Unlock the power of multiclassing and customize your character like never before in The Elder Scrolls Online!
What Is Subclassing in ESO?
Elder Scrolls Online introduces a unique
subclassing system, allowing characters of any class to permanently unlock and master skill lines from other classes. This feature provides near-total freedom in character customization, enabling players to mix and match abilities from different classes to create powerful hybrid builds.
However, unlocking subclassing requires meeting specific conditions and completing a quest. Here’s everything you need to know about
how to subclass in ESO, including where to start, how the system works, and how to maximize its potential.
How to Unlock Subclassing in ESO
Before you can subclass, you must meet
two key requirements:
Have at least one character at Level 50 on your account.Find and speak with Bahtra at-Hunding, a special NPC who grants access to the subclassing quest.Where to Find Bahtra at-Hunding
Bahtra appears in
three different locations across Tamriel:
- Riften (The Rift) – West of the main wayshrine.
- Dune (Reaper’s March) – Under the bridge near the wayshrine.
- Evermore (Bangkorai) – In the town before the dungeon in the northeastern part of the zone.
Once you speak with her, she will offer the quest
"A Study in Discipline", which introduces the subclassing system.
How Subclassing Works in ESO
After starting the quest, Bahtra will ask which class skill line you want to pursue. However, this choice
does not lock you in permanently—subclassing is managed through a dedicated menu.
Key Mechanics of Subclassing
Choose Two Subclass Skill Lines- You can select one skill line from any two different classes (excluding your primary class).
- Example: A Dragonknight could subclass into Sorcerer’s Daedric Summoning and Nightblade’s Assassination.
Skill Point & XP Requirements- Subclass skills cost 2 skill points each (instead of 1).
- XP gains for subclass skill lines are significantly slower than for your main class.
Mastering a Subclass (Level 50)- Once a subclass skill line reaches Level 50, it becomes permanently unlocked for that character.
- You can then swap it out for a new subclass skill line to master.
Unlimited Potential- With enough time and dedication, a single character can learn every skill in the game, allowing for unprecedented build diversity.
Best Subclass Combinations for Powerful Builds
Subclassing opens up endless build possibilities, but some combinations stand out for DPS, Tanking, and Healing:
Top DPS Subclass Picks
- Sorcerer (Daedric Summoning) + Nightblade (Assassination) – High burst damage with pets and critical strikes.
- Dragonknight (Ardent Flame) + Templar (Aedric Spear) – Strong DoT and execute potential.
Best Tank Subclass Options
- Warden (Winter’s Embrace) + Dragonknight (Earthen Heart) – Ultimate tanking synergy with crowd control and buffs.
- Necromancer (Bone Tyrant) + Templar (Restoring Light) – Survivability with self-heals and damage mitigation.
Optimal Healing Subclass Builds
- Templar (Restoring Light) + Warden (Green Balance) – Best-in-class healing with HoTs and burst heals.
- Sorcerer (Dark Magic) + Nightblade (Siphoning) – Hybrid healer/DPS with resource sustain.
Final Tips for Mastering Subclassing in ESO
- Prioritize skill lines that complement your playstyle—don’t just pick random abilities.
- Grind XP efficiently by focusing on daily dungeons, Battlegrounds, and overland content.
- Use XP boosts (Scrolls, Events, ESO Plus) to speed up subclass leveling.
- Experiment with hybrid builds—some of the most powerful setups come from unexpected combinations.
Conclusion
Subclassing in Elder Scrolls Online is a game-changing mechanic that allows for deep character customization. By unlocking and mastering different skill lines, you can create unique, powerful builds that defy traditional class restrictions.
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows PC, Google Stadia, Mac OS, Mac OS Classic
Genre(s): Massively multiplayer online role-playing
Developer(s): ZeniMax Online Studios
Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
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