How to occult infusion elden ring

What is Occult Infusion in Elden Ring?

In the vast and unforgiving world of Elden Ring, players are constantly seeking ways to enhance their combat effectiveness. One of the most potent methods to achieve this is through weapon infusions, which alter a weapon's damage scaling and elemental properties. Among these, the Occult infusion stands out, particularly for players who invest heavily in the Arcane stat. This infusion fundamentally changes how a weapon interacts with your stats, making it a cornerstone for specific builds.

How Occult Infusion Works

The primary characteristic of an Occult infusion is its reliance on the Arcane stat. When you apply an Occult affinity to a compatible weapon, its damage scaling will shift to favor Arcane. This means that as your Arcane stat increases, the physical and/or elemental damage of the infused weapon will also increase significantly. This is especially beneficial for weapons that already possess some degree of Arcane scaling, as the infusion amplifies this effect.

Beyond raw damage, Occult infusions also have a unique secondary effect: they often increase the weapon's item discovery rate. Item discovery is a crucial stat for players looking to farm crafting materials, weapons, armor, and other valuable items from defeated enemies. By infusing your favorite weapon with the Occult affinity, you can simultaneously boost your combat power and improve your chances of acquiring rare loot.

Requirements for Occult Infusion

To perform an Occult infusion, you'll need a few key items and abilities. Firstly, you must have access to a blacksmith who can apply weapon affinities. The most common blacksmiths capable of this are Smithing Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold and the various Church of Elleh blacksmiths.

Secondly, you need an appropriate "Ash of War" that grants the Occult affinity. The most straightforward and commonly used Ash of War for this purpose is "Sacred Blade". This Ash of War can be found relatively early in the game. A Teardrop Scarab located in the Weeping Peninsula, southwest of the Tombsward Ruins, drops the "Ash of War: Sacred Blade" when defeated.

Finally, to apply the Occult affinity using "Sacred Blade", you'll need the "Primitive Stone" catalyst. This catalyst is not a consumable item but rather a requirement for certain weapon arts. The "Primitive Stone" is obtained by defeating the Demi-Human Chief in the "Crater-Cleft Crypt" located in the Caelid region. Once you have the "Sacred Blade" Ash of War and the "Primitive Stone", you can visit a blacksmith to apply the Occult affinity to any weapon that allows for affinity changes.

Weapons Suitable for Occult Infusion

Not all weapons in Elden Ring can be infused with the Occult affinity. Generally, standard weapons that do not have innate elemental damage or unique weapon arts are eligible. This includes many straight swords, katanas, curved swords, axes, greatswords, and more. Weapons with innate Arcane scaling, such as the Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear, Rivers of Blood, or Eleonora's Poleblade, will see their Arcane scaling further enhanced by an Occult infusion, making them exceptionally powerful for Arcane-focused builds.

However, unique boss weapons and certain legendary armaments that come with their own fixed affinities or special abilities cannot be infused with the Occult affinity. It's always best to check the weapon's description and see if the "Change Affinity" option is available when interacting with a blacksmith.

Benefits of an Occult Build

An Arcane-focused build utilizing Occult-infused weapons offers a distinct playstyle. It allows for high damage output, especially against enemies that might be resistant to other damage types. The added benefit of increased item discovery can significantly streamline the farming process for essential resources, making it easier to craft powerful consumables, upgrade materials, and acquire rare gear.

Players who enjoy a versatile approach to combat will find Occult infusions particularly rewarding. They can complement other Arcane-related spells and incantations, creating a synergistic build that excels in both melee and magical combat. The ability to tailor weapon damage to the Arcane stat opens up a wide array of strategic possibilities in Elden Ring's challenging encounters.