10 Best ESO Solo Classes and Builds

The Deadlands DLC and Update 32 shook up the meta solo classes, and we’ve taken to testing them out to see which classes feel like they are in the best position right now. The best solo class in ESO can be hard to pin down due to personal preference and playstyle, but certain classes will give you a definitive edge in soloing content.

You can solo all content in Elder Scrolls Online with any class given enough practice with that specific character. Still, this list compiles the classes and builds that will let you breeze through solo content with minimal hair pulling on those difficult battles. If you are looking to create a new toon to solo content or struggle with solo content on your main at the most challenging stages of play like in Vateshran Hollows or the Maelstrom Arena, try one of these builds out to make your life easier. 

You can solo content on any class, race, and build, but these builds below will make the task more efficient and enjoyable. Nobody likes slogging through a boss fight for 10 minutes when it could have taken 5. If you are looking to create the best solo build for your current characters to save to an armory slot, or are wanting to create a toon purely for soloing content, this guide is for you. 

Foreword: Things That Make Soloing Easier

There are several sets that rise above the rest that will make soloing easier. For example, the mythic item called the Ring of the Pale Order, which is in many of these builds. This item is unlocked through scrying from the Greymoor DLC (for those who haven’t scryed before, it’s basically a digging mini-game). As more players are gaining access to it from either ESO+ or through buying the DLC, it’s an increasingly relevant item to put in these builds. This ring that gives you lifesteal allows you to solo content much more easily.

However, if you do not have access to the DLC, you can use the quick fix of slotting the Warfare champion point called “Reaving Blows” that heals you for 7% of the direct damage you deal. Not as impressive as the 20% of all damage dealt that the Ring of the Pale Order heals you for, but it still makes a difference.

The 10 Best Solo Builds in ESO

If you don’t see your build on the list, keep in mind that does not mean it is a lousy soloing build! The Elder Scrolls Online is a game that allows for a significant amount of customization, and when it comes to soloing content there’s many ways to go about it. Some solo builds focus purely on survivability. Others aim for raw damage to plow their way through content as quickly as possible. This guide prizes survivability and area of effect damage about equally. All of these builds will help you survive solo in the most difficult content with the added bonus of not taking you years to complete it.

Now let’s get started with the top 10 ESO best PvE solo classes!

10. Stamden (Warden Class)

A screenshot of the PvE Stamden build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Wood Elf (or Orc / Redguard) | Mundus: Thief | Food: Garlic Cod with Potato Crust and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 stamina), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability and more resources (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Stamina

Stamina Wardens are strong brawlers and make use of their class skills to increase their survivability and damage. Stamdens work great with 2-hand focused builds as well as bow builds if you want to stay at a range.

Orcs are the best choice for sustaining your health more easily. Wood Elves and Redguards are the better choice if you want to more easily manage your stamina. With Ring of the Pale Order, Wood Elf probably wins out with the better stamina sustain and extra penetration, as the Orc’s health sustain is less necessary. 

Skills ➡️

Stamden skill bar
Main Bar (Two-Handed Greatsword)Back Bar (Bow)
Cutting DiveEndless Hail
Subterranean AssaultResolving Vigor
BrawlerGreen Lotus
Reverse SliceBull Netch
Growing SwarmIce Fortress
Wild GuardianWild Guardian

Soloing on a Stamden is always easier when you have the Wild Guardian ultimate with you to tank some blows. If you don’t want to travel with a bear, you can swap it out for Flawless Dawnbreaker for some extra burst AOE damage.

Cutting Dive is a solid single target spammable, which has a slight delay before it hits- it’ll feel clunky at first. It comes in handy though when you time it with your other delayed skill, Subterranean Assault, that launches 3 seconds after you activate it. Comboing these allows you to seriously burst down enemies right as you enter combat. This build doesn’t have another shield skill, so Brawler will be your main source of it. After you hit enemies with the Brawler skill, you’ll gain a damage shield that increases in size by 50% for each enemy hit, increasing by up to a maximum of 300%.

Managing enemies into groups by cornering yourself and positioning yourself right will help you to maximize its shield potential, but your bear can get in the way of this sometimes. It’s important to note that you’ll gain 2% extra damage for each Animal Companion skill you have slotted with the Advanced Species passive, so fitting as many on your bear as possible is important.

Equipment ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecrawDivines
ShoulderTzogvin’sDivines
ChestBriarheartDivines
LegsBriarheartDivines
FeetBriarheartDivines
HandsBriarheartDivines
BeltBriarheartDivines
Jewelry2 Tzogvin’s, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ weapon damage enchantment)
Weapon 1Tzogvin’sPrecise (w/ damage health poisons)
Weapon 2(Perfected) Thunderous VolleyInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Hunding’s Rage (craftable), 5 Leviathan (Crypt of Hearts), 2 Monster Set / Agility Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Biting Aura50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Deadly Aim50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Bloody Renewal30 Rationer

9. Magden (Warden Class)

A screenshot of the PvE Magden build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Khajiit (or Breton) | Mundus: Thief  | Food: Solitude Salmon Millet Soup and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 magicka), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability with more recovery (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Magicka

Soloing content on a Magicka Warden feels straightforward and allows you to make better use of the Warden’s frost passive bonuses than their stamina counterparts. Magdens can either focus on using the traditional flame and lighting staves that most magicka DPS, or can fully lean into frost magic with an ice staff.

