The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is about to transform how players build their characters with the upcoming subclassing system in Update 46, launching June 2 on PC/Mac and June 18 on consoles. This bold new feature promises to give players unprecedented freedom to mix and match skills from across all classes, creating unique builds without starting fresh characters.
For over a decade, ESO has offered flexible class builds within a single class’s skill lines, but players have been limited to picking just one class per character. With subclassing, that limitation ends. Now, you’ll be able to combine skills from up to three different class skill lines – across any classes – opening up over 3,000 build combinations for playstyles and roles never before possible.
Unlocking Subclassing: A New Chapter for Veteran Players
To access subclassing, the only prerequisite is having at least one character at level 50 on your account. Once you meet that milestone, a brief tutorial quest introduces you to the system and unlocks access to all 21 class skill lines in the game.
From there, the sky’s the limit. You can choose one skill line from each of three different classes or pick multiple skill lines from a single class-but with one caveat: to select two or more skill lines from the same class, you must be that class. This restriction encourages players to diversify their skills and experiment outside their original archetypes, while still honoring the identity of pure-class builds.
Designing for Freedom – Without Sacrificing Identity
Carrie Day, a Systems Designer at ZeniMax Online Studios, explains the design philosophy behind subclassing: “In ESO, players could long change their appearance, names, races, and even factions, but the class system has remained a locked choice. Now, that’s changing.”
This system answers a long-standing player desire to explore other class combat styles on one character without grinding new ones from scratch. “We want players to try out all the class skill lines introduced since launch and think about how to combine them in ways they never have before,” Day says.
Importantly, this new freedom doesn’t mean pure classes are obsolete. The team is mindful of maintaining balance and preserving the viability of traditional builds. “We’ve built trade-offs into the system,” Day notes. “For example, if you focus entirely on damage skill lines, you’ll be more reliant on your teammates for healing and protection.” These natural trade-offs ensure subclassing adds options without creating “jack of all trades, master of none” scenarios that disrupt game balance.
What This Means for Gameplay: Endless Possibilities
For players, subclassing heralds a fresh wave of creativity and build experimentation. Want to try a Nightblade who summons Necromancer minions? Or a Sorcerer who also taps into Warden healing and buffs? Now you can. The combinations are almost endless, and the system encourages strategic thinking on how to synergize abilities from different schools.
This will also shake up the meta in both PvE and PvP. In PvP, players can tailor hybrid builds that combine burst damage, stealth, crowd control, and support skills, creating unpredictable and dynamic combat scenarios. In PvE, group compositions can benefit from versatile teammates who bring multi-class utility to raids and dungeons.
Balance and Community Feedback
Subclassing is a major addition that naturally raises questions about balance. ZeniMax Online Studios promises to monitor the new builds closely and listen to community feedback to ensure a fair and engaging experience. While some powerful combinations are likely to emerge early on, regular tuning and adjustments will keep the gameplay evolving and exciting.
When and How to Get Started
Update 46 launches on June 2 for PC and Mac, followed by June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Once you hit level 50 on any character, the new subclassing tutorial quest will unlock, guiding you through the process of combining skill lines.
Whether you want to dive deep into hybrid builds or stick with your favorite pure class, subclassing adds a new layer of depth and customization to ESO. It opens up the possibility of playing the hero you’ve always imagined – a fully tailored champion with skills pulled from across Tamriel’s classes.
Final Thoughts
Subclassing isn’t just a new feature- it’s a paradigm shift for The Elder Scrolls Online. For the first time, you don’t have to reroll or create new characters to experience different playstyles. Instead, you can explore the full breadth of the game’s classes all on one character, mixing, matching, and mastering combinations in fresh and exciting ways.
With over 3,000 possible combinations and counting, the ESO community is poised to discover exciting new synergies, creative builds, and innovative gameplay strategies that will keep Tamriel alive and vibrant for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or embarking on your very first adventure, subclassing in Update 46 offers the perfect opportunity to dive back into Elder Scrolls Online and craft your ideal hero. And if you’re gearing up for this new journey, don’t forget to stock up on ESO Gold from a trusted source, MMOEXP, to make the most of your adventures.