The Elder Scrolls Online lets you wander all of Tamriel with thousands of other players, from Morrowind's ashlands to the cliffs of Summerset. Combat rewards skill expression through weaving and resource management rather than gear score alone. You can level by questing, crafting, or grinding group content, and the whole map scales to you.
This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Templar | A | Balanced | — |
| Sorcerer | A | Balanced | — |
| Nightblade | A | Balanced | Dual Wield Daggers |
| Dragonknight | A | Balanced | — |
| Warden | A | Balanced | — |
New player? Start with Sorcerer. See our beginner's guide for why.
Templar
Templar is a strong option in The Elder Scrolls Online.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Champion Points |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Vvardenfell to learn Templar-specific mechanics
- Focus on Champion Points. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Two-Handed Greatsword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Templar build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sorcerer
Sorcerer is a strong option in The Elder Scrolls Online.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | weaving light and heavy attacks |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Vvardenfell to learn Sorcerer-specific mechanics
- Focus on weaving light and heavy attacks. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Dual Wield Daggers as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sorcerer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Nightblade
Nightblade is a strong option in The Elder Scrolls Online.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | set bonuses |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Dual Wield Daggers
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Vvardenfell to learn Nightblade-specific mechanics
- Focus on set bonuses. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Lightning Staff as your first major upgrade
- See our full Nightblade build guide for the optimal gear progression
Dragonknight
Dragonknight is a strong option in The Elder Scrolls Online.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Mundus Stones |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Vvardenfell to learn Dragonknight-specific mechanics
- Focus on Mundus Stones. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Restoration Staff as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dragonknight build guide for the optimal gear progression
Warden
Warden is a strong option in The Elder Scrolls Online.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | veteran trials |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Vvardenfell to learn Warden-specific mechanics
- Focus on veteran trials. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Bow as your first major upgrade
- See our full Warden build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Sorcerer is the clear winner. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Templar is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Two-Handed Greatsword for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Warden offers the highest skill ceiling.
For Group Play
Dragonknight shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
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