For years, Elder Scrolls Online players have struggled with a never-ending loop.
Whenever a new class arrived, anyone wanting to try it had to start over from square one. That meant saying goodbye to hours, days, or even years of progress just to explore a different set of abilities.
In an MMO where progression is everything, that's a heavy price to pay for experimentation. But this year, the game is breaking that loop for good.
ESO's subclass update is finally offering the flexibility that players have been asking for since day one.
This new system means you won't have to create a new character to try out different skills. Once your character hits level 50, you'll unlock two skill lines from other classes and mix them with your current class to create a hybrid build that wasn't possible before.
Let's say you're playing a Templar, and you're curious about the Necromancer's Bone Tyrant skills or the Sorcerer's summoning abilities. Now, you can merge them into one character without losing what you've earned.
This applies to more than just one character, as subclasses become available across your entire account once unlocked. In other words, your alts can gain the same benefits as they would with Champion Points.
Obviously, there are certain rules to stop things from going off the rails. You'll still need one skill from your original class, and any subclass skills you take will cost double the skill points to use. It's a way to get people committed without cramping creativity.
Most seasoned players have more skill points than they know what to do with, so this extra cost is more about balance than a real limitation. No more being stuck with one playstyle.
You can shape your character however you like, explore wild combos, or tweak your build for specific encounters. It's also a key part of a broader change in how ESO is delivering content. This year marks the first time in years without a major annual expansion.
ZeniMax is moving to a seasonal model, starting with the "Seasons of the Worm Cult" arc in June. Seasons of the Worm Cult begins by revisiting the game's original storyline. After a long absence, the Worm Cult is wreaking havoc on Solstice, a tropical island.
The zone is divided by the formidable magical barrier called the Writhing Wall, and players from every server will team up in a huge timed event to break through it.
Future seasons might also be three to six months long, which means more opportunities to introduce new mechanics or bring back fan-favorite content.
Players can buy a $50 one-time content pass to access all seasonal updates for the year, including new dungeons and story chapters. If you have an ESO Plus subscription, most of this new content will be included as well.
On top of everything else, the ESO team is addressing long-standing issues like performance in PvP zones. The recent Cyrodiil Champions test was a huge success, improving performance by simplifying stats and skills in large battles.
ZeniMax is planning more experiments like this in future patches, along with updates to improve accessibility for returning players.
So, if you've ever held off trying a new class because of the grind, that excuse is finally gone.
This time, you can have your progress—and your new playstyle too.