The upcoming Update 50 for The Elder Scrolls Online is shaping up to be one of the most impactful patches in recent memory. Currently available on the Public Test Server (PTS), this update introduces sweeping changes across multiple systems—including a complete werewolf overhaul, the debut of class mastery, new PvP progression, and various quality-of-life improvements. YouTuber Spopes's video provides a detailed breakdown of the most important updates and their implications for players.
A Major Update on the Horizon
Update 50 is expected to launch around early June and brings a mix of new features and system reworks. Some of the headline additions include:
• Challenge Difficulty System
• PvP "Veterancy" Battle Pass
• Class Mastery Mechanics
• Werewolf Rework
• New Thieves Guild Questline
• Player Experience Improvements
While not every planned feature (such as the Warden rework) is included yet, the current patch already delivers substantial changes worth exploring.
Challenge Difficulty: Risk vs Reward
A new Challenge Difficulty system allows players to increase the difficulty of Overworld content in exchange for better rewards.
There are four tiers:
• Adventure (standard difficulty)
• Seasoned (+gold/XP, tougher enemies)
• Master (significantly harder combat, higher rewards)
• Vestige (extreme difficulty with major bonuses)
While the concept adds replayability, early impressions suggest the rewards may not yet fully justify the increased difficulty.
Class Mastery: A New Layer of Power
One of the most exciting additions is Class Mastery, a system that rewards players who fully level all three skill lines of their class.
Key features include:
• Access to powerful passive abilities
• A new resource: Class Mastery Points
• Up to two active passives at a time
• Disabled when using subclassing
Each class receives five unique passives, offering new ways to customize builds. Some standouts include:
• Damage boosts based on stats or conditions
• Defensive shields and sustain mechanics
• Group buffs and utility effects
While promising, some passives appear stronger than others, and balancing will likely evolve over time.
Changes to Tamriel Tomes
Recent updates have introduced several changes to the Tamriel Tomes:
Autoclaimer Feature
1. An autoclaimer has been added that automatically claims any items you haven't collected by the end of the season, provided you have enough tome points.
2. Up to 2,000 tome points can be rolled over to the next season, while any excess will be converted into TESO gold.
Weekly Challenges for Gold
1. Players can now roll weekly challenges for gold, starting from 500 gold and increasing up to 10,000 gold.
2. There is no limit to how often you can do this, as long as you have sufficient gold to cover the cost.
3. The cost resets to 500 gold each week during the weekly reset.
4. Once you unlock the bonus pages in the tome, you can participate in weekly challenges twice as often, increasing your potential tome points.
User Experience Enhancements
Recent updates have also introduced user experience improvements for Tamriel Tomes, including:
• New UI icons for tome points, tome tokens, and the Gold Coast Bazaar's Seasonal section.
• The ability to claim all your tome point challenges at once.
• Enhanced preview options for rewards.
• Several other minor adjustments to improve overall usability.
PvP Veterancy System
The new Veterancy system acts as a free PvP battle pass:
• 100 ranks per season
• Seasons last around 6 months
• Unlock cosmetics, titles, and rewards
• Permanent titles available after rank 50
This system aims to give PvP players long-term progression goals.
Dragonknight Changes
Several minor updates have been made to the Dragonknight class:
New Skill Styles
Introducing Emerald green skill styles, which will be available via the Style Master.
Molten Weapon Skill Style
Introducing a skill style for Dragonknights' Molten Weapons that does not include a weapon override. This will be available for free via the Gold Coast Bazaar.
Animation Update
The animation for Earthspike Mantle has been revamped to appear more aggressive.
These changes aim to enhance the visual appeal and combat effectiveness of Dragonknights, providing players with fresh options and a more dynamic gameplay experience.
Thieves Guild & New Content
Update 50 also introduces a new Thieves Guild questline, featuring:
• 8 story missions
• New daily Finder quests
• Access to all Heists and Thieves Guild Daily Quests from the Thieves Den in Daggerfall
• Unique rewards, including gear and consumable item
Additionally, a Sheogorath-themed questline and new Favor system (long-form daily quest chains) are being added.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Several smaller but meaningful updates include:
• Increased daily quest limit (50 → 100)
• Guild-wide mail functionality (for Guild leaders)
• Faster Companion XP gain
• Improved Achievement organization
• New dyes, titles, and collectibles
These changes aim to streamline the overall player experience.
Werewolf Rework: A Complete Transformation
The Werewolf overhaul is the highlight of Update 50, introducing both gameplay and visual improvements.
Key Changes
1. Easier Transformation Management
• Transformation now costs 100 ultimate
• Drains over time instead of being time-limited
• You can now generate ultimate while transformed, making it easier to stay in form
2. New Abilities
• Prowl: A stealth mode that reduces detection and reveals hidden enemies
• Slaughter: A new assassination mechanic similar to Vampire's Feed and Blade of Woe assassination.
3. New Resource System: Fury
• Builds up during combat
• At max, unlocks Rampage, a powerful temporary state:
• Increased damage and speed
• No ability costs
• Strong "berserk" playstyle
4. Combat Adjustments
• Removed flat damage bonuses but improved scaling
• Lower ability costs
• Better accessibility for non-stamina builds
Overall, the rework shifts werewolves toward a more dynamic, sustained combat style with stronger identity and progression.
Final Thoughts
Update 50 is heavily focused on combat evolution and class identity. The introduction of Class Mastery and the Werewolf rework signals a shift toward deeper customization and more engaging gameplay loops.
While some systems—like challenge difficulty—may need further tuning, the overall direction is promising. The Werewolf changes, in particular, stand out as a major win, offering both mechanical depth and thematic immersion.
As always with PTS content, everything is subject to change. But based on what we've seen so far, Update 50 has the potential to significantly reshape how players experience The Elder Scrolls Online.
