Elder Scrolls Online Best Class 2021 Your Ultimate Guide

Elder Scrolls Online Best Class 2021: Unveiling the champion within! Dive into the captivating world of Tamriel, where countless heroes clash and forge their destinies. Navigating the diverse landscape of classes, from devastating damage dealers to stalwart protectors, can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide cuts through the chaos, revealing the most potent and effective class choices for 2021, considering everything from individual playstyles to optimal synergy.

This in-depth exploration meticulously analyzes each class, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and unique skillsets. We’ll delve into the intricate world of class builds, exploring synergies and progression paths to unlock maximum potential. From burst damage strategies to sustained assault, and resilient tanking to supportive magic, we’ll provide insightful comparisons and actionable recommendations. Prepare to master your craft and dominate the game.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Elder Scrolls Online Classes

Embark on a thrilling journey through the vast landscapes of Tamriel, where diverse classes await your command. Each class in Elder Scrolls Online offers a unique playstyle, from the swift and deadly assassin to the stalwart and supportive healer. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each class empowers you to craft a formidable team and conquer any challenge.The intricate balance of power and skill inherent in each class dictates their effectiveness in different combat situations.

A deep understanding of these roles will allow you to effectively utilize their individual strengths. The strategic deployment of classes, coupled with understanding their roles, will be key to victory in the challenging world of Elder Scrolls Online.

Class Overview

This comprehensive overview of Elder Scrolls Online classes will provide a thorough understanding of their respective roles, strengths, and weaknesses. A detailed breakdown will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in crafting your team composition.

Class Name	Role	Brief Description
Warrior	Melee DPS, Tank	A formidable force in close-quarters combat, capable of dealing significant damage and providing crucial tanking support.
Sorcerer	Magic DPS	A master of arcane magic, capable of unleashing devastating spells and powerful area-of-effect attacks.
Rogue	Melee DPS, Support	A cunning and agile class, excelling at dealing damage from a distance and offering valuable support abilities.
Necromancer	Melee DPS, Support	A master of the undead, wielding potent necromantic abilities, both in offense and support.
Paladin	Melee DPS, Tank	A righteous warrior, capable of dealing significant damage while providing formidable tanking capabilities.
Templar	Melee DPS, Tank	A holy warrior, wielding both offensive and defensive abilities, capable of significant damage and capable of tanking powerful attacks.
Magicka Sorcerer	Magic DPS	A powerful mage, excelling in spells and magic-based combat, and capable of devastating area-of-effect attacks.
Restoration Magic	Healer	A powerful healer, capable of restoring health to allies and providing crucial support in battle.
Warrior	Tank	A stalwart force in close-quarters combat, able to absorb immense damage and providing cover for allies.

Class Strengths and Weaknesses, Elder scrolls online best class 2021

Each class possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, making them effective in different combat scenarios. Understanding these nuances is crucial for optimal team composition. A deep understanding of these details is vital for success in the game.

Warriors excel in melee combat, dealing substantial damage and providing crucial tanking capabilities. Their armor and resilience allow them to absorb a great deal of damage.
Sorcerers dominate magic-based combat, delivering powerful spells and area-of-effect attacks. Their reliance on mana reserves can be a vulnerability.
Rogues excel at dealing damage from a distance, utilizing their agility and stealth abilities to deliver quick, devastating blows. Their vulnerability in close-quarters combat is a factor to consider.
Necromancers utilize the power of the undead, providing offensive and supportive abilities. Their reliance on summoning and undead can be a weakness.
Paladins are a blend of strength and righteousness, delivering powerful attacks and acting as reliable tanks. Their reliance on holy abilities can make them vulnerable to magic.
Templars excel in close-quarters combat, providing strong offensive and defensive abilities. Their limited magic spells make them vulnerable to magic-based attacks.

Best Classes for 2021 (Focus on Specific Roles)

The Elder Scrolls Online’s ever-evolving landscape presents a dynamic array of classes, each vying for a place in the pantheon of top performers. This exploration dives deep into the effectiveness of various classes, particularly focusing on their roles as damage dealers, support providers, and stalwart protectors. Understanding these roles is key to maximizing your in-game experience.