We suggest using Khajiit for their well rounded stat bonuses, higher max health, stamina, and magicka, along with those recoveries as well. The increased critical damage and critical healing by 12% makes for some great burst damage and nice saving heals when you need it most.

Skills ➡️

Magden skill bar
Main Bar (Lightning Staff)Back Bar (Ice Staff)
Force PulseUnstable Wall of Elements
Deep FissureFetcher Infection
Winter’s RevengeHarness Magicka
Mystic OrbBlue Betty
Bird of PreyIce Fortress
Northern StormEnchanted Forest

Magdens have some great crowd control. While they are squishier, they have less of a need for the Eternal Guardian than Stamdens do. If you want to use the bear, it will help take some aggro away from you and will passively deal a lot of damage.

Northern Storm is quite effective as both an offensive and defensive ultimate. It deals damage in a large AOE around you while also slowing enemy movement. You also gain two great buffs from it:

  • Increasing your max magicka by 15% which will help increase your damage dealt
  • Providing you Major Protection, reducing your damage taken by 10%.

As enemies approach, you can catch them all in the storm and deal a solid chunk of damage. The damaging AOEs other than Unstable Wall of Elements are all on the Lightning staff bar, so their damage will be increased by the destruction staff passive Ancient Knowledge by 10%. Force Pulse is the ideal spammable when you are taking on groups of enemies as it provides some nice splash damage. However, Screaming Cliff Racer should be used in cases where you are fighting a single enemy. 

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (Medium)Divines
ShoulderNecropotenceDivines
ChestMedusaReinforced
LegsNecropotenceDivines
FeetNecropotenceDivines
HandsNecropotenceDivines
BeltNecropotenceDivines
Jewelry2 Medusa, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ spell damage enchantment)
Weapon 1MedusaPrecise (w/ flame enchantment)
Weapon 2(Perfected) Crushing WallInfused trait (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Law of Julianos (craftable), 5 Mother’s Sorrow (Deshaan), 2 Monster Set / Willpower Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Biting Aura50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Deadly Aim50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Siphoning Spells30 Rationer

8. Stamcro (Necromancer Class)

A screenshot of the PvE Stamcro build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Khajiit (or Orc / Imperial) | Mundus: Thief | Food: Garlic Cod with Potato Crust and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 stamina), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability and more resources (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Stamina

Stamina Necromancers have a solid array of skills that help them to stay alive in difficult situations and cull down enemies with ease. Stamcros can handle a lot of damage and can lean on their Bone Goliath skill when things get out of hand. Stamcros have a lot of different race options that work well for them, but the classes that offer more stamina or weapon damage bonuses are best.

We recommend either Khajiit or Dunmer as the race for this build if you want to lean into just damage. For safer options, Orcs are better suited for easily sustaining health, while Imperials have an easier time managing their stamina. Of these choices, Khajiit do feel the most well rounded, hitting on both damage and survivability. 

Skills ➡️

Stamcro skill bar
Main Bar (Two-Handed Greatsword)Back Bar (Bow)
Venom SkullEndless Hail
BrawlerRazor Caltrops
Blighted BlastbonesSpirit Guardian
Reverse SliceResolving Vigor
Detonating SiphonBeckoning Armor
Pestilent ColossusRavenous Goliath

Stamina Necromancers have solid AOE damage and have an amazing get out of jail free ultimate, being their Ravenous Goliath. If Brawler can’t maintain a shield well enough while healing with Resolving Vigor and Spirit Guardian, the immediate 30,000 health from Ravenous Goliath is sure to get you out of any hot water. Light and heavy attacks while it’s active heal you, and you also gain a damaging AOE aura that heals you for the amount it deals to enemies.

Your main damaging ultimate is Pestilent Colossus, which applies Major Vulnerability to enemies hit by it, increasing their damage taken by 10%. This is a huge debuff on enemies and should be used whenever you can when the Ravenous Goliath isn’t needed. 

Beckoning Armor will actively pull ranged enemies in toward you. Getting strong Brawler shields to activate won’t be as difficult as it would be on other classes, increasing your survivability further. Blighted Blastbones will be the main AOE skill that helps clear out areas while you go to work on them with Brawler.

With the Master’s Titanic Cleave, Brawler will deal more damage for each additional enemy hit by the cleave, stacking up to huge amounts. Brawler should be used as your main spammable when clearing areas with a lot of enemies. Venom Skull is your main single target spammable, and will deal more damage if you cast two necromancer skills before using it. In situations where you aren’t needing a lot of single target damage, it can be more efficient to trade out Venom Skull for Stampede for the extra AOE damage and mobility.

