Welcome to the ESO Companion Zerith-var Build page. Here we will look at all the possible build setups for the Zerith-var Companion. The builds will cover Magicka Damage Dealer, Stamina Damage Dealer, Healer and Tank builds for Zerith-var.
For basic mechanics such as how to unlock and level Zerith-var please visit the ESO Zerith-var Basics Guide. You can also visit the Companion Category Page to find information on everything about Companions in ESO.
Table of Contents
Zerith-var DPS Build for ESO – Magicka Damage Dealer
In this section of the Zerith-var Companion Guide for ESO we are going to take a look at the Magicka Damage Dealer (DPS) setup. Most important here are the skills that you want to use for your companion and the gear.
With this setup Zerith-var will also always stay at a safe distance. Therefore, Zerith-var is less likely to die in combat because he will always play as a ranged damage dealer.
Gear – Zerith-var Magicka DPS Setup
When the Companion Zerith-var is played as a ranged Magicka Damage Dealer it is recommended to wear Medium Armor with all “Aggressive” trait to increase overall damage. Optionally you could also add some extra gear with the “Quickened” trait to reduce cooldowns.
- Type: 7 Medium Armor
- Trait: Aggressive
- Weapon: Lightning Staff
Companion Medium Armor passive Flexibility increases your companions damage for each piece of medium armor equipped. This might be a bit confusing because it works different to how player armor works and you might want to use Light Armor for companions which only increases healing.
Companion Lightning Staff is the best pick from the Destruction Staves as its Destructive Blast skill deals Magic Damage to your enemy and additional Shock Damage to all other enemies around them. Fire staff knocks back enemies which can get annoying quickly and frost Staff taunts the enemy which also is not ideal for your Damage Dealer.
| Gear | Set | Weight | Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | Companion’s Jack | Medium | Aggressive |
| Belt | Companion’s Belt | Medium | Aggressive |
| Shoes | Companion’s Boots | Medium | Aggressive |
| Pants | Companion’s Guards | Medium | Aggressive |
| Hands | Companion’s Bracers | Medium | Aggressive |
| Head | Companion’s Helmet | Medium | Aggressive |
| Shoulder | Companion’s Arm Cops | Medium | Aggressive |
| Necklace | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Aggressive |
| Ring | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Aggressive |
| Ring | Companion’s Necklace | Jewelry | Aggressive |
| Weapon | Companion’s Staff | Lightning | Aggressive |
Skills – Zerith-var Magicka DPS Setup
It is important to keep the skills in the same allocation as the build. The skills of Zerith-var are being used according to the position in the skill bar, basically going from 1 to 5 and then using his Ultimate.
The first four skills in Zerith-var’s skill bar focus purely on damage. Fifth skill is for survivability, making your companion vanish, lose aggro on all enemies in addition to healing himself to full health.
Skills explanation:
- Skill 1: Sepulchral Chill Damages all enemies in an area and applies Major Breach debuff.
- Skill 2: Elemental Barricade is a damage over time effect that will always tick during combat.
- Skill 3: Destructive Blast does initial single target damage and deals damage to all enemies around them as a secondary effect.
- Skill 4: Varmiina’s Visage is strong single target damage skill.
- Skill 5: Vanish is a medium armor skill, if your companion drops low on health he will vanish to lose aggro and heal back to full health.
- Ultimate: Blade of the Crossing is a damage ultimate that deals high damage and applies the Minor Magickasteal debuff to enemies.
Zerith-var DPS Build for ESO – Stamina Damage Dealer
In this section of the Zerith-var Companion Guide for ESO we are going to take a look at the Stamina Damage Dealer (DPS) setup. Most important here are the skills that you want to use for your companion and the gear.
You can choose from Bow, Two Handed or Dual Wield as a Stamina Damage Dealer for Zerith-var. The safest option is letting Zerith-var play with the Bow, because that way he can stay at full range and are therefore less likely to die from enemy attacks.
Zerith-var Gear Setup for all Stamina Versions
When the Companion Zerith-var is played as a Stamina Damage Dealer it is recommended to wear Medium Armor with all “Aggressive” trait to increase overall damage. Optionally you could also add some extra gear with the “Quickened” trait to reduce skill cooldowns.
- Type: 7 Medium Armor
- Trait: Aggressive
- Weapon: Bow, Two Handed, Dual Wield
Companion Medium Armor passive Flexibility increases your companions damage for each piece of medium armor equipped.
