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.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Handed Greatsword | S | Stamina damage dealers wanting Berserker Strike | A stamina staple with a strong execute and an ultimate that buffs the whole group. |
| Dual Wield Daggers | A | Nightblades and stamina parsers | The highest damage stamina setup thanks to off-hand crit and fast attacks. |
| Lightning Staff | A | Magicka damage dealers in group content | The default magicka weapon, its heavy attack hits in an area and restores Magicka. |
| Restoration Staff | B | Healers in dungeons and trials | The healing weapon with ground heals, shields, and resource support for the group. |
| Bow | B | Stamina builds layering ranged dots | A ranged stamina backbar for damage-over-time and the Endless Hail area pressure. |
S-Tier: Two-Handed Greatsword
A stamina staple with a strong execute and an ultimate that buffs the whole group.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Stamina damage dealers wanting Berserker Strike |
| Key Mechanic | Champion Points |
| Recommended Build | Templar |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Two-Handed Greatsword: Pairs naturally with Templar thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Dual Wield Daggers
The highest damage stamina setup thanks to off-hand crit and fast attacks.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Nightblades and stamina parsers |
| Key Mechanic | weaving light and heavy attacks |
| Recommended Build | Sorcerer |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Dual Wield Daggers: Pairs naturally with Sorcerer thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Lightning Staff
The default magicka weapon, its heavy attack hits in an area and restores Magicka.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Magicka damage dealers in group content |
| Key Mechanic | set bonuses |
| Recommended Build | Nightblade |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Lightning Staff: Pairs naturally with Nightblade thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Restoration Staff
The healing weapon with ground heals, shields, and resource support for the group.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Healers in dungeons and trials |
| Key Mechanic | Mundus Stones |
| Recommended Build | Dragonknight |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Restoration Staff: Pairs naturally with Dragonknight thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Bow
A ranged stamina backbar for damage-over-time and the Endless Hail area pressure.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Stamina builds layering ranged dots |
| Key Mechanic | veteran trials |
| Recommended Build | Warden |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Bow: Pairs naturally with Warden thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Vvardenfell
- Dual Wield Daggers → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Lightning Staff → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Two-Handed Greatsword → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying. One strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Learn light-attack weaving in a target dummy session before you worry about gear, it is your biggest damage source.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
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 Combat Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Boss Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Maps & Locations
- The Elder Scrolls Online Crafting Guide
- The Elder Scrolls Online Classes & Characters
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