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    ESO Necrom Arcanist Class guide: All active skills and crux system explained

    Here's everything you need to know about the Arcanist class in ESO.

    Hritwik Raj monogram avatar
    Hritwik Raj
    Contributor · 18 Apr 2023

    ESO Necrom Arcanist Class guide: All active skills and crux system explained

    The Arcanist is one of the newest classes in ESO that has proven to be one of its kind as it not only offers a wide variety of skills that supports a flexible playstyle, but it also comes with a new gameplay mechanic called Crux system that players can use in ESO to empower some of the Arcanist’s abilities. 

    Keep reading our ESO: Necrom Arcanist class guide as we delve into all skill lines, active skills, and ultimates of the said class while explaining the new Crux system.

    All Arcanist class active skills in ESO Necrom

    Image Via ZeniMax Online Studios

    The Arcanist class in the new expansion has three skill lines, Curative Runeforms, Herald of the Tome, and Soldier of Apocrypha. Each skill line offers five active skills and one ultimate skill, with each offering two Morph Abilities that you can select between when you reach Rank 4 with the respective skill. 

    To ensure you understand the Arcanist class better, we have shared all active skills with the Morph Ability choices in the table below. 

    All active skills and ultimate in Herald of the Tome skill line

    Image Via ZeniMax Online Studios

    Here are the ultimate skill and the different active skills of the Arcanist class in ESO under the Herald of the Tome skill line:

    AbilitiesTypeDescription
    RunebladesActiveCraft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 695 Magic Damage three times, and generating Crux. This ability deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.
    Escalating RunebladesRuneblades MorphCraft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 696 Magic Damage, 766 Magic Damage, and 917 Magic Damage and generating Crux. The last rune explodes, dealing damage to all enemies within 8 meters of the target. This ability deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

    Deals increased damage, and the last rune deals damage in an area.
    Writhing RunebladesRuneblades MorphCraft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 718 Magic Damage three times, and generating Crux. This ability gains between 1095 and 2191 Weapon and Spell Critical rating and deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

    Has increased Critical Chance for each active Crux.
    FatecarverActiveHarness pure knowledge into a beam of energy that scars the world in front of you. Channel the beam for up to 4 seconds, dealing 879 Magic Damage every 0.3 seconds. Casting Fatecarver consumes all Crux and increases damage done by 33% per Crux spent.
    Exhausting FatecarverFatecarver MorphHarness pure knowledge into a beam of energy that scars the world in front of you. Channel the beam for up to 4 seconds, dealing 878 Magic Damage every 0.3 seconds and snaring enemies hit by 15%. Casting Exhausting Fatecarver consumes all Crux and increases damage done by 33%, duration by 0.3 seconds, and snare by 15% per Crux spent.

    Applies a snare to damaged enemies. Consuming Crux also increases the duration and snare strength.
    Pragmatic FatecarverFatecarver MorphHarness pure knowledge into a beam of energy that scars the world in front of you. Channel the beam for up to 4 seconds, dealing 878 Magic Damage every 0.3 seconds. Casting Pragmatic Fatecarver consumes all Crux and increases damage done by 33%, and decreases cost by 16% per Crux spent.

    Consuming Crux also reduces the cost.
    Abyssal ImpactActiveInfuse your arm with abyssal magic to form tentacles that lash out at your foes, dealing 1939 Physical Damage. Enemies are immobilized for 3 seconds and marked with Abyssal Ink for 20 seconds. You deal 5% increased damage to enemies drenched in Abyssal Ink.
    Cephaliarch's FlailAbyssal Impact MorphInfuse your arm with abyssal magic to form tentacles that lash out at your foes, dealing 1939 Physical Damage and generating Crux. Enemies are immobilized for 3 seconds and marked with Abyssal Ink for 20 seconds. Deals up to 100% more damage to enemies with less than 50% Health. You deal 5% increased damage to enemies drenched in Abyssal Ink.

