Radial 20 Fire +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
dkxnrfsf Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Fire Radial 20 Fire +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
6hht8sy9 Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Fire Radial 20 Fire +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
skt5yq2i Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Heavy Radial 20 Str Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Headless Bloodletting Beast boss
v8n3mqzr Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Heavy Radial 20 Str Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Headless Bloodletting Beast boss
nbr9g9c7 Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Heavy Radial 20 Str Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Headless Bloodletting Beast boss
v5v5fpsd Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Nourishing Radial 20 All Damage +19.5% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Rom, The Vacuous Spider boss
96ce84rn Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Nourishing Radial 20 All Damage +19.5% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Rom, The Vacuous Spider boss
bnqk8hde Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Abyssal Tempering Radial 20 Phys +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Bloodletting Beast (Oil field)
y4383xas Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Tempering Radial 20 Phys +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Bloodletting Beast
skt5yq2i Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Abyssal Tempering Radial 20 Phys +22.5% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 2 Pthumerian Elder boss
pwmf22gu Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering/Various Radial 19 Phys +27.2% None Random curse Layer 1 Merciless Watchers boss - Average layer, average boss arena
swjteujh Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering/Various Radial 19 Phys +27.2% None Random curse Layer 1 Merciles Watchers boss - Average layer, easy boss arena
4vusedmb Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering/Various Radial 19 Phys +27.2% None Random curse Layer 1 Merciless Watchers boss - Fast and easy layer. Fast but tough boss arena
4irp2fsr Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Tempering/Various Radial 19 Phys +27.2% None Random curse Layer 2 Merciless Watchers boss
647stu9y Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering Radial 19 Phys +21.8% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 1 Pthumerian Elder next to layer 1 lantern
fztc57gk Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Adept Radial 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant boss (Ball and Chain variant)
xsa9c5z5 Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Adept Radial 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant boss (Ball and Chain variant)
7kcjb3k3 Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Adept Radial 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 2 Undead Giant boss (Ball and Chain variant)
CodeRoot ChaliceRitesGem Type/PrefixShapeRarityFirst EffectSecond EffectThird EffectLayerDirections/Boss/Notes
gze2yyun Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Adept Radial 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant boss (Cannon variant)
23w763zj Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Adept Radial 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 2 Undead Giant boss (Cannon variant)
q6w2i763 Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Adept Radial 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant boss (Double Sword variant)
4irp2fsr Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Tempering/Various Radial 19 Phys +23.9% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Beast Possessed Soul boss
23w763zj Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Tempering/Various Radial 19 Phys +23.9% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Beast Possessed Soul boss
f53nitz6 Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Fire Radial 19 Fire +23.9% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
f8qvzarj Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Adept Radial 18 Blunt +27.7% None Random curse Layer 4 Coffin in bonus area
42t2cns6 Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Odd Tempering Radial 18 Phys +46.2 (flat) None Random curse Layer 2 Coffin in bonus area before the boss
2pa7idw2 Pthumeru Ihyll F R - Tempering Radial 19 Phys +21.8% None None Layer 1 Coffin in the 1st bonus area
exdy2m2t Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Beast/Kin Hunter Radial 17 Beast/Kin damage +26.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 x4 Cramped Baskets, 1st bonus area
8q6pkpqx Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Nourishing Radial 17 All Damage +19.3% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 2 x2 Gargoyles next to layer 2 lantern
23w763zj Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Slow Poison Radial 18 Slow Poison +14 Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 x5 Purple Aura Nightmare Apostle. Fast and easy farm
