Overview
The Scholar is a tactical mage who excels in arcane arts and strategic combat. Originally an academic researching the mysteries of the Lands Between, this Nightfarer has developed unique abilities that allow him to observe and analyze battlefield conditions, granting powerful advantages in combat. His high arcane stat makes him devastating with spells and status effects.
The Scholar is a traveling academic from the School of Hierodas who suffers from a disease causing accelerated aging. His vast magical knowledge and analytical abilities make him an exceptional support character.
Stats & Specialization
Default Weapon: Special thrusting sword favoring fast attacks with moderate reach and feint attack specialization.
Abilities
Passive: Bagcraft
Store additional resources and level up the power and effects of consumable items through repeated use. This makes Scholar extremely efficient at applying buffs and debuffs with crafted items.
Character Skill: Analyze
Study enemies from medium distance to gain battlefield intelligence. The longer Scholar observes a target, the stronger the effects:
- Buffs: Grants beneficial effects to Scholar and allies
- Debuffs: Applies temporary weaknesses to observed enemies
- Recommended Range: Medium distance for safe observation
Ultimate Art: Communion
Link multiple enemies together, causing all linked targets to share damage dealt to any single member of the group. This ultimate also heals linked allies, providing powerful team support.
Combat Strategy
Optimal Positioning
Scholar excels at mid-range placement, staying out of enemy melee range due to his delicate health. In team compositions, he provides powerful support that amplifies total damage output through Analyze and Communion.
Resource Management
- Equip FP-restoring weapon passives to fuel sustained spellcasting
- Utilize Bagcraft with consumables for efficient buffing and debuffing
- Begin Analyze observations before engaging to maximize effect duration
Team Synergy
- Support DPS characters by weakening priority targets
- Link enemies during multi-target encounters for exponential damage
- Provide healing through Communion to sustain allies
- Coordinate with melee Nightfarers who can capitalize on debuffs
How to Unlock
- Own The Forsaken Hollows DLC
- Defeat Tricephalos (base game Nightlord)
- Speak with Iron Menial at Roundtable Hold
- Complete the unlock quest from Small Jar Merchant
Skins
Scholar has 6 exclusive skins available in The Forsaken Hollows, including Night Scholar, Academy Robes, and Remembrance Scholar variants.
View All Skins →✓ Strengths
- ▸ Highest base Arcane stat among all Nightfarers
- ▸ Powerful status effect build-up
- ▸ Battlefield observation grants tactical advantages
- ▸ Excellent for magic-focused builds
- ▸ Strong in both PvE and PvP with proper positioning
✗ Weaknesses
- ▸ Lower physical defense
- ▸ Requires good positioning and game knowledge
- ▸ Less effective in close-range combat
- ▸ Resource management is crucial
Best Builds
Build #1: Pure Arcane Caster
Focus on maximizing arcane and intelligence for devastating spell damage
Recommended Weapons
- • Arcane-scaling catalysts
- • Blood-infused weapons
Recommended Skills
- • Status effect enhancements
- • Spell damage buffs
Build #2: Hybrid Battle Mage
Balance between melee and magic with arcane-scaling weapons
Recommended Weapons
- • Moonveil-type weapons
- • Magic-infused curved swords
Recommended Skills
- • Weapon art enhancements
- • Quick casting perks
Lore & Background
A scholar who dedicated his life to understanding the arcane mysteries of the Lands Between. His research into the Nightlord's power has granted him unique insights that manifest as battlefield advantages.
Playstyle Guide
🎯 Early Game (Levels 1-30)
Focus on reaching 30 Arcane while collecting arcane-scaling catalysts. Observation helps reveal enemy ambushes—use it to secure safe spellcasting positions.
⚔️ Mid Game (Levels 31-60)
Push Arcane to 50+, diversify spell schools, and weave status combos into fights. Observation reveals weak points—capitalize on them with rapid procs.
🔮 Late Game (Levels 61-75)
Maximize Arcane (70-80) and polish Mind/Intelligence. At this stage you can predict boss phases—plan burst windows and exploit observation bonuses.
Advanced Tips
PvE Strategy
- • Open encounters with observation to gain predictive markers on elites.
- • Stack multiple status effects; bleed + frostbite creates huge burst windows.
- • Maintain medium range and use terrain to break line of sight.
- • Use spirit summons to distract while you charge high-cost spells.
- • Equip talismans that boost arcane and spell casting speed.
PvP Strategy
- • Alternate fast cantrips with delayed projectiles to bait dodges.
- • Observation reveals opponent stamina usage—punish over-extensions.
- • Keep a lightweight dagger for quick guard counters when pressured.
- • Utilize madness-inducing spells to disrupt aggressive foes.
- • Roll-catch with arcane weapons when opponents expect spells.
Recommended Stat Distribution (Level 75)
Pure Arcane Caster
- Vigor30
- Mind25
- Endurance15
- Intelligence40
- Arcane80
Maximum spell damage and status buildup.
Hybrid Battle Mage
- Vigor35
- Mind20
- Endurance20
- Dexterity25
- Intelligence30
- Arcane65
Balanced melee and magic versatility.
Scholar vs Undertaker
Scholar dominates mid-range engagements with predictive magic and status effects, whereas Undertaker excels in point-blank melee trades.
Choose Scholar if you prefer tactical positioning, resource management, and controlling the flow of combat from a distance. Head to the Undertaker page if you want to compare a high-risk, high-reward melee alternative.
Compare with Undertaker →