    Creates a Crux and deals increased damage to enemies below half health.
    Tentacular DreadAbyssal Impact MorphInfuse your arm with abyssal magic to form tentacles that lash out at your foes, dealing 2002 Frost Damage and consuming all Crux. Enemies are immobilized for 3 seconds and marked with Abyssal Ink for 20 seconds. You deal 5% increased damage to enemies drenched in Abyssal Ink. Damage to foes drenched in Abyssal Ink is increased by 2% and immobilization duration is increased by 1 second per Crux spent.

    Converts into a Magicka ability and deals Frost Damage. Consume Crux to increase the Abyssal Ink strength and immobilize duration.
    Tome-Bearer's InspirationActiveEtch a series of runes onto your weapon that pulse with power once every 5 seconds. Each pulse enhances your class abilities, and striking an enemy with one deals an additional 1161 Magic Damage and generates Crux if you have none. While slotted on either ability bar, gain Major Brutality and Major Sorcery, increasing your Weapon and Spell Damage by 20%.
    Inspired ScholarshipTome-Bearer's Inspiration MorphEtch a series of runes onto your weapon that pulse with power once every 3 seconds. Each pulse enhances your class abilities, and striking an enemy with one deals an additional 935 Magic Damage and generates Crux if you have none. While slotted on either ability bar, gain Major Brutality and Major Sorcery, increasing your Weapon and Spell Damage by 20%.

    Increases the frequency of damage.
    Recuperative TreatiseTome-Bearer's Inspiration MorphEtch a series of runes onto your weapon that pulse with power once every 5 seconds. Each pulse enhances your class abilities, and striking an enemy with one deals an additional 1161 Magic Damage, restores 600 Magicka and Stamina, and generates Crux if you have none. While slotted on either ability bar, gain Major Brutality and Major Sorcery, increasing your Weapon and Spell Damage by 20%.

    When dealing damage, restore Magicka and Stamina.
    The Imperfect RingActiveSummon a flawed rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4631 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. An ally near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.
    Fulminating RuneThe Imperfect Ring MorphSummon an explosive rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4642 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. The rune lingers on the initial target for 6 seconds before detonating, dealing 1438 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters. Rune detonation cannot be primed with Fulminating Rune again for 6 seconds. Up to 3 allies near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

    Deals additional area damage after a delay. Up to 3 allies can use the Runebreak synergy.
    Rune of DisplacementThe Imperfect Ring MorphSummon a discharging rune under an enemy. After 2 seconds the rune pulses, pulling in foes within 8 meters and etching them with scrawled glyphs that deal 4780 Magic Damage over 18 seconds. An ally near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

    Places a rune under the target that deals damage and pulls nearby enemies after a delay.
    The Unblinking EyeUltimateTear open the fabric of the Aurbis to summon a scion of Hermaeus Mora. This being casts forth a beam that rends asunder reality for 6 seconds and deals 1115 Magic Damage to enemies within 3 meters every 0.5 seconds. The scion's beam can be repositioned by recasting The Unblinking Eye.
    The Languid EyeThe Unblinking Eye MorphTear open the fabric of the Aurbis to summon a scion of Hermaeus Mora. This being casts forth a beam that rends asunder reality for 6 seconds that deals 1036 Magic Damage to enemies within 3 meters every 0.5 seconds and snares them by 50% for 3 seconds. Every 0.5 seconds, the beam's damage increases by 7%. The scion's beam can be repositioned by recasting The Languid Eye.

    Also applies a snare to enemies hit, and damage increases over time.
    The Tide King's GazeThe Unblinking Eye MorphTear open the fabric of the Aurbis to summon a scion of Hermaeus Mora. This being casts forth a beam that rends asunder reality for 8 seconds that deals 1151 Magic Damage to enemies within 3 meters every 0.5 seconds. The scion's beam automatically follows the initial target, and hunts for a new one within 8 meters if it is slain.

    Beam duration is increased, automatically follows the initial target, and searches for new targets if it is slain.

