Oakensoul Rebalance

Rogerth · July 23

Dear Team,

I am writing to you today as a passionate and long-time player of The Elder Scrolls Online. First of all, thank you for your continuous work on expanding Tamriel and evolving the game.

I want to bring to your attention a growing concern within the community regarding the current state of the Oakensoul Ring. This Mythic item was a groundbreaking addition for accessibility, allowing players who struggle with or dislike two-bar weapon swapping to still participate in endgame content.

However, with recent updates and power creep, the gap between the current Meta builds and Oakensoul builds has become unsustainable. While top-tier two-bar setups are currently pushing 200k+ DPS, a fully optimized Oakensoul build struggles to even reach half of that amount.

We completely understand and agree that one-bar builds should not achieve the absolute highest damage in the game. Risk and complexity should be rewarded. That being said, a 50% damage disparity makes the ring feel obsolete. To keep Oakensoul viable and respectable for veteran content, the damage potential should ideally sit around the 150k to 160k DPS mark.

Many players rely on this ring due to physical limitations, high latency, or simply a preference for a cleaner playstyle. Leaving Oakensoul so far behind the Meta is actively discouraging this segment of the community, and many risk losing interest in endgame progression entirely.

Please consider adjusting the buffs provided by the Oakensoul Ring in an upcoming patch to bring it back to a respectable balance. Keeping one-bar playstyles viable is crucial for keeping our diverse player base engaged and subscribed.

Thank you very much for your time, your dedication to accessibility, and for listening to community feedback.

Best regards!

ketsparrowhawk · July 24

In this subclassing and class mastery environment, 1-bar builds are definitely due for a looking-at.

Wuuffyy · July 24

Agreed and I was thinking the same thing.

I do believe the 2 play styles (one bar and two bar) should be comparable and top-end OS being around up to 110k (as you said, half) is tragic and defeats the main purpose of the mythic when even ‘easy’ 2 bar builds are achieving significantly higher numbers with significantly greater utility and overall flexibility.

As always, I’m absolutely not a proponent of gatekeeping (in this case especially) for the sake of doing so.

Luneca · July 24

Disagree. Now moving on.

IZZEFlameLash · July 25

Losing one bar is significantly more impactful than people claim tbh. And currently, Oakensoul at its current state is not really feasible because of the limit unless you are really forced into for your personal reason (such as debilitating conditions). After all, limiting bar space gets even more limited and why would you want that if you can have two bars to do more?

Honestly, I think Oakensoul around the release was fine. Shame it got nerfed.

Vondreas · July 25

With new management, Oakensoul with buffs will be perfect.

Luneca · July 25

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

Losing one bar is significantly more impactful than people claim tbh. And currently, Oakensoul at its current state is not really feasible because of the limit unless you are really forced into for your personal reason (such as debilitating conditions). After all, limiting bar space gets even more limited and why would you want that if you can have two bars to do more?

Honestly, I think Oakensoul around the release was fine. Shame it got nerfed.

Oakensoul was so fine around release the devs nerfed nearly every major and minor buff in the game.

ketsparrowhawk · July 25

Luneca wrote: »

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

Losing one bar is significantly more impactful than people claim tbh. And currently, Oakensoul at its current state is not really feasible because of the limit unless you are really forced into for your personal reason (such as debilitating conditions). After all, limiting bar space gets even more limited and why would you want that if you can have two bars to do more?

Honestly, I think Oakensoul around the release was fine. Shame it got nerfed.

Oakensoul was so fine around release the devs nerfed nearly every major and minor buff in the game.

Source?

IZZEFlameLash · July 26

ketsparrowhawk wrote: »

Luneca wrote: »

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

Losing one bar is significantly more impactful than people claim tbh. And currently, Oakensoul at its current state is not really feasible because of the limit unless you are really forced into for your personal reason (such as debilitating conditions). After all, limiting bar space gets even more limited and why would you want that if you can have two bars to do more?

Honestly, I think Oakensoul around the release was fine. Shame it got nerfed.

Oakensoul was so fine around release the devs nerfed nearly every major and minor buff in the game.

Source?

Probably Google AI overview, the only trustworthy source.

Joke aside, I certainly don't remember things like them touching Major and Minor buffs themselves.

And not to mention that nerfs came AFTER continued theatrics of how overperforming Oakensoul builds were.

