Reviewed and fact-checked by: David Chen, Game Mechanics Expert
Use this tool to approximate the Attack Rating (AR) contribution of your chosen stats and scaling grades for any Bloodborne Trick Weapon.
Bloodborne Build Calculator
Estimated Total Attack Rating (AR):
0Calculation Steps
Enter your values and press ‘Calculate’ to see the detailed breakdown.
Bloodborne Attack Rating (AR) Formula
The total Attack Rating (AR) for a weapon in Bloodborne is typically the sum of its Base Damage and the bonus Scaling Damage derived from the Hunter’s stats (STR, SKL, BLT, ARC). This calculator provides a common simplification for physical damage:
Scaling Damage (Bonus AR) = (STR_Stat * STR_Coeff * Scaling_Factor) + (SKL_Stat * SKL_Coeff * Scaling_Factor)
Total AR (Approx) = Base Damage + Scaling Damage
Variables Explained
The inputs for the build calculator are:
- Weapon Base Damage: The default, intrinsic damage of the weapon before any gems or stat scaling is applied.
- Hunter’s Current Strength (STR): Your character’s Strength stat. This scales damage for ‘Heavy’ weapons.
- Weapon STR Scaling Coefficient: The numerical value representing the weapon’s grade (S, A, B, C, D, E). S is typically highest (0.7-0.8), while C is around 0.4.
- Hunter’s Current Skill (SKL): Your character’s Skill stat. This scales damage for ‘Skill’ weapons.
- Weapon SKL Scaling Coefficient: The numerical value representing the weapon’s Skill scaling grade.
Related Bloodborne Calculators
- Bloodborne Soft Cap Planner
- Arcane Damage Optimizer
- HP vs. Endurance Analyzer
- PVP Meta Level Planner
What is the Bloodborne Build Calculator?
A Bloodborne build is a specific allocation of a Hunter’s attribute points (Vitality, Endurance, Strength, Skill, Bloodtinge, and Arcane) intended to maximize the potential of a chosen weapon, playstyle, or set of Caryll Runes. Unlike typical RPGs, Bloodborne features soft caps—diminishing returns—at specific stat thresholds, making careful planning essential.
This calculator is a quick-reference tool designed to help Hunters determine the estimated power of their weapons based on their current Strength (STR) and Skill (SKL) investments. By experimenting with different scaling coefficients, users can see how much more damage they might gain by leveling a stat to a new soft cap (e.g., from 25 to 50).
Optimization in Bloodborne focuses heavily on reaching the 50 Soft Cap for damage stats (STR, SKL, BLT, ARC) and balancing that with sufficient survivability (Vitality). This tool simplifies the damage equation to assist in that primary optimization task.
How to Calculate Estimated Attack Rating (Example)
Follow these steps to estimate your weapon’s Attack Rating (AR) from scaling:
- Identify Base Damage: Check the in-game status screen for your weapon’s Base Damage (e.g., 180).
- Check Stats and Scaling: Note your Hunter’s STR (e.g., 40) and SKL (e.g., 15) and the weapon’s scaling grades (e.g., B for STR, D for SKL). Convert these grades to coefficients (B ≈ 0.5, D ≈ 0.3).
- Calculate STR Bonus: Multiply (40 STR) $\times$ (0.5 STR Coeff) $\times$ (0.7 Scaling Factor). This gives the bonus AR from Strength.
- Calculate SKL Bonus: Multiply (15 SKL) $\times$ (0.3 SKL Coeff) $\times$ (0.7 Scaling Factor). This gives the bonus AR from Skill.
- Sum the Total AR: Add the Base Damage + STR Bonus + SKL Bonus. This is your estimated Attack Rating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between physical AR and total AR?
Physical AR is the damage component scaled by STR and SKL. Total AR includes all damage types (Physical, Arcane, Fire, Bolt). This calculator focuses primarily on the Physical AR gained from scaling.
What are the main soft caps for damage stats?
The primary soft cap is 25, where returns significantly diminish. The second, more demanding cap is 50, after which returns become negligible (usually only 1-2 points of AR per level).
Does this calculator include Blood Gem effects?
No, this calculator only handles the base weapon AR and stat scaling. Blood Gem damage is highly variable (often multiplicative or percentage-based) and must be calculated separately in-game or via more complex tools.
What is a “Quality Build”?
A Quality Build is one that levels both Strength and Skill equally (often to 50/50), allowing the Hunter to utilize weapons that scale well off both stats, such as the Ludwig’s Holy Blade or the Stake Driver.