    All active skills and ultimate in Curative Reform skill line

    Image Via ZeniMax Online Studios

    Here are the ultimate skill and the different active skills of the Arcanist class in ESO under the Curative Reform skill line:

    AbilitiesTypeDescription
    RunemendActiveCraft a series of precise Apocryphal runes, then propel them at yourself or an ally in front of you. The runes heal for 1161 Health three times and generate Crux. Each active Crux reduces the cost of this ability by 3%.
    Audacious RunemendRunemend MorphCraft a series of virtuous Apocryphal runes, then propel them at yourself or an ally in front of you. The runes heal for 1199 Health three times and generate Crux. Healing a target under 50% Health grants them Minor Heroism for 6 seconds, generating 1 Ultimate every 1.5 seconds. Each active Crux reduces the cost of this ability by 3%.

    Healing low Health targets grants them Ultimate.
    Evolving RunemendRunemend MorphCraft a series of adaptive Apocryphal runes, then propel them at yourself or an ally in front of you. The runes heal for 1161 Health three times, an additional 1302 Health over 6 seconds, and generate Crux. Each active Crux reduces the cost of this ability by 3%.

    Heals for an additional amount over time.
    Remedy CascadeActiveChannel the abyssal sea to coalesce a beam of restorative energy. The beam heals you and your allies in its path for 11310 Health over 4.5 seconds. Consume Crux to also restore 728 Magicka and Stamina per Crux spent to your allies over 4.5 seconds.
    Cascading FortuneRemedy Cascade MorphChannel the abyssal sea to coalesce a beam that heals you and your allies in its path for 11674 Health over 4.5 seconds. The beam heals for up to 50% more in proportion to the severity of the target's wounds as you reweave fate itself. Consume Crux to also restore 728 Magicka and Stamina per Crux spent to your allies over 4.5 seconds.

    Heals for more on low Health targets.
    Curative SurgeRemedy Cascade MorphChannel the abyssal sea to coalesce a beam that heals you and your allies in its path for 11310 Health over 4.5 seconds. The beam gradually grows stronger the longer you channel it, healing for up to 192% more at the end of its duration. Consume Crux to also restore 728 Magicka and Stamina per Crux spent to your allies over 4.5 seconds.

    The beam gradually heals for more the longer you channel it.
    Chakram ShieldsActiveCarve the runes of the Blind Man to call forth spinning mystical discs. Discs surround you or up to 4 allies in front of you, granting a shield that absorbs 3159 damage for 6 seconds. Discs prefer your reticle target, or low-Health targets without shields.
    Chakram of DestinyChakram Shields MorphCarve the Fate Crone's runes to create spinning mystical discs and generate Crux. Discs surround you or up to 4 allies in front of you, granting a shield that absorbs 3160 damage for 6 seconds. Recasting on a target already shielded grants a new shield that is 30% stronger. Discs prefer your reticle target, or low-Health targets without shields.

    Creates a Crux. Recasting the shield on a target increases the maximum strength of the shield.
    Tidal ChakramChakram Shields MorphCarve the Baron of Breakers' runes to create spinning discs. Discs surround you or up to 4 allies in front of you, granting a shield that absorbs 3264 damage for 6 seconds. Consume Crux to reduce the cost by 20% per Crux spent. Discs prefer your reticle target, or low-Health targets without shields.

    Consumes Crux to reduce the cost.
    Arcanist's DomainActiveDraw forth your tome and invoke the vigoratum of Hermaeus Mora to conjure a vortex of eldritch power. Standing in this vortex grants you and your allies Minor Courage, Minor Fortitude, Minor Intellect, and Minor Endurance, increasing your Weapon and Spell Damage by 215 and your Health, Magicka, and Stamina Recovery by 15%.
    Reconstructive DomainArcanist's Domain MorphDraw forth your tome and invoke the leviathanum of the Abyssal Sea to conjure a vortex of eldritch power. Standing in this vortex grants you and your allies Minor Courage, Minor Fortitude, Minor Intellect, and Minor Endurance, increasing your Weapon and Spell Damage by 215 and your Health, Magicka, and Stamina Recovery by 15%. The vortex also heals you and your allies for 4631 Health over 20 seconds.

