Surpass your limits in the fieldwork of battle.
Upgrades rank 2 of to also increase your damage done by 30%, halving against players, for the duration.
Stamina Arcanist (StamArc) Solo Build for ESO. Pragmatic Fatecarver is a channeled beam that deals full damage in AoE with no damage falloff and has a 22 meter range. It also grants a massive damage shield on cast. Cephaliarch's Flail heals you every time you use it, so between the shield and the healing you barely have to think about staying alive.
One of the strongest pure class solo builds. It used to be the strongest solo build in the game before subclassing. Easy to play, though vulnerable to content with lots of stuns since they interrupt Fatecarver .
Soloed Veteran Hard Mode Castle Thorn, Veteran Hard Mode Bedlam Veil and Veteran Hard Mode Trifecta Cradle of Shadows. Parses 69.2k in the Instanced setup. But that's a Single Target number that undersells it since Fatecarver hits everything at full damage in AoE.
Looking for something simpler? Check out the One Bar Stamina Arcanist Solo Build. Or try the Heavy Attack Arcanist Solo Build for a heavy attack playstyle.
I built a simulator that takes the current setup from the guide and plays it through the listed rotation. It uses the listed gear, skills, Champion Points, race, food, potions, target armor and target health. It tracks skill casts, light attacks, DoT ticks, cooldowns, execute scaling, crits and status effect rolls. It assumes 100% of light attacks hit and a 0.094 second weave average.
Most comparison tables use deterministic rolls on a 15 million HP target unless the row says 6m, random, or real CMX. There is no 15 million Target Dummy in ESO. I use that health value because the 6 million dummy dies too fast, so random crits, status effects and execute timing can move the DPS by a lot.
For comparison tables I keep the setup identical and change one thing at a time. That makes the tables better for comparing options than random dummy parses, where one run can get better crits, different status effects or a better execute window.
The baseline sim uses Whorl of the Depths instead of Sul-Xan's Torment because you can't parse with Sul-Xan on the dummy, and I wanted the simulator checked against a real parse.
| Run | Simulated DPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15m deterministic sim | Used for most comparison tables | |
| 6m deterministic sim | Same setup on real dummy health | |
| Real 6m CMX parse | Recorded in game | |
| 100 random 6m sims | This is why random parses are unreliable when crits and status effects roll differently |
Class Masteries are a new U50 system where each class picks 2 of 5 passive bonuses (Class Mastery Points, not Skill Points). Activating subclassing disables Class Mastery, so it's a tradeoff between keeping your native skill lines or subclassing.
Surpass your limits in the fieldwork of battle.
Upgrades rank 2 of to also increase your damage done by 30%, halving against players, for the duration.
Simply the best damage option.
Illuminate body and mind with glimmering ink.
While in combat, when you heal or overheal a total of 100000 Health, you generate a Crux and grant you and your group members for 10 seconds, increasing Critical Damage by 20%.
It procs reliably thanks to the constant healing from Cephaliarch's Flail and Ring of the Pale Order .
Be the hand that guides the weave of fate.
Upgrades rank 2 of to generate maximum Crux, up to once every 15 seconds. After this effect triggers you gain 300 Weapon and Spell Damage for 25 seconds.
Not useful for this setup.
Dive deep into the abyss where power is yours to claim.
Activating an Arcanist Ultimate immediately generates maximum Crux and grants you 666 Weapon and Spell Damage for 15 seconds.
Not useful for this setup.
Master the archaic and forge new runes of conflict.
Upgrades to inflict on your attacker while granting to you and your group for 4 seconds. You gain 1 Ultimate for every Crux you have.
These effects can occur once every 2 seconds.
Not useful for this setup.
