The Elder Scrolls Online Introduces Subclasses After 11 Years

The Elder Scrolls Online has officially introduced a highly anticipated feature fans have been requesting for years: subclasses. Continue reading to discover how this new system operates and what future updates are planned for the game.

Direct Updates for The Elder Scrolls Online

Over 3,000 Skill Line Combinations

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and developer ZeniMax Online Studios has prepared a wealth of new content for players. During the recent ESO Direct 2025 event on April 10, the studio confirmed that the much-requested subclassing feature will soon be implemented.

For years, the community has expressed interest in the ability to change classes more flexibly. Each time a new skill tree is introduced, players must create a new character and start over to access the latest content, which can be tedious in an MMO setting. Fortunately, the developers are addressing this by adding subclasses, allowing players to blend and match skill lines without needing to reroll characters.

To unlock subclassing, players must first reach level 50. They will retain one skill line from their original class and can then exchange two of their class skill lines for any of the six other classes available. This opens up more than 3,000 possible combinations, enabling players to fully customize their playstyle.

Game Director Rich Lambert expressed confidence in the new system, noting that the development team conducted extensive testing. He acknowledged that an increase in player power levels is expected, but stated the team is "comfortable with where things currently stand."

Seasons of the Worm Cult

ZeniMax Online is shifting toward a seasonal content model. Studio Director Matt Firor explained that this approach will enable the studio to experiment more freely with new types of content and respond more directly to player feedback.

He elaborated, "We are committed to delivering compelling narratives while integrating new ideas and gameplay mechanics. However, we will be adopting a different release rhythm that allows our development team to diversify our focus and enhance the variety of experiences we provide."

The upcoming new chapter, titled Seasons of the Worm Cult, serves as a decade-in-the-making continuation of the original Molag Bal storyline. This chapter introduces the Isle of Solstice, a brand-new zone where players will investigate the unexpected return of the sinister Worm Cult.

Producer Susan Kath clarified that while the inaugural season, Seasons of the Worm Cult, will run for most of this year, future seasons are expected to be shorter, lasting approximately three to six months. ZeniMax also plans to introduce "remix" seasons that revisit previous storylines, hinting at a potential Dark Brotherhood-themed season in development.

2025 Content Pass and Premium Edition

On April 11, ESO announced via Twitter (X) the launch of a new Content Pass and a Premium Edition, both of which grant access to all prior and upcoming game content. All versions of the pass include the following:

　●　Fallen Banners dungeon pack - Available now
　●　Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 - Releasing June 2 for PC/Mac and June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles
　●　The Writhing Wall in-game event - Scheduled for Q3/Q4 2025
　●　Feast of Shadows dungeon pack - Arriving Q3 2025
　●　Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2 - Planned for Q4 2025

Both the Content Pass and Premium Edition also include a collection of exclusive in-game collectibles:

　●　Skulltooth Coastal Durzog mount
　●　Golden Eagle pet
　●　Remnant of Meridia's Light memento

Additionally, both editions will grant players access to a unique mount, pet, and memento upon the launch of Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 in June.

ESO is also offering limited-time Early Purchase rewards, including the Mages Guild Recall customized action, available until May 7. 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 players and June 18 for those on Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

The Premium Edition also grants players access to all previously released ESO Chapters and Classes.

　●　All prior ESO Chapters (from Morrowind to Gold Road)
　●　All previously introduced Classes (including base-game classes, plus the Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist)

As part of its year-long 10th-anniversary celebrations, ESO aims to build upon its extensive history and engaged player community. The plan to revisit earlier storylines will help conclude unresolved narratives and further enrich the game's deep lore. The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.