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadTzogvin’s WarbandDivines
ShoulderTzogvin’s WarbandDivines
ChestDagon’s DominionDivines
LegsDagon’s DominionDivines
FeetDagon’s DominionDivines
HandsDagon’s DominionDivines
BeltDagon’s DominionDivines
JewelryTzogvin’s WarbandBloodthirsty (w/ weapon damage enchantment)
Weapon 1(Perfected) Titanic CleavePrecise (w/ damage health poisons)
Weapon 2(Perfected) Thunderous VolleyInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Hunding’s Rage (craftable), 5 Leviathan (from Crypt of Hearts), 2 Monster Set / Agility Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Biting Aura50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Deadly Aim50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Bloody Renewal30 Rationer

7. StamDK (Dragonknight Class)

A screenshot of the PvE StamDK build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Dark Elf (Orc or Wood Elf) | Mundus: Thief | Food: Garlic Cod with Potato Crust and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 stamina), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability and more resources (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Stamina

Stamina Dragonknights are naturally some of the hardiest characters in the game, having access to amazing shields as well as solid AOE damage. Specializing in damage over time abilities, the pacing can seem slower than other classes. But the DOTs add up quickly and deal amazing damage. With all the great additions from update 32, DKs have made a great stride forward in viability for dealing damage and for solo play in general.

We suggest using Dark Elf for their increased stamina and magicka, along with weapon and spell damage. Their increased flame resistance is situationally very strong and fits the Dragonknight image perfectly.

Skills ➡️

StamDK skill bar
Main Bar (Two-Handed Greatsword)Back Bar (Bow)
Molten WhipEndless Hail
BrawlerNoxious Breath
Venomous ClawHardened Armor
Reverse SliceGreen Dragon Blood
Flames of OblivionMolten Armaments
Take FlightStandard of Might

Since update 32, Stamina Dragonknights will now be able to use Lava Whip as it scales off a character’s highest offensive stats. Of course it still costs magicka, but with the other skills you’ll be focused on using it won’t be difficult to maintain, especially as a Dark Elf.

The Combustion passive now grants 1000 stamina or magicka instead of 500 from dealing damage with poison or fire damage respectively. This makes maintaining resources much easier for Dragonknights. Noxious Breath will deal a high amount of poison damage over time to an AOE of enemies. This lets you sweep an area and then focus down the larger targets.

Venomous Claw is the king of these dots, and does its best work on larger targets that it can take its time to fully stack on. Putting this on a high priority enemy will melt them in no time as long as you don’t recast it too soon and reset the increasing damage. For non-DK players it’s very similar to how the Maelstrom bow Thunderous Volley should not be reset until its damage finishes stacking.

Brawler is the essential stamina skill for solo players as its shield is great and does solid damage to large groups. DKs also get a great shield from their skill Hardened Armor, which also doubles as their Major Resolve source, making it easier to maintain consistently high health. 

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (medium)Divines
ShoulderTzogvin’s WarbandDivines
ChestBriarheartDivines
LegsBriarheartDivines
FeetBriarheartDivines
HandsBriarheartDivines
BeltBriarheartDivines
Jewelry2 Tzogvin’s Warband, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ weapon damage enchantment)
Weapon 1Tzogvin’s WarbandPrecise (w/ damage health poisons)
Weapon 2Thunderous VolleyInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Hunding’s Rage (craftable), 5 Leviathan (from Crypt of Hearts), 2 Monster Set / Agility Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Thaumaturge50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Biting Aura50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Bloody Renewal30 Rationer

6. MagDK (Dragonknight Class)

A screenshot of the PvE MagDK build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Khajiit (Dark Elf or High Elf) | Mundus: Thief  | Food: Solitude Salmon Millet Soup and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 magicka), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability with more recovery (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Magicka

Magicka Dragonknights gained a lot of ground with update 32, as well, with the easier resource management and changes to their skills. Dealing great AOE flame damage and putting strong DOTs on enemies, MagDKs hold their own in solo content.

As for race selection, we suggest using a Khajiit for their well rounded bonus to all of their resources along with the great 12% increase to critical damage and healing. Dark Elves are almost identical in damage and survivability, while High Elves provide more magicka and damage with slightly less survivability.

Skills ➡️

MagDK skill bar
Main Bar (Flame Staff)Back Bar (Flame Staff)
Molten WhipUnstable Wall of Elements
Burning EmbersElemental Drain
Engulfing FlamesEruption
Flames of OblivionCoagulating Blood
Harness MagickaVolatile Armor
Ferocious LeapMagma Shell

MagDKs dish out a lot of AOE damage that give them a lot of viability for the solo playstyle, cutting down large groups of enemies with ease. MagDKs move in and out of being close to enemies by using their ultimate Ferocious Leap that really puts them into the fray.

Ferocious Leap also gives a solid damage shield and knocks back as well as stuns enemies hit for two seconds. This lets MagDKs initiate and set their ground AOEs right on top of enemies’ ideal fighting grounds. You’ll want to fight with your Unstable Wall of Elements to maintain the additional damage from your maelstrom staff. Placing down your eruption over the same area and kiting in the overlapping areas is generally the best thing to do.