ghkigx8g Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering/Various Radial 18 Phys +26.3% None Random curse Layer 1 Red Aura Watcher next to layer 1 lantern
7enpbrta Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering/Various Radial 18 Phys +21% Doubled 2nd effect Random curse Layer 2 Red Aura Labyrinth Madman next to layer 2 lantern
vdgcmqxz Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Tempering/Various Radial 18 Phys +21% Doubled 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Red Aura Labyrinth Madman next to layer 3 lantern
kngk276w Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Tempering/Various Radial 18 Phys +21% Doubled 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Red Aura Labyrinth Madman next to layer 4 lantern
56428adr Lower Loran F R C Tempering/Fire/Bolt Radial 18 Damage type +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 x2 Bone Ash Hunter next to layer 1 lantern
zgv6ezxi Lower Loran F R C Tempering/Fire/Bolt Radial 18 Damage type +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Bone Ash Hunter, next to the layer 1 lantern
cb7jig9p Isz F R C Tempering/Fire/Bolt/Arcane Radial 18 Damage type +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Bone Ash Hunter, next to the layer 1 lantern
kwzs3hcs Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering (Odd) Radial 17 Phys +9.1% Arcane +67.5 (Flat) Random curse Layer 1 x2 Brainsucker in boss gate lever room
8y2wes5u Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering (Odd) Radial 17 Phys +9.1% Arcane +67.5 (Flat) Random curse Layer 1 Brainsucker in boss gate lever room
n8j4rs7y Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering (Poorman) Radial 17 Phys +9.1% Phys +27% near death Random curse Layer 1 Evil Labyrinth Spirit
bjngfpsj Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Tempering (Poorman) Radial 17 Phys +9.1% Phys +27% near death Random curse Layer 2 x2 Evil Labyrinth Spirit near lanter. Fast and easy farm
CodeRoot ChaliceRitesGem Type/PrefixShapeRarityFirst EffectSecond EffectThird EffectLayerDirections/Boss/Notes
zubap5d4 Isz F R C Abyssal Arcane Triangle 20 Arcane +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos boss
e2ts7vyb Isz F R C Abyssal Arcane Triangle 20 Arcane +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos boss
y592byza Isz F R C Abyssal Arcane Triangle 20 Arcane +22.5% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Celestial Emissary boss
d34db9k8 Isz F R C Abyssal Arcane Triangle 20 Arcane +22.5% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 4 Celestial Emissary boss
6z4rx8iv Isz F R C Abyssal Cold Triangle 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Pthumerian Elder boss
jemmjmpi Isz F R C Abyssal Cold Triangle 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Pthumerian Elder Boss
e2ts7vyb Isz F R C Abyssal Cold Triangle 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 4 Pthumerian Elder Boss
ufhdmw6p Isz F R C Abyssal Nourishing Triangle 20 All Damage +21.5% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Amygdala boss
rpkipbdn Isz F R C Abyssal Nourishing Triangle 20 All Damage +21.5% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Amygdala boss
y592byza Isz F R C Abyssal Nourishing Triangle 20 All Damage +21.5% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Amygdala boss
kk3nqvqu Isz F R C Abyssal Nourishing Triangle 20 All Damage +19.5% Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Rom, The Vacuous Spider boss
ufhdmw6p Isz F R C Physical/Fire/Bolt/Arcane Triangle 19 Damage type +27.2% None Random curse Layer 1 Merciless Watchers boss - Dreamland farming
5pwujscd Isz F R C Physical/Fire/Bolt/Arcane Triangle 19 Damage type +27.2% None Random curse Layer 1 Merciless Watchers boss - Quick layer and beginner friendly boss arena
dry39ytc Isz F R - Arcane Triangle 19 Arcane +21.8% None None Layer 1 Coffin in 1st bonus area
jemmjmpi Isz F R C Odd (Tempering/Arcane/Fire) Triangle 19 Damage type +9.8% Arcane +72.5 (Flat) Random curse Layer 1 Brainsucker boss
huy83p9r Isz F R C Odd (Tempering/Arcane/Fire) Triangle 19 Damage type +9.8% Arcane +72.5 (Flat) Random curse Layer 1 Brainsucker boss
4a29jxce Isz F R C Adept Triangle 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant (Cannon variant)
fnh9ctui Isz F R C Beast/Kin Hunter Triangle 17 Beast/Kin damage +26.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Cramped Baskets
fn3c6yib Isz - - - Heavy Triangle 17 Str Scaling Random 2nd effect None Layer 3 Labyrinth mole, bouns area before the boss
k4vtsps6 Isz F R C Tempering (Poorman) Triangle 17 Phys +9.1% Phys +27% near death Random curse Layer 1 Next to layer 1 lantern. Easy farm
vdgcmqxz Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Tempering/Various Triangle 18 Phys +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Beast Possessed Soul near layer 1 lantern
CodeRoot ChaliceRitesGem Type/PrefixShapeRarityFirst EffectSecond EffectThird EffectLayerDirections/Boss/Notes
umdcayfq Lower Loran F - C Tempering/Fire/Bolt Triangle 18 Damage type +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Beast Possessed Soul near layer 1 lantern
4zjb5f2u Isz F - C Tempering/Fire/Bolt/Arcane Triangle 18 Damage type +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Beast Possessed Soul near layer 1 lantern