Companions have a choice of three different Stamina Weapon types: Bow, Two Handed and Dual Wield. Bow makes your companion stay further away and the Two Handed/Dual Wield has your companion stay in melee range.
The different weapon types; Dagger, Sword, Mace or Axe have no difference between them, meaning you can choose the one you prefer.
| Gear | Set | Weight | Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | Companion’s Jack | Medium | Aggressive |
| Belt | Companion’s Belt | Medium | Aggressive |
| Shoes | Companion’s Boots | Medium | Aggressive |
| Pants | Companion’s Guards | Medium | Aggressive |
| Hands | Companion’s Bracers | Medium | Aggressive |
| Head | Companion’s Helmet | Medium | Aggressive |
| Shoulder | Companion’s Arm Cops | Medium | Aggressive |
| Necklace | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Aggressive |
| Ring | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Aggressive |
| Ring | Companion’s Necklace | Jewelry | Aggressive |
| Weapon | Companion’s Weapon Bow/Two Hander/ Dual Wield | Bow/2H/DW | Aggressive |
Skills – Zerith-var Stamina DPS Setup
Next we are going to take a look at the different possible Zerith-var Companion skills setups for the Stamina Damage Dealer build. The ranged Zerith-var Bow Setup is preferred because this way Zerith-var can stay further away, therefore he is less likely to die to mechanics.
Zerith-var Bow Skill Setups
The first four skills on the Zerith-var Bow Build focus on damage and the fifth skill is a heal that he can use if necessary. The good thing about the bow setup is that Zerith-var will stay at range, therefore is less likely to die.
Bow Skills explanation:
- Skill 1: Piercing Armor is a direct damage skill similar to how the player skill Snipe works.
- Skill 2: Trick Shot fires an area of effect burst of arrows towards the enemy, dealing damage and immobilizing them.
- Skill 3: Sniping Silver deals direct damage. Additionally, if the enemy is Undead/Daedra/Werewolf they will take an additional 20% damage.
- Skill 4: Viper’s Bite deals direct damage and damage over time.
- Skill 5: Vanish is a medium armor skill, if your companion drops low on health he will vanish to lose aggro and heal back to full health.
- Ultimate: Blade of the Crossing is a damage ultimate that deals high damage and applies the Minor Magickasteal debuff to enemies.
Zerith-var Two Hander Skills Setup
The first four skills on the Zerith-var Two Hander Build focus on dealing damage. The last skill is more of a defensive skill that is activated once Zerith-var drops below 75% health.
Two Hander Skills explanation:
- Skill 1: Sepulchral Chill Damages all enemies in an area and applies Major Breach debuff.
- Skill 2: Staggering Swing deals direct damage and also stuns the enemy if possible.
- Skill 3: Sunder deals direct damage and damage over time.
- Skill 4: Sever is the execute ability that is used once the target is below 25%.
- Skill 5: Vanish is a medium armor skill, if your companion drops low on health he will vanish to lose aggro and heal back to full health.
- Ultimate: Blade of the Crossing is a damage ultimate that deals high damage and applies the Minor Magickasteal debuff to enemies.
Zerith-var Dual Wield Skills Setup
The first four skills on the Zerith-var Dual Wield Build focus on dealing damage while at the same time the first skill Razor Cape also gives extra damage mitigation. The last skill is more of a defensive skill that is activated once Zerith-var drops below 75% health.
Dual Wield Skills explanation:
- Skill 1: Sepulchral Chill Damages all enemies in an area and applies Major Breach debuff.
- Skill 2: Razor Cape deals damage over time and also reduces the Companions damage taken by 20%.
- Skill 3: Swift Assault is a channeled attack that deals damage.
- Skill 4: Spinning Steel deals area of effect damage. Once a target is below 25%, the damage is increased.
- Skill 5: Vanish is a medium armor skill, if your companion drops low on health he will vanish to lose aggro and heal back to full health.
- Ultimate: Blade of the Crossing is a damage ultimate that deals high damage and applies the Minor Magickasteal debuff to enemies.
Zerith-var Healer Build for ESO
In this section of the Zerith-var Companion Guide for ESO we are going to take a look at the Healer setup. Most important here are like always the skills that you want to use for your companion and the gear.
When Zerith-var plays as a Healer, he will always stay at a safe distance, making him less likely to die from mechanics.