Eruption now has a different type of cost, as it no longer has such a large upfront cost. Instead it costs you 378 magicka per second that it’s cast. The spammable of Molten Whip also has a pretty short range, with the max being 5 meters, so being close to enemies isn’t necessarily a bad thing for MagDKs. Magma Shell is usually a tank ultimate, but it’s great for preventing you from dying when things get wild during a difficult fight. Preventing enemy attacks from dealing more than 3% of your max health is a surefire way to give yourself enough time to use coagulating blood and take down some enemies before the 10 seconds of the ultimate are over.

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (medium)Divines
ShoulderBurning SpellweaveDivines
ChestMedusa (heavy)Reinforced
LegsBurning SpellweaveDivines
FeetBurning SpellweaveDivines
HandsBurning SpellweaveDivines
BeltBurning SpellweaveDivines
Jewelry2 Medusa, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ spell damage enchantment)
Weapon 1MedusaPrecise (w/ flame damage enchantment)
Weapon 2Crushing WallInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Law of Julianos (craftable), 5 Mother’s Sorrow (from Deshaan), 2 Monster Set / Willpower Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Thaumaturge50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Biting Aura50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Siphoning Spells30 Rationer

5. Magplar (Templar Class)

A screenshot of the PvE magplar build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: High Elf (Dark Elf or Khajiit) | Mundus: Thief  | Food: Solitude Salmon Millet Soup and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 magicka), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability with more recovery (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Magicka

Magicka Templars have a very easy time soloing content despite them needing to stay at melee range to use their spammable. Their spammable Puncturing Sweep heals them for 40% of the damage they deal from it. They get a lot of mileage from living up to the stereotype of Templars only using jabs. With the other great healing templar skills, soloing is a breeze for Magplars.

We suggest using High Elves because their passives synergize perfectly with Puncturing Sweep. High Elves take 5% less damage while using an ability with a channel or cast time. Because Magplar’s main spammable skill is a channel, you’ll be well protected while you’re focusing on doing damage. High Elves also provide great magicka benefits that will make your Magplar much stronger. 

Skills ➡️

Magplar skill bar
Main Bar (Lightning Staff)Back Bar (Lightning Staff)
Puncturing SweepUnstable Wall of Elements
Purifying LightSolar Barrage
Radiant GloryChanneled Focus
Radiant WardElemental Drain
Inner LightMystic Orb
Shooting StarCrescent Sweep

Soloing content with a Magplar will be easier with using Elemental Drain, as it puts Major Breach on enemies, reducing their resistances by a significant amount. You also gain Minor Magickasteal against that enemy, restoring 168 magicka to you every second while damaging them. This will help your sustain out significantly, and also ensure that you are doing the maximum amount of damage you can deal without a tank to provide that buff for you.

Purifying Light is another must to place on enemies when you initiate combat. It will store 50% of the damage you deal to an enemy over 6 seconds and deal that amount to them again. Puncturing Sweep is the bread and butter of any solo Magplar build, as you get so much out of it. Not only do you deal heavy damage to a single target, you’ll deal AOE damage to enemies near the target. Plus, you’ll reduce their movement speed by 40% as well. Healing for 40% of the damage you deal with Puncturing Sweep, makes items like Ring of the Pale Order less necessary. You can change your ultimate around a lot depending on what you like most.

Shooting Star tends to give the best results in most cases as it deals a huge chunk of AOE damage and restores 12 ultimate for each enemy hit by the initial blast. Because you’ll be soloing content, most enemies will come right to you, meaning you’ll be able to get a lot of Shooting Stars off on them. 

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadIceheart (medium)Divines
ShoulderIceheart (light)Divines
ChestMedusaReinforced
LegsOverwhelming SurgeDivines
FeetOverwhelming SurgeDivines
HandsOverwhelming SurgeDivines
BeltOverwhelming SurgeDivines
Jewelry2 Medusa, 1 Overwhelming SurgeBloodthirsty (w/ spell damage enchantment)
Weapon 1MedusaPrecise (w/ shock damage enchantment)
Weapon 2Crushing WallInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Law of Julianos (craftable), 5 Mother’s Sorrow (from Deshaan), 2 Monster Set / Willpower Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Deadly Aim50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Biting Aura50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Siphoning Spells30 Rationer

4. Magblade (Nightblade Class)

A screenshot of the PvE Magblade build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Khajiit (Dark Elf or High Elf) | Mundus: Thief | Food: Solitude Salmon Millet Soup and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 magicka), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability with more recovery (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery)  | Attributes: 64 Magicka

Magicka Nightblades are known for excelling in dealing heavy single target damage, but they have access to some very powerful AOE skills that are great for soloing. Their spammable Swallow Soul makes soloing very easy for them. It acts similarly to the way the Magplars Puncturing Sweeps works for them. Swallow Soul only deals damage to a single target, but the lifesteal from it is amazing.

We suggest using either a Khajiit for their increased resource pools, recoveries, and additional 12% critical damage and critical healing. Nightblades benefit a lot from critical damage, so this fits their playstyle perfectly. 