hdvid49c Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Bolt Waning 20 Bolt +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Loran Darkbeast boss
azsysju9 Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Bolt Waning 20 Bolt +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Loran Darkbeast boss
rdeac25b Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Bolt Waning 20 Bolt +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Loran Darkbeast boss
uhhrhjzt Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Bolt Waning 20 Bolt +22.5% Doubled Random effect Random curse Layer 3 Abhorrent Beast boss
zgv6ezxi Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Bolt Waning 20 Bolt +22.5% Doubled Random effect Random curse Layer 3 Abhorrent Beast boss
fkk9w4yv Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Bolt Waning 20 Bolt +22.5% Doubled Random effect Random curse Layer 4 Abhorrent Beast boss
6tyhmgva Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Cold Waning 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Pthumerian Elder boss
z55fwtvr Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Cold Waning 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 3 Pthumerian Elder boss
2c6c8pc7 Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Cold Waning 20 Arc Scaling +65 Random 2nd effect 1/2 Cursed effect Layer 4 Pthumerian Elder boss
758v8txa Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Fire Waning 20 Fire +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
pn8xkg3m Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Fire Waning 20 Fire +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
465e2dyy Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Fire Waning 20 Fire +24.8% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 4 Watchdog of the Old Lords boss
6jcbqsk2 Lower Loran F R C Abyssal Nourishing Waning 20 All Damage +21.5% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Amygdala boss (Abhorrent Beast roaming layer 3)
8uerigw9 Lower Loran F - C Abyssal Nourishing Waning 20 All Damage +21.5% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 Amygdala boss
ktnrwzvy Lower Loran F R C Adept Waning 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant boss (Cannon variant)
usqyevkd Lower Loran F - C Adept Waning 19 Blunt/Thrust +28.7% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Undead Giant boss (Ball and Chain variant)
8uerigw9 Lower Loran F - C Heavy Waning 19 Str Scaling +50.75 Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Headless Bloodletting Beast boss
phyptxe6 Lower Loran F R C Bolt Waning 19 Bolt +21.8% Doubled Random effect Random curse Layer 1 Abhorrent Beast boss
enjids45 Lower Loran F R C Tempering/Fire/Bolt Waning 19 Damage type +23.9% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Loran Silverbeast boss
ske4igwv Lower Loran F R C Bolt Waning 19 Bolt +21.8% None None Layer 1 Coffin in bouns area before boss (non cursed gem)
azsysju9 Lower Loran F R C Fire Waning 19 Fire +21.8% None None Layer 3 Coffin in bouns area before boss (non cursed gem)
CodeRoot ChaliceRitesGem Type/PrefixShapeRarityFirst EffectSecond EffectThird EffectLayerDirections/Boss/Notes
phyptxe6 Lower Loran F R C Pulsing Waning 18 5HP regen/2 sec None Random curse Layer 4 Coffin in bonus area before the boss
sjqsepqh Lower Loran F R C Odd Bolt Waning 18 Bolt +77 (flat) None Random curse Layer 3 Coffin in bonus area
v6v9hde9 Lower Loran F - C Odd Fire Waning 18 Fire +70 (flat) None Random curse Layer 1 Coffin in bonus area before the boss
wtxu2x2p Lower Loran F R C Odd (Tempering/Fire/Bolt) Waning 17 Damage type +9.1% Fire +67.5 (Flat) Random curse Layer 3 Yellow Cloaked Fire Mages at Swamp Area
8e9uxzht Lower Loran F R C Heavy Waning 17 Str Scaling Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 2 x2 Labyrinth Moles, main area
phyptxe6 Lower Loran F R C Tempering/Fire/Bolt Waning 18 Damage type +21% Doubled Random effect Random curse Layer 3 Labyrinth Sage with red aura at layer 3 lantern. Has back to you for easy farm.
hdvid49c Lower Loran F - C Murky Waning 17 Slow Poison +13.5 Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 3 x3 Large Snake Ball at Swamp Area
w9wc2fwy Isz F R C Tempering/Fire/Bolt/Arcane Waning 18 Damage type +23.1% Random 2nd effect Random curse Layer 1 Logarius Wheel hunter near layer 1 lantern (also BAH)
z55fwtvr Lower Loran F R C Bloodtinge Circular 19 Blood +28.7% Blood Atk +7.3 Random curse Layer 1 Blood Starved Beast boss
e99tdh9f Pthumeru Ihyll F - C Bloodtinge Circular 18 Blood +31.5% None Random curse Layer 1 Shotgun Merciless Watcher in the 1st bonus area
y592byza Isz F R C Bloodtinge Circular 18 Blood +31.5% None Random curse Layer 1 Shotgun Merciless Watcher in the 1st bonus area
aezefnhy Pthumeru Ihyll F R - Bloodtinge Circular 19 Blood +26.1% None None Layer 1 Coffin in bouns area before boss
9fvuy2us Pthumeru Ihyll F R C Pulsing Circular 17 5 HP regen/2 sec None Random curse Layer 1 Ritual Master enemy with a zombie troupe on this layer
xwhsfwfi Lower Loran F R C Pulsing Circular 17 5 HP regen/2 sec None Random curse Layer 1 Ritual Master enemy with a zombie troupe on this layer

