Elder Scrolls Online Adds Subclasses After 11 Years of Fan Demand

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is introducing a highly anticipated feature that fans have been clamoring for over the past decade: subclasses. Dive into the details of this new system and discover what's on the horizon for the game.

Elder Scrolls Online Direct Updates

Over 3000 Combinations of Skill Lines

As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, Zenimax Online Studios has announced a significant update for The Elder Scrolls Online during the ESO Direct 2025 event on April 10. The long-awaited subclass system will soon be available, addressing the community's desire to mix and match skill lines without the need to start over.

For years, players have voiced their frustration about having to reroll characters every time a new skill tree is introduced. Now, once players reach level 50, they can retain one skill line from their base class and swap out two others with any from the six available classes. This opens up a staggering 3000 different combinations, enabling players to tailor their playstyle more precisely than ever before.

ESO Game Director Rich Lambert expressed confidence in the new feature, noting extensive testing has been conducted. Despite potential increases in Power Levels, Lambert stated the team is content with the balance achieved.

Seasons of the Worm Cult

Moving forward, Zenimax Online is adopting a seasonal approach to content, as announced by Studio Director Matt Firor. This shift aims to foster experimentation in storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Firor mentioned, "We want to keep telling great stories, but also mix in new ideas and gameplay systems, and that's exactly what we're going to do, but we'll do this in a different cadence, one that allows us, the developers, to broaden our focus and increase variety."

The first of these seasons, "Seasons of the Worm Cult," continues the saga from the original Molag Bal storyline, set 10 years in the making. Players will explore the new Isle of Solstice zone and delve into the mysteries surrounding the resurgence of the Worm Cult. Producer Susan Kath clarified that while this initial season will span most of the year, future seasons will typically run for 3 to 6 months. Zenimax also plans "remix" seasons, revisiting past narratives, with a Dark Brotherhood-themed season teased for the future.

2025 Content Pass and Premium Edition

On April 11, ESO announced via Twitter (X) the launch of a new content pass and premium edition, encompassing all previous and upcoming releases. The content pass includes:

● Fallen Banners dungeon pack - Now available
● Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 - June 2 for PC/Mac and June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles
● The Writhing Wall in-game event - Q3/4 2025
● Feast of Shadows dungeon pack - Q3 2025
● Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2 - Q4 2025

Both editions will also offer exclusive collectibles:

● Skulltooth Coastal Durzog mount
● Golden Eagle pet
● Remnant of Meridia's Light memento

Additionally, the 2025 Content Pass and Premium Edition will unlock a unique mount, pet, and memento with the release of Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 in June.

ESO is also rolling out Early Purchase rewards until May 7, including the Mages Guild Recall customized action. Other rewards available until June 2 for PC and June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles are:

● 10-Year Lion Guard Steed mount
● 10-Year Anniversary Mudcrab pet
● Shell-Tide Beach emote pack

The Premium Edition provides access to all previously released ESO Chapters and Classes, from Morrowind to Gold Road, and includes the base-game Classes along with the Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist.

As ESO celebrates its 10th anniversary, the game continues to evolve, revisiting beloved storylines and expanding its universe. This commitment to enriching the game's lore and engaging its community underscores Zenimax's dedication to The Elder Scrolls Online, available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.