The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has finally introduced a long-awaited feature that fans have been requesting for over a decade: the addition of subclasses. Dive in to explore how this new system works and what other exciting updates are on the horizon for this beloved MMO.
As The Elder Scrolls Online celebrates its 10th anniversary, Zenimax Online Studios unveiled a host of new features during the ESO Direct 2025 event on April 10. One of the most anticipated announcements was the introduction of subclassing, a feature fans have long desired.
For years, the community has sought the ability to swap classes without the hassle of starting over with each new skill tree. Now, with the introduction of subclasses, players can mix and match skill lines without rerolling 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 six available classes. This opens up a staggering 3000 combinations, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience to their unique playstyle.
ESO Game Director Rich Lambert expressed confidence in the new feature, noting that the team has conducted extensive testing. Despite potential concerns about power level increases, Lambert stated that the developers are "fine with where it is."
ZeniMax Online is also shifting to a seasonal content model, a move Studio Director Matt Firor explained would allow for more experimental content releases and better address player feedback. Firor said, "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 new seasons, "Seasons of the Worm Cult," marks a 10-year sequel to the original Molag Bal storyline. This chapter introduces the Isle of Solstice, a new zone where players will investigate the resurgence of the Worm Cult. Producer Susan Kath noted that while the Seasons of the Worm Cult will last most of the year, future seasons will span 3 to 6 months. The developers also plan to introduce "remix" seasons, revisiting previous storylines, with a Dark Brotherhood-themed season teased for the future.
On April 11, ESO announced via Twitter (X) a new 2025 Content Pass and Premium Edition, which will include all past and upcoming game releases. Here's what you can expect in both versions:
Both editions come with a set of unique collectibles:
Additionally, when Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 launches in June, both the Content Pass and Premium Edition will unlock a unique mount, pet, and memento.
ESO is also offering Early Purchase rewards until May 7, including the Mages Guild Recall customized action, alongside other rewards:
These rewards are 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 from Morrowind to Gold Road, as well as all past Classes, including the base-game Classes, Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist.
With the celebration of its 10th anniversary, ESO continues to expand its rich history and engage its supportive community. By revisiting previous storylines, the developers aim to round out unfinished narratives and further enrich the game's deep lore. The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.