Notes

  • Bosses can be save-scummed to roll for different loot by uploading your save to the PSN or using a USB drive, then restoring if you get bad loot.
  • To get rarity 19 gems from coffins you will have to save-scum as they are RNG based rarity 17-19
  • All listed drops are the ideal drop, but not the only possible drop you can get. Use Eye runes if you can spare the slot.
  • F, R, and C markers mean you'll be searching for a dungeon of type Fetid, Rotted, and Cursed. You must have created at least one dungeon with those rites yourself before you can search.
  • You can make a single throwaway dungeon with all three rites just once to fulfill the rite search requirements for all chalices.

Bloodborne Wiki » Builds » Arcane Builds
SourceEditSitemapLicense
page revision: 4, last edited: 30 June 2017

Arcane Gems Bloodborne


What You Need to Know About Arcane Builds [by Pure Souls] (prior DLC)

Gems

Arcane Gems

4 Basic Principles

Arcane Gems
  • This straightforward Guide equips you with everything you need for your Arcane build, BEFORE The Old Hunters Expansion is released!

  • 1. If you’re planning on a proper Arcane build, aim for no less than 50 in your Arcane stat by the time your build is finished. The reason being that spells do not become effective until after you exceed 25 Arcane, and scale extremely well.

  • 2. The only 2 true Arcane weapons in the base game are the Logarius Wheel (in its transformed state) and the Tonitrus (with its buff). Both of these weapons scale well in both Strength and Arcane, and they have complementary elemental damage types, making them an excellent pair.

  • 3. Arcane builds are designed to exploit weaknesses. Therefore, if you learn to utilize these weaknesses against your enemies, your attacks will become very effective.

