Elder Scrolls Online Adds Subclasses After 11 Years of Fan Demand

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has finally introduced a long-awaited feature that fans have been requesting for over a decade: subclasses. This exciting addition promises to enrich gameplay and enhance player customization. Dive in to discover how subclasses work and what's on the horizon for ESO.

Elder Scrolls Online Direct Updates

Over 3000 Combinations of Skill Lines

As ESO celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Zenimax Online Studios unveiled a slew of updates during the ESO Direct 2025 event on April 10. The most anticipated announcement was the introduction of subclasses, a feature that fans have been clamoring for years.

Previously, whenever a new skill tree was added, players had to start from scratch to access the latest content, which was inconvenient in an MMO setting. Now, with the introduction of subclasses, players can mix and match skill lines without needing to reroll their characters.

To unlock this feature, players must reach level 50. Upon reaching this milestone, they can retain one skill line from their base class and swap out two others with any of the other six available classes. This flexibility results in over 3000 possible combinations, allowing players to tailor their gameplay to their preferred style.

ESO Game Director Rich Lambert expressed confidence in the new system, stating that despite potential increases in Power Levels, the developers are content with the balance achieved after rigorous testing.

Seasons of the Worm Cult

Zenimax Online is also shifting towards a seasonal content model, which Studio Director Matt Firor believes will allow for more experimental releases and better responsiveness to player feedback.

Firor elaborated, "We want to continue delivering compelling narratives while integrating fresh ideas and gameplay mechanics. We'll achieve this through a new release schedule that broadens our focus and increases content variety."

The upcoming chapter, "Seasons of the Worm Cult," continues the story from the original Molag Bal arc, a decade in the making. Players will explore the new Isle of Solstice zone, investigating the resurgence of the Worm Cult.

Producer Susan Kath noted that while the current season will span most of the year, future seasons will run for 3 to 6 months. Zenimax plans to introduce "remix" seasons, revisiting past storylines, 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. Here's what's included:

• Fallen Banners dungeon pack - Available now
• Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 - June 2 for PC/Mac, June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation
• The Writhing Wall in-game event - Q3/Q4 2025
• Feast of Shadows dungeon pack - Q3 2025
• Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2 - Q4 2025

Both editions offer exclusive collectibles:

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

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

For a limited time, ESO offers Early Purchase rewards, including the Mages Guild Recall customized action, available until May 7. Other rewards include:

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

These rewards will be available until June 2 for PC and June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

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

With its 10th anniversary celebrations, ESO aims to expand its rich narrative and engage its supportive community further. By revisiting past storylines, the developers plan to complete unfinished arcs and deepen the game's lore. The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.