After over a decade of requests, The Elder Scrolls Online is finally introducing subclasses in its 2025 base game update — and it’s a game-changer.
What Are Subclasses in ESO?
Subclasses in ESO allow your character to access skill lines from other classes once they hit level 50. Instead of rerolling a new character, you can now mix and match up to three skill lines from different classes on a single character. Want to be a summoner with pets from multiple classes? A dark paladin with holy and necromantic powers? Now you can.
How Do ESO Subclasses Work?
- Unlocked at Level 50
- Add/remove up to 3 class skill lines from other classes
- Skill lines from your alts are accessible, but likely need to be leveled again on your main
- A trainer questline will help unlock class skills you’ve never played before
- Paid classes (e.g., Arcanist) still require you to own the class to use its skills
- Subclass skills cost 2 skill points to unlock (instead of 1)
- The power level is the same as the original class abilities — no nerfs or watered-down versions
Customization & Combat
With this feature combined with scribing and skill styles, ESO is reaching new heights of build freedom and expression. Whether you want a lich-style healer or a hybrid melee mage, your creativity is the only limit.
Important Notes
- Subclassing is an account-wide feature, meaning you only need to unlock each skill line ONCE.
- Class sets from Infinite Archive can only be equipped by the original class.
- Scribing Class Scripts default to the original class.
How to Unlock Subclassing in ESO
The ESO Subclassing System unlocks once any of your characters reaches level 50. To make use of subclassing on any Level 50+ character you must complete the subclassing introductory quest first titled “A Study in Discipline.“
You can start the subclassing introduction quest in 3 ways:
- Claim it from the Quest Starters section of the Crown Store
- Click on the subclassing option under your current skills (below the class skills area)
- Speak with the quest giver Bahtra at-Hunding, who can be found near the Wayshrines in Riften (The Rift), Evermore (Bangkorai), or Dune (Reaper’s March).
- Note: Keep in mind that you can speak with her at any of the 3 zones above regardless of your Faction. The Rift is the easiest because she stands literally right next to the wayshrine.
If you have trouble finding her, look for the new Adventure Camp map icon which marks her location on your map.
Reaper’s March Location: Dune
Bangkorai Location: Evermore
The Rift Location: Riften
Why It Matters
This is the most flexible class system ESO has ever had, bringing it in line with modern MMOs while staying true to Elder Scrolls’ “play your way” philosophy. It’s also a smart way to encourage players to try new classes without starting over from scratch.
Best of all? Subclassing is free and part of the base game update in 2025.
Whether you’re a PvE adventurer or PvP junkie, the possibilities just exploded — get ready to rethink your builds!
Powerful Subclassing Builds For ESO
Make sure to review our full Subclassing Builds For ESO directory to see all the powerful options we’ve already created for you! Some of the most recent are also listed below. You can also watch this Top 10 list of my Favorite Subclassing Builds!
