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How are people finding the new pureclass DK?

moderatelyfatman
moderatelyfatman
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So how's the refreshed pureclass DK turning out?
(I'm particularly interested because this is a good indicator of things to come for the other class refreshes).
Edited by moderatelyfatman on March 10, 2026 6:50AM

How are people finding the new pureclass DK? 122 votes

Oooh, pretty! But not much else.
11%
flizomicaChili_Pepperbrutaivaylo.krumoveb17_ESOBlkadrxylenaValarMorghulis1896JohnRingokarthrag_inakcuddles_with_wroblerogenep360jm42tmacedoPlusscher 14 votes
A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
31%
Jigsaw5tygyrJimT722Mathius_MordredVaranaADarkloreMalkorgaMartoFaltasëOberon45OhtimbarjaekobcaedVonnegut2506PurpleScrollcoop500gamergirldkM_VolsungWildberryjackexiars10Apollosipod 38 votes
A viable alternative to the current PvP meta
17%
Lord_HevEstinThe UninvitedJaavaaWikter_BravoMilitan1404playsforfunxAlucardx92Extinct_Solo_PlayerFiktiusdinokstrunzIriidiusCallosumSchlaflosBardokRedSnowSir_HammockCrimsonXReaperThumbless_BotBioBitter100TheSherryOnTop 21 votes
The New Spreadsheet Meta (parses well on the dummy but meh in actual content)
1%
JestirxXCJsniperXx7 2 votes
Overpowered (comment below)
13%
Solarikenrlindsey912nub18_ESOWreckfulAbandonkarios525Jierdanitkatanagirl1Maximus_MordredZodiarkslayeredward_frigidhandsGetsugatensoMajor_ToughnessArvediaOperandMcYeetsMorallyBipolarRadiate77hoangdznightbringer1993 17 votes
Other (comment below)
24%
Freelancer_ESOWolfshadeloaganb16_ESOKilthor69Rev RielleSilverBrideshadyjane62DestaiPersonofsecretsrobwolf666ThoraxtheDarkNarvuntienTyrobagphileunderx2rothan117Ingel_RidayspartaxoxoonyxorbRishikesa108Ishtarknows 30 votes
  • spartaxoxo
    spartaxoxo
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    Other (comment below)
    Idk yet...it's kinda early. Like technically it ain't even been 24 hours yet
    Edited by spartaxoxo on March 10, 2026 6:53AM
  • loaganb16_ESO
    loaganb16_ESO
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    Other (comment below)
    I won't go pure DK. I love my DK, but there is too much stuff I don't need in there. It's bad enough that I need to take the Templar skill line out because of the change to one of the best DPS abilities. I will always keep the NB in the rotation.
  • moderatelyfatman
    moderatelyfatman
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    I won't go pure DK. I love my DK, but there is too much stuff I don't need in there. It's bad enough that I need to take the Templar skill line out because of the change to one of the best DPS abilities. I will always keep the NB in the rotation.

    Just curious but does your hybrid DK still have a class identity for endgame content or do you have to go Green Beam?
  • Ishtarknows
    Ishtarknows
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    Other (comment below)

    Just curious but does your hybrid DK still have a class identity for endgame content or do you have to go Green Beam?

    Can't speak for OP, but I've changed nothing except my character. DK base, same rotation as before. Oh and my beam is purple ;)
  • Lord_Hev
    Lord_Hev
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    A viable alternative to the current PvP meta
    Viable should be condensed or a "viable in both pve and pvp option". My pureclass dk has been cooking in pve as dps. Tanking feels fun and engaging while having all the tools in the pureclass kit to sustain casual dps while maintaining important buffs and boss aggro. I chose the "viable alternative to the current pvp meta" because I threw on an unoptimized no-proc set-up and made subclass sweats struggle. I almost felt like I was having fun again, my trust issues were going wild. Dk is back, might actually buy new crown crates to show my appreciation to the zenimax team on this refresh.
    Edited by Lord_Hev on March 10, 2026 8:19AM
    Qaevir/Qaevira Av Morilye/Molag
    Tri-Faction @Lord_Hevnoraak ingame
    PC NA
  • Emeratis
    Emeratis
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    Other (comment below)
    It's a little early to tell but lurking and checking out parses as well as snooping on esologs for this patch feels like what we tried to warn about with the "as a dk" on whip just helped min-maxed subclassing builds more while punishing more rp based subclassing builds who used ardent flame and not really helping monoclass dk enough. I do see some only dks in the logs but we'll be able to tell more by the end of the week if they increase in number or fall off due to the novelty wearing off and builds getting fully refined.

