What’s the build in The Elder Scrolls Online?
Understanding builds in ESO involves knowing about skills, sets, and roles.
data retrieved 2026-09-12 · datamined via UESPUnderstanding Builds in ESO
In The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), a build refers to the combination of skills, gear sets, and Champion Points that a player uses to optimize their character for specific roles, such as damage dealing (DPS), healing, or tanking.
Each build can vary significantly based on the player's class, playstyle, and the content they are engaging with, whether it's PvE or PvP. Players often create builds tailored to maximize their effectiveness in specific scenarios, such as trials, dungeons, or open-world PvP.
Components of a Build
1. **Skills**: Each class has unique skill lines that provide active and passive abilities. Players select skills that complement their intended role. For example, a DPS build might focus on damage-dealing skills, while a tank build would prioritize defensive skills.
2. **Gear Sets**: Players equip specific sets of gear that provide bonuses when multiple pieces are worn. There are currently 712 sets available in the game, each offering different benefits that can enhance a build's effectiveness.
3. **Champion Points**: These are additional points that players can allocate to further enhance their character's abilities. They can be used to improve damage, healing, or survivability, depending on the build's focus.
Popular Build Types
Common build types include:
- **DPS Builds**: Focused on maximizing damage output, often utilizing specific skills and gear sets that enhance damage. Examples include stamina or magicka DPS builds.
- **Tank Builds**: Designed to absorb damage and protect allies, these builds utilize skills and gear that increase survivability.
- **Healer Builds**: Focused on restoring health to allies, these builds prioritize healing skills and supportive gear.
Finding Builds
Players often share their builds through community sites, forums, and content creators. Websites like UESP and various ESO community forums can provide insights into popular builds and strategies.