Skills ➡️

Magblade skill bar
Main Bar (Flame Staff)Back Bar (Flame Staff)
Swallow SoulUnstable Wall of Elements
ImpaleMystic Orb
Merciless ResolveDark Shade
Inner LightSiphoning Attacks
DegenerationTwisting Path
Incapacitating StrikeShooting Star

The Magblade spammable Swallow Soul is a very powerful skill that deals heavy single target damage as well as provides a strong heal over time. The skill will heal 35% of the damage it deals every two seconds for ten seconds. As a spammable you’ll get that initial tick of 35% every time you cast it. It also gives you decent healing when you switch bars and are busy casting your ground AOEs.

Some of the Nightblade’s skills were changed in update 32, in particular Merciless Resolve was changed which is a staple skill for Nightblades. Instead of giving 5 stacks of 2% critical damage and healing, it now gives 5 stacks of 60 spell and weapon damage. That allows for less reliance on critical hits and increases your base damage by a good amount. At full stacks, you’ll get a hefty 300 spell and weapon damage. It increases all of your skills potency by a nice amount.

With 5 stacks, Merciless Resolve still lets you fire off that spectral arrow that deals significant nuke damage and heals you for 50% of the damage dealt when you are in melee range. That’s great for when you need a big heal during tough battles. 

Incapacitating Strike is always a staple ultimate for your front bar for it’s great sustain it offers when you light attack enemies, but backbar ultimates allow for a lot more customization.

Elemental Rage, Shooting Star, and Soul Tether are all solid AOE damage options that you can switch in and out depending on the content. Elemental Rage may net you the most damage, but Soul Tether is a great choice if you are needing some extra healing.

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (medium)Divines
ShoulderFalse God’s DevotionDivines
ChestMedusa (heavy)Reinforced
LegsFalse God’s DevotionDivines
FeetFalse God’s DevotionDivines
HandsFalse God’s DevotionDivines
BeltFalse God’s DevotionDivines
Jewelry2 Medusa, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ spell damage enchantment)
Weapon 1MedusaPrecise (w/ flame damage enchantment)
Weapon 2Crushing WallInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Law of Julianos (craftable), 5 Mother’s Sorrow (from Deshaan), 2 Monster Set / Willpower Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Fighting Finesse50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Deadly Aim50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Biting Aura50 Siphoning Spells30 Rationer

3. Stamplar (Templar Class)

Screenshot of the PvE Stamplar build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Orc (or Khajiit) | Mundus: Thief | Food: Garlic Cod with Potato Crust and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 stamina), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability and more resources (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Stamina

Stamina Templars are currently able to deal huge amounts of single target and AOE damage, helping them to clear through solo content with ease. Although their jabs don’t actively heal them like their magicka counterpart does, Stamplars are much tankier with a mix of self heals and shielding.

Race-wise, we suggest using an Orc for their solid self healing they gain by dealing damage as well as their increased weapon/spell damage. Khajiit and other races with stamina bonuses work great for Stamplars as well.

Skills ➡️

Stamplar skill bar
Main Bar (Two-Handed Greatsword)Back Bar (Bow)
Biting JabsEndless Hail
Power of the LightResolving Vigor
BrawlerRestoring Focus
Reverse SliceRitual of Retribution
RallyBarbed Trap
Flawless DawnbreakerEmpowering Sweep

Stamplars like to position themselves in one spot and then go to town on groups of enemies both large and small. Restoring Focus in their Major Resolve source, and the rune that is placed on the ground from it comes with loads of benefits. Recovering stamina as well as health while standing within the rune, it’s much easier to fend off large groups even when hard hitting mechanics come into play from the consistent resources you’ll gain by being within it. This allows you to focus more heavily on just dealing damage, letting you jab away to your heart’s content. Biting Jabs deals loads of single target and AOE damage and also gives you Major Savagery, increasing your weapon critical.

Power of the Light is a strong opening move as it stores 50% of the damage you deal over 6 seconds to an enemy up to a capped amount and deals it after the skill ends as well as placing Minor Breach on that enemy. Reducing an enemy’s resistances is essential for soloing, because you won’t have a tank to actively taunt and reduce enemies’ resistances. Brawler is your main shield source, so positioning yourself and enemies is important to get the most value of its shield that grows with each enemy hit by the ability.

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (Heavy)Reinforced
ShoulderDeadly StrikeDivines
ChestDagon’s DominionDivines
LegsDagon’s DominionDivines
FeetDagon’s DominionDivines
HandsDagon’s DominionDivines
BeltDagon’s DominionDivines
Jewelry2 Deadly Strike, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthristy (w/ weapon damage enchantment)
Weapon 1Deadly StrikePrecise (w/ damage health poisons)
Weapon 2Thunderous VolleyInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Hunding’s Rage (craftable), 5 Leviathan (from Crypt of Hearts), 2 Monster Set / Agility Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Deadly Aim50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Biting Aura50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Bloody Renewal30 Rationer

2. Magsorc (Sorcerer Class)

Screenshot of the PvE Magsorc build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: High Elf (Dark Elf or Khajiit) | Mundus: Thief  | Food: Solitude Salmon Millet Soup and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 magicka), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability with more recovery (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Magicka

Magsorcs hold the crown for the class with the best survivability when it comes to solo gameplay, largely due to their incredibly strong daedric pets. Petsorcs gain a lot through double barring their pets, even though it takes up a lot of their skill slots to do so. Companions that tank blows for you, deal lots of damage, and can even stun enemies, a Sorcerer’s daedric pets can do it all.