Gear – Zerith-var Healer Setup
When the Companion Zerith-var is played as a ranged Healer Build it is recommended to wear Light Armor with all “Quickened” trait. Quickened trait decreases skill cooldowns, making Zerith-var a more consistent healer and increase the healing output simply by casting more skills. Optionally you could also add some extra gear with the “Soothing” trait to increase the healing ticks.
- Type: All Light Armor
- Trait: All Quickened
- Weapon: Restoration Staff
Companion Light Armor passive Flow increases your companions healing done for each piece of light armor equipped.
Companions have to choose a Restoration Staff to be considered a full healer. Restoration staff has the strongest healing skills but most companions have their own healing or buffing skills which you can use to complement your healer build.
| Gear | Set | Weight | Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | Companion’s Jerkin | Light | Quickened |
| Belt | Companion’s Sash | Light | Quickened |
| Shoes | Companion’s Shoe | Light | Quickened |
| Pants | Companion’s Breeches | Light | Quickened |
| Hands | Companion’s Gloves | Light | Quickened |
| Head | Companion’s Hat | Light | Quickened |
| Shoulder | Companion’s Epaulets | Light | Quickened |
| Necklace | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Quickened |
| Ring | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Quickened |
| Ring | Companion’s Necklace | Jewelry | Quickened |
| Weapon | Companion’s Restoration Staff | Restoration | Quickened |
Skills – Zerith-var Healer Setup
For the Zerith-var Healer Build we are focusing on casting healing skills as fast as possible to get the most consistent healing output. We have three skills that focus on healing and providing buffs to the Companion and the player. We also have a skill that applies a huge protective shield should you drop below 25% health. Zerith-var can be a very good healer and support role Companion.
Healer Skills explanation:
- Skill 1: Rejuvenation is a strong heal over time that applies to the Companion and yourself.
- Skill 2: Mending Incantation Instant healing everyone in front of them and gives a unique resistance buff.
- Skill 3: Mystic Fortress applies a huge shield if health drops below a certain threshold, this can be a huge lifesaver.
- Skill 4: Atoning Spirit heal over time effect that heals Zerith-var or the lowest health ally.
- Skill 5: Haste resets the cooldown of all abilities.
- Ultimate: Blade of the Crossing is a damage ultimate that deals high damage and applies the Minor Magickasteal debuff to enemies.
Zerith-var Tank Build for ESO
In this section of the Zerith-var Companion Guide for ESO we are going to take a look at the Tank setup. Most important here are like always the skills that you want to use for your companion and the gear.
When Zerith-var plays as a Tank it is important for you to also heal him from time to time. Zerith-var has some heals for himself, but it most likely won’t be enough, because the skills have a long cooldown.
Gear – Zerith-var Tank Setup
When the Companion Zerith-var is played as a Tank Build it is recommended to wear heavy Armor with all “Bolstered” trait to increase damage mitigation. Optionally you could also add some extra gear with the “Quickened” trait to reduce skill cooldowns.
- Type: All Heavy Armor
- Trait: All Bolstered
- Weapon: One Hand and Shield
Companion Heavy Armor passive Firmness increases your companions healing received and the amount they can block each piece of Heavy Armor equipped.
Companion tanks generally use One Hand and Shield weapons since taunt is the first skill you unlock on its skill line.
| Gear | Set | Weight | Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | Companion’s Cuirass | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Belt | Companion’s Girdle | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Shoes | Companion’s Sabatons | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Pants | Companion’s Greaves | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Hands | Companion’s Gauntles | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Head | Companion’s Helm | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Shoulder | Companion’s Pauldrons | Heavy | Bolstered |
| Necklace | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Bolstered |
| Ring | Companion’s Ring | Jewelry | Bolstered |
| Ring | Companion’s Necklace | Jewelry | Bolstered |
| Weapon | Companion’s Sword | 1H Weapon | Bolstered |
| Weapon | Companion’s Shield | Shield | Bolstered |
Skills – Zerith-var Tank Setup
The skills that the Zerith-var Tank Build is using are a mix of damage mitigation, crowd control and healing.
Tank Skills explanation:
- Skill 1: Provoke taunts the enemy, the skill only activates once Zerith-var is in melee range.
- Skill 2: Perigean Armor gives Zerith-var the Major Resolve buff, pulls ranged enemies that are attacking him and taunts them if they are not taunted.
- Skill 3: Crescent Scythe deals damage to enemies and applies a heal over time to Zerith-var.
- Skill 4: Dark Moon Totem fears enemies every 2 seconds for 4 seconds and applies a Minor Protection buff to allies standing in it.