A base setup that will work for most situations and which should be your starting point when making situational setups
For regular content such as Solo Arenas, World Bosses, and the majority of dungeon fights
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Cephaliarch's FlailMorph of Abyssal Impact | Slot 1: Cruxweaver ArmorMorph of Fatewoven Armor |
| Slot 2: Pragmatic FatecarverMorph of Fatecarver | Slot 2: Ulfsild's Contingency |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Elemental SusceptibilityMorph of Weakness to Elements |
| Slot 4: Quick CloakMorph of Blade Cloak | Slot 4: Elemental BlockadeMorph of Wall of Elements |
| Slot 5: Recuperative TreatiseMorph of Tome-Bearer's Inspiration | Slot 5: Soul Burst |
| Ultimate: Flawless DawnbreakerMorph of Dawnbreaker | Ultimate: The Languid EyeMorph of The Unblinking Eye |
Soul Burst and Quick Cloak are the first skills that have to go (in that order) if you need to slot situational, unless the situational skill specifically says it's replacing something else
| Rotation | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Priority List | Baseline | |
| Static Rotation | -7% |
Priority List
This is just a list of priorities. Simply recast abilities when they run out and follow this list of priorities when there are multiple things to refresh
Static Rotation
This might be easier for some players, but it is weaker than the priority list.
The Languid Eye and Flawless Dawnbreaker are not part of this repeating loop. Cast The Languid Eye when it's ready, and use Flawless Dawnbreaker towards the end of a fight if you won't get enough Ultimate for another The Languid Eye .
Pre-buff
These abilities can be pre-cast before entering combat
A few examples of final setups you could end up with after applying the situational skills to the base setup
A setup for dealing with trash packs
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Cephaliarch's FlailMorph of Abyssal Impact | Slot 1: Cruxweaver ArmorMorph of Fatewoven Armor |
| Slot 2: Pragmatic FatecarverMorph of Fatecarver | Slot 2: Ulfsild's Contingency |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Razor CaltropsMorph of Caltrops |
| Slot 4: Quick CloakMorph of Blade Cloak | Slot 4: Elemental BlockadeMorph of Wall of Elements |
| Slot 5: Recuperative TreatiseMorph of Tome-Bearer's Inspiration | Slot 5: Silver LeashMorph of Silver Bolts |
| Ultimate: Flawless DawnbreakerMorph of Dawnbreaker | Ultimate: The Languid EyeMorph of The Unblinking Eye |
A setup for instanced content (Arenas and Dungeons), where enemies have 18,200 armor instead of 9,100
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Cephaliarch's FlailMorph of Abyssal Impact | Slot 1: Cruxweaver ArmorMorph of Fatewoven Armor |
| Slot 2: Pragmatic FatecarverMorph of Fatecarver | Slot 2: Ulfsild's Contingency |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Elemental SusceptibilityMorph of Weakness to Elements |
| Slot 4: Quick CloakMorph of Blade Cloak | Slot 4: Elemental BlockadeMorph of Wall of Elements |
| Slot 5: Recuperative TreatiseMorph of Tome-Bearer's Inspiration | Slot 5: Soul Burst |
| Ultimate: The Languid EyeMorph of The Unblinking Eye | Ultimate: The Languid EyeMorph of The Unblinking Eye |
A setup which trades damage for more survivability. Use it against harder boss fights or if you simply want a tankier build and don't mind fights taking longer
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Cephaliarch's FlailMorph of Abyssal Impact | Slot 1: Cruxweaver ArmorMorph of Fatewoven Armor |
| Slot 2: Pragmatic FatecarverMorph of Fatecarver | Slot 2: Runeguard of Still WatersMorph of Runic Defense |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Elemental SusceptibilityMorph of Weakness to Elements |
| Slot 4: Revealing Flare | Slot 4: Elemental BlockadeMorph of Wall of Elements |
| Slot 5: Recuperative TreatiseMorph of Tome-Bearer's Inspiration | Slot 5: Soul Burst |
| Ultimate: Flawless DawnbreakerMorph of Dawnbreaker | Ultimate: The Languid EyeMorph of The Unblinking Eye |
Additional Info
| Setup | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Instanced | Baseline | |
| Tanky | -6% |
The only passive you specifically have to skip is Tri Focus
Some trees are only needed when using situational skills, for example Psijic Order provides nothing without Precognition
Class - Herald of the Tome
Fated Fortune
- High Priority
Harnessed Quintessence
- High Priority
Psychic Lesion
- High Priority
Splintered Secrets
- High Priority
Class - Soldier of Apocrypha
Aegis of the Unseen
- High Priority
Wellspring of the Abyss
- High Priority
Circumvented Fate
- High Priority
Implacable Outcome
- High Priority
Class - Curative Runeforms
Healing Tides
- Medium Priority
Hideous Clarity
- High Priority
Erudition
- High Priority
Intricate Runeforms
- High Priority
Weapon - Dual Wield
Slaughter
- High Priority
Dual Wield Expert
- High Priority
Controlled Fury
- High Priority
Ruffian
- Medium Priority
Twin Blade and Blunt
- High Priority
Weapon - Destruction Staff
Tri Focus
- Do Not Unlock
Penetrating Magic
- Low Priority