Damage Dealers (DPS) Effectiveness

Damage dealers are the frontline combatants, the ones who lay down the hurt. Analyzing their performance is crucial for strategizing. Different DPS classes excel in different ways, and the optimal choice depends heavily on your playstyle. Burst damage classes unleash a concentrated barrage of attacks, while sustained damage classes chip away at their targets relentlessly.

Burst DPS: These classes excel in situations where a quick, devastating blow is needed. Examples include Nightblades and Sorcerers. Their concentrated damage potential often makes them the go-to choice for certain boss encounters. The key is to position yourself for maximum impact and to optimize your abilities for the target’s vulnerabilities.
Sustained DPS: These classes are designed for consistent damage output over a prolonged period. Examples include Templar and Magicka Necromancer. Their reliability is vital in situations where a steady flow of damage is required, making them effective in group content and end-game raids.

Top DPS Classes for Playstyles

A deep dive into the specific characteristics of various classes reveals their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis considers diverse playstyles and optimal class choices.

Burst DPS: Nightblades, with their flurry of attacks and swift abilities, are a prime example. Sorcerers, too, excel in burst situations, utilizing powerful spells to inflict significant damage. Their adaptability in various scenarios makes them attractive options for players seeking quick victories.
Sustained DPS: Templar’s steadfast attacks and consistent damage output make them a consistent choice. Magicka Necromancer’s resilience and potent damage are a testament to their ability to sustain damage over long periods. This makes them exceptional choices for protracted battles.

Best Support Classes for 2021

Support classes are the unsung heroes of the battlefield. Their utility in providing buffs and healing is essential for maintaining group cohesion.

Utility and Healing: Scholars, with their powerful healing spells and crowd control, are often considered a staple. Their ability to provide substantial support to their allies makes them a cornerstone of any effective group. They are the guardians of their allies, providing vital support to ensure the team’s success.

Top Tank Classes in 2021

Tanks are the frontline defenders, absorbing damage and protecting their allies. Their effectiveness is measured by survivability and mitigation abilities.

Resilience and Mitigation: Paladin’s powerful abilities and defensive attributes are legendary. Their capacity to absorb and mitigate damage is a significant asset in any group setting. They provide a vital buffer against enemy attacks, allowing their teammates to focus on their own objectives.

DPS Class Comparison Table

Class	Playstyle	Strengths	Weaknesses
Nightblade	Burst	High burst damage, mobility	Lower sustained damage, reliance on positioning
Sorcerer	Burst	Powerful single-target spells, versatility	Lower survivability, reliance on spell cooldowns
Templar	Sustained	Consistent damage, strong crowd control	Lower burst damage, reliance on buffs
Magicka Necromancer	Sustained	High sustained damage, versatility	Lower burst damage, limited crowd control

Class Skill Comparisons

Choosing the right class in Elder Scrolls Online is a bit like picking the perfect tool for a job. Some classes excel at dealing massive damage, while others focus on support and healing. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each class is crucial to maximizing your enjoyment of the game, especially when facing challenging scenarios.Understanding class skills lets you strategize effectively, whether you’re taking on a formidable boss or exploring the vast landscapes.

Mastering the nuances of each class’s abilities can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.

Damage Dealers

A well-rounded damage dealer needs a diverse skill set. Their primary goal is to inflict significant damage on enemies. Some classes specialize in area-of-effect attacks, while others focus on single-target bursts of power.

Mages excel at ranged attacks, dealing potent damage from afar. Their skills often rely on elemental magic, which can be strategically used to overcome various enemies. Their weaknesses include vulnerability to close-quarters combat, requiring careful positioning and support from allies.
Warriors are masters of close-quarters combat. Their strength lies in their ability to deliver powerful blows with physical attacks, often complemented by defensive skills. They can withstand considerable damage, making them ideal for front-line combat.
Rogues are experts at stealth and assassination. Their skills often rely on critical hits and debilitating effects. Their effectiveness is heightened by their ability to swiftly navigate the battlefield, targeting vulnerable foes.

Support Classes

These classes are the backbone of a well-coordinated team, providing essential support to their allies. Their skills often focus on healing, buffing, or debuffing enemies.