- Skill 5: Crimson Font casts an Altar that heals over time and you can activate a synergy as well that gives you health.
- Ultimate: Blade of the Crossing is a damage ultimate that deals high damage and applies the Minor Magickasteal debuff to enemies.
Related Companion Content
- Zerith-var Basics Guide
- Companion Basics Guide
- Companion Category Overview Page
- Zerith-var Skills Overview Page
- Zerith-Var Basics Guide
FAQ Companions
Frequently asked question about the Companion System in ESO.
To unlock the Companion Isobel Velois in ESO you will have to complete her questline. The Companion Isobel Veloise can be found at Castle Navire on the southwest coast of High Isle. The quest that you have to complete to unlock Isoble is called “Tournament of the Heart”.
To unlock the Companion Ember The Khajiit in ESO you will have to complete her questline. Ember can be found in at Draioch just north of Gonfalon Bay, the main city of High Isle. The quest that you have to complete to unlock Ember is called “Tower full of Trouble”.
Companions level up simply by gaining experience points from killing enemies. You can grind your way to max level to unlock all the Companions features if you prefer this. The Mages Guild, Fighters Guild and Undaunted are unlocked by simply completing a daily from these Guilds. To level up the Mages Guild, Fighters Guild and Undaunted you will have to complete dailies for the guilds repeatedly till you reach the max level.
- For anything related to grinding I do recommend reading the Grind Guide.
In the Companion Menu on the top right side you want to visit the Collectibles section where you can assign costumes from the Appearance tab or mounts in the Mount tab.
- Any appearance or mount that you unlocked on your own characters can be utilized for the Companion.
- you can also change the outfit of a Companion at the Outfit Station.
Here you can see an example of both the Player and the Companion being on a mount in Blackwood.
The rapport describes what kind of relationship you have with a companion. Every companion has personal preferences which will affect how they feel about the player over time, based on their actions. Acting against a companion’s ideals will cause their rapport with the companion to decrease. Taking actions they favor will drive the player’s rapport with that companion up.
Companions won’t be able to be summoned in PvP instances, in single player arenas or in housing instances. Also, in instances where you can’t navigate to your character and talk to them, they will be briefly invisible, such as while swimming.
Companion gear in ESO is different from player gear, there is no overlap between them. Once you unlock a Companion, they will start out with basic white quality non-traited equipment.
Companion equipment doesn’t have levels, can’t be enchanted, doesn’t require repairs and doesn’t include an inherent style appearance.
You can purchase basic companion gear from a Weaponsmith, Woodworker, Armorer, Leatherworker and Tailor merchants to customize the role of your companion accordingly.
Higher quality gear can be obtained from monster drops throughout the world, particularly from bosses.
The Companion System in ESO is a new feature of the game that launched with the Blackwood Chapter. This allows you to summon a Companion (basically like a 2nd character) that will follow you around. The Companion can help fight, be it as a damage dealer, healer or tank. Currently there are two Companions, Mirri Elendis a Dark Elf and Bastian Hallix an Imperial.
You can find more info about the Companion System in the Companion System Guide.
Bastian Hallix Guides:
Mirri Elendis Guides:
If you have access to the Blackwood Chapter, you can unlock Bastian Hallix through completing the associated quest in the Blackwood zone.
- The Companion level up progress is account wide, so you only have to level Bastian up once.
- You have to unlock Bastian Hallix on each character through the started quest.
Bastian can be found in the Deepscorn Hollow objective along the southwest coast of Blackwood. The quest that you have to complete is called “Competition and Contracts”.
If you have access to the Blackwood Chapter, you can unlock Mirri Elendis through completing the associated quest in the Blackwood zone.
- The Companion level up progress is account wide, so you only have to level Mirri up once.
- You have to unlock Mirri Elendis on each character through the started quest.
Mirri can be found in the Doomvault Vulpinaz objective in north Blackwood. The quest that you have to complete is called “Shattered and Scattered”.
If you have access to the Blackwood Chapter, you can unlock two companions through completing associated quests in the Blackwood zone.
- The Companion level up progress is account wide.
- You have to unlock the Companions on each character.
Bastian Companion Location
Bastian can be found in the Deepscorn Hollow objective along the southwest coast of Blackwood. The quest that you have to complete is called “Competition and Contracts”.
Mirri Companion Location
Mirri can be found in the Doomvault Vulpinaz objective in north Blackwood. The quest that you have to complete is called “Shattered and Scattered”.
