ESO Subclassing Builds -Subclasses Explained
Welcome to the ESO Subclassing Builds page. Here you can find a list of all available information related to the Subclasses system in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO).
ESO Subclasses Builds:
- ESO Sorcerer Subclassing Build
- ESO Dragonknight Subclassing Build
- ESO Nightblade Subclassing Build
- ESO Templar Subclassing Build
- ESO Warden Subclassing Build
- ESO Necromancer Subclassing Build
- ESO Arcanist Subclassing Build
- ESO Stealth Thief Build for All Classes (with Subclassing)
Subclasses Guides:
With the arrival of the 2025 season, The ESO (Elder Scrolls Online) is introducing one of the most groundbreaking features to date—Subclassing. The Subclass system allows players to blend class skill lines from different archetypes, unlocking new possibilities in character customization, build theorycrafting, and gameplay flexibility.
What is Subclassing/ Subclasses in ESO
The ESO Subclassing System is designed to let characters access and utilize skill lines from classes outside their own, expanding creative potential across ESO Builds. Introduced as an account-wide feature in the base game, it empowers players with enhanced freedom, flexibility, and self-expression in character development, unlocking combinations that were previously impossible.
With subclasses, you can break free from the limitations of your chosen class by incorporating skill lines from others into your build. Whether you’re aiming to broaden your combat options, craft hybrid playstyles, or reinvent your character’s identity, this system brings an unmatched level of customization and experimentation.
Note: To use subclass skill lines from the Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist, you must own the respective DLCs or have purchased those classes. All other class skill lines are available through the base game.
ESO Subclassing Limitations
Players must retain at least one skill line from their original class when they use the Subclassing System—for example, a Sorcerer must keep one Sorcerer line intact. The other two class-based skill lines, however, can be swapped out for those from any other class, granting full access to their active abilities, morphs, and passive effects.
While the Subclasses System significantly enhances customization, it still operates within carefully designed limits to preserve balance and maintain the integrity of ESO’s class identity framework:
- One Original Class Skill Line Must Stay
- You must keep one skill line from your character’s original class. This keeps your class identity partially intact.
- Two Class Skill Lines Can Be Swapped
- The other two skill lines can be swapped with those from any other ESO classes, giving you access to new active skills, morphs, and passive abilities.
- Full Skill Lines Only
- You cannot pick individual skills; you must choose complete skill lines from other classes.
Example: A Templar character can keep the “Restoring Light” line but replace “Dawn’s Wrath” and “Aedric Spear” with a Sorcerer’s “Dark Magic” and Nightblade’s “Shadow” lines.
According to ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS), this system enables over 3,000 potential skill line combinations, opening the door to an immense range of builds—from finely tuned PvP powerhouses to inventive PvE hybrids.
How to Unlock Subclassing/ Subclasses in ESO
The ESO Subclassing System becomes available once any of your characters reaches level 50. To activate it on a specific character, you’ll need to complete a brief introductory quest titled “A Study in Discipline.”
You can begin this quest by either:
- Claiming it from the Quest Starters section of the Crown Store, or
- Speaking directly with Bahtra at-Hunding, an adventurer who can be found near the Wayshrines in Riften (The Rift), Evermore (Bangkorai), or Dune (Reaper’s March).
To make locating her easier, a new “Adventure Camp” map icon has been added to mark her location easier to access the Subclasses System.
How to Level Subclasses/ Subclassing Skill-Lines in ESO
Subclassing skill lines and abilities in ESO progress at a slower rate compared to standard class skills. However, progression is account-wide, meaning you only need to level each subclass skill line once across your entire account.
It’s important to note that subclass skills and passives cost 2 skill points each, doubling the investment compared to normal class skills. As a result, you’ll need 40 skill points per subclass line, instead of the usual 20.
For tips on maximizing your experience gain and leveling up the subclass skill lines efficiency, check out our ESO Powerleveling and Grind Guide!
How ESO Subclasses Skill Line Access Works
- Unlocking Access
- A skill line must reach rank 50 on at least one character before it becomes selectable as a subclass option.
- Separate Progression
- Leveling a subclass skill line is independent of the original class version. Even if your main class has leveled it, subclass lines must be leveled separately.
- One-Time Per Account
- Once a subclass skill line is fully leveled on one character, it is considered complete for all characters on your account.
- Locked Until Rank 50
- If you choose a subclass skill line that hasn’t reached rank 50 through a base class, you will be locked into that subclass until you reach rank 50 with it.
How to Change Subclasses Skill Lines
After completing the introductory subclassing quest for the first time, you’ll be able to select your subclass skill lines once for free. Any future changes will require a 1,500 gold fee, similar to standard skill respecs. When changing subclass lines, any spent skill points will be refunded.
- Rededication Shrines
- Visit a Shrine to Stendarr in Wayrest, Mournhold, Elden Root, or any major capital city. Cost: 1,500 gold.
- Bahtra at-Hunding
- Speak to Bahtra in Riften (The Rift), Evermore (Bangkorai), or Dune (Reaper’s March). Cost: 1,500 gold.
- Crown Store
- Use a Respecification Scroll available in the Crown Store.
Important Note: You cannot change a subclass skill line until it has either reached Rank 50, or the original version of that skill line has been previously leveled to Rank 50 on any character in your account.