Healers are the lifelines of any party, restoring health to their teammates. Their skills often involve potent healing spells and mitigating damage. Their ability to keep their allies alive is invaluable in both dungeon runs and challenging boss fights.
Restoration Mages provide a potent mix of healing and damage mitigation, similar to the healing mage. Their unique abilities and spells often offer both healing and damage-reducing effects. Their strengths lie in supporting allies and disrupting enemies, making them versatile in various scenarios.

A Closer Look at Class Abilities

The table below offers a glimpse into the diverse abilities of different classes, categorized by their roles.

Class	Role	Example Abilities	Description
Nightblade	Damage	Shadow Step, Deadly Strike	Excellent at stealth and quick attacks, often dealing high damage in critical hits.
Templar	Damage/Support	Holy Fury, Divine Shield	Offers a blend of physical and divine power. Strong in defense and damage, with the potential to heal allies.
Magicka Warden	Damage/Support	Arcane Blast, Shield of Elements	Powerful mage with both offensive and defensive spells, effective at both area-of-effect damage and single-target burst.
Necromancer	Damage	Soul Drain, Death’s Embrace	Uses dark magic to deal devastating damage and control enemies.

Class Builds and Synergies

Crafting the perfect build in Elder Scrolls Online is like assembling a finely tuned machine. Understanding your role, mastering your chosen skills, and knowing how your class interacts with others are key to maximizing your impact on the battlefield. This section dives deep into building strategies, highlighting synergistic class combinations, and tailoring builds to suit your preferred playstyle.This journey into build optimization isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the nuances of each class, recognizing their strengths, and learning to leverage those strengths within the context of different dungeons, trials, and other content.

This approach empowers you to dominate the game, not just with raw power, but with strategic precision and a deep understanding of your character’s potential.

DPS Build Options

A successful DPS build hinges on maximizing damage output. This requires careful selection of skills and gear that synergize to unleash a torrent of attacks. Different playstyles demand different approaches, from burst damage strategies that unleash devastating blows to consistent damage over time approaches that slowly whittle down opponents. Each approach has its merits, and the ideal choice often depends on the specific encounter.

Burst DPS Build: This build prioritizes dealing massive damage in a short timeframe. Skills that provide significant buffs or enhance critical hit chances are key. A typical build might focus on skills that generate critical hits and amplify damage output, allowing you to quickly deplete enemy health pools. This approach excels in encounters where sustained pressure and high burst damage are crucial.
Sustained DPS Build: This strategy prioritizes consistent damage output over time. The focus is on abilities that inflict constant damage and provide reliable sources of healing or damage reduction. This build is effective in situations where a constant flow of damage is necessary, and can be more resilient to interruption than a burst-focused build.
Hybrid DPS Build: Combining elements of burst and sustained DPS, this build offers a balance of both strategies. It incorporates a mix of skills designed for high single-target damage as well as abilities that deal consistent damage over time. This flexibility allows for adaptability in various situations. A hybrid approach allows you to switch between damage types as needed, and allows you to maintain a strong presence in the fight.

Support Build Strategies

Support builds are the unsung heroes of the battlefield, providing buffs and healing to their teammates while often dealing minimal damage themselves. They are vital for keeping the party alive and maximizing their performance.

Crowd Control Support: This build prioritizes abilities that hinder or immobilize enemies. Skills that generate slows, stuns, or root effects can cripple opponents, creating opportunities for other players to deal damage. This support role is crucial for controlling enemy movements and maximizing damage output from the party.
Healing Support: This build is focused on bolstering the health of teammates. Skills that provide healing and damage mitigation are key. The focus here is on ensuring that the party has sufficient resources to continue fighting, often while providing some damage mitigation as well. This approach is crucial in prolonged battles where sustained damage is a significant factor.
Hybrid Support Build: This build balances both crowd control and healing. It combines skills that generate control effects with healing or damage mitigation, providing a versatile support strategy that adapts to the needs of the party. The hybrid support role is valuable in situations that require both control and healing, maximizing the effectiveness of the team.

