Elder Scrolls Online 2025: Subclass Freedom, Seasonal Adventures, and a Massive Community Challenge

A Bold New Direction for ESO

ZeniMax Online has unveiled a major roadmap for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) in 2025, promising exciting new features like mix-and-match class abilities, a fresh seasonal content model, and a massive server-wide event that will rally players like never before. The studio detailed these upcoming changes at a recent ESO Direct, setting the stage for the MMO’s most experimental year yet.

“We want to keep telling great stories, but also mix in new ideas and gameplay systems,”
– Matt Firor, Studio Director

Instead of following the traditional yearly expansion format (in place since the 2017 Morrowind chapter), ESO will transition to a more flexible release schedule. According to Firor, this shift will allow the development team to address the community’s needs more effectively while also introducing innovative gameplay features.

Seasons of the Worm Cult

The first season under this new model is called Seasons of the Worm Cult, and it’s set to launch in June. Serving as a direct sequel to the game’s original Molag Bal storyline—taking place a decade later—this new adventure transports players to the tropical island of Solstice. Here, you’ll investigate the resurgence of Bal’s Worm Cult, reconnect with key characters from the earliest ESO quests, and explore lush beaches and tropical forests inhabited by outcast Elves and Argonians.

While Seasons of the Worm Cult will span most of the year, future seasons could vary in length, ranging from three to six months. Some of these may be “remix” seasons revisiting old storylines, such as a rumored Dark Brotherhood–themed arc.

A Different Kind of Content Pass

In place of a new chapter purchase, players can opt for a $50 content pass covering all planned seasonal updates (including new dungeons). This offer is separate from the existing ESO Plus subscription, although the new seasonal dungeons will be included in ESO Plus. During a press Q&A, Executive Producer Susan Kath hinted that ZeniMax Online is exploring ways to enhance ESO Plus, but no specific changes have been confirmed yet.

Subclasses: Mix and Match Abilities

Perhaps the biggest reveal is that subclassing is finally coming to ESO in June. This feature grants players the freedom to select up to two skill lines from classes other than the one they originally chose. With over 3,000 unique combinations, the new system offers unprecedented customization.

• You must keep at least one skill line from your primary class.
• One character can learn all available off-class skill lines, but can only use two at a time.
• The feature unlocks at level 50, and subclass skill lines will be account-wide once unlocked.
• Some skill lines will cost double the usual skill points, though ZeniMax Online believes dedicated players should have no trouble adapting.

A Server-Wide Event Like Never Before

Another major innovation is a massive communal challenge that will take place on the isle of Solstice. The island is split by a gigantic magical barrier known as the Writhing Wall, and later this summer, each ESO mega-server will band together to breach it.

• Players must gather resources, defend against the Worm Cult, and collaborate to break through the barrier.
• Progress will vary by server, meaning different groups may unlock the wall—and thus the eastern half of Solstice—at varying times.
• Once the wall is breached, it’s a permanent change for that server, but ZeniMax Online plans to let latecomers experience much of the event afterward.

Game Director Rich Lambert likened this one-time event to the epic Gates of Ahn’Qiraj opening in World of Warcraft, where an entire server contributed to a war effort to unlock new raid content.

Addressing PvP Performance with Cyrodiil Champions

ZeniMax Online also highlighted their recent Cyrodiil Champions test as a key part of improving performance in ESO’s large-scale PvP zone. From March 24–31, abilities and stats were significantly simplified to boost stability for massive player battles. Firor stated this test “couldn’t have gone much better” and exceeded performance targets seen shortly after the game’s initial 2014 launch.

• The data collected will help shape future PvP changes.
• Over time, additional skill lines and stats will be reintroduced for more testing.
• The ultimate goal is to evolve Cyrodiil Champions into a polished, permanent feature.

Welcoming New and Returning Players

Recognizing that ESO celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year, ZeniMax Online wants to ensure the game remains inviting for both newcomers and returning adventurers. Recent improvements include updates to the tutorial and starter zones, with more refinements on the way. A “Welcome Back” system is slated for summer and promises a quest-based, reward-focused approach tailored to each player’s situation.

“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,”
– Susan Kath, Executive Producer

Though details remain under wraps, Kath confirmed the system is aimed at easing veterans back into current storylines and content.

Looking to the Future

ESO’s new content model and feature experimentation mark a major departure from its previous annual chapter releases. By adopting a seasonal approach and focusing on updates like subclasses and large-scale cooperative events, ZeniMax Online hopes to keep The Elder Scrolls Online fresh and flexible for many more years of adventures.

“We just didn’t have time to do all those little things,”
– Matt Firor, on moving away from yearly expansions

With exciting stories, new gameplay possibilities, and major community-driven events on the horizon, ESO in 2025 is set to be an era of bold experimentation—ensuring Tamriel remains a vibrant and ever-evolving world for adventurers everywhere.