ESO Subclassing Wiki

Learn everything about ESO Subclassing, the groundbreaking base-game feature added in 2025! Discover how to unlock, level, and combine class skill lines for unique builds.

Table of contents

8 Chapters

Welcome to the ESO Subclassing overview page. On this page you can learn everything about ESO Subclasses and how the whole system works.

Tools for Planning Subclass Builds

Quick Subclassing Overview

ESO Subclassing System
ESO Subclassing System

The ESO Subclassing System (2025) is a base-game feature that lets you use class skill lines from other classes while keeping your original character. This guide explains how subclassing works, how to unlock it, leveling rules, slot limits, and how to respec.

Subclassing at a glance

  • Base game feature
  • Account-wide progression
  • Over 3,000 possible skill line combinations
  •  No character rerolls required

What Is ESO Subclassing and How Does It Work?

 Example of a Dragonknight class having Arcanist and Necromancer subclass skills on the hot bar in ESO.
 Example of a Dragonknight class having Arcanist and Necromancer subclass skills on the hot bar in ESO.

Subclassing allows your character to equip class skill lines from other classes in place of your own.

Core Rules

  • You must keep at least one skill line from your original class
  • You may replace up to two class skill lines
  • You gain full access to all skills, morphs, and passives in chosen lines

DLC Class Requirements

To use these subclass skill lines, you must own the class:

All other class skill lines are included in the base game.

Browse through our ESO Classes database to find out which class's skill line you might want to subclass!  

Subclassing Rules and Limitations

ESO Subclassing skill line selection screen 
ESO Subclassing skill line selection screen 

Subclassing is flexible, but not unlimited. According to ZeniMax Online Studios, this system supports 3,000+ unique skill line combinations, massively expanding build diversity.

Restrictions You Must Follow

  • You cannot replace all three original class skill lines
  • You can only use one skill line per class (unless it is your base class)
  • You must select entire skill lines, not individual skills

Example: If you want two Sorcerer skill lines, your character must be a Sorcerer.

If you don’t understand something or it isn’t covered here you can join our Community Discord where you will find a helpful community!    

How to Unlock Subclassing in ESO

ESO Subclassing quest "A Study in Discipline" can be picked up from the Crown Store
ESO Subclassing quest "A Study in Discipline" can be picked up from the Crown Store

Subclassing unlocks in two stages: account-wide and per-character.

Quick List: How to Start Subclassing in ESO

Step-by-Step Unlock Guide

  1. Reach Level 50 on any character (unlocks system account-wide)
  2. Log in to the character you want to subclass
  3. Accept quest “A Study in Discipline”:  Either from the Crown Store or directly from Bahtra at-Hunding in Riften, Evermore or Dune.   
  4. Complete the short intro quest (less than 2 minutes)
  5. Subclassing becomes available on that character

Each character must complete the quest once.

Subclassing Intro Quest Location

Bahtra at-Hunding, located at s a new "Adventure Camp" icon on the map to show where she is located.

ESO Subclassing NPC Bahtra at-Hunding location on map 
ESO Subclassing NPC Bahtra at-Hunding location on map 

How Subclass Skill Line Leveling Works

Hovering over a subclassed Arcanist skill line lets you know that progress on the subclass skill line level is not shared with Arcanist characters.
Hovering over a subclassed Arcanist skill line lets you know that progress on the subclass skill line level is not shared with Arcanist characters.

Subclass skill lines use separate account-wide progression.

Leveling Rules

  • Subclass lines level slower than normal class lines
  • Each subclass skill line must be leveled once per account
  • Rank 50 = mastered for all characters

Skill Point Costs

  • All subclass skills and passives cost 2 skill points
  • Total per subclass skill line: 40 skill points

Normal class skill lines cost 20.

Important Clarifications

  • ESO subclass skill line leveling progression is completely separate from regular class skill lines and skill levels.
  • Everyone must level subclass skill lines separately, regardless of previous character knowledge.

You can find tips for experience boost and good sources of experience in this Experience Boost Guide!