Synergies with Other Classes

Understanding how your class interacts with other classes is essential for maximizing your effectiveness.

A tank, for example, can be incredibly helpful in a group that’s missing a crowd control role, as their skills can help to secure enemies and prevent them from attacking the DPS members. Furthermore, a support class can synergize well with a damage dealer if they can provide significant damage buffs.

Example Build: Nightblade Burst DPS

Gear Recommendations: Focus on weapons and armor that provide significant boosts to critical hit chance and damage. Look for sets that provide additional damage bonuses or enhance specific skills.
Skill Choices: Select skills that maximize burst damage output, including abilities that provide critical hit bonuses and enhance damage dealt in quick succession. Choose skills that amplify damage based on current conditions.
Synergy with other Classes: A Nightblade’s burst DPS can be extremely effective alongside a Mage who can provide additional buffs and control, while a Tank can be beneficial for soaking up damage, and a Support class can help heal or bolster the team.

Build Type	Description
Burst DPS	Prioritizes maximum damage in a short burst.
Sustained DPS	Focuses on consistent damage over time.
Hybrid DPS	Balances burst and sustained damage approaches.

Class Progression and Advancement: Elder Scrolls Online Best Class 2021

Embarking on a journey through Tamriel’s diverse landscapes demands a well-rounded understanding of class progression. This isn’t just about leveling up; it’s about crafting a character that reflects your playstyle and ambitions, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the challenges that await. Each class presents unique opportunities for growth, and mastering these paths is key to becoming a formidable force in the virtual world.Progression isn’t merely about numerical increases in stats; it’s about strategic skill choices and thoughtful specialization.

A deep understanding of your class’s unique progression paths will unlock your character’s true potential. Whether you seek to dominate dungeons with devastating abilities or explore the wilderness with unparalleled mastery, understanding the intricate web of skills and their impact is crucial. Each choice shapes your character’s trajectory, dictating your strengths and weaknesses.

Progression Paths for Each Class

Different classes possess distinct progression paths, reflecting their unique strengths and roles. Understanding these nuances is essential to maximizing your character’s effectiveness. The paths often involve acquiring specific skills, mastering abilities, and achieving milestones. The process is a dynamic interplay of skill selection and strategic advancement.

Developing Skills and Abilities

Skill development is a cornerstone of progression in Elder Scrolls Online. Players enhance their skills and abilities through experience points gained from combat and activities. This experience translates into increased stats, access to new skills, and the opportunity to specialize in certain areas. As players advance, the options for specialization become more pronounced, allowing for a tailored character build that matches their desired playstyle.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Skill Choices

Skill choices are not merely a matter of personal preference; they have profound effects on a character’s long-term progression. Certain skill choices might provide significant boosts in specific areas, such as damage output or utility, but they might also come with limitations in other areas. The optimal skill choices depend on the specific role the player wishes to fulfill in the game.

A careful evaluation of advantages and disadvantages is essential for achieving optimal progression.

Requirements for Reaching High Levels

Reaching high levels in Elder Scrolls Online requires a combination of dedication, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of your chosen class. Experience gained through a variety of activities, including dungeons, raids, and world exploration, contributes significantly to leveling. Furthermore, mastering specific skills and fulfilling specific requirements within a class tree unlocks powerful abilities and increases character capabilities.

The path to high levels is often characterized by strategic decisions and a relentless pursuit of advancement.

Illustrative Progression Flowchart

A detailed flowchart, while not possible here, would visually represent the progression paths for various classes. Each path would depict skill choices, experience requirements, and the resulting abilities, providing a clear roadmap for players.

This visualization would be crucial in illustrating the complex interplay between skills, progression, and character development.

Community Perception and Trends

The online gaming community is a vibrant ecosystem, constantly evolving with shifting preferences and opinions. Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone hoping to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Elder Scrolls Online. Player sentiment about classes isn’t static; it reflects the game’s dynamics, new content, and even broader societal trends.Analyzing community perception provides valuable insight into what players find appealing in different classes.

This understanding can illuminate the factors driving popularity, identify potential issues, and offer a glimpse into the future of class selection. It allows us to better understand the forces shaping the meta and the gameplay experiences players are seeking.