    Also it'd be nice if this wasn't just asking about how monoclass dk is doing for dps. Dk healers and tanks exist too and the class reworks and talks about their success or not already feel far too dps centric. I haven't gotten to test healer on live but on pts I found 2-1 dk healer better than keeping all three lines. If anyone else has experience with this lmk please. I am genuinely curious on the support perspective also and I don't get to heal as much as I used to.
  • Radiate77
    Radiate77
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    Overpowered (comment below)
    It’s definitely overtuned, but that’s a bi-product of being the first class to be reworked.
    Dragon Priest [Restoring Light, Draconic Power, Grave Lord]
    Death Knight [Grave Lord, Winter’s Embrace, Siphoning]
    Pyromancer [Ardent Flame, Dawn’s Wrath, Earthen Heart]
    Summoner [Living Death, Grave Lord, Daedric Summoning]
    Ranger [Animal Companions, Green Balance, Shadow]
    Druid [Earthen Heart, Animal Companions, Stormcalling]
    Elementalist [Stormcalling, Winter’s Embrace, Ardent Flame]
    Dawnguard [Dawn’s Wrath, Restoring Light, Ardent Flame]
  • Heronisan
    Heronisan
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    Feels just right, this is how classes should interact with subclassing to begin with, pure class is strong enough that you feel like you have to give up some slight power for utility when going subclassing. Subclassing is still strong, but pure dk is also strong enough that it makes it hard to choose.

    And for the first time in 3 years we have something other then arcanist meta, both arca and dk are really good now. Cant wait for the rest of the class reworks, should finally give back the lost variety ruined by subclassing. Looking forward to see something other then green beams.

    To me these reworks fixes subclassing, subclassing was dwarfing any other thing in the game by such a large margin you felt like an idiot if u wanted to stay a pure class, or a suboptimal subclass build, but now that pure class is brought up to subclass level if feels like you have more choices on how to build ur character.

    These class reworks should have come before subclassing thou, this is a case of ZOS smashing the vase on the ground and then gluing it back together.

    Having fun finally having something to do in this game again, farming transmutes to make more sets and gearing up more characters, and swapping chars to swap out my playstyle. Ever since subclassing released, i havent touched a single alt, since every character was the same build anyways.
  • PurpleScroll
    PurpleScroll
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    As a casual, overland-only player who has had a DK main since 2016, I am *LOVING* this rework. Only one skill on my back bar isn't a DK because so many of them work well together, even on my bow I am constantly making sure 3 skills are kept up while I'm using magma fist - it never used to be this many on the older one nor even with subclassing (haven't been keen on subclassing). Damage output is pretty much the same as I was getting slotting 3 offensive skill lines with subclassing.
  • LennaTheRussian
    LennaTheRussian
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    Level 23 and already hitting 32k dps in dungeons with just dk beam and buffs. So I really like it. I leveled up a dk just before the update and found it slow and boring. Now it's actually fun.
  • gamergirldk
    gamergirldk
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    Fun. It stil nedd some adjusments but I understand that we have to wait until all classes have been done to really compare.

    I dont mind that they are giving some skils abit more power here and now, and when adjust when we get class mastery.
  • WerewolfMoonHunter
    WerewolfMoonHunter
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    Other (comment below)
    Still testing it. Didn't had much time yesterday to properly sink in and check all the skills. But this few things I managed to test looked great for me ^^
  • robwolf666
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    Other (comment below)
    Didn't like it much at first, but it's growing on me, which is a good sign.
    At least I didn't need to change the skills I use - although I'm pretty sure "Inhale" or whatever it used to be called doesn't heal like it used to. Could be problematic.
  • marcbf
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    I miss Eruption (Ash Cloud morph). No idea what to use instead.
    PC EU
  • nightbringer1993
    nightbringer1993
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    Overpowered (comment below)
    I tried it in solo builds in dungeons and it’s too strong. Once again ZOS is forcing people into other classes because buffing other classes is nerfing your own class, and when you are trying to play Necro main, it is hard.

