PTS Update 38 - Feedback Thread for the Arcanist

ADarklore

So it seems I was WRONG... bigtime. I finally got more time in on PTS, and realized how badly resource management is on a magicka-based build in more difficult content. Initially I was experimenting on more easier World Bosses and content, but going to more difficult bosses and content, it was a resource struggle. Too many Arcanist damage abilities based on "Max Resource" along with defensive abilities being magicka-based. I found myself spending way too much time casting heavy attacks then actually using skills, because once I popped all the defensive abilities, my magicka pool was shot once again.

However, after playing around I found a solution that seemed to work well. I swapped into all Stamina, but kept 6x Light and 1xMed armor along with Lightning staff. I also added Recuperative Treatise to my build, to help with Stamina regen. I then went back to those World Bosses that I struggled with resource management, and this time didn't have a single problem. I also added a "Stamina return" glyph on the staff, kept Runeguard of Freedom and Reconstructive Domain as defensives.

I also created a DW build that I enjoy as well. So far all my new builds are based around going full Stamina, even when wielding a staff. Which just seems odd, but it works with Arcanist.

However, this has me reconsidering what is the 'best' race for Arcanist using an Arcanist "hybrid" stamina-based build. Imperial comes to mind, with max health (which helps with defensive skills based on max health), max stamina (which helps with Arcanist damage skills) and cost reduction, which helps with ALL skills. I'm thinking I can swap out the Stamina return glyph on the Staff and go with WD/SD to make up for what Dark Elf and High Elf gain in passives.

On PTS I've been using Dark Elf, which has worked well with the dual resource gain, but the flame resistance passives seems like a waste most of the time. Perhaps even High Elf would work with a stamina-based build as the resource return and damage reduction while channeling and increase to damage would be useful as well.

Due to aesthetic reasons, I don't use Khajiit, Argonian, Redguard, Orc or Bosmer. So it comes down to a choice between High Elf, Dark Elf, Imperial or Breton.

Redriamne

Abilities
How did it feel to use and aim the beam abilities (Fatecarver and Remedy Cascade)?
I really enjoy shooting the giant laser of doom at my enemies, it's incredibly satisfying and I didn't have any trouble with aiming. Both abilities have stunning visuals and it's nice to see that ESO is trying to up its game when it comes to ability effects, considering we're in 2023. I hope other classes will get some of this love in time.
How do the passive abilities of the class compare to other current passives abilities?
Not really a fan of the Psychic Lesion passive, since the Arcanist doesn't really have many ways to inflict statuses.
Did you have a favorite base ability or morph?
Fate Carver by far. It's just very fun and satisfying to use, both visually and as a giant laser of doom.
Did you have a least favorite base ability or morph?
This is the first ESO class of which I actually enjoyed using all of its skills or felt like I want to put them on my bar, but I guess the new Tide King's Gaze would be it, just cause it looks a bit awkward how it moves around now.
How did it feel to have the cost of some abilities change based on your Max Magicka or Stamina?
I think it's convenient and allows for more choice, but at the same time if there is one clear winner of an ability morph, everyone will take that one, whether they are playing stamina or magicka.

Crux System
How did it feel to gain and spend Crux?
Really fun. I really like the class tries to be different and doesn't feel the same as others. The only problem is that depending on the environment and what happens on the screen sometimes it's hard to know how much crux one has, which makes the floating triangles not ideal. I think an optional UI element would be nice as some people have said.
How did it feel to have some morphs generate or spend Crux?
It's tricky. I mean, I think it would be cool if we could decide that we want ability X to be our spender and it gaining a big boost out of crux, but also that could limit the morph options for many abilities if the difference between them would be whether they are a spender or generator etc. and complicate things too much. I think the decision to make Fatecarver and Remedy Cascade the main spenders was ultimately the right choice from a design standpoint.
Did you feel like you had enough options for Crux builders and spenders?
Yup.

Visuals (Animation and VFX)
What are your thoughts on the Arcanist’s visuals overall?
I couldn't have asked for anything more. They are awesome. The ability effects for other classes often feel dated. The Arcanist effects look nice, with clear attention to detail(All those flying runes<3) At the same time I feel they aren't too "over the top" and mix in well with the other abilities in the game. Tide King's gaze *was* probably the most graphically intensive skill, and the only one that made me struggle with visibility a bit, but after the changes and it floating above the enemy now I think it works better. I would still like, as some suggested, for the eye to stay in one place and just just shoot the laser at the target from there rather than move awkwardly above them.
Do you feel as if any of the visuals negatively impacted your ability to participate effectively in PvP or PvE scenarios?
As for PvE only Tide King's Gaze caused issues for me before the changes to it. Now I have no problem with visibility. As I said, I feel the Arcanist abilities look fresh and modern, while at the same time not really being overpowering.

Audio
What did you think of the audio for the Arcanist’s abilities?
I love the arcanist ability sounds, they are very unique, sound quite otherworldly and make the skills very satisfying to use.
Do you have any other general feedback?
Allow us to gain crux on the first hit of an ability?

In general I couldn't be happier with the class. It's everything I could have asked for. A lot of care and attention went into designing it and it's seen and felt. When Necrom releases it will definitely become my new main.

Thanks for your hard work!