With the Update 46, The Elder Scrolls Online will introduce a Subclassing system. As a long-awaited, fan-requested feature, the system allows players to access and use skill lines from classes other than their original class. Which subclass skill line should you choose for your character? Jakeclip provides an overview of classes that can complement your play style.
What Is Subclassing System
In the Subclassing system, players are required to keep one original class skill line. For example, a Sorcerer must maintain at least one Sorcerer skill line. However, the other two class-based skill lines can be replaced with skill lines from any other class in the game.
It's important to note that while this system provides a high level of customization, there are some key limitations. These boundaries help maintain a balance within ESO's core class identity system while expanding creative freedom.
1. Players must keep at least one original class skill line; they cannot replace all three skill lines from their character's base class.
2. Only one subclass skill line from each class can be equipped. For example, if you want to use two Sorcerer skill lines, you must have started as a Sorcerer.
3. Only complete skill lines can be chosen; you cannot select individual skills or mix skills from multiple classes.
To access the Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist subclass skill lines, you must purchase the specific ESO DLC or classes associated with them. The other classes are included in the base game.
Which Subclass Skill Line You Should Choose
Sorcerer
The Sorcerer is a straightforward choice. If you enjoy pet builds and dealing significant PvE damage to single targets, this class is exceptionally popular. Sorcerers also have decent shields and the ability to teleport, which is more effective than the Vampire teleport. Although the execute abilities may get nerfed, you can still rely on strong spammable skills like Crystal Fragments.
Summary: Choose Sorcerer if you like teleportation, speed boosts, and pets.
Dragonknight
Dragonknights are known for their fire abilities. They excel at dealing fire damage, supported by various sets. They also offer excellent utility and support roles, particularly in tanking. Their skills are great for damage over time and PvP.
Summary: Dragonknights are ideal for fire damage, tanking, and PvP utility.
Nightblade
Everyone seems to want to have a Nightblade because of their powerful stealth ability. But it may not make classes like the Sorcerer better just by having a Nightblade skill line, except they can get some more crit damage, spectral bow, or some Ultimate skill effect.
However, Nightblades can benefit from taking skills from other classes, such as the Minor Brittle from the Warden, making them versatile for PvE.
Summary: The utility that the Nightblade offers—stealth, burst damage, crit potential—can be very impactful.
Templar
The Templars have been good at almost everything—great for solo play, PvP, and PvE. They can be healers or tanks, and their spammable abilities are impressive. Subclassing will allow you to take advantage of their utility and solo capabilities.
Summary: Templars are versatile and capable of healing, tanking, and soloing effectively.
Warden
Many players overlook the Warden, but it's one of the best classes for skill line. They offer utility like Minor Brittle, shielding, Minor Toughness, and healing capabilities. Their pet utility can also be advantageous. If you enjoy frost damage and buffs, the Warden is a solid choice.
Summary: Wardens are one of the best winners when it comes to subclassing. They are great for frost damage, pets, and utility skills.
Necromancer
The Necromancer has gained a lot of popularity as their minions are powerful. You can draw skills from the Grave Lord to deal significant damage with your minions. Also, the Bone Tyrant skill line makes you excel in tanking, whether you're a native Necromancer or subclassing from another class.
Summary: Necromancers excel in minion damage and tanking, making them great for skill line acquisition. With the upcoming update, Necromancer may become less popular, but their skill lines will be beneficial for the other classes.
Arcanist
The base game Arcanist will also be less popular with the upcoming update. The reason for this decline is straightforward:
Herald of the Tome: This line encompasses all your offensive abilities, allowing you to deal damage.
Soldier of Apocrypha: This is a tanking skill line focused on defense.
Curative Runeforms: This line is dedicated to healing and support.
Given this structure, if you're playing a damage-focused character, it raises the question: why would you keep skill lines that don't enhance your damage output?
The biggest flaw of the native Arcanist is that, despite having some excellent skill lines, they are spread across different areas, leading to inefficiencies. However, these skills will still see significant use. Stacking three pure DPS lines will be incredibly effective. Additionally, the Crux system can be integrated into other classes, providing further versatility.
Summary: The native Arcanist is weak, but its DPS potential remains useful.
Final Thoughts
The Sorcerer's skills are scattered across different areas. For example, if you want pets or the Hardened Ward, those are in one skill line. If you want to use cool things like Crystal Fragments, that's elsewhere. Teleportation or Mages' Wrath? In another skill line.
The core issue with the Sorcerer is that there's no straightforward, optimal skill line to focus on for specific playstyles—you can only pick one unless you're a native Sorcerer. That's why the Arcanist, where all your DPS is concentrated in a single skill line, and the Necromancer, which also consolidates its damage skills into one line, are easier choices.
Warden resembles this idea as well but tends to have a bit more of that scattered approach, similar to classes from the base game like Dragonknight, Templar, and Nightblade.
If you found Jakeclips's video helpful, please share it with your friends and give the video a thumbs up. Additionally, he will create an updated video on this topic after the patch is released. So, please stay tuned.
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