We recommend using a High Elf for their magicka bonuses and increase spell and weapon damage. Khajiit and Dark Elves will deal similar damage, and can be used interchangeably if you prefer to use one of them.

Skills ➡️

Magsorc skill bar
Main Bar (Flame Staff)Back Bar (Flame Staff)
Crystal FragmentsUnstable Wall of Elements
Daedric PreyCritical Surge
Empowered WardBoundless Storm
Volatile FamiliarVolatile Familiar
Twilight TormentorTwilight Tormentor
Greater Storm AtronachShooting Star

Magicka Sorcerers have their own private armies, including continuous support from the Volatile Familiar and Twilight Tormentor. The Greater Storm Atronach ultimate is another of the Sorcerer’s daedric pets that they use for high damage. It’s also another source to tank hits for them, although it only lasts for 25 seconds. The Volatile Familiar can be used to stun enemies by activating it again, and will deal consistent shock damage otherwise.

The Twilight Tormentor deals solid shock damage as well, and when activated will deal more than 50% more damage to enemies above 50% health. This helps Sorcerers start off a fight strong and deal heavy damage right away rather than the usual strong execute phases most other classes have. The Greater Storm Atronach is a great companion for difficult fights as it deals great damage but also allows you to kite around it in some scenarios if it can gain aggro.

When it comes to spammables, Crystal Fragments is very powerful but also quite clunky. Having a 0.8 cast time that turns into an instant cast ability can be unwieldy for new Sorcerers. Force Pulse and Elemental Weapon are both good options if you don’t want to use Crystal Fragments. Casting abilities that cost magicka have a 35% chance to proc Crystal Fragments to deal 66% more damage, cost 50% less magicka, and will be instant cast as well. This is incredibly strong, but requires you to pay close attention to your skill bar, which can be difficult when you are in the middle of a fight.

Daedric Prey is one of the skills you must have if you are playing a Petsorc, as it deals solid damage to an enemy and enemies around, but it also increases your pets’ damage to that target by 20% for 6 seconds. This is significant, especially when you cast your ultimate Greater Storm Atronach.

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (Medium)Divines
ShoulderNecropotenceDivines
ChestMedusaReinforced
LegsNecropotenceDivines
FeetNecropotenceDivines
HandsNecropotenceDivines
BeltNecropotenceDivines
Jewelry2 Medusa, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ spell damage enchantment)
Weapon 1MedusaPrecise (w/ flame enchantment)
Weapon 2Crushing WallInfused trait (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Law of Julianos (craftable), 5 Mother’s Sorrow (from Deshaan), 2 Monster Set / Willpower Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Deadly Aim50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Biting Aura50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Siphoning Spells30 Rationer

1. Magcro (Necromancer Class)

Screenshot of the PvE Magcro build in action
Image: ZeniMax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Khajiit (Dark Elf or High Elf) | Mundus: Thief  | Food: Solitude Salmon Millet Soup and equivalent foods (5395 health, 4936 magicka), or Bewitched Sugar Skulls as a more expensive option for better survivability with more recovery (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 64 Magicka

Necromancer takes the title of ESO’s best solo class right now. The Magcro in particular is the peak solo class and build right now, not just because of their great survivability, but mainly due to their incredible AOE damage and ability to clear content quickly. With access to many amazing class skills that can be customized to what you are dealing with, you can focus more towards top tier damage or incredible tankiness.

We suggest using a Khajiit for their buff to all resources and their recoveries as well as the additional 12% critical damage and critical healing they get. Dark Elves and High Elves can also be great options, both helping your Magcro to deal more spell damage. 

Skills ➡️

Magcro Skill Bar
Main Bar (Flame Staff)Back Bar (Flame Staff)
Ricochet SkullUnstable Wall of Elements
Stalking BlastbonesMortal Coil
Empowering GraspSkeletal Arcanist
Mystic SiphonSpirit Guardian
Hungry ScytheSummoner’s Armor
Glacial ColossusRavenous Goliath

Soloing with a Magcro can take some time to master with all of the skills you use and positioning that is necessary to make the most of their kits, but it is very rewarding once you do.

The Ricochet Skull spammable is very powerful as a single target damaging skill that also bounces up to 2 targets on its third cast to nearby enemies while also dealing 20% more damage. This allows you to set up some significant burst damage, especially with Stalking Blastones which is a great delayed burst AOE skill.

As Stalking Blastbones deals more damage the further away it was cast from an enemy, you can activate it. Then move towards your target and cast your other ground AOE as it reaches them. Empowering Grasp is a great crowd control skill that not only applies Minor Maim to enemies which reduces their damage by 5%. However it also snares, immobilizes, or stuns enemies the further the way they are from where you cast the skill. Another solid bonus to this skill is that it Empowers your light attacks to deal 40% more damage, but also empowers your Skeletal Mage and Spirit Mender to be 40% more effective.