    Heals you and your allies in the area over time.
    Zenas' Empowering DiscArcanist's Domain MorphDraw forth your tome and invoke the enigmatum of Morian Zenas to conjure a vortex of eldritch power. Standing in this vortex grants you and your allies Minor Courage, Minor Fortitude, Minor Intellect, and Minor Endurance, increasing your Weapon and Spell Damage by 215 and your Health, Magicka, and Stamina Recovery by 15%. These effects cling to you and your allies for up to 10 seconds after leaving the vortex.

    The effects remain on you and your allies for a short duration after leaving the area.
    Apocryphal GateActiveBreach the world walls to create a portal at a target location. Its twin appears directly before you. Crossing the threshold allows you to teleport from one to the other for as long as the portals remain open. Apocryphal Gate generates Crux each time you teleport.
    Fleet-footed GateApocryphal Gate MorphBreach the world walls to create a portal at a target location. Its twin appears directly before you. Crossing the threshold allows you to teleport from one to the other for as long as the portals remain open. After teleporting, you gain Major Expedition for 5 seconds, increasing your Movement Speed by 30%. Fleet-Footed Gate generates Crux each time you teleport.

    Increases your Movement Speed after teleporting.
    Passage Between WorldsApocryphal Gate MorphBreach the world walls to create a portal at a target location. Its twin appears directly before you. Crossing the threshold allows you to teleport from one to the other for as long as the portals remain open. Allies standing within either portal can activate the Passage synergy, allowing them to teleport to the opposite portal. Passage Between Worlds generates Crux each time you teleport.

    Grants a synergy to allies allowing them to teleport from one portal to the other.
    Vitalizing GlyphicUltimateSummon an Apocryphal glyphic saturated with vitalizing energy, which you and your allies can heal. The glyphic spawns at 30% Health and grows stronger the more you heal it. The antediluvian power within the glyphic pulses every 1 second, granting up to 200 Weapon and Spell Damage and healing you and your allies around it for up to 927 Health in proportion to its Health.
    Glyphic of the TidesVitalizing Glyphic MorphSummon an Apocryphal glyphic saturated with tidewater from the Abyssal Sea , which you and your allies can heal. The glyphic spawns at 53% Health and grows stronger the more you heal it. The antediluvian power within the glyphic pulses every 1 second, granting up to 200 Weapon and Spell Damage and healing you and your allies around it for up to 928 Health in proportion to its Health.

    The glyphic spawns at a higher Health percentage.
    Resonating GlyphicVitalizing Glyphic MorphSummon a mysterious Apocryphal glyphic, which you and your allies can damage. The glyphic spawns at 70% Health and grows stronger the more you damage it. The glyphic grants up to 200 Weapon and Spell Damage and heals you and your allies around it for up to 958 Health every 1 second in proportion to its Health.

    Dealing damage to the glyphic powers it up instead of healing it.

    All active skills and ultimate in Soldier of Apocrypha skill line

    Image Via ZeniMax Online Studios

    Here are the ultimate skill and the different active skills of the Arcanist class in ESO under the Soldier of Apocrypha skill line:

    AbilitiesTypeDescription
    Runic JoltActiveCraft a defensive Apocryphal rune that deals 1161 Magic Damage and applies Minor Maim for 15 seconds, reducing their damage done by 5%. The rune also taunts for 15 seconds if it would not cause taunt immunity, and generates Crux. While slotted, damage taken is reduced by 2% per active Crux.
    Runic EmbraceRunic Jolt MorphCraft a defensive rune that deals 1161 Magic Damage, healing you for 1706 scaling off your Max Health. This scrawl applies Minor Maim and Minor Lifesteal for 15 seconds, reducing enemy damage done by 5%, healing you and allies for 600 health every 1 second doing damage. The rune also taunts for 15 seconds if it would not cause taunt immunity, and generates Crux. While slotted, damage taken is reduced by 2% per active Crux.