How to Change Subclass Skill Lines (Respec)

Respeccing Subclass Skill Lines in ESO works the same way as respeccing skills.
Respeccing Subclass Skill Lines in ESO works the same way as respeccing skills.

After you complete the introductory quest for the first time you can choose subclass skill lines once for free. All subsequent changes to ESO subclassing cost 1,500 gold, done the same way as skill respeccing.

Ways to Respec Subclassing

  1. Use a Rededication Shrine (Shrine to Stendarr) in Wayrest, Mournhold, Elden Root or any major Capital City (1,500 Gold).
  2. Bahtra at-Hunding in Riften, Evermore or Dune (1,500 Gold).    
  3. Respecification Scroll from the Crown Store.
  4. Save your subclass setups to the Armory Station and switch between setups.

All skill points are refunded when you respec.

Subclass Leveling Slots and Locking Explained

You are locked into leveling three subclass skill lines at a time.
You are locked into leveling three subclass skill lines at a time.

Common misunderstanding is that you are "locked in" to a subclass skill line and can not switch it at all when leveling. This is stated in several tooltips when choosing subclasses, but is in fact incorrect as they reference your 3 subclass leveling slots. You can see the 3 subclass leveling slots on the top right of your skills window.

What “Locked” Actually Means

This character is locked into leveling 2 subclass skill lines. A locked skill line is shown with a subclass icon next to its name.
This character is locked into leveling 2 subclass skill lines. A locked skill line is shown with a subclass icon next to its name.

A subclass skill line:

  • Occupies a leveling slot until it reaches Rank 50
  • Cannot be replaced by another unmastered skill line while leveling

Once it reaches Rank 50:

  • It becomes mastered
  • It no longer uses a leveling slot
  • It can be swapped freely on any character

You are not locked into permanent class choices! You are only limited in how many new subclass lines you can train simultaneously.

Example Account Scenarios on Subclass Leveling Slots

Choosing a skill line that has the subclass icon next to its name will use up a leveling slot.
Choosing a skill line that has the subclass icon next to its name will use up a leveling slot.

A subclass skill line that will take up a leveling slot is signified with a subclass icon next to it's name. The subclass skill lines that will not use up leveling slots is shown as a regular plus sign. Once it reaches Rank 50, it becomes "mastered" for your account, frees up the leveling slot it was occupying, and can then be freely swapped like any other mastered skill line.

All Skill Lines Already Rank 50

  • No leveling slots are used
  • All subclass combinations are freely swappable

No Skill Lines at Rank 50

  • You may choose three subclass lines at once to level
  • Each mastered line frees up a leveling slot
  • You can switch these 3 subclass skill lines with your own class skill lines and between themselves freely. 

Mixed Skill Line levels

  • Mastered lines can be swapped freely
  • You may still level up to three new subclass lines at once

ESO Build Editor & Builds Database: Fully Updated for Subclassing

Templar subclassing the Arcanist class in ESO
Templar subclassing the Arcanist class in ESO

To support this major update, the ESO Build Editor has been enhanced to accommodate the new subclassing combinations. 

Subclassing dramatically increases viable builds, and our tools support that:

  • Mix and match class skill lines
  • Save multiple subclass loadouts
  • Browse community-tested builds
  • Sort by most recently updated

Whether you want meta PvP setups or experimental PvE hybrids, subclassing makes ESO’s build system deeper than ever.

We can’t wait to see what the community comes up with as they embrace the future of The Elder Scrolls Online subclassing!

Top Subclassing Builds on ESO-Hub

View ESO Builds Database
One-Bar Superbeam
13
Sorcerer
PvP
Has Subclassing Setups
One-Bar Superbeam
Patrick Decker
Solo Oakenblade
11
Nightblade
PvE
Has Subclassing Setups
Solo Oakenblade
BullsFuzz
Kal's Grave Lord Warden
13
Warden
PvE
Has Subclassing Setups
Kal's Grave Lord Warden
Kalamon
🗡️🩸 All-in-One – PvP Ganker & 78K Solo DPS
5
Nightblade
PvP
Has Subclassing Setups
🗡️🩸 All-in-One – PvP Ganker & 78K Solo DPS
onlyno1king
One Bar Temblade
12
Templar
PvP
Has Subclassing Setups
One Bar Temblade
Patrick Decker
Arcanist subclassing bomber build - Update 47
8
Arcanist
PvP
Has Subclassing Setups
Arcanist subclassing bomber build - Update 47
spineda