  • 4. Pure physical weapons do not inherently scale off of the Arcane stat. They need an element on them. Any pure physical weapon – not including Chikage, Reiterpallasch, and Rifle Spear – can be made elemental with gems, making Arcane builds potentially the most versatile builds in the game. Since these weapons lose their physical stat scaling, investment beyond their physical stat requirements is unnecessary.
Arcane

What Are My Weapon Options?

  • Fortunately, Arcane builds have few limitations on weapons if properly built. The only weapons they cannot effectively – or efficiently – use are Chikage, Rifle Spear, Reiterpallasch, Beast Claws, Blade of Mercy, and Burial Blade. The Chikage, Reiterpallasch, and Rifle Spear do not accept an element, making them almost useless to Arcane builds. The beasthood buildup from the transformed state of the Beast Claws does not affect elemental damage, neutering your potential damage output. The Burial Blade and Blade of Mercy already have a split between arcane and physical, but the weak arcane scaling on both of these weapons greatly limits their damage potential on a Pure Arcane build. So, what CAN Arcane use effectively and efficiently?

  • Saw Cleaver, Saw Spear, Threaded Cane, Hunter’s Axe, Kirkhammer, Ludwig’s Holy Blade, Stake Driver, Logarius Wheel (transformed state), and Tonitrus (with the buff).

  • Looking at that list, there are a lot of weapon options and they’re soon to grow! In order to make the most out of your build, you need to choose the weapons you want to use. Will you use all of them? Omit the Wheel? Omit Ludwig’s Holy Blade? Use only the starting weapons? It’s up to you.

What About The Flamesprayer And Rosemarinus?

Gemstone Iv Arcane Decoy

  • Both of these firearms are extremely potent in regular playthroughs and are of great help to you until you acquire decent elemental and nourishing gems. A Flamesprayer (with Bone Marrow Ash) can rack up thousands of damage against most bosses vulnerable to flame in seconds, especially if you use an oil urn first. The Rosemarinus works similarly, dealing double the damage to “Undead” enemies such as the Pickaxe Miners found in the Chalice Dungeons, and is excellent at bypassing high fire defenses, as seen on the Watchdog of the Old Lords and Keeper of the Old Lords. A word of caution: neither of these firearms will stun your enemies and both will eat bullet reserves rather quickly. To maximize your damage per bullet, remember that it costs 1 bullet minimum every time you spray and that you get 3 tics of damage per bullet. They are most efficient when taking out groups of enemies.

What Kinds Of Gems Should I Use?

  • Now that you have the basics down, let’s talk Gems. More often than not, you’ll get the answer of “the best Elemental gems you have”. In most cases, this is true because Arcane gems are hard to come by in the base game, as seen above in the Progression Guide. If we dig a little deeper however, Arcane builds can make a lot better use of some gems than other builds. It’s all a matter of finding them and knowing when to use them. Categorically broken down, we can see how they work to your advantage:

  • Elemental Gems are your friend on otherwise pure Physical weapons. They are the most straightforward way to boost your weapon’s damage, and can be customized to deal with specific enemies, which is typically Fire for Beasts, Bolt for Kin, and Arcane for “Undead” type enemies. There are exceptions, but these rules remain true for the most part.
  • Nourishing Gems are wondrous Blood gems. Why? Because they increase attack no matter the type. They supplement any damage type when you cannot find good matching Elemental gems to stack. They also increase Visceral damage, unlike Elementals. They are very effective when used to fill all 3 gem slots on the Wheel and the Tonitrus since they increase BOTH of their respective damage types and self-buffs.
  • Beast/Kinhunter Gems are invaluable for fighting each respective enemy type. These gems act exactly like a powerful Nourishing gem against Beasts/Kin, and can be used in the same way. They won’t help you against neutral enemies like Hunters, but they can make fights against bosses, such as Ebrietas (kin) or Bloodletting Beast (beast), much, much easier. You won’t see the actual attack increases from these gems on your weapon, but you will see the difference in damage from them.

