Arriving June 20 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom introduces a whole new way to play with the introduction of the Arcanist class. Boasting three unique skill lines and an all-new combat mechanic called the Crux System, Arcanists use the eldritch powers of Apocrypha to obliterate their enemies and protect their allies.
Get exclusive insight on each of the three new Arcanist skill lines from Brian Wheeler, Lead Combat Designer for ZeniMax Online Studios, and learn about the arcane powers you can wield as you explore the Telvanni Peninsula and worlds beyond.
Herald of the Tome
“The Herald of the Tome skill line is primarily designed to deal damage to your enemies,” Wheeler explains. “There’s also a wide variety of abilities here, with some dishing out area-based effects while others focus on specific targets. There’s versatility in how you want to inflict pain on your enemies. .
When designing, the team knew the Arcanist needed to stand out, so they focused on themes of cosmic horror and the Black Books of Hermaeus Mora, opening an eldritch portal to a wide selection of powers.
“Some abilities look very clean and precise, while others are more chaotic and visceral,” Wheeler explains. “In our testing, we saw players loading their entire action bar with Arcanist abilities, so we wanted to make sure this skill line had a wide range of supporting visuals.”
If one ability captures the feel of the Herald of the Tome skill line, it’s Fatecarver, which makes powerful use of the class’ new combat mechanic.
“We wanted players to channel pure arcane energy into a beam that they could aim anywhere without needing a target while interacting with our new Crux system,” says Wheeler.
“The more Crux you have, the harder the beam hits when you throw it.”
Healing Runic Forms
“Healing Runic Forms add healing and support to the Arcanist’s suite of abilities,” Wheeler explains.
“Like the Herald of the Tome line, you can find some great synergies here by mixing single-target, area-based healing with new toys like Apocryphal Gate, providing mobility through a pair of portals.”
Being able to quickly identify what heals and what hurts is vitally important in the heat of battle, which is why the team made sure that despite common origins in Apocrypha, the lines of damage and healing skills seemed separate.
“This skill line has a less ‘rough chaotic’ feel to it, and we leaned into some of the watery or inky feel of Apocrypha,” says Wheeler. “For example, Arcanist Domain has an aquatic perk around its ability while also showing a cool animation when you cast runes.”
Apocrypha soldier
“The Soldier of Apocrypha skill line is primarily focused on taking damage and surviving,” Wheeler explains. “But there are also utility and support abilities to help you control your enemies. This includes several shield abilities that we call ‘living buffs.’ enemy actions by damaging them or healing you!
Because of this focus, in addition to crown control, you can take advantage of many rapid fire and self-focus abilities when soldering the Soldier of Apocrypha skill line.
“A tank’s main job is to protect its allies while absorbing enemy damage to itself, so we’ve released a taunt to the Arcanist. This is the first time a class of ESO benefits from this feature without relying on other skill lines.The ability to taunt your enemies is vitally important, but so is surviving the inevitable onslaught that results.
“Runespite Ward is one of the Arcanist’s most notable abilities, as it provides great defense boosts. One of this ability’s evolutions, Impervious Runeward, provides even more armor during its first second, giving you the ability to time it for maximum damage mitigation and retaliation!”
Unknowable powers await you
This is of course just a brief introduction to some of the eldritch powers that are available to you with the brand new Arcanist class. In addition to the three unique skill lines above, the Crux system allows you to further strengthen your abilities and customize the way you play.
You want to know more ? You’ll have to experience the class’s weird and wonderful new abilities for yourself when The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom arrives June 20 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Good luck, and see you in Tamriel!
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