ADarklore · July 26

I agree, Oakensoul needs a buff to bring it back to current level of gameplay.

Heronisan · July 26

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

ketsparrowhawk wrote: »

Luneca wrote: »

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

Losing one bar is significantly more impactful than people claim tbh. And currently, Oakensoul at its current state is not really feasible because of the limit unless you are really forced into for your personal reason (such as debilitating conditions). After all, limiting bar space gets even more limited and why would you want that if you can have two bars to do more?

Honestly, I think Oakensoul around the release was fine. Shame it got nerfed.

Oakensoul was so fine around release the devs nerfed nearly every major and minor buff in the game.

Source?

Probably Google AI overview, the only trustworthy source.

Joke aside, I certainly don't remember things like them touching Major and Minor buffs themselves.

And not to mention that nerfs came AFTER continued theatrics of how overperforming Oakensoul builds were.

Theathrics? It was game breakingly OP.

It triviliazied content so much it was a joke, you would bring 1 tank and 11 oakensorc into trials since a healer was no longer needed, as a oakensorc had 30k hp, a shield, tank resistances, and was still out dpsing skilled 2 bars because their heavy attack alone had 100% uptime on their damage

and on the dummy. People where making parses, where they put tape down on the heavy attack button, left the controller on the table and still parsed 100k, the meta for dungeons was 1t 3 oakensorcs.

2 bars was managin to parse roughly the same on a dummy as a oakensorc that was actually holding the controller in it's hand. But in actual content whenever a 2 bar had to move around or dodge stuff, they lost uptime, and oakensorcs literaly crushed them dps wise.

And no 2 bar was running around with the most powerfull buffs in the game with 100% uptime, no backbar have ever been that strong, 2 bars where all dependant on getting tanks/healers with the correct sets and skills

ANY mid tier player, was getting dog walked by a oakensorc holding down 1 button dps wise, it wasnt even a contest.

I had a oakensorc aswell when it launched, i stopped playing it, because it was boring asf, it felt like cheating. So i went back to my 2 bar, and had to fight for my life keeping up dps with someone falling asleep on their controller. And i have every dungeon trifecta

The unchained was considered the hardest 4 man group content in the game at the time, once oakensorc was launched people did it with 4 oakensorcs or 1 t 3 oakensorcs, and got it on their first try.

Low skilled players probaly thought it was fine back then, but it was nerfed for good reason.

The only thing that could be reverted is the lighting staff aoe.

IZZEFlameLash · July 26

Heronisan wrote: »

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

ketsparrowhawk wrote: »

Luneca wrote: »

IZZEFlameLash wrote: »

Losing one bar is significantly more impactful than people claim tbh. And currently, Oakensoul at its current state is not really feasible because of the limit unless you are really forced into for your personal reason (such as debilitating conditions). After all, limiting bar space gets even more limited and why would you want that if you can have two bars to do more?

Honestly, I think Oakensoul around the release was fine. Shame it got nerfed.

Oakensoul was so fine around release the devs nerfed nearly every major and minor buff in the game.

Source?

Probably Google AI overview, the only trustworthy source.

Joke aside, I certainly don't remember things like them touching Major and Minor buffs themselves.

And not to mention that nerfs came AFTER continued theatrics of how overperforming Oakensoul builds were.

Theathrics? It was game breakingly OP.

It triviliazied content so much it was a joke, you would bring 1 tank and 11 oakensorc into trials since a healer was no longer needed, as a oakensorc had 30k hp, a shield, tank resistances, and was still out dpsing skilled 2 bars because their heavy attack alone had 100% uptime on their damage

and on the dummy. People where making parses, where they put tape down on the heavy attack button, left the controller on the table and still parsed 100k, the meta for dungeons was 1t 3 oakensorcs.

2 bars was managin to parse roughly the same on a dummy as a oakensorc that was actually holding the controller in it's hand. But in actual content whenever a 2 bar had to move around or dodge stuff, they lost uptime, and oakensorcs literaly crushed them dps wise.

And no 2 bar was running around with the most powerfull buffs in the game with 100% uptime, no backbar have ever been that strong, 2 bars where all dependant on getting tanks/healers with the correct sets and skills

ANY mid tier player, was getting dog walked by a oakensorc holding down 1 button dps wise, it wasnt even a contest.