General Player Opinions

Player opinions about classes often reflect a complex interplay of factors. Some players are drawn to a class’s aesthetic or historical significance. Others prioritize practical utility in specific content, whether it’s raiding, dungeon crawling, or solo exploration. Skill sets, build options, and even the class’s lore-based background influence how players perceive them. The overall experience, from the feel of the abilities to the aesthetic of the character, plays a crucial role in player satisfaction.

Popular and Least Popular Classes

Based on community feedback and anecdotal evidence, the most popular classes in 2021 often revolved around balance and versatility. Classes with high DPS (damage per second) output and solid utility often attracted the largest player base. Conversely, classes perceived as less effective or lacking in specific areas might have seen a lower player count. The interplay of class balance, content, and player preferences contributes to the dynamic nature of popularity.

Trends in Class Popularity Over Time

The popularity of classes in Elder Scrolls Online isn’t static; it evolves over time. Initial popularity can be driven by the novelty of a class, but sustained popularity hinges on factors like how well the class performs in different content, whether its skills are effective in raids and dungeons, and how they adapt to the evolving meta. Class balance adjustments, new content releases, and player feedback all contribute to these shifting trends.

Reasons Behind Class Popularity

A class’s appeal can stem from several factors. Ease of use and high performance in common activities like dungeons and group content frequently drive popularity. Players often gravitate towards classes with straightforward builds and satisfying mechanics. Class design, lore, and aesthetic can also influence player choices. For example, a class with a compelling backstory or visually striking abilities might be more appealing.

Class Popularity Ratings (Hypothetical Data)

Class	Popularity Rating (2021)
Warrior	4.5 out of 5
Mage	4.2 out of 5
Rogue	4.0 out of 5
Necromancer	3.8 out of 5
Paladin	3.5 out of 5

Note: This data is hypothetical and based on assumed trends and community feedback. Actual data may vary.

Content Recommendations for Different Classes

Choosing the right content for your preferred Elder Scrolls Online class is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment and success. Understanding your class’s strengths and weaknesses, and matching them to the appropriate content, allows for a more rewarding experience. This section delves into specific content recommendations for each class, catering to different playstyles and roles.

Dungeon Exploration with Diverse Classes

Dungeons offer a compelling blend of challenge and exploration, perfectly suited for a variety of playstyles. Classes with high damage output shine in clearing waves of enemies, while support classes excel at bolstering their teammates and managing encounters. Tank classes provide a crucial role in absorbing damage, ensuring the safety of the party. This adaptable nature makes dungeons a fantastic choice for all types of ESO players.

Magicka-based classes, such as Sorcerers and Enchanters, thrive in dungeons with multiple enemies and complex mechanics. Their high damage output and AoE spells make them ideal for clearing crowds and taking down bosses quickly. Content with a focus on boss mechanics will allow these classes to truly excel.
Stamina-based classes, like Fighters and Knights, excel in dungeons demanding close-quarters combat and heavy damage mitigation. These classes are well-equipped for content with multiple enemies and heavy attacks, as they can provide substantial damage reduction and consistent protection for the party.
Restoration classes, such as Healers and Mystics, are vital for managing encounters and ensuring party survival. Their healing abilities and utility skills make them perfect for dungeons that feature challenging encounters and intricate mechanics. They will find their niche in environments with higher complexity.

Raids: A Symphony of Synergies

Raids demand a coordinated effort, where each class’s strengths are utilized to overcome formidable challenges. Tank classes are essential for absorbing damage, while damage dealers ensure swift progress, and support classes enhance the party’s overall capabilities. The synergy between these roles is key to success in raid content.

Class	Optimal Raid Content
Tanks (e.g., Nightblades, Fighters)	Raids with heavy single-target and AoE attacks; content with multiple mechanics.
Damage Dealers (e.g., Sorcerers, Necromancers)	Raids requiring high damage output, both single-target and AoE.
Support (e.g., Enchanters, Mystics)	Raids demanding consistent healing, utility, and buffs.

