No Rest for the Wicked: Best build for Cerim’s Crucible

Emily Stander
Cerim's Crucible entrance in No Rest for the Wicked

Cerim’s Crucible is a challenging endgame activity in No Rest for the Wicked that can be really tough to finish if you aren’t prepared. So, here is the best build to use in the Cerim’s Crucible. 

No Rest for the Wicked has seen a few changes since it was released in early access, and some of these have come to the way combat, weapons, and armor work. Overall, though, the challenging Soulslike nature of the ARPG has not changed, and that goes double for Cerim’s Crucible

So, if you want to give this dungeon a go, here is everything you need to know about the best build for it and what to expect when you enter. 

Best build for Cerim’s Crucible in No Rest for the Wicked

It goes without saying that Echo Knight is the most challenging boss in No Rest for the Wicked, so your build for Cerim’s Crucible should focus on beating it.

Since there are three different types of soft classes you can play in No Rest for the Wicked, here is the best build for heavy, normal, and fast: 

Heavy builds 

Some of the best weapons to use for heavy builds in No Rest for the Wicked are Greatswords. When you’re customizing your heavy build character and using two-handed weapons, make sure that you don’t waste your enchantments or gem slots on abilities you won’t tend to use like parrying. 

This can seriously damage your ability to get through the Crucible, as it could have rather been used on something more helpful to your build like faster attacks or healing while doing damage perks

For heavy builds, try and customize your items to help you better manage your Stamina and Focus

Normal builds

This is a more run-of-the-mill build where you can focus on parrying, dodging, and doing lots of damage quickly when you find a spot. As a result, shields and one-handed swords will be your best go-to gear for this build. 

With a normal build, you may want to focus on trying to get perks that help you parry more effectively. Since you’re easily able to dodge out of the way, it’s also advisable to not focus too much on healing perks. 

But, if you want something that can make sure you stay alive in the fight, consider using the Healing Aura Rune that you can buy from Eleanor. This gives you a serious hand in combat, plus it gives more reason to invest in perks that help you manage your Focus

For normal builds, customize your items to give you perks when you parry (like Stamina gain on a successful parry) and manage your Poise better

Fast builds

Fast builds mean you will take more damage, but you are a lot quicker to get away from it. The best weapons you may want to consider for a fast build are the twin daggers

This build is where you would want to focus on getting those healing perks, like being healed for 12% every time you do damage. Fast builds tend to work when you’re being aggressive, which means you’ll have less time to stop and eat to heal. 

So, if for a fast build, consider enchanting and infusing your items for high damage, Stamina management, and healing

Leveling and general tips

It’s also, of course, important to make sure you’re putting your level up points in the correct stats when you’re building your character for a Crucible run.

Take note of what stat your weapon uses, and focus on building that up alongside health, Stamina, and Focus. Otherwise, here are some general tips to keep in mind while you’re leveling to get to the Crucible:

  • Take some time to upgrade merchant shops in Sacrament.
  • Upgrade your weapons and armor
  • Enchant and infuse your weapons and armor. 
  • Get and use runes that suit what you need. 
Infuse menu in No Rest for the Wicked
You can infuse your armor and weapons to give them extra abilities and perks.

The most important thing you’ll find when tackling difficult enemies in the Crucible is customizing your weapons and armor to work for you.

So, first and foremost, you need to make sure you take some time to upgrade merchant shops in Sacrament. Particularly, you’ll want to focus on Fillmore’s smithy and Eleanor’s Enchantment shop. 

These two merchants are the main ones you’ll go to to upgrade your gear for stronger attacks, better use of stamina, and amazing poise perks. 

Upgrading your weapons and armor will let you take and do more damage, but enchanting and infusing them will give you some great buffs. You can take a common weapon and change it into a blue or purple tier one, giving you some control over your equipment. 

It is worth noting that Enchanting your gear is entirely based on RNG, so make sure you have plenty of common items to work with when you decide to use this service. 

When it comes to infusing, having your weapons do fire damage is the best way to go. Most of the enemies in No Rest for the Wicked are susceptible to fire damage, so it will give you a major advantage in fights. If you don’t want to go that way, consider having some Flamescale oil on you to use on your weapons for a shorter amount of time. 

That’s everything to know about preparing for Cerim’s Crucible! If you want to know more about No Rest for the Wicked, make sure to check out our guides below.

Is No Rest for the Wicked always online? |  Is No Rest for the Wicked on PS5 & Xbox? | No Rest for the Wicked weapon rarity and gear system explained | Does No Rest for the Wicked have multiplayer? | Will No Rest for the Wicked be on Xbox Game Pass? 

About The Author

Emily is a Games Writer at CharlieIntel. Most of the time, you can find her playing RPGs and platformers - but she enjoys engaging in the rage of Overwatch 2 or Apex Legends from time to time. Emily has a Masters in Media Studies and has been working as a journalist for over 5 years, both freelance and full-time. You can contact her at [email protected]