Offensive/Defensive/Healing skill lines instead of classes

Nic727 · December 2022

Hi,

I know a class change token has been discussed million of time. However, what if we unlock class specific skill lines to allow players to really choose how they want to play by mixing different type of gameplay?

For example, I could choose one offensive skill line, one defensive and one healing. Each classes are separated like that actually. I personally would love to get a mix of warden/Templar.

What do you think about this idea?

haelgaan · December 2022

three thoughts,

first, this already exists in weapon skills. want an offensive skill line, pick destro staff or dual wield. want defensive, pick 1Hand shield. want healing, pick resto. etc

second, if you mean class skill buffet, that would require massive structural change and across the board rebalancing of all skills (read, huuuuge project). given how horrible the design and execution has been the last few patches with regard to combat and skill changes, the last thing i'd want is for a change this massive to be attempted.

third, given the example of hybridization (which somewhat did something similar from a stats perspective) led to the reduction of build diversity, doing the same for class skills would push that even further. with a la carte selection, entire skill lines would be relegated to the dust bin, and the playerbase will shift into the 3 or 4 different combos judged to be "best" at their role.

apologies, i don't mean to seem so negative, but a la carte approach to class skills just strikes me as a really, really bad move for ESO. it something you'd tackle with designing a completely new game, not grafting it on to something that's been around as long as ESO.

Nihilr · December 2022

The balance wouldn't be difficult because if you limit each character to 10 abilities, 1 of each type, but only 1! (regardless of which class the skill originally came from):

• 1 spammable melee-range dmg
• 1 spammable ranged dmg
• 1 spammable heal
• 2 DoT s or 2 HoT, or 1 of each.
• 1 Defensive armor buff
• 1 stun or reflect
• 1 Offensive stat buff
• 1 summon/conjure
• 1 pull or leap

This would include world skills now too, reducing the need to level world skills for abilities, but the passives would benefit their respectable line: Fighters guild --> Increase physical damage x%, Mages --> magic damage x%, Undaunted --> damage to PvE monsters.

Would just make sense since classes were always more adjustable/customizable in Elder Scrolls. Sure you could select a pre-made class, but you could also change out skills and make your own "class".

So I agree with OP, would LOVE to mix Warden plant themed skills with Light themed Templar healing or damage or whatever.

I also want the wind healing skill from warden with Nightblade shadow healing. Shadow and wind. Etc etc etc