  • Let’s say for example, I’m using the Logarius Wheel for my 25Str/50Arc build, and I slot in 3 Nourishing gems. It gives me just over 500 Physical AR and 130 Arcane AR. The transformed state of the Wheel multiplies your Physical AR by 0.7 and your Arcane AR by 4.0, resulting in about 350 Physical AR and 520 Arcane AR (a total of 870 AR). Now, If I replace 2 of those Nourishing gems with 2 matching Beast/Kin gems, my Attack Rating looks like it goes down to 300 Physical and 90 Arcane, which translates to 210 Physical AR and 360 Arcane AR. It’s not very impressive at first glance, but 2 of those Hunter gems multiplies my AR by 1.6 and suddenly I have 630 Physical AR and 146 Arcane AR against the Beast/Kin I’m fighting. That turns into 441 Physical AR and 584 Arcane AR (a total of 1025 AR). A third Hunter gem would further amplify my damage. That’s nothing to “brush off dust” at! The damage difference then further increases when I use the self-buff, resulting in a substantial damage increase over the Nourishing setup. Beast/Kin gems can also be used to supplement your Elemental weapons in the same way. So where can you find these gems? The Chalice Dungeons, of course! Please check out our Gem Guide for detailed information on these gems.

Arcane Gems Bloodborne

What Are The Hunter’s Tools (Spells) Good For?

  • Make sure you become familiar with and make use of the following Spells. They are all designed to be used strategically and most scale very well with the Arcane stat (even past 50).

  • The Beast Roar can be used to create space for a heal, knock an enemy off a bridge/walkway/cliff, or to create an exit when you’re surrounded by a mob and can’t get away. Video: Beast Roar In Action

  • The Augur of Ebrietas has the ability to deal damage and knock an enemy over, providing an opportunity for an attack. It can also be used to knock an enemy off of a cliff or put them into a tight space for a combo. Video: Augur of Ebrietas In Action

  • The Tiny Tonitrus allows you to hit a player who is trying to roll away from you after a Visceral or for an enemy that is running at you for an attack. It can also be used to hit a number of enemies simultaneously if you can manipulate them to run in a line. Narrow corridors are perfect for making the most of this tool. Using this spell instead of a Visceral can also be extremely effective. Video: Tiny Tonitrus In Action

  • The Executioner’s Gloves can be utilized to create pressure, set up a combo with your melee, or bait an attack so you can get a counter-hit during their dodge at you. They are also an effective ranged option for exploiting head-weaknesses on bosses such as Amygdala. Video: Executioner’s Gloves In Action

  • The Messenger’s Gift is great for disorienting your opponent since it breaks their lock-on (PvP only) and helps to hide your next move. Video: Messenger’s Gift In Action

  • A Call Beyond allows you to hit your enemy from afar and deal a considerable amount of damage. It can also allow you to bait attacks in PvP or set up a melee combo if you expect to be attacked while casting the spell. Video: A Call Beyond In Action

  • The Old Hunter’s Bone will give you that edge you need to get in a few attacks and avoid a counterattack that could potentially kill you. Or make the most of it to psych your opponent out and cause them to make mistakes. Video: Old Hunter’s Bone In Action

  • The Empty Phantasm Shell is a very weak weapon buff and is non-scaling. Since it only adds 80 Arcane AR to a purely physical weapon, its use on an Arcane build is almost nonexistent. This one is more of a novelty than an actual Tool. Video: Empty Phantasm Shell In Action

  • The Choir Bell not only heals a large amount of HP, but it cannot be parried. These are both big advantages over Blood Vials! Don’t forget to employ this tool when playing co-operatively to heal all nearby allies. The only downside to the Choir Bell is it’s hefty amount of bullets per use. This tool scales extremely well with Arcane. Video: The Choir Bell In Action

  • Keep in mind that almost all of these Spells can have uses beyond what’s listed here, but with a little creativity and experimentation, you never know what new tactic you may discover!