World Content: A Class-Based Approach

Exploring the vast world of Tamriel offers a multitude of activities, from challenging creatures to rewarding quests. Each class brings a unique perspective and strength to these adventures. For instance, a tank class is well-suited for tackling powerful world bosses, while a damage dealer can excel at gathering resources and completing quests.

Role-playing classes, like Mystics and Enchanters, find their calling in completing side quests, gathering materials, and engaging in social interactions. These classes can excel in activities that involve exploration, and their role-playing potential can elevate the enjoyment of world content.
High damage classes, like Sorcerers and Nightblades, excel in tackling world bosses and challenging creatures, where their high damage output and strategic skills can lead to swift victories.

Gameplay Examples and Scenarios

Embarking on the Elder Scrolls Online journey often means navigating a myriad of situations. From the heart-pounding thrill of a boss fight to the strategic intricacies of a dungeon crawl, understanding how each class contributes is crucial for a smooth and rewarding experience. This section delves into practical gameplay examples, highlighting strategies and class interactions. Let’s see how these diverse characters shine in different scenarios.Mastering the nuances of each class involves not just knowing their abilities but understanding how they mesh within a team.

Different playstyles, from the stalwart support of a healer to the relentless damage output of a DPS class, work together to overcome obstacles and achieve shared objectives. Successful groups aren’t simply a collection of individuals; they’re well-oiled machines, each cog working in harmony to drive the narrative forward.

Boss Fight Strategies

A common encounter in Elder Scrolls Online is the formidable boss battle. These encounters often require a multi-faceted approach, leveraging the unique strengths of each class to triumph over powerful foes. The key to victory often lies in a coordinated strategy.

The Tank’s Role: A well-placed tank, with their robust health and defensive skills, acts as a shield, absorbing the brunt of the boss’s attacks and preventing the party from taking unnecessary damage. Their strategic positioning and skill application are paramount to maintaining party survivability.
The Healer’s Role: The healer is the lifeblood of the party, keeping the tank and damage dealers alive through timely and strategic application of healing spells and abilities. Anticipating needs and managing resources are vital to maintaining the party’s health during intense combat.
The Damage Dealer’s Role: Damage dealers, be they mages, warriors, or others, are responsible for reducing the boss’s health pool. Their precision in targeting, timing of attacks, and utilization of special abilities are critical for consistent and efficient damage output. Knowing when to use crowd control or other party buffs is key.

A well-executed boss fight is a testament to the team’s coordinated efforts. Each class plays a vital part, and understanding these roles is essential for achieving success.

Dungeon Encounters

Navigating dungeons often presents unique challenges. Beyond boss encounters, a dungeon crawl involves a sequence of smaller, but still significant, obstacles. This requires flexibility and adaptability from the party.

Exploration and Resource Management: Each dungeon often presents environmental challenges, such as puzzles, traps, or resource scarcity. The class compositions must be flexible and capable of adapting to the ever-changing nature of the environment. The support classes can assist with gathering resources or provide guidance.
Combat and Crowd Control: Some encounters might be more focused on tactical combat and crowd control, requiring the party to strategize effectively to mitigate the damage or exploit weaknesses in the enemy’s attacks. This necessitates a strong understanding of the abilities of the classes and how they can be used to coordinate attacks or provide support.
Cooperation and Communication: Effective communication is crucial. Classes must be aware of their roles and how they support the team. The team must understand when to use their abilities to their fullest potential, in coordination with the other members.

Dungeons are a proving ground for teamwork and adaptability. Knowing the strengths of each class and how they interact within a team will lead to smooth and successful dungeon runs.

Example Scenario: A Challenging Boss

Imagine facing a boss that deals massive area-of-effect damage. The tank, equipped with defensive abilities, stands in the front lines, taking the initial brunt of the attacks. The healer strategically uses their skills to maintain the party’s health. The damage dealers, with their specialized attacks and crowd control skills, focus on weakening the boss from various angles, mitigating the damage dealt by area-of-effect attacks.The tank, through strategic positioning and tactical awareness, keeps the party in a safe zone.

The healer strategically applies healing spells and abilities, maintaining the party’s health. Damage dealers efficiently utilize their special abilities, ensuring consistent damage output while maintaining safety. This coordinated effort showcases how each class is essential for success.