I had a oakensorc aswell when it launched, i stopped playing it, because it was boring asf, it felt like cheating. So i went back to my 2 bar, and had to fight for my life keeping up dps with someone falling asleep on their controller. And i have every dungeon trifecta

The unchained was considered the hardest 4 man group content in the game at the time, once oakensorc was launched people did it with 4 oakensorcs or 1 t 3 oakensorcs, and got it on their first try.

Low skilled players probaly thought it was fine back then, but it was nerfed for good reason.

The only thing that could be reverted is the lighting staff aoe.

Just like WW now, Oakensoul just simply did not allow you to punch far above and beyond with all the stacked buffs for a single bar without doing anything. It helped you get through the contents just barely out of reach with the power boost built in, but never suddenly turn anyone into god gamer. For PvE contents, you need to master your rotation (if DPS), be aware of group's health (if healer and tank) still, and build specifically to account for the loss of back bar arena weapon and related skills. For PvP, you still need to know how to survive. It is not a 'you wear this and you just can't stop winning' type of 'cheat item'. Never was.

TheElf · July 27

> 2 bars was managin to parse roughly the same on a dummy as a oakensorc that was actually holding the controller in it's hand

Then it seems like this had completely accomplished the stated goal of ZoS of: raise the floor, lower the ceiling.

I'm not proposing Oakensoul should outclass everything, and I don't think it actually did, I am 100% certain that much of your message was complete hyperbole even though its merit still stands.

As others have said - you don't ACTUALLY get to just stand there with a button held down in real combat. And if you ARE getting DPS'd down by an empty chair and tape on a mouse...that actually DOES sound like a skill issue.

I don't know what it is with the toxicity of some of this game's player base and feeling like they should get to feel superior to others because they can press buttons like a 14 year old on cocaine vs. someone who doesn't wish to.

Is the enjoyment that others get from playing this game coming from the satisfaction of making others feel like they don't stack up to their arbitrary definition of "good"? Genuinely curious, because some of the responses and attitudes seem to reflect that.

Rogerth · July 28

TheElf wrote: »

> 2 bars was managin to parse roughly the same on a dummy as a oakensorc that was actually holding the controller in it's hand

Then it seems like this had completely accomplished the stated goal of ZoS of: raise the floor, lower the ceiling.

I'm not proposing Oakensoul should outclass everything, and I don't think it actually did, I am 100% certain that much of your message was complete hyperbole even though its merit still stands.

As others have said - you don't ACTUALLY get to just stand there with a button held down in real combat. And if you ARE getting DPS'd down by an empty chair and tape on a mouse...that actually DOES sound like a skill issue.

I don't know what it is with the toxicity of some of this game's player base and feeling like they should get to feel superior to others because they can press buttons like a 14 year old on cocaine vs. someone who doesn't wish to.

Is the enjoyment that others get from playing this game coming from the satisfaction of making others feel like they don't stack up to their arbitrary definition of "good"? Genuinely curious, because some of the responses and attitudes seem to reflect that.

Well said. You only have to look at the comments people are leaving on this post; none of their "arguments" hold water against the fact that Oakensoul currently needs a buff—in fact, their criticisms actually support my point. Also, as I said earlier, if things keep going this way, many of us will stop playing the game—which isn't in Zenimax's best interest, especially given their recent situation. There is no argument that could convince me why those of us who don't want to play with two bars should be forced to do so; basically, they're pushing us to quit the game. It’s sad how toxic this community can be sometimes—so lacking in empathy. Many of us can't play like pros—AND WE AREN'T ASKING THE RING TO PUT US ON THAT LEVEL (seriously, read and understand before you speak). We’re just asking for it not to be left so far behind the current standard, because everything else is scaling up while the ring has become obsolete. A quick search on video platforms reveals a huge list of builds already exceeding 200k DPS, and—say what you will—that represents a lack of balance. Fine, if you don't want to readjust Oakensoul, then find other alternatives, but make it viable and playable so that those of us who can't manage two bars can play with one—even if it's at 70% power or a bit less. WE NEVER ASKED FOR EQUALITY WITH TWO-BAR DPS BUILDS, but admit it: that ring needs a tweak to remain usable. Many of us paid for *High Isle* just to get it, and now what? Now it's trash? No way. Less skilled players also have the right to feel satisfied playing a strong character, and ABOVE ALL, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO PLAY WITHOUT BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST for not bringing 200k DPS to trials. More empathy, more kindness, and more harmony, everyone—it’s a game, and everyone should be able to play through all the content and have a great time. You shouldn't log in only to realize the build you used to rely on is now trash, and that people discriminate against you or kick you out of groups because they don't want an Oakensoul user. That is exactly why the rebalance is being requested; their bad attitudes actually prove the point that the ring is no longer viable. YES TO THE REBALANCE!!!

