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.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. 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 | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Templar | A | Balanced | Two-Handed Greatsword | Yes |
| Sorcerer | A | Balanced | Dual Wield Daggers | Yes |
| Nightblade | A | Balanced | Lightning Staff | Yes |
| Dragonknight | A | Balanced | Restoration Staff | Yes |
| Warden | A | Balanced | Bow | Yes |
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 |
| Best Equipment | Two-Handed Greatsword |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Champion Points |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Two-Handed Greatsword
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 |
| Best Equipment | Dual Wield Daggers |
| 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
- Pairs well with Dual Wield Daggers
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 |
| Best Equipment | Lightning Staff |
| 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 Lightning Staff
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 |
| Best Equipment | Restoration Staff |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Mundus Stones |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Restoration Staff
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 |
| Best Equipment | Bow |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | veteran trials |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Bow
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. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. 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. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Dragonknight shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More The Elder Scrolls Online Guides
- The Elder Scrolls Online The Elder Scrolls Online Overview
- The Elder Scrolls Online Best Builds
- The Elder Scrolls Online Tier List
- The Elder Scrolls Online Walkthrough
- The Elder Scrolls Online Beginner's Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Tips & Tricks
- The Elder Scrolls Online Weapons Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Combat Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Boss Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Maps & Locations
- The Elder Scrolls Online Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy The Elder Scrolls Online, check out these related guides:
- New World: Aeternum Classes Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- Lost Ark Classes Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- Black Desert Online Classes Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
