Arcane: Hunter Tool & Elemental Damage
Arcane is a fundamental stat in Bloodborne that governs the effectiveness of Hunter Tools and elemental damage. Investing in Arcane opens up a unique playstyle focused on utility, crowd control, and potent ranged attacks, complementing traditional melee combat.
Hunter Tools are special offensive and defensive abilities that consume Quicksilver Bullets, offering a diverse range of magical effects. Furthermore, many weapons can be infused with elemental damage types (Fire, Bolt, Arcane) that scale with this stat, making it a powerful choice for specialized builds.
Hunter Tools and Their Uses:
- Fire Paper/Bolt Paper: While not Hunter Tools themselves, these consumable items temporarily imbue your weapon with Fire or Bolt damage, respectively. Their effectiveness scales with your Arcane stat.
- Whispering Beast: A basic tool that summons spectral projectiles.
- A Call Beyond: A powerful, high-cost tool that unleashes a barrage of arcane projectiles in a wide area.
- Executioner's Gloves: Hurls three spectral skulls that home in on enemies.
- Tiny Tonitrus: Creates a localized electrical discharge, effective against enemies weak to Bolt.
- Caduceus Staff: Fires a slow-moving arcane projectile.
- Old Hunter Bone: Grants a temporary boost to dodge speed and distance.
- Empty Phantasm Shell: Temporarily adds Arcane damage to your weapon, scaling with your Arcane stat.
Elemental Damage Scaling:
Many weapons in Bloodborne can be modified to deal elemental damage. This is achieved through:
- Blood Gem Imprints: Certain Blood Gems can add Fire, Bolt, or Arcane damage to weapons. The effectiveness of these gems is often influenced by the Arcane stat.
- Elemental Conversion: Some weapons, like the Flamespitter or Tonitrus, inherently deal elemental damage.
- Arcane Scaling: Weapons with innate Arcane scaling will deal more Arcane damage as your Arcane stat increases.
An Arcane build offers a distinct and powerful way to play Bloodborne, providing solutions for various combat situations and allowing for creative use of the game's magical arsenal.