“Mirror, Mirror on the wall… Which Solo Class Build will win them all?” Searching for or creating the perfect class build specifically for solo play can be daunting, as there is just so much information out in the world and so many variables to manipulate. That being said, coming up with a clear plan of which Class to start out with is the player’s first course of action.
Below is a Class Tier List built from ESO specific sites, forums and in-game feed. Not all players or communities are in perfect agreement or concert with each other over which PvE Class is “the best”, but a large sampling did make the general favorites more apparent. Always remember that Classes considered to be strong in PvP may not have the same satisfying results in solo gameplay. Use this handy guide before choosing a more specific build recipe for your next character.
Class “S”
Mag Sorc 95/100
Magcro 92/100
Stam DK 90/100
Class “A”
Mag Blade 89/100
Stam Sorc 85/100
Stamcro 85/100
Class “B”
Stamplar 84/100
Stam Blade 83/100
Mag DK 84/100
Class “C”
Maglar 79/100
Stamden 70/100
Class “D”
Magden 60/100
Class Tier “S”
These are the “cream of the crop” at this standpoint, taking into consideration newer changes with patches and the addition of the Necromancer Class. Each has multiple strengths to play up to, making each a fine choice. Across the board, way more positive features with each Class than drawbacks, and great information to have in your arsenal.
Mag Sorc – Magicka Sorcerer “The Favorite”
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The Mag Sorc is a primo choice, given many players are comfortable with their gameplay, while the DPS on most advanced spells is worth the hard work earning them. Not to mention, the advanced spells are breathtaking to behold. Not kidding about the cost of Gear-upkeep, however, in order to have enough Magicka to pull off the big spells. Patience with the grind definitely produces very positive results.
The Goods:
Extremely High single-target DPS.
Excellent AoE
Crowd Control is reliable.
The Bads:
It is a slow grind up to the more exciting Skills.
Must always be mindful of gear leveling and repair, very Gear-Based capabilities.
2. Magcro - Magicka Necromancer “The Rebel”
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The Necromancer may ironically end up being one of the more versatile Classes of all, regardless of their terrible working relationship with Tamriel Law Enforcement. Definitely one of the characters that scratch that “Bad Guy, Good Guy” itch, with the amount of power Necros command, and remarkably enough, the amount of healing. Magcros fall higher in the list than their sibling, the Stamcro, because they are intentionally built to fling spells. Of the two, Magcro is infinitely more reliable in that sense. Fantastic Class!
The Goods:
Highest DPS to-date, possible quoted at 95k.
Extra expansive AoE. (Fun to layer large spells like, Boneyard and Totem).
Health Bonus, Recovery and Healing are excellent.
Highly Intuitive rotation.
The Bads:
Newest Class introduced, not as vetted as other Classes.
What mobility?
Many skills “assume” there are already bodies on the ground from which to draw power.
Many spells are “Criminal Acts”, so do not let fly while in town.
Stam DK - Stamina Dragon Knight “The Warhorse”
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“Old Faithful” would be a fitting title for the Stam DK, because regardless of PvP or solo play, these guys are the autopilots of ESO. Great for beginners or just those who do not feel like being run over repeatedly, The Stam DK rarely disappoints. In fact, when they do, it’s normally from the lack of variety in lower-end gameplay. BONUS: Takes their role of ‘Supporting Actor’ very seriously, too!
The Goods:
Easy rotation for any level player.
Sustainability is excellent
Versatile (especially as Tank) in either PvP or PvE.
The Bads:
Gameplay can become repetitive.
Class Tier “A”
So maybe these guys didn’t win medals of honor necessarily. It doesn’t matter, as they’re still at the top of their class! In all seriousness, no one is going to turn down a Mag Blade. A Stam Sorc is often at the top of the forums in discussion, and a Stamcro is just plain FUN.
Mag Blade - Magicka Nightblade “Bad Reputation”
The Goods:
High single-target DPS.
Impressive AoE.
Great Sustainability during battle.
More frequent availability of Ultimates.
The Bads:
Night Blades are notorious for difficult rotations, particularly for Newbies.
Breaks in rotation can leave Nightblades open to incredible damage from adversaries.
Stam Sorc -Stamina Sorcerer “The Workhorse”
The Goods:
Decent Single-target DPS.
Good AoE, initial burst is Great.
The Bads:
High level of predictability.
Not the most self-sustaining in the heat of battle.
Stamcro – Stamina Necromancer “The Dark Horse”
The Goods:
Incredibly self-sustaining in long-winded battles.
Impressive AoE, like the Magcro.
Very intuitive rotation.
The Bads:
Tanking requires draining enemies.
Still newer Class Build.
Class Tier “B”
A few more obstacles encountered when choosing to play like one of these Classes, but overall, still negotiable.
Rotation requires so much experience and practice.
Mag DK - Magicka Dragon Knight “The Flake”
The Goods:
Magicka Shield for defense
Versatile Skill-set
Reliable Single-target and AoE DPS
The Bads:
Rotation is not intuitive.
Limited possibilities for Solo
Class Tier “C”
Not saying these Class choices are completely off the table, but these are not for the weak of heart. What makes them strong in PvP often slays them in Solo. olo. Tread lightly.
Maglar – Magicka Templar “Case of Mistaken Identity”
The Goods:
Ranged and Melee are strong and balanced
Highly Sustainable in battle
Good DPS in AoE and Single-target
The Bads
Breakdown in rotation can slow mobility.
Stamden - Stamina Warden “Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea”
The Goods:
Spells in gameplay are fun (Who doesn’t want to send a Cliff Racer to divebomb an opponent’s head?)
Self-healing is adequate
Option for conjuring multiple Pets.
The Bads:
Healing more aimed at group-play.
Mobility can feel cumbersome.
Rotation is only marginally less frustrating than that of any Nightblade, but without the great damage payout.
Class Tier “D”
Anyone choosing this Class Tier is just a glutton for punishment.
Magden – Magicka Warden “The Losing Bet”
The Goods:
Summoning flora and fauna is fun?
Decent Self-sustain.
The Bads:
The constant feeling of disappointment. Repeat this several times whenever tempted. “I will not build a Magden, I will not build a Magden.”
DPS will always feel like it’s falling short of expectation, therefore gameplay suffers.
Like most modern, Half-Elf females, Kir finds the strength to fight the Big Boss battles flanked by her constant companions: Tolkien (her son), and their familiar, Barry White the Manx.
Gamer Since:
1984
Favorite Genre:
RPG
Currently Playing:
Borderlands 3, Fortnite, previewing Grounded
Top 3 Favorite Games:
The Elder Scrolls Online, Alice: Madness Returns, Borderlands 2