    Necro should have been next in class refresh [snip]

    Right now I feel forced to go into other classes like this DK we are having right now and I hate it.
    [edited for bashing]
    Edited by ZOS_Icy on March 14, 2026 5:12PM
    PC EU
  • Narvuntien
    Narvuntien
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    Other (comment below)
    Very confused because I hadn't looked up the changes, I have lost the rhythm I once had.
  • LennaTheRussian
    LennaTheRussian
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    I tried it in solo builds in dungeons and it’s too strong. Once again ZOS is forcing people into other classes because buffing other classes is nerfing your own class, and when you are trying to play Necro main, it is hard.

    Necro should have been next in class refresh [snip]

    Right now I feel forced to go into other classes like this DK we are having right now and I hate it.

    Subclass arc beam is still the best for overall dps. You can't say something is too strong when they're not done reworking the other classes.
    [edited to remove quote]
    Edited by ZOS_Icy on March 14, 2026 5:12PM
  • xylena
    xylena
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    Oooh, pretty! But not much else.
    Dot DK is much improved but still won't put a dent in the one shot PvP meta. My damage was significantly better after dropping Earthen Heart to go back to Storm Calling.
    PC/NA || Cyro/BGs || solo/smallscale || retired until Dagon brings a new dawn of PvP
  • loaganb16_ESO
    loaganb16_ESO
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    Other (comment below)
    I won't go pure DK. I love my DK, but there is too much stuff I don't need in there. It's bad enough that I need to take the Templar skill line out because of the change to one of the best DPS abilities. I will always keep the NB in the rotation.

    Just curious but does your hybrid DK still have a class identity for endgame content or do you have to go Green Beam?

    It's identity is very much intact. Loads of fire!
    I use Pyrebrand and Way of Fire set. Fire and explosions all the time.
    Also Oakensoul because bar swapping stopped feeling fluid way way back.
    a21cewxywsf5.png

    marcbf wrote: »
    I miss Eruption (Ash Cloud morph). No idea what to use instead.

    I feel that. I used that for roleplay and character identity. They took the ash and rocks from Dragonknights.
    Edited by loaganb16_ESO on March 10, 2026 11:57AM
  • bruta
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    Oooh, pretty! But not much else.
    strong dps but overall weaker than arcanist, small aoe range, inferior cc, lacks pen and you still gotta subclass for crit...
    I give this dk refresh honeymoon like 1 month, then most will go back to herald+assassination borefest
  • DenverRalphy
    DenverRalphy
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    [*] Overall, Big improvement. I really like it. <<<==== My Vote
    Edited by DenverRalphy on March 10, 2026 12:21PM
  • Jestir
    Jestir
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    The New Spreadsheet Meta (parses well on the dummy but meh in actual content)
    Pure class? Doesn't live up to subclassing with a DK base

    The interesting convo is 2 dk lines vs run blades + whip but I still think whipblade wins out in more scenarios do to better cleave
  • Destai
    Destai
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    Other (comment below)
    I'm mixed, but mostly positive. I am enjoying the new animations and sound design overall.

    I was messing around with some builds last night and found the skills themselves are quite fun. I'm really enjoying the support role skills. The support side is better now, so from that perspective, I can see myself using them more as a pure class. I especially like the Dragon Blood rework and Hearthfire in my support rotations.

    DPS now, I'm mixed on. Eruption is full a support skill now in Hearthfire, so I'll miss that in my DPS rotation. The removal of the poison functionality also limits my options. But, the new whip is really satisfying and so is the channeled breathe skill. Inferno and its morphs are also really good.

    I think I'm unsure on the passives. They're more focused on DKs specifically. I miss the passives that focused on burning and poison especially. I'm not seeing how to use the kit as a fire mage, it's a dragon mage now. That's fine, but just requires me to revisit or sunset some previous builds I had.

    I can live with all of this and while I'm still finding my footing, I don't really see this being a meta class with the current state of other classes. I feel like I'm less likely to subclass with this class now, because there's not so many widely applicable passives, especially in damage roles. I am more likely to pure class with DK now.
    Edited by Destai on March 10, 2026 1:41PM
  • BardokRedSnow
    BardokRedSnow
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    A viable alternative to the current PvP meta
    For the way that I play, it feels very viable for pvp, even though it is still weaker than my subclass setup before, which won't work now the way it did before due to the mixing of skills.

    So technically I got nerfed but it doesn't feel like it and I enjoy it. Sustain is less, tankiness is less, but man the burst is nice.