Depending upon the situation, Glacial Colossus or Ravenous Goliath can be used to great effect. Glacial Colossus deals more AOE damage quickly, and increases enemies damage taken by 10% for 12 seconds. Ravenous Goliath deals AOE damage and heals your for the damage dealt while also increasing your health by 30,000. Glacial Colossus will be the better ultimate to use regularly to speed your way through content. Ravenous Goliath can get you out of some sticky situations, so planning ahead to when you’ll need to use the ultimates is important. 

Build ➡️

SlotGearTrait
HeadSlimecraw (medium)Divines
ShoulderFalse God’s DevotionDivines
ChestMedusa (heavy)Reinforced
LegsFalse God’s DevotionDivines
FeetFalse God’s DevotionDivines
HandsFalse God’s DevotionDivines
BeltFalse God’s DevotionDivines
Jewelry2 Medusa, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ spell damage enchantment)
Weapon 1MedusaPrecise (w/ flame damage enchantment)
Weapon 2Crushing WallInfused (w/ weapon damage enchantment)

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Law of Julianos (craftable), 5 Mother’s Sorrow (from Deshaan), 2 Monster Set / Willpower Set

Champion Points ➡️

Essential Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Biting Aura50 Ironclad50 Treasure Hunter
50 Deadly Aim50 Rejuvenation75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Fighting Finesse50 Siphoning Spells30 Rationer

Honorable Mention: ESO Best Solo PVP Class

Stamina Templar / Stamina Nightblade

Image: Zenimax Online Studios via HGG / Angus Green

Race: Orc (Dark Elf or Imperial) | Mundus: Serpent | Food: Lava Foot Soup and Saltrice (4515 stamina, and 451 stamina recovery) or Bewitched Sugar Skulls (4620 health, 4250 magicka/stamina, and 462 health recovery) | Attributes: 40 Health, 24 Stamina (Customize attributes to fit your playstyle)

When it comes to solo PVP, stamina will get you further than magicka. You’ll need it a lot for breaking, blocking, and roll-dodging enemy skills. Out of all the classes, Templar and Nightblade will be the best choices for soloing in Cyrodiil or Battlegrounds. Templars offer more sustainability in extended fights with their strong AOE, while Nightblades use stealth for outplays and high burst.

When it comes to picking one of these two classes, it’s important to consider whether you prefer straightforward, brawler gameplay (Templar) or burst-oriented, assassin-like gameplay (Nightblade). Nightblades have a higher skill ceiling, meaning they have more outplay potential once you are a pro at them, but Templars can be very effective with players at any level of skill. We’ll cover the Stamina Templar build below.

Regardless of which you choose, Orcs are the best race option due to their extra mobility, health regain from dealing damage (every four seconds), 258 weapon/spell damage, and an extra 1000 stamina/health gain. Out-kiting your opponent and controlling the fight is essential for dominating in PVP, so Orcs are always great for keeping the advantage on your side.

Skills ➡️

Main Bar (Two-Handed Maul)Back Bar (Clever Alchemist sword / shield)
Biting JabsResolving Vigor
Power of the LightRazor Caltrops
Living DarkExtended Ritual
ExecutionerRestoring Focus
RallyToppling Charge
Crescent SweepTemporal Guard

To solo in PVP, you need to cover all the bases yourself. This means putting out solid damage and giving yourself strong shields and healing when you start taking damage yourself. Stamplars can do just that, and can even handle themselves easily in 1VX situations, thanks to their Living Dark skill.

Anytime someone hits you with direct damage while this skill is activated, you’ll heal and reduce their movement speed by 60%. This effect can occur every 0.5s, making it easy for you to maintain significant damage during a fight.

Stamplars can hold their ground with Restoring Focus, which gives them loads of stamina recovery. The skill also grants 5948 resistances, which are amplified by 50% when you stand within the rune itself (meaning 8922 resistances). This allows Stamplars to do what they’re known for — jabbing away.

Making good use of Extended Ritual for cleansing and Razor Caltrops for debuffing enemy resistances helps Stamplars make easy work of both singular opponents and groups.

Equipment ➡️

SLOTGEARTRAIT
HeadMagma Incarnate (Medium) Impenetrable
ShoulderMagma Incarnate (Medium) Impenetrable
ChestClever Alchemist (Heavy)Reinforced
LegsClever Alchemist (Medium)Impenetrable
FeetEssence Thief Well-Fitted
HandsTrainee (Medium)Well-Fitted
BeltClever Alchemist (Light)Well-Fitted
Jewelry2 Essence Thief, 1 Ring of the Pale OrderBloodthirsty (w/ weapon damage enchantment)
Weapon 1Essence ThiefSharpened (w/ weapon damage enchantment)
Weapon 2Clever AlchemistPowered (w/ escapist poisons) and Impenetrable shield

Easy starting set alternative: 5 Hunding’s Rage (craftable), 5 Spriggan’s Thorns (from Bangkorai), 2 Monster Set / Agility Set

Essence Thief (from White-Gold Tower) has been a repeat offender for a solid PVP build, as it offers both offensive and defensive bonuses. It activates on light or heavy attacks, summoning a pool close to your struck target that gives you 4356 health and stamina while also increasing your damage done by 10% for 10s. The pools can be created every ten seconds, meaning the uptime on this skill can be very close to 100% while in combat. 

