The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has finally introduced a much-anticipated feature that fans have been clamoring for over the past decade: subclasses. Dive into the details of how this exciting update works and what the future holds for the game.
Elder Scrolls Online Direct Updates
Over 3000 Combinations of Skill Lines
As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is set to roll out a game-changing update. During the ESO Direct 2025 event on April 10, Zenimax Online Studios announced the arrival of the long-awaited subclass feature. This addition comes as a response to years of player feedback requesting the ability to switch classes without starting over.
In the past, whenever a new skill tree was introduced, players had to create a new character to access it, which was frustrating for many. Now, with the introduction of subclasses, players can mix and match skill lines from different classes without the need to reroll their characters.
To unlock this feature, players must reach level 50. Once achieved, they can retain one skill line from their base class and swap out two others with any of the six available classes. This opens up over 3000 unique combinations, allowing players to tailor their gameplay to their preferred style.
ESO Game Director Rich Lambert expressed confidence in the new feature, noting that extensive testing has been conducted. Despite potential increases in Power Levels, Lambert stated that the team is "fine with where it is."
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 content releases and better address player feedback. Firor explained, "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 upcoming chapter, Seasons of the Worm Cult, marks a significant milestone as it continues the story from the game's original Molag Bal arc, ten years in the making. This chapter introduces the Isle of Solstice, a new zone where players will delve into the resurgence of the Worm Cult.
Producer Susan Kath noted that while the Seasons of the Worm Cult will span most of the year, future seasons will typically last between three to six months. Zenimax plans to introduce "remix" seasons, revisiting past storylines, with a teased Dark Brotherhood-themed season on the horizon.
2025 Content Pass and Premium Edition
On April 11, ESO announced via Twitter (X) the launch of a new 2025 Content Pass and Premium Edition, encompassing all past and future content releases. The 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 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 upon the release of Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 in June.
ESO is also offering Early Purchase rewards for a limited time, available until May 7, which include the Mages Guild Recall customized action. 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 Chapters and Classes, from Morrowind to Gold Road, and includes the base-game Classes along with the Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist.
With its 10th anniversary celebrations, ESO aims to expand its rich history and engage its supportive community further. By revisiting past storylines, the game will round out unfinished narratives and continue to build upon its deep lore. The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