Build Progression

  • The unfortunate part of using an Arcane build is that it is greatly hindered by a lack of Elemental Gems in the main game. The only Elemental Gems you get are 8% Waning Fire (found in the alleyways below the Cathedral Ward), 10.5% Triangular Arcane (in the poison cave between Central Yharnam and the Forbidden Woods), 16.5% Waning Bolt (in post-Rom Yahargul), and 18% Droplet Arcane (in the Nightmare of Mensis after pulling the lever to drop the Brain of Mensis into the Abyss). Other than these loot gems, the pickings are slim. You can farm weak Waning Fire and Bolt gems from the Loran Silverbeasts in Nightmare Frontier and weak Triangular Arcane gems from the Small Celestial Emissaries in the lower part of the Forbidden Woods, however the lack of Gem shape variety severely limits the amount of gem-stacking you can do. So, if Arcane is so gimped early-game, how do you even proceed then? The answer is to keep trying, and prepare yourself with a list of items in the order that you can obtain them:

  • 1) It is recommended that you start with either the Hunter’s Axe or the Threaded Cane since the Saw Spear is available very early in the game and is more versatile than the Saw Cleaver. Starting in Central Yharnam, head to the first lamp and talk to Gilbert through his window. Exhaust his dialogue, and return after you defeat Father Gasciogne for a weapon that will carry you through a large portion of the game: The Flamesprayer. This simple firearm is extremely helpful until you can find decent gems, knocking boss HP bars down quite a bit to compensate for a lack of Melee power. It will continue to serve you throughout much of the game as you upgrade it and gain the ability to use Bone Marrow Ash and Oil Urns in unison. Make sure you upgrade this weapon!

  • 2) The Waning fire gem in lower Cathedral Ward is a godsend and is surprisingly effective on the Saw Spear when it comes to fighting Vicar Amelia. The serration bonus combined with a fire weakness makes for some hefty combos without relying on consumables. That said, Fire Paper with physical gems on your Saw Spear may be more effective overall until you can stack at least 2 gems or have 25+ Arcane. To get this gem, you must first defeat the Bloodstarved Beast. Return to Cathedral Ward and the small double doors inside the chapel will have opened. Take the elevator up. You can collect the Radiant Sword Badge from the top of the tower leading to Upper Cathedral Ward or proceed directly to the Fire gem. Walk around the right side of the tower’s base and fall to the lower level. From here, make your way down. Jump down to the platform leading to the Abandoned Workshop, pick up all of the loot here, and light the lamp. Heal up, and then make your way to the bottom of the tower. Kill the Beast-possessed Soul, open the doors, and head down the lane being patrolled by the Masked Huntsmen and their dogs. The end of the lane comes to a “T”. Take a right and the gem is on a body guarded by a Brainsucker. After collecting the gem, return to Cathedral Ward.

  • 3) You can either complete Hemwick at this point for the Rune Etching Tool, allow yourself to be killed by a Kidnapper so it can take you to Yahargul and allow you to retrieve the Tonitrus (recommended, but not entirely necessary), or proceed directly to the Grand Cathedral to fight Vicar Amelia. After defeating Vicar Amelia, you can head down to the Forbidden Woods. Upon reaching the cabin where you receive the Tonsil Stone, proceed past the dog cages and down the hidden path into the Poison Cave. There are 2 valuable Gems here that you should get: the 10.5% Arcane gem and the 9.1% Nourishing gem. At this point in the game, the Nourishing gem is probably the best Triangular gem you have because not a lot of enemies are weak to Arcane at this point in the game. From here, collect the Cainhurst Summons in Iosefka’s Clinic, after which you can go to Cainhurst to retrieve another valuable Tool: the Executioner’s Gloves. This is not necessary at this point, but can help against the Shadows of Yharnam if you have trouble with them.
  • 4) Once you return to the Forbidden Woods, collect the Beast Roar hunter tool. From here, you can either farm the little Blue Aliens for more Arcane gems and hope for that low-percentage Radial drop, or you can defeat the Shadows of Yharnam and go to Byrgenwerth.