Our next set is Clever Alchemist (crafted in Hew’s Bane), which is our primary offensive buffing set. Drinking a potion with this set active will raise weapon and spell damage by 675 for 20s, spiking up your damage and healing potential significantly. This is great to pre-buff with when you enter a fight, or to use midway to surprise your opponent with an unforeseen spike in damage.

Finally, for the monster set, Magma Incarnate (from The Dread Cellar) is a very strong choice right now. Healing yourself (or group member) with a single-target heal will give the lowest group member within twenty-eight meters Minor Courage and Minor Resolve. In solo play, this will of course always target you, giving you that solid 215 weapon/spell damage and 2974 physical/spell resistance. The buff lasts for 10s and can proc every fifteen seconds — the set has 66% uptime at best, but that’s usually decent for most fights. Being aware of when you want to proc the effect is important, so be sure to keep track of those buff timers. 

We also have a mythic, the Ring of the Pale Order (from Scrying), which gives 20% of the damage you deal back as health. You won’t get any stray healing from a passing healer, but you won’t need it for this solo build! Another great choice is the new mythic, Markyn Ring of Majesty (from Scrying), which will give us 100 weapon/spell damage and 1157 armor for every 3 pieces of a set worn. With this build, you’ll get 200 weapon/spell damage and 2314 armor, which will help you deal more damage and tank more blows. With the extra resistances and better damage, you may not even miss the life steal.

Champion Points ➡️

Essentials Slottables in Order:

WarfareFitnessCraft
50 Master-at-Arms50 Boundless Vitality50 Steed’s Blessing
50 Duelist’s Rebuff50 Fortified75 Liquid Efficiency
50 Biting Aura50 Survival Instincts30 Rationer
50 Ironclad50 Rejuvenation100 Gifted Rider

Join the High Ground

That wraps up our top 10 best solo classes in ESO! I hope you enjoy trying out one of these builds on a new toon or can modify an existing one to make your gameplay even smoother. Check out some of our other articles here at High Ground Gaming to up your gaming experience further. If you enjoyed this list of best solo builds in Elder Scrolls Online and want to stay up to date with the best insider gaming knowledge, subscribe to the HGG newsletter.

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Join the Discussion

Give feedback on the article, share additional tips & tricks, talk strategy with other members, and make your opinions known. High Ground Gaming is a place for all voices, and we'd love to hear yours!

Kjallatam

Nice guide, I’m glad to see templar get a bit of love

Thank you for the feedback! Templar will always be a great class to go for. We hope you can put these tips to good use.

Eyssant

A nice guide. I used to play as magblade. Haven’t played the game in 2021. This guide inviting me once again to delve into the ESO world.

Thanks so much for your kind words! We definitely recommend jumping back in! 😀

We appreciate your input here, and hope you enjoy applying what our guide has to offer. The state of the game is great right now, and Magblade will always provide a fun, engaging playstyle. Get back in there when you can!

Adventfire

As a beginner, it would also be nice to know what points to put into health, magic and stamina or does it even matter?

That’s a great point! General rule of thumb is that classes go all in on their attribute. So a Magicka Warden would put all 64 points into magicka for the most damage possible. As you start out, it’s good to put some points into health as a buffer. So something like 20 health, 44 magicka works great. You can always redistribute them later at a shrine, so test out what you feel works best for you. Happy gaming!

Mark

Hi, completely new player here. Do you need to have the Deadlands DLC for these classes to be viable? Just got ESO as it was going cheap on PS Store but it only comes with Morrowind DLC….would I still be able to follow one of these builds as a guide for solo play?
Thanks,
Mark

Hey Mark, you do not need the Deadlands DLC for the classes to be viable. However, Necromancers and Wardens are DLC locked, meaning you’ll have to buy them from the Crown store in-game if you didn’t unlock them in whatever ESO game package you bought.

Without all available DLC, you won’t have access to all of the sets discussed in this article, but you’ll still be able to follow parts of these builds and make strong solo builds despite that. For example Briarheart is a staple soloing stamina set that is locked behind Wrothgar DLC, however you can buy it off any guild store! And now that all sets work for both stamina and magicka, you could potentially use it on a magicka solo character as well.

On builds that are using Ring of the Pale Order, be sure to pad yourself up with more heal and shield abilities to cover for the loss of life steal, and the Champion Point Reaving Blows can really help too (you heal for 7% of the direct damage you deal). Best of luck soloing and I hope you enjoy ESO!

Mark

That’s excellent, thank you so much for such a detailed response!

Looking forward to getting stuck in and exploring ESO 👍🏻

Brian

Am I wrong or did you list two skills from the templars skills under the sorcerers? Solar barrage and chanelled focus?


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