CatalinaWineMixer2 · July 28

Rogerth wrote: »

TheElf wrote: »

> 2 bars was managin to parse roughly the same on a dummy as a oakensorc that was actually holding the controller in it's hand

Then it seems like this had completely accomplished the stated goal of ZoS of: raise the floor, lower the ceiling.

I'm not proposing Oakensoul should outclass everything, and I don't think it actually did, I am 100% certain that much of your message was complete hyperbole even though its merit still stands.

As others have said - you don't ACTUALLY get to just stand there with a button held down in real combat. And if you ARE getting DPS'd down by an empty chair and tape on a mouse...that actually DOES sound like a skill issue.

I don't know what it is with the toxicity of some of this game's player base and feeling like they should get to feel superior to others because they can press buttons like a 14 year old on cocaine vs. someone who doesn't wish to.

Is the enjoyment that others get from playing this game coming from the satisfaction of making others feel like they don't stack up to their arbitrary definition of "good"? Genuinely curious, because some of the responses and attitudes seem to reflect that.

Well said. You only have to look at the comments people are leaving on this post; none of their "arguments" hold water against the fact that Oakensoul currently needs a buff—in fact, their criticisms actually support my point. Also, as I said earlier, if things keep going this way, many of us will stop playing the game—which isn't in Zenimax's best interest, especially given their recent situation. There is no argument that could convince me why those of us who don't want to play with two bars should be forced to do so; basically, they're pushing us to quit the game. It’s sad how toxic this community can be sometimes—so lacking in empathy. Many of us can't play like pros—AND WE AREN'T ASKING THE RING TO PUT US ON THAT LEVEL (seriously, read and understand before you speak). We’re just asking for it not to be left so far behind the current standard, because everything else is scaling up while the ring has become obsolete. A quick search on video platforms reveals a huge list of builds already exceeding 200k DPS, and—say what you will—that represents a lack of balance. Fine, if you don't want to readjust Oakensoul, then find other alternatives, but make it viable and playable so that those of us who can't manage two bars can play with one—even if it's at 70% power or a bit less. WE NEVER ASKED FOR EQUALITY WITH TWO-BAR DPS BUILDS, but admit it: that ring needs a tweak to remain usable. Many of us paid for *High Isle* just to get it, and now what? Now it's trash? No way. Less skilled players also have the right to feel satisfied playing a strong character, and ABOVE ALL, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO PLAY WITHOUT BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST for not bringing 200k DPS to trials. More empathy, more kindness, and more harmony, everyone—it’s a game, and everyone should be able to play through all the content and have a great time. You shouldn't log in only to realize the build you used to rely on is now trash, and that people discriminate against you or kick you out of groups because they don't want an Oakensoul user. That is exactly why the rebalance is being requested; their bad attitudes actually prove the point that the ring is no longer viable. YES TO THE REBALANCE!!!

I agree with you Rogerth. There are a lot of people in the game who would enjoy and be grateful for the changes you are suggesting. It is not and should not be for anyone but the Developers to decide who gets to choose 1 or 2 bars. Ever. The constant nerfs and calls for them are game breaking. And this creed of attempting to silence people for wanting to enjoy Eso has really shown its true colors. The game needs more players and we need to hang onto the ones we have.

NxJoeyD · July 28

I agree with this namely in the fact that Subclassing elevated power creep by significant amounts.

Subclassing also gave players access to more skills and mechanics, which is the one thing Oakensoul users can’t take full advantage of.

Sure, Oak users can subclass but when players now have the full gamut of skills to choose from; the opportunity cost of having two bars is much higher than it was pre-subclassing.

What I’d suggest is that Oakensoul be adjusted for a Battle Spirit mode vs Regular mode whereby Slayer, Aegis, & Empower are exchanged for other minor buffs only when a Battle Spirit is active. Then those buffs would revert back when Battle Spirit isn’t active.