  • 5) Upon reaching Byrgenwerth, collect all of the loot you need and defeat Rom. The battle against him will be tough. Kill the first round of summoned spiders, and then wail on him with everything you’ve got. Once he teleports, you can simply circle him and use your sprayer at his side. Sometimes, he will not react for a long time except to pivot, allowing you to rack up some serious damage. Rinse and repeat. The Beast Roar is a helpful tool here, as it can help you avoid getting trapped by the spiders.

  • 6) After defeating Rom, you will be brought to the entrance to upper Yahargul. Collect Tiny Tonitrus, the Upper Cathedral Ward key, and the 16.5% Bolt gem in one of the prison cells here. If you haven’t already done so, collect the Tonitrus. That new Gem you just got is a great asset on the Tonitrus, which can make the upcoming battle against The One Reborn much easier.

  • 7) After defeating The One Reborn, proceed to the Lecture Building and pick up the Augur of Ebrietas. From here, you can either go to the Nightmare Frontier or the Nightmare of Mensis (recommended). Run through the Nightmare of Mensis, collecting all loot that you deem necessary at this point, and defeat Micolash.

  • 8) After defeating Micolash, proceed up the stairs and take the broken elevator down. Roll onto the ledge that leads to the Blood Rock. Do whatever you can to get past the Winter Lanterns, pull the lever to drop the Brain of Mensis, and drop down to the lower level. We suggest picking up the Droplet Arcane gem before going after the Choir Bell, guarded by a patrolling Winter Lantern. After that, if you didn’t die, collect your blood rock. Head back up to Mergo’s Middle and collect the 15% Nourishing gem from the path with the 3 Maneating Boars. Congratulations! You can now stack the Nourishing gem, the Droplet Arcane gem, and the Triangular Arcane gem on a weapon with a Triangular slot (such as the Threaded Cane, the Hunter’s Axe, or the Kirkhammer if you chose to invest for it) and are ready to take on the Chalice Dungeons for more powerful elemental gems or to collect any of the remaining Spells that you need! Since many of the enemies in the Chalice dungeons are quite weak to arcane damage, your trip should now be much easier.

What Should My Final Stats Look Like?

  • Well that’s entirely up to you, but here are some successful Level 110 builds to consider:

  • Arcane-Strength (Cruel Fate; Logarius Wheel+Tonitrus): 50Vit, 18End, 25Str, 12Skl, 5Bld, 50Arc

  • Holy Knight (Cruel Fate; Ludwig’s Holy Blade): 50Vit, 27End, 16Str, 12Skl, 5Bld, 50Arc

  • Pure Arcane (Cruel Fate; Starter weapons): 50Vit, 22End, 10Str, 9Skl, 5Bld, 64Arc

  • Strength-Skill Fakeout (Cruel Fate; LHB and Stake Driver): 50Vit, 25End, 18Str, 12Skl, 5Bld, 50Arc

  • Skill-Arcane (Cruel Fate; BoM, Burial Blade, Simon’s Bow): 50Vit, 20End, 10Str, 25Skl, 5Bld, 50Arc

  • Note: Because we do not know what the new weapon requirements – or their ultimate scaling – will be from the DLC, it is recommended that you hold back on the final 10-15 stat points for your build to accommodate the stat reqs of any new weapons you like.

  • These builds are a perfect example of how customizable Arcane builds can be in their Stat allocation. Use it to your advantage and you can most certainly succeed with this underused build type!

  • We hope this Guide has been most informative and helpful. Special thanks to EMonaghan (TurquoiseWaters) for her contribution. Any feedback is greatly appreciated