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from other players
What is subclassing in ESO?
Subclassing is a system introduced with the Gold Road Chapter that lets you replace up to two of your class skill lines with full skill lines from other classes, adding new active abilities and passives while keeping your original class.
When was subclassing introduced to ESO?
Subclassing was introduced with the Gold Road Chapter in June 2025.
How many classes are there in ESO?
There are seven playable classes in ESO:
Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, Dragonknight, Necromancer, Warden, and Arcanist.
What is the purpose of subclassing in ESO?
The purpose of subclassing is to increase build customization by allowing players to mix class skill lines, creating new playstyles, synergies, and role options without changing their main class.
Are there restrictions when subclassing in ESO?
Yes, subclassing has several important restrictions:
  • You must keep at least one of your original class skill lines.
  • You cannot replace all three of your base class lines.
  • You can only swap entire skill lines, not individual skills.
  • Subclass skill lines must be leveled separately.
These limits are designed to preserve class identity and balance.
How do you unlock subclassing in ESO?
Subclassing becomes available once any character on your account reaches level 50 and you complete the required introductory quest.
What quest unlocks subclassing in ESO?
The subclass system is unlocked by completing the quest “A Study in Discipline.”
How do you start the quest “A Study in Discipline” in ESO?
You can start the quest in two ways:
  • Claim it from the Quest Starters section of the Crown Store.
  • Speak to Bahtra at-Hunding, an NPC located near major city Wayshrines.
Where is Bahtra at-Hunding located in ESO?
She is located near the Wayshrines in:
  • Riften (The Rift)
  • Evermore (Bangkorai)
  • Dune (Reaper’s March)
Look for the Adventure Camp map icon, which marks her location.
Does Subclassing replace my main class?
No. Your original class remains your primary class. Subclassing adds access to extra class skill lines, but it does not remove or overwrite your base class abilities, passives, or class identity.
Can you change your subclass later?
Yes. Subclasses can be changed, but it requires respeccing at a respec shrine.
How many subclass skill lines can I use at once?
You can only slot one subclass skill line from another class at a time (not full access to another class). This is designed to preserve class balance.
Are subclass skills leveled separately?
Yes. Subclass skill lines level independently from your main class skill lines. You must slot abilities from subclasses to earn experience  for their skill lines and skills.
Is Subclassing required for endgame builds?
Yes and no. Subclasses can significantly improve optimization in groups that want the best results, but strong builds still exist without it.
What are the best subclass combinations?
There is no single “best” combination for all content. Optimal subclasses depend on:
  • Role (DPS, Tank, Healer)
  • Content type (PvE, Trials, PvP, Solo)
  • Class synergies and resource scaling
  • Most meta builds choose subclasses that provide strong passives, damage boosts or sustain tools that their base class lacks.
Does Subclassing affect PvP balance?
Yes. Subclassing increases build diversity and burst potential in PvP, which can shift the meta. Some combinations are stronger in Battlegrounds or Cyrodiil, especially those that add crowd control, mobility, or defensive passives.
Balance changes may adjust subclass effectiveness over time.
Are companions affected by Subclassing?
No. Subclassing only applies to player characters. Companions continue to use their own fixed class kits and role-based skill trees.
Is Subclassing beginner-friendly?
It can be overwhelming for new players. Beginners are usually better off learning their base class first before adding subclass mechanics.
Does Subclassing increase power creep?
It can, which is why the system limits how many skill lines and passives you can take from other classes. The goal is to add customization without fully replacing class identity or invalidating existing builds.
Can I use Subclassing for role changes (DPS to Healer, etc.)?
Yes, to a degree. Subclassing can add missing tools for off-role builds, such as healing skills for DPS classes or defensive passives for tanks, but full role conversion still depends heavily on gear, attributes, and Champion Points.