Elemental Force
- Medium Priority
Ancient Knowledge
- Medium Priority
Destruction Expert
- Low Priority
Armor - Light Armor
Grace
- Low Priority
Evocation
- High Priority
Spell Warding
- Low Priority
Prodigy
- High Priority
Concentration
- High Priority
Armor - Medium Armor
Dexterity
- High Priority
Wind Walker
- High Priority
Improved Sneak
- Not needed
Agility
- High Priority
Athletics
- Low Priority
Guild - Fighters Guild
Intimidating Presence
- High Priority
Slayer
- High Priority
Banish the Wicked
- High Priority
Skilled Tracker
- High Priority
Bounty Hunter
- Not needed
Guild - Mages Guild
Persuasive Will
- Not needed
Mage Adept
- Low Priority
Everlasting Magic
- High Priority
Magicka Controller
- Low Priority
Might of the Guild
- Low Priority
Guild - Undaunted
Undaunted Command
- Not needed
Undaunted Mettle
- High Priority
Guild - Psijic Order
Clairvoyance
- Low Priority
Spell Orb
- Not needed
Concentrated Barrier
- Low Priority
Deliberation
- Not needed
Alliance War - Support
Magicka Aid
- Medium Priority
Combat Medic
- Not needed
Battle Resurrection
- Not needed
Race - Your Race
Get all of your racials, no matter which race you are
Craft - Alchemy
Solvent Proficiency
- Not needed
Keen Eye: Reagents
- Not needed
Medicinal Use
- High Priority
Chemistry
- Not needed
Laboratory Use
- Not needed
Snakeblood
- Not needed
Overland (Base) is your starting point and works for most situations. Crafted is a beginner version using only craftable sets. Instanced is a swap for Arenas and Dungeons where enemies have higher armor.
Switching gear for trash packs isn't worth it unless you're using gear-swap addons
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Slimecraw | Light | Divines | Stamina |
Shoulders |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Chest |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Hands |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Belt |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Legs |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Boots |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Necklace |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Ring |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Ring |
Ring of the Pale Order | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Dagger | Charged | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Dagger | Charged | Shock |
Backbar Main Hand |
Crushing Wall | Inferno Staff | Infused | Weapon Damage |
Fallback Gear
If you don't have it, use in order
If you don't have it, use in order
Alternatives
This is the crafted gear setup you can start with
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Highland Sentinel | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Shoulders |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Chest |
Order's Wrath | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Hands |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Belt |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Light | Divines | Stamina |
Legs |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Boots |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Necklace |
Order's Wrath | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Ring |
Order's Wrath | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Ring |
Highland Sentinel | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Order's Wrath | Dagger | Charged | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Order's Wrath | Dagger | Charged | Shock |
Backbar Main Hand |
Order's Wrath | Inferno Staff | Infused | Weapon Damage |
The setup in the table uses only crafted gear, but if you already own parts of the Base setup like Ring of the Pale Order you can start using them immediately
This is a setup you should use in Instanced content (Arenas and Dungeons), where enemies have 18,200 armor instead of 9,100
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Valkyn Skoria | Light | Divines | Stamina |
Shoulders |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Chest |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Hands |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Belt |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Legs |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Boots |
Tzogvin's Warband | Medium | Divines | Stamina |
Necklace |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Ring |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Ring |
Ring of the Pale Order | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Physical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Dagger | Charged | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Dagger | Charged | Shock |
Backbar Main Hand |
Crushing Wall | Ice Staff | Infused | Weapon Damage |
Fallback Gear
If you don't have it, use in order
If you don't have it, use in order
Alternative (same bonus)
Changes compared to the Overland setup
Use the Penetration Calculator to fine-tune your penetration for different content. Overland enemies have 9,100 armor while Instanced enemies (Arenas and Dungeons) have 18,200.
