If you want to make Merlin perform at peak performance in AFK Arena, you need to run the right built. While many players think simply maxing out will do the trick (well, not too wrong), there are certain sweetspots with Merlin that will give a big boost so I have some recommendations below that you will very likely find interesting.
Merlin’s Signature Item should be at +30. Merlin’s Signature Item makes his abilities stronger where they work so it’s absolutely an invest to recommend. Especially the +30 will be a boost that will not only half the health loss for Merlin but also give 2 allies the benefit.. If you want to learn more about my recommended priority how you should invest into Signature Items in AFK Arena, check out my SI Priority Guide here.
Furniture Recommendation
Overall it’s recommended to get Merlin’s 9/9 furniture set bonus. Merlin’s both furnite items make Merlin better in foreseeing damage and preventing it. His 9/9 bonus is helpful to prevent fatal ultimate early into battle and is not 100% necessary overall but really helpful if you have it. If you want to learn more about in what order to unlock your heroes furniture sets, check out my furniture priority guide here.
Recommended Artifacts
Tidebearer is the best artifact to run with Merlin in most cases, although you can also consider running Seraphic Tide or Oceanic Strings as backups, depending on your team setup and what artifact you have available.
Engraving
In terms of Engravings, your final goal should be E30.. To be honest the benefits you get from getting higher than E30 are mediocre, at best, and really not needed to make him work. Learn more about my recommended engraving priority here.