    Heal yourself and apply Minor Lifesteal.
    Runic SunderRunic Jolt MorphCraft a defensive Apocryphal rune that deals 1161 Physical Damage. The rune steals 2200 Armor and applies Minor Maim for 15 seconds, reducing their damage done by 5%. The rune also taunts for 15 seconds if it would not cause taunt immunity, and generates Crux. While slotted, damage taken is reduced by 2% per active Crux.

    Converts into a Stamina ability and deals Physical Damage. Reduce your target's Armor and gain Armor.
    Runespite WardActiveLike the rune knights of old, summon a shield that absorbs 4800 damage for 6 seconds, scaling off your Max Health. The first time you take direct damage, the shield retaliates and deals 0 Magic Damage to the attacker, scaling off your Armor. Consume Crux to heal yourself for 1600 Health, scaling off your Max Health, per Crux spent.
    Impervious RunewardRunespite Ward MorphLike the rune knights of old, summon a shield that absorbs 9916 damage for 1 second, and then 5950 damage for 5 seconds if the first shield persists. Both shields scale off your Max Health. The first time you take direct damage, the shield retaliates and deals 0 Magic Damage to the attacker, scaling off your Armor. Consume Crux to heal yourself for 1600 Health, scaling off your Max Health, per Crux spent.

    Drastically increases the size of the damage shield for the first second.
    Spiteward of the Lucid MindRunespite Ward MorphLike the rune knights of old, summon a shield that absorbs 4800 damage for 6 seconds, scaling off your Max Health. The first time you take direct damage, the shield retaliates and deals 0 Magic Damage to the attacker, scaling off your Armor. Consume Crux to heal yourself 1600 Health, scaling off your Max Health, and refund 30% of Spiteward of the Lucid Mind cost per Crux spent.

    Consume Crux to refund cost.
    Fatewoven ArmorActiveForge defiant runic armor around you, granting Major Resolve for 20 seconds, increasing your Armor by 5948. While the armor persists, taking damage applies Minor Breach, reducing the Armor of your attacker by 2974 for 6 seconds.
    Cruxweaver ArmorFatewoven Armor MorphForge defiant runic armor around you, granting Major Resolve for 30 seconds, increasing your Armor by 5948. While the armor persists, taking damage applies Minor Breach, reducing the Armor of your attacker by 2974 for 6 seconds. Blows against your armor also generate Crux, up to once every 5 seconds.

    Increases the duration and when damaged, creates a Crux.
    Unbreakable FateFatewoven Armor MorphForge defiant runic armor around you, granting 5% Block Mitigation and Major Resolve for 20 seconds, increasing your Armor by 5948 for 20 seconds. Consume Crux to gain 5% additional Block Mitigation per Crux spent. While the armor persists, taking damage applies Minor Breach, reducing the Armor of your attacker by 2974 for 6 seconds.

    Gain bonus Block Mitigation and consume Crux to increase the bonus.
    Runic DefenseActiveCast forth a complex rune granting you and your group members Minor Resolve for 20 seconds, increasing your Armor by 2974. You gain Minor Protection for 20 seconds, reducing your damage taken by 5%. The first time you are damaged while below 50% Health, the Minor Protection is consumed to heal you for 4800 Health, scaling off your Max Health.
    Runeguard of FreedomRunic Defense MorphCast forth a complex rune granting you and your group members Minor Resolve for 20 seconds, increasing your Armor by 2974. You gain Minor Protection for 20 seconds, reducing your damage taken by 5%. The first time you are damaged while below 50% Health, Minor Protection is consumed to heal you for 4800 Health, scaling off your Max Health, and gain 3000 Armor and Crowd Control Immunity for 6 seconds. This immunity can occur once every 30 seconds.