    I think its too early to really say how its gonna feel for sure since in cyro every other player was a DK, but once things normalize and settle I still think it'll be in a good place. Going off the duels I had in cyro and ic.

    Outnumbered is where I think subclassing will continue to shine over pure classes the most.
    Zos then: Vengeance is just a test bro

    Zos now: Do you want Vengeance permanent or permanent...
  • CatalinaWineMixer2
    CatalinaWineMixer2
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    Other (comment below)
    It's beautiful! It's FUN to play it. I wish it was more powerful because it's not as close or ahead of the beam we are all tired of that is literally EVERYWHERE. Hopefully there will be less beamers in Tamriel because of this. All the naysayers who forced pure classes to be wrecking balled on their behalf with subclass just couldn't wait to jump on the new DK either. I saw them all running around on it last night. If they would un nerf just about every fire set in the game, it might actually BE the meta. Putting Ansuuls or Null Arca on this beautiful DK is a travesty. We need better sets for it that aren't those 2 and actually revolve around Fire.
  • nightbringer1993
    nightbringer1993
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    Overpowered (comment below)
    Once class mastery comes out it will be broken. [snip]

    Two days of trying the new DK and it’s too OP. Am tired of ZOS always going for other classes than necro.

    Forcing people into other classes is unacceptable and when they say “play the way you want” IT IS A COMPLETE LIE!
    [edited for bashing]
    Edited by ZOS_Icy on March 14, 2026 5:15PM
    PC EU
  • karthrag_inak
    karthrag_inak
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    Oooh, pretty! But not much else.
    "Pureclass"

    You mean, the collection of skills and abilities that some dev decided you must play, yes? As opposed to, you know, deciding on skills and abilities that -you- wish to use.

    Khajiit just wishes to be clear on terminology.
    PC-NA : 19 Khajiit and 1 Fishy-cat with fluffy delusions. cp3600
    GM of Imperial Gold Reserve trading guild (started in 2017) since 2/2022
    Come visit Karth's Glitter Box, Khajiit's home. Fully stocked guild hall done in sleek Khajiit stylings, with Grand Master Stations, Transmute, Scribing, Trial Dummies, etc. Also has 2 full bowling alleys, nightclub, and floating maze over Wrothgar.(Pariah's Pinacle)
  • ADarklore
    ADarklore
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    Once class mastery comes out it will be broken. [snip]

    Two days of trying the new DK and it’s too OP. Am tired of ZOS always going for other classes than necro.

    Forcing people into other classes is unacceptable and when they say “play the way you want” IT IS A COMPLETE LIE!

    And this is EXACTLY why they are doing class reworks. But it takes TIME, they cannot rework them all at once. We also need to remember that this is a NEW leadership team, what happened in the past is on the past leadership, but the new leadership is moving in the right direction. And nobody is forcing anyone to do anything. Eventually, when all classes have been reworked, every class should be on par with each other... at least that is the intention. The mere fact that they put DK on par with the subclassing meta should have you excited for the future of Necro, instead of complaining.
    [edited to remove quote]
    Edited by ZOS_Icy on March 14, 2026 5:15PM
    CP: 2105 ** ESO+ ** ~~ ***** Strictly a solo PvE quester *****
    ~~Started Playing: May 2015 | Stopped Playing: July 2025 | Returned: March 2026~~
  • twisttop138
    twisttop138
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    A viable alternative to the current PvE meta
    Never played DK dps before. I have a DK tank. I have ardent flame in my Arcs subclass depending on what trial we're doing or what I feel like. But we did a pure class DK trial and it was fun. I probably messed up the rotation and everything else but I had a good time. So I'm gonna level up a dk for dps and enjoy it. I don't always need to run meta damage and my trial teams are pretty flexible depending on content. So over all, I'm sold. Good job.
  • katanagirl1
    katanagirl1
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    Overpowered (comment below)
    I switched my PvP DK to PvE tank because she was too weak before, but now I am getting hammered by DKs in Gray Host. By the time you escape the CC you are dead, if not before,

    EP will be winning all of the campaigns for some time now.
    Khajiit Stamblade main
    Dark Elf Magsorc
    Redguard Stamina Dragonknight
    Orc Stamplar PVP
    Breton Magsorc PVP
    Dark Elf Necromancer
    Dark Elf Magden
    Khajiit Stamblade
    Khajiit Stamina Arcanist

    PS5 NA
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