Damage comparison for the set options.
Instanced Enemy - 18,200 Armor
All of these use Valkyn Skoria .
Body
Compares Whorl of the Depths + X body set.
| Body Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansuul's Torment | Trial - Sanity's Edge |
+3.8%
-5.7%
|
|
| Tzogvin's Warband | Dungeon - Frostvault | Baseline | |
| Slivers of the Null Arca | Trial - Lucent Citadel | -0.6% | |
| Highland Sentinel | Crafted |
-2.3%
-5.8%
|
|
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -2.8% | |
| Deadly Strike | PvP - Cyrodiil | -3.2% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -3.5% | |
| Aegis Caller | Dungeon - Unhallowed Grave | -4.1% | |
| Pillar of Nirn | Dungeon - Falkreath Hold | -5.2% | |
| Mother's Sorrow | Overland - Deshaan | -6.0% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -6.1% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -6.5% |
Weapons + Jewelry
Compares Tzogvin's Warband + X weapons and jewelry set.
| Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansuul's Torment | Trial - Sanity's Edge |
+2.9%
-4.9%
|
|
| Sul-Xan's Torment | Trial - Rockgrove |
Baseline
-7.8%
|
|
| Slivers of the Null Arca | Trial - Lucent Citadel | -0.4% | |
| Whorl of the Depths | Trial - Dreadsail Reef | -0.9% | |
| Highland Sentinel | Crafted |
-5.6%
-7.8%
|
|
| Aegis Caller | Dungeon - Unhallowed Grave | -5.9% | |
| Deadly Strike | PvP - Cyrodiil | -5.9% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -6.6% | |
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -7.1% | |
| Pillar of Nirn | Dungeon - Falkreath Hold | -7.5% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -7.9% | |
| Mother's Sorrow | Overland - Deshaan | -8.5% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -9.1% |
Overland Enemy - 9,100 Armor
All of these use Slimecraw , and Minor Slayer does not work against Overland enemies.
Body
Compares Whorl of the Depths + X body set.
| Body Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansuul's Torment | Trial - Sanity's Edge |
+5.1%
-2.3%
|
|
| Slivers of the Null Arca | Trial - Lucent Citadel | +1.6% | |
| Deadly Strike | PvP - Cyrodiil | +0.7% | |
| Highland Sentinel | Crafted |
+0.6%
-3.5%
|
|
| Tzogvin's Warband | Dungeon - Frostvault | Baseline | |
| Aegis Caller | Dungeon - Unhallowed Grave | -0.7% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -1.3% | |
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -2.0% | |
| Mother's Sorrow | Overland - Deshaan | -2.7% | |
| Pillar of Nirn | Dungeon - Falkreath Hold | -3.2% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -3.6% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -5.9% |
Weapons + Jewelry
Compares Tzogvin's Warband + X weapons and jewelry set.
| Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansuul's Torment | Trial - Sanity's Edge |
+2.0%
-7.1%
|
|
| Sul-Xan's Torment | Trial - Rockgrove |
Baseline
-8.9%
|
|
| Slivers of the Null Arca | Trial - Lucent Citadel | -1.6% | |
| Whorl of the Depths | Trial - Dreadsail Reef | -2.1% | |
| Highland Sentinel | Crafted |
-2.4%
-7.2%
|
|
| Deadly Strike | PvP - Cyrodiil | -3.0% | |
| Aegis Caller | Dungeon - Unhallowed Grave | -3.7% | |
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -4.5% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -5.1% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -5.7% | |
| Pillar of Nirn | Dungeon - Falkreath Hold | -5.9% | |
| Mother's Sorrow | Overland - Deshaan | -7.5% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -7.9% |
Daggers are the default and the highest damage. A Greatsword with Stampede is the closest alternative if you want a two-handed playstyle.
| Front Bar Weapon | Additional Changes | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Wield Daggers | none | Baseline | |
| Greatsword | Quick Cloak -> Stampede | -3.3% | |
| Bow | Quick Cloak -> Fulminating Rune | -6.9% | |
| Lightning Staff | Quick Cloak -> Fulminating Rune | -8.8% | |
| Inferno Staff | Quick Cloak -> Fulminating Rune | -10.1% | |
| Ice Staff | Quick Cloak -> Fulminating Rune | -11.6% | |
| Sword and Shield | Quick Cloak -> Fulminating Rune | -12.2% | |
| Restoration Staff | Quick Cloak -> Fulminating Rune | -13.9% |
Daggers run 2 Charged . On any other weapon switch the trait to Precise , since moving off daggers drops the Twin Blade and Blunt critical chance. Daggers and the Greatsword run The Languid Eye on both ultimate slots for the front-bar penetration.
