HEAVY ATTACK ARCANIST SOLO GUIDE

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Heavy Attack Arcanist Solo


Last updated: Update 44 - 1st February 2025

This build is capable of soloing every Veteran dungeon that doesn’t have a specific mechanic that requires multiple people. It’s also capable of soloing most Hard Mode dungeons, and with some adjustments even the more difficult ones.

In this guide I’ll be regularly using the terms Regular and Difficult. Regular refers to content that is intended to be solo-ed (such as Maelstrom Arena or Vateshran Arena) and to any overland content such as World Bosses, Dolmens, Dragons, Volcanic Vents, Harrowstorms, Mirrormoor Incursions, etc. Majority of dungeon fights will also fall under that category. Difficult refers to extremely difficult dungeon fights.


SKILL SETUPS


Front Bar Back Bar
Slot 1: Ulfsild's Contingency Slot 1: Cruxweaver Armor
Slot 2: Inspired Scholarship Slot 2: Simmering Frenzy
Slot 3: Tentacular Dread Slot 3: Elemental Susceptibility
Slot 4: Barbed Trap Slot 4: Elemental Blockade
Slot 5: Banner Bearer Slot 5: Banner Bearer
Ultimate: The Languid Eye Ultimate: The Languid Eye

SCRIBING:

INFO:


VAMPIRISM

Becoming a Vampire is extremely beneficial on this build because it allows us to use Simmering Frenzy in easier fights and since it's a Heavy Attack build we can mostly ignore the increased ability cost that you get from being a Vampire.

By staying on 3rd Stage of Vampirism you'll also benefit from the Undeath passive, but you should lower or completely cleanse Vampirism when trying to solo an extremely difficult dungeon with lots of flame damage.


GEAR

This is my suggested setup for regular content, such as Solo Arenas, World Bosses, Dolmens, Dragons, Volcanic Vents, Harrowstorms, Mirrormoor Incursions and majority of the dungeons.

Gear Slot Set Weight/Type Trait Enchantment

Head

Anthelmir's Construct Medium Divines Magicka

Shoulders

Anthelmir's Construct Medium Divines Magicka

Chest

Sergeant's Mail Heavy Reinforced Magicka

Hands

Noble Duelist Light Divines Magicka

Belt

Noble Duelist Light Divines Magicka

Legs

Armor of the Trainee Medium Divines Magicka

Boots

Noble Duelist Light Divines Magicka

Necklace

Sergeant's Mail Jewelry Bloodthirsty Increase Physical Harm

Ring

Sergeant's Mail Jewelry Bloodthirsty Increase Physical Harm

Ring

Ring of the Pale Order Jewelry Bloodthirsty Increase Physical Harm

Frontbar Main Hand

Sergeant's Mail Lightning Staff Precise Absorb Stamina

Backbar Main Hand

Noble Duelist Lightning Staff Infused Weapon Damage

CHAMPION POINTS

Warfare

Fitness

ADDITIONAL INFO:


RACE

When it comes to solo PvE, you need both damage and survivability so pretty much all races have useful racials.

The best race for dealing damage is Khajiit. While the Critical Damage from Feline Ambush can sometimes be wasted due to Critical Damage being capped at 125%, it will never happen in solo content, because there will be no tanks or healers providing you with the Major Force buff.

The best race for survivability is Nord. The Rugged racial will provide around 6% damage mitigation.


MUNDUS

You should use The Thief Mundus, which increases your Critical Chance.

For extremely difficult dungeons you should consider switching to The Lady Mundus, which increases your Armor.


ATTRIBUTES

HEALTH

0

STAMINA

0

MAGICKA

64

For most content you should put all 64 points into Magicka. For difficult content you should devote as many attribute points as necessary to Health - for some content you’ll be able to get away with 32 Health 32 Magicka, for the extremely difficult stuff you’ll need 64 Health.


FOOD

You should use the Artaeum Pickled Fish Bowl. If you need a cheaper alternative, Solitude Salmon-Millet Soup provides only slightly lower stats.

Other decent foods:

  • Orzorga's Tripe Trifle Pocket provides Stamina Recovery at the cost of Maximum Magicka. It will lower your damage, but it’s very useful for fights where you have to dodge roll a lot.
  • Orzorga's Smoked Bear Haunch provides Magicka and Stamina Recovery at the cost of Maximum Magicka. It will lower your damage, but it’s very useful for fights where you have to both dodge roll a lot and spam your Hardened Ward.

POTIONS

Since your sustain is being taken care of by the fact that Heavy Attacks restore resources, you can instead use the Armor potions, which will increase your armor by 5280. You can craft them by combining Bugloss, Mountain's Flower and Mudcrab Chitin.

In fights where you need to dodge roll a lot you can use Tri-Stat potions instead. You can craft them by combining Columbine, Bugloss and Mountain's Flower.

Heroism potions are an expensive alternative to Tri-Stat potions. They provide Minor Heroism on top of the sustain. They're crafted by combining Dragon Rheum, Dragon's Blood and Columbine.


GAMEPLAY

Here you can see this build tackling Veteran dungeons


THANKS FOR READING

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