Elder Scrolls Online: Best Classes for DPS, Ranked
In The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), choosing the right class for Damage Per Second (DPS) is critical to maximizing your performance in both Player vs Environment (PvE) and Player vs Player (PvP) scenarios. Each class in ESO brings unique strengths and playstyles to the table, catering to different player preferences. This ranking focuses on DPS potential, versatility, and ease of use, helping you decide which class suits your playstyle. You can buy ESO Gold from MMOexp.com to improve your DPS damage. We'll start now...
1. Magicka Sorcerer
Why It's Top Tier:
Magicka Sorcerers have been a dominant DPS class in ESO for years. Their ease of use, high sustain, and powerful single-target and Area of Effect (AoE) abilities make them a favorite among new and experienced players alike. Skills like Crystal Fragments and Elemental Weapon (when combined with a Destruction Staff) provide burst damage, while abilities like Boundless Storm and Hurricane offer AoE capabilities and mobility.
Strengths:
Exceptional resource sustain with Dark Conversion.
High AoE damage potential with Liquid Lightning and Elemental Blockade.
Reliable single-target burst damage.
Can self-shield with Hardened Ward for survivability.
Best For:
Players who want a straightforward but powerful DPS experience, whether solo or in group content.
2. Stamina Nightblade
Why It's Top Tier:
Stamina Nightblades are the kings of burst damage, making them a top choice for DPS in PvE and PvP alike. Their toolkit includes powerful abilities like Surprise Attack and Killer's Blade for single-target damage, while Steel Tornado clears groups of enemies efficiently. Additionally, the Relentless Focus skill enhances their overall DPS output, especially in execute phases.
Strengths:
Unparalleled single-target burst damage.
Excellent stealth-based gameplay.
Strong execute abilities for boss fights.
High mobility and survivability with Shadowy Disguise.
Best For:
Players who enjoy fast-paced, high-risk, high-reward gameplay, particularly in PvP scenarios.
3. Magicka Dragonknight
Why It's Top Tier:
Magicka Dragonknights are known for their consistent DPS and incredible sustain. Their unique abilities like Flames of Oblivion and Engulfing Flames ensure high damage output while debuffing enemies. The Standard of Might ultimate is one of the most potent ultimates in the game for increasing damage.
Strengths:
High sustain with abilities like Burning Embers and Draw Essence.
Strong AoE damage with Eruption and Engulfing Flames.
Buffs that increase group damage potential.
Excellent synergy with flame-based gear sets like Zaan or Burning Spellweave.
Best For:
Players who prefer fire-themed abilities and a balanced mix of offense and defense.
4. Stamina Warden
Why It's Top Tier:
Stamina Wardens excel in both AoE and single-target DPS, thanks to abilities like Subterranean Assault and Cutting Dive. Their synergy with nature-themed abilities and stamina-scaling gear makes them a formidable force in PvE content.
Strengths:
High AoE damage with Subterranean Assault.
Strong single-target damage with Wild Guardian ultimate.
Great self-healing with Green Lotus and passives.
Buffs group damage with abilities like Bull Netch and Lotus Blossom.
Best For:
Players who enjoy nature-themed abilities and strong group utility.
5. Magicka Templar
Why It's Top Tier:
Magicka Templars are versatile DPS powerhouses. With access to skills like Puncturing Sweeps for sustained AoE damage and Radiant Oppression for execute damage, they excel in all phases of a fight. Their self-healing capabilities also make them exceptionally durable.
Strengths:
High AoE damage with Puncturing Sweeps.
Excellent sustain through the Restoring Light skill line.
Strong execute damage with Radiant Oppression.
Easy-to-learn rotation, ideal for beginners.
Best For:
Players seeking a mix of strong DPS, survivability, and straightforward mechanics.
6. Stamina Sorcerer
Why It's Top Tier:
Stamina Sorcerers bring high mobility and burst damage to the table. Their access to skills like Bound Armaments and Crystal Weapon enhances their stamina-based damage potential, while abilities like Hurricane provide excellent AoE.
Strengths:
High mobility with skills like Streak.
Strong AoE and single-target damage.
Good sustain through passives and Dark Deal.
Versatile in PvP and PvE environments.
Best For:
Players who want a fast-paced, highly mobile DPS experience.
7. Stamina Dragonknight
Why It's Top Tier:
Stamina Dragonknights are a great choice for consistent and sustained DPS. Skills like Noxious Breath and Venomous Claw deal excellent damage over time, while Take Flight provides a powerful ultimate ability for burst damage.
Strengths:
Excellent damage-over-time (DoT) abilities.
High survivability with Cauterize and Green Dragon Blood.
Great synergy with stamina gear sets like Deadly Strike or Leviathan.
Best For:
Players who prefer damage-over-time mechanics and a durable DPS class.
8. Magicka Necromancer
Why It's Top Tier:
Magicka Necromancers shine in group PvE content, thanks to their massive AoE damage and unique class abilities. Skills like Blazing Skull and Mystic Siphon provide excellent damage output, while Boneyard synergizes well with group strategies.
Strengths:
High AoE damage with Boneyard and Unnerving Boneyard.
Strong group utility through corpse mechanics.
Great sustain with Mystic Siphon.
Can summon minions for additional damage.
Best For:
Players who enjoy dark, necromantic themes and a unique class identity.
9. Stamina Necromancer
Why It's Top Tier:
Stamina Necromancers offer incredible AoE and single-target DPS, making them a strong choice for PvE content. Skills like Blighted Blastbones and Detonating Siphon ensure high damage output, especially in trash pulls.
Strengths:
High AoE and burst damage potential.
Unique corpse mechanics add strategic depth.
Strong survivability with Spirit Guardian.
Synergy with stamina gear sets like Vicious Serpent.
Best For:
Players who enjoy methodical gameplay with strategic corpse-based mechanics.
10. Stamina Templar
Why It's Top Tier:
Stamina Templars are reliable and straightforward DPS classes. Skills like Biting Jabs and Power of the Light provide excellent damage output, while Crescent Sweep is a powerful and cost-effective ultimate.
Strengths:
Great AoE damage with Biting Jabs.
Strong group utility with Ritual of Retribution.
High sustain through class passives and Repentance.
Easy-to-learn rotation.
Best For:
Players who prefer simplicity and reliability in their DPS class.
Final Thoughts
Each class in The Elder Scrolls Online offers unique advantages and playstyles for DPS roles. The best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of content you enjoy. Whether you're looking for high burst damage, sustained DPS, or thematic immersion, there's a class for you in ESO. Experiment with different classes to find the one that fits your playstyle and enjoy exploring the vast world of Tamriel!
MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team