The Fulminating Rune weapons can keep Flawless Dawnbreaker on the front bar, since Fulminating Rune is a Herald skill that procs Splintered Secrets .
Alternative setups for different goals and content types
Content-Specific Swaps
For solo you need both damage and survivability, so every race brings something to the table. I use Nord because in difficult solo content the armor racial is worth the DPS trade-off. If you want to use a different race, the table shows comparison between their DPS.
| Race | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Elf | +3.4% | |
| Orc | +2.7% | |
| Khajiit | +1.8% | |
| High Elf | +1.7% | |
| Wood Elf ? | +1.3% | |
| Redguard | +0.2% | |
| Imperial | +0.2% | |
| Nord | Baseline | |
| Argonian | -0.7% | |
| Breton | -1.8% |
| Mundus | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| The Thief | Baseline | |
| The Lady | -6.8% |
For most content you should put all 64 points into Stamina. 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 Stamina, for the extremely difficult stuff you'll need 64 Health.
| Attributes | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 64 Stamina | Baseline | |
| 32 Health / 32 Stamina | -4.4% | |
| 64 Health | -6.5% |
As you can see, the damage loss from changing attributes is minimal, but you gain up to 7808 Health, so change attributes whenever you struggle with some harder enemy.
| Setup | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Orzorga's Smoked Bear Haunch + Armor Potion | Baseline | |
| Braised Rabbit with Spring Vegetables + Tri-Stat Potion | +4.0% | |
| Braised Rabbit with Spring Vegetables + Heroism Potion | +5.6% |
The default option. It gives you the armor while your food covers sustain.
Full damage option. The sustain from it lets you switch from Orzorga's Smoked Bear Haunch to Braised Rabbit with Spring Vegetables for more damage.
Same idea as Tri-Stat Potion , but straight up better because it adds Minor Heroism on top. More damage, just much more expensive to craft.
All parses are recorded on the 6 million Target Dummy
| Slot | Style | Dyes |
|---|---|---|
| Head |
Silvenar Green
Silvenar Green
Silvenar Green
|
|
| Shoulders |
Glenbridge Green
|
|
| Chest |
Thalmor Black
Silvenar Green
Thalmor Black
|
|
| Hands |
Silvenar Green
Thalmor Black
|
|
| Belt |
Silvenar Green
|
|
| Legs |
Silvenar Green
Thalmor Black
Thalmor Black
|
|
| Feet |
Silvenar Green
Thalmor Black
Thalmor Black
|
|
| Frontbar Main Hand |
Empty
Empty
Empty
|
|
| Frontbar Off Hand |
Empty
Empty
Empty
|
|
| Backbar Main Hand |
Empty
Empty
Empty
|
|
Dark Elf is the best damage race. Nord is the best survivability race.
No. Arcanist is one of the easiest solo classes because Cephaliarch's Flail heals you and Pragmatic Fatecarver gives a massive damage shield. Just watch for stuns interrupting Fatecarver.
Yes. Stamina Arcanist is one of the strongest pure class solo builds. It has soloed Veteran Hard Mode Castle Thorn, Veteran Hard Mode Bedlam Veil, and Veteran Hard Mode Trifecta Cradle of Shadows. It parses 69.2k in the Instanced setup, though that number undersells it because Fatecarver hits everything at full damage in AoE.
Yes. Greatsword, Lightning Staff, and Bow are the smallest-loss front-bar alternatives. You need to replace Quick Cloak if you leave Dual Wield, and replacing the backbar is harder because Elemental Susceptibility is very strong for solo.
No. Use the base skills and the Instanced gear setup for both Maelstrom Arena and Vateshran Hollows.
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