    Also grants Armor and Crowd Control Immunity when the heal occurs.
    Runeguard of Still WatersRunic Defense MorphCast forth a complex rune granting you and your group members Minor Resolve for 20 seconds, increasing your Armor by 2974. After 1 second, the spellweave immobilizes enemies within 7 meters for 3 seconds. You gain Minor Protection for 20 seconds, reducing your damage taken by 5%. The first time you are damaged while below 50% Health, the Minor Protection is consumed to heal you for 4800 Health, scaling off your Max Health.

    Immobilizes nearby enemies.
    Rune of Eldritch HorrorActiveEtch an incomprehensible rune on your enemy's mind, paralyzing them in fear after a 1 second delay, stunning them for 4 seconds. This terror applies Minor Vulnerability for 10 seconds, increasing their damage taken by 5%. If used against a monster, the paralyze lasts for 8 seconds. This ability cannot be dodged.
    Rune of Uncanny AdorationRune of Eldritch Horror MorphEtch a blasphemous rune on your enemy's mind, charming them after a 1 second delay for 4 seconds. This eldritch attraction causes them to move towards the player while snared by 50%, and applies Minor Vulnerability for 10 seconds, increasing their damage taken by 5%. If used against a monster, the charm lasts for 8 seconds. This ability cannot be dodged.

    Charms and snares the target.
    Rune of the Colorless PoolRune of Eldritch Horror MorphEtch an amorphous rune on your enemy's mind, paralyzing them in fear after a 1 second delay, stunning them for 4 seconds. This undimensioned phenomenon applies Minor Vulnerability and Minor Brittle for 20 seconds, increasing their damage taken by 5% and their Critical Damage taken by 10%. If used against a monster, the paralyze lasts for 8 seconds. This ability cannot be dodged.

    Applies Minor Brittle to the target.
    Gibbering ShieldUltimateGather the true strength of Apocrypha around you, forming protective tentacles and a damage shield that absorbs 60% of all damage for 10 seconds, up to a max of 31732 damage, scaling off your Max Health. When the shield collapses you lash out, dealing all of the damage absorbed as Magic Damage to enemies within 5 meters over 10 seconds.
    Gibbering ShelterGibbering Shield MorphGather the true strength of Apocrypha, forming a tentacle damage shield that absorbs 60% of all damage for 10 seconds, up to a max of 31733 damage. When the shield absorbs damage, pseudopods lash out at up to 6 allies within 15 meters, granting them a damage shield for 4 seconds that absorbs up to 5462 damage. These shields can be applied once every 1 second. Both shields scale off your Max Health.

    No longer deals damage to enemies and grants allies a damage shield when you are hit.
    Sanctum of the Abyssal SeaGibbering Shield MorphGather the true strength of Apocrypha as protective tentacles rise from the Abyssal Sea around you. The tentacles form a damage shield that absorbs 60% of all damage for 10 seconds, up to a max of 37697 damage, scaling off your Max Health. When the shield collapses you lash out, dealing all of the damage absorbed as Magic Damage to enemies within 5 meters over 10 seconds.

    Damage shield gains an increase in strength.

    What is the crux system in ESO Necrom?

    Image Via ZeniMax Online Studios

    The Crux system is something that we are seeing for the first time with the introduction of the Arcanist class in ESO. It is a gameplay mechanic where players accumulate up to three Crux when using some of the abilities of the Arcanist class that generate Crux, for example, the Runeblades. 

    • Looking for an Amorphous foe in ESO to complete a daily Endeavour? Check out our guide on where to find Amorphous foes in ESO for more details.

    On the other hand, there are defensive and other skills for the Arcanist class that players can empower using the accumulated Crux to make them more effective. For example, you can empower the skill Runespite Ward to make it more effective. 

    In short, it is like a combo system where you use some skills to obtain Crux and then use others to consume it to deal massive damage while increasing the efficiency of the casted skill.

    That concludes our ESO: Necrom Arcanist class guide, as we have shared all active skills and explained the Crux system. For more on ESO, keep reading The Games Cabin.

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