Which class for a new player? (DPS - PvE)

xGoober · July 2016

So I know this is probably like "Pick a class for me" thread #1,000 today but I honestly have no clue what class to pick as a main. Looking for a class that is great at DPS for PvE(I just like to kill stuff and run dungeons.)

Also do races truly make a game changing difference? I'de rather not choose a race I don't like just to get an extra 1-2k dps.

Helpful info:

Prefer a class that can solo if needed
Can choose any race/alliance.
I am only playing Vanilla ESO for the time being, no DLC(Not sure if that makes a difference.)

Thanks!

psychotic13 · July 2016

Do you want to be stamina focused or magicka focused? When you decide that, then you'll know which race will be most beneficial to you, but if you want to pick a certain race then do that, I believe they're bringing race change into play with the next DLC so if you really regret it you can always change then.

As for class, I think all can deal good damage.
Nightblade is more of a stealth class
Templar is more of a support/healer
Sorcerer can utilize pets to help them
DK is a tanky class

Like I said, all are good for dealing damage if you choose a DPS route over tank ect.

xGoober · July 2016

I don't mind playing Stamina or Magicka. I just don't want to play a class that does 20k dps, when there are other classes that do 40k.

dereck_phantom · July 2016

Magicka NB is nice that's how I beat Maelstorm

psychotic13 · July 2016

I think the biggest difference between 20k dps and 40k dos is the level of skill, not the class. That comes with time and understanding of the game, one class isn't way better than any other.

SolarCat02 · July 2016

xGoober wrote: »

I don't mind playing Stamina or Magicka. I just don't want to play a class that does 20k dps, when there are other classes that do 40k.

You can't go wrong there, then. Currently Sorcerers are a bit behind and Dragonknights are a bit ahead, but for PvE DPS wise they're actually rather balanced right now. Pick the style you enjoy the most!

Dragonknights - fire (magicka) or poison (stamina) based, damage over time attacks, with group buffs and self-defense/sustain
Nightblade - stealth based, burst damage attacks, with debuffs the group can utilize, and some solid off-heal options (if magicka) while attacking
Templar - light-based attacks, good stamina support, strong group heals (if magicka)
Sorcerer - lightning based, highly mobile, shields and pets

Regarding races, some are better for stamina and some are geared towards magicka so I would keep that in mind when picking a race, but aside from that it doesn't matter except for min/max.

GilGalad · July 2016

The biggest issue for a new player is the lack of CPs. A 500+ CP player will deal more than 30% more dmg than a 0 CP player of equal skill.
Apart from that the top DPS classes atm are stamina DKs and stamina sorcs (both Khajiiit as best race, followed by Redguard and Imperial) and they will stay on top for a while. The problem ist that you need Maelstrom weapons to reach their full potential and they are a pain to grind atm. Their solo potential is not that good since they lack healing in the low levels. Stamina sorcs however become self sustaining machines once they have surge and dark exchange.

For the magicka classes DKs (Dunmer) should be slightly on top followed by Templars (High Elf/Dunmer/Breton), NBs (Dunmer/ High Elf/Breton) and Sorcs (high elf). For solo play NBs, Templars and Sorcs are easy, DKs are a bit tricky but also very powerful for solo stuff. By far the easiest class to play for a beginner is a magicka Templar. You basically take the first skill of every class line and that's enough to solo almost everything. Thanks to the class healing skills you can easily switch to healing roles and still deal decent dmg. NBs are pretty similar in that point but their healing ist not as reliable.

For the start I would suggest to take eighter a magicka Templar or a NB. While you are gaining CP you can easily make another char in a short time (it only takes a few hours if you grind it to level 50) and try some other stuff.

xGoober · July 2016

Gil.Galad wrote: »

The biggest issue for a new player is the lack of CPs. A 500+ CP player will deal more than 30% more dmg than a 0 CP player of equal skill.
Apart from that the top DPS classes atm are stamina DKs and stamina sorcs (both Khajiiit as best race, followed by Redguard and Imperial) and they will stay on top for a while. The problem ist that you need Maelstrom weapons to reach their full potential and they are a pain to grind atm. Their solo potential is not that good since they lack healing in the low levels. Stamina sorcs however become self sustaining machines once they have surge and dark exchange.

For the magicka classes DKs (Dunmer) should be slightly on top followed by Templars (High Elf/Dunmer/Breton), NBs (Dunmer/ High Elf/Breton) and Sorcs (high elf). For solo play NBs, Templars and Sorcs are easy, DKs are a bit tricky but also very powerful for solo stuff. By far the easiest class to play for a beginner is a magicka Templar. You basically take the first skill of every class line and that's enough to solo almost everything. Thanks to the class healing skills you can easily switch to healing roles and still deal decent dmg. NBs are pretty similar in that point but their healing ist not as reliable.

For the start I would suggest to take eighter a magicka Templar or a NB. While you are gaining CP you can easily make another char in a short time (it only takes a few hours if you grind it to level 50) and try some other stuff.

Thanks! Pretty much gave me the type of answer I was looking for. Think i'll take your advice and level a Templar or NB before expanding to other classes.

Acsvf · July 2016

1. Every class does fine, there are stronger and weaker ones every update but it's nothing permanent.
2. Races are quite significant, yes. However, if you really don't want to play as a race you dislike you don't have to. There are a decent selection of choices for each playstyle. A stamina DPS for PVE works well with Imperial, Khajiit, Orc, and Redguard. A Magicka DPS or healer for PVE works well with Dark Elf, High Elf, and Breton. A stamina tank is good with Imperial, and a Magicka Tank works well with Imperial, High Elf, or Breton.

RebornV3x · July 2016

If you don't know what class to play go Templar a very versatile class with great healing, DPS and tanking choices

Van_0S · July 2016

Magicka Templar!
just use Puncturing sweeps(PS) for AoE heal and DD(for a boost heal and Dps, use Channel focus then PS and use Structured Entropy before battle), also when the boss health is low use Radiant Oppression.

for smart heal use honor of the dead.

Cogo · July 2016

DK in a robe with a stick!