Skills | Elder Scrolls Online Wiki

Best Skills in ESO

The best skills in the game are often related to your playstyle and objectives. PvE players use different Sets and Builds than PvP players, and Trial players would focus on gear for group encounters rather than solo burst. For this reason, you should consider your Race, Class, Sets and the Activities you plan to do

Some very useful skills for any player are:

• Shadow Rider: -50% detection rate when mounted
• Rapid Maneuver: +30% mount speed for 30 seconds
• Locksmith: Up to +70% better force lock chances
• Undaunted Mettle: Up to +2% max attributes based on your armor

To find the best skills for your build, visit each Class page and check out the recommendations.

ESO Skills Advisor

Added with a free patch alongside the Dragon Bones DLC, this new system makes recommendations on how to spend skill points based on the build you select. You can use this system to mold your character as you’re leveling up, or to help you re-specialize your build after reaching max level. To support this system, UI has been adjusted:

• The Skill menu has been modified to accommodate the Skill Advisor system. Abilities and morphs will now be listed as recommended based on the build selected.
• Morphed abilities will now display their base ability name in their tooltips.
• Note that the Skill Advisor can be toggled off at any point.
• For detailed beginner's guide, please see this article.

Racial Skills

These are the Passive Skills that your chosen race begins with. Each race is different and their bonuses are minimal, yet important to min/maxers. Some races are more aligned towards certain class types than others. There are ten races in Elder Scrolls Online and they are: Breton, Redguard, Orsimer (Orc), Nord, Dunmer (Dark Elf), Argonian, Altmer (High Elf), Bosmer (Wood Elf), Khajiit and Imperial (only available if you buy the Imperial Edition).

Class Skills

These are the skills of your chosen class: Templar, Dragon Knight, Nightblade, Sorcerer, Warden, Necromancer and Arcanist. Each class has 3 skills lines to choose from that specialize in different aspects of their class. For instance the Templar class has a DPS line, buffing line and healing line. You can mix and match equipped skills from each line, but it is necessary to unlock the skills to be able to use them. Once unlocked they will remain so no matter which skills you use.

Weapon Skills

These are the skills that come paired with the weapon type you are using. The weapon styles are: Two-Handed, One-Handed and Shield , Dual Wield, Bow, Destruction Staff and Restoration Staff. You can use any weapons you wish in Elder Scrolls Online, so feel free to experiment with what you like best.

Armor Skills

Skills that depend on the type of armor you have equipped, granting you bonuses for having more of one type. The Armor types are: Light Armor, Medium Armor and Heavy Armor. You can use any combination of armors that you wish, so get creative.

Guild Skills

Through out your travels in Tamriel, you will undoubtedly come across a guild or two that you wish to join. The Fighters Guild, Mage's Guild and Undaunted have their own set of skills and you can mix and match them into your arsenal as well. The Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood and Psijic Order Skills were added with DLC and Chapters.

World Skills

These skills lines are Soul Magic, Scrying, Excavation , Vampire , Werewolf and Legerdemain. The Vampire and Werewolf Lines are acquired from another player at the specified ritual site or from being infected with enemies carrying Vampirism or Lycanthropy. Soul Magic is acquired from completing the introduction.

Alliance War Skills

These are skills obtained by participating in The Alliance War and have mostly PvP benefits. They are: Assault and Support. One can also become Emperor and gain Passive Skills of that line (most of which give some benefit after your reign as Emperor is over.

Trade Skills

These are the skills that allow a player to craft weapons, armor, runes and potions. These skills are selected by the player when leveling up. He or she may put points into any of the the crafting professions, but will only have enough points available to max out 2 of them. These skills points are shared with combat skill points. The professions are: Alchemy, Blacksmithing, Clothier, Enchanting, Jewelry Crafting, Provisioning and Woodworking.

Companion Skills

Companion Skills in Elder Scroll Online (ESO) is a new feature added with the Blackwood Chapter (Release June 2021). You can pick multiple skills for your Companions, make them more powerful and helpful in your adventures. Like your character, companion skills can be categorized as Class Skills, Weapon Skills, Armor Skills, Guild Skills, and Racial Skills. They can slot 5 normal skills and 1 Ultimate skill.