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Discover everything you need to know about power leveling your subclass in ESO with the fastest and most efficient in our 2025 guide!
Leveling up in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) can be a daunting task, especially when you’re aiming to optimize a subclass build for peak performance. Whether you’re a returning veteran looking to power level an alt or a newcomer eager to unlock your full potential quickly, this guide has you covered. In ESO Subclass Power Leveling Guide 2025, we dive deeper into advanced strategies and efficient methods to accelerate your progression. From optimal zone selection and gear choices to XP-boosting tactics and subclass-specific tips, this guide is designed to help you rise through the ranks faster and smarter. Let’s take your character from average to elite in record time.
ESO Subclassing Explained
With the release of the Season of the Worm Cult Part 1 expansion on June 2nd (PC) and June 18 (Playstation/Xbox), comes a brand new Subclassing System that promises to shake things up in ESO. Moreover, this element of the new content package will be part of the base-game update. Consequently, all players, even those who choose to not purchase the 2025 Content Pass, can still use the subclassing system.
In ESO, the Subclassing System will allow you to choose and level skill lines from a class other than what you originally selected during character creation. This mechanic opens up a wide array of possibilities for new ability and skill combinations that have never been imagined before.
The major limitation to this system is that you can only choose skill lines from classes that your account has access to. Base game classes include Nightblade, Templar, Dragonknight, and Sorcerer. For the other classes, you must either have purchased the DLC they released with, or purchased the class line separately in the Crown Store. This includes the Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist. However, you can also unlock access to all DLC classes by having an active ESO+ subscription.
Finally, you must retain at least one skill line from your original class. This means that with three class skill lines, one must stay an original class skill line, while the other two can be from subclasses. Furthermore, you cannot choose two skill lines from the same subclass. Consequently, if you want to have two Templar skills lines and one Warden, then you must choose the Templar class in character creation.
How to Unlock and Choose a Subclass in ESO
You can unlock the subclassing system in ESO by progressing a single character to Level 50. Then, once a character has achieved Level 50, you will need to complete a quest called A Study in Discipline. You can start this quest in two different ways:
- Open the Crown Store and find in the Quest Starters section.
- Speak to Bahtra at-Hunding at one of three possible Adventure Camp locations, one for each alliance:
- Dune in Reaper’s March (Aldmeri Dominion)
- Evermore in Bangkorai (Daggerfall Covenant)
- Riften in The Rift (Ebonheart Pact)
Next, after completing the quest you need to speak to Bahtra at-Hunding again to select your first new subclass skill line. The first time you do this will be free, but afterwards doing so again will cost you 1,500 gold. Additionally, you can also use a Respecification Scroll from the Crown Store to make a new subclass choice.
Significantly, once you have chosen a subclass skill line, you cannot change it again until you have either leveled it all the way to Level 50 on your subclass character, or you have reached Level 50 with it on any other alt character.
Best Methods to Level Subclass Fast in ESO
One of the major downsides to leveling your subclass skill lines in ESO is that they progress at a slower rate than normal, so you’ll want to use the best and most efficient methods to get to Level 50! Thankfully, your progression when leveling a subclass skill line is account wide, therefore you only need to do it once.
Additionally, keep in mind that unlocking skills, passives, and morphs will cost you 2 skill points at a time, versus the normal one. Consequently, fully unlocking a subclass skill line will require 40 skill points.
Pre-Buff With XP Modifiers
If you want to hit max level as quickly as possible in ESO, you’ll need to stack every XP bonus you can. These modifiers all stack together and make a big difference, so take advantage of as many as you can get!
- 9% for each armor piece and 4% or 8% for each weapon of training gear at purple/epic quality
- 10% with an ESO plus membership
- 10% for being in a group with another player (unfortunately, companions don’t count)
- One (and only one) XP modifier potion or scroll. Depending on the scroll these will add either 50%, 100%, or 150%. Also make sure to slot the champion point perk Rationer in the Green Craft tree to extend this timer, along with unlocking the Provisioning passive Connoisseur on your character.
- 100% for double XP events. Some, like the Witches Festival and the New Life Festival require you to activate a drink or a buff every two hours so make sure that stays active! Keep refreshing and check your buffs on the character tab.
Finally, there is another optional bonus, although it does involve a partner and a bit of extra effort. ESO will grant you a 10% XP boost by marrying another player. This requires both players to equip a Ring of Mara and complete a ritual together. While not essential, it’s a minor perk worth considering if you’re aiming to maximize every bit of experience gain.
Best Daily XP Boost
Each day, before you fast travel to your favorite grind location, it’s important to complete your two main dailies for massive XP rewards.
- First, run a ‘Random Daily Normal’ dungeon. For Normal dungeons try to get a low-level character in group with you, this will prevent super long DLC dungeons and allow for much easier completions.
- Secondly, join a PvP instanced based Battleground. You’ll want to play objectives (try not to treat everything as a Deathmatch) in order to get second or first place in order to get the relevant XP.
Completing both of these will give your character a massive chunk of XP per completion each day and can be unlocked as early as level 10.
Most Efficient XP Grind Spots in ESO
The most efficient based grind spots in ESO are two of my favorite in the game. Additionally, they are instanced based, which means you won’t have to worry about other players disrupting your grind like in regular overland zones!
Skyreach Catacombs
Skyreach Catacombs in Upper Craglorn may not be the most mathematically optimal grind spot, but it offers something far more important: it’s instanced. That means you can quickly reset it and refresh the mobs without interference from other players. Another perk? The mobs are zombies, so you’ll also gain progress toward your Fighters Guild skill line.
There are a few different ways to approach this grind. Some players break it up into complex pulls, using Silver Leash to group mobs and return to the spawn point. My personal favorite (and most consistent) method is more streamlined:
- Pull all the mobs and group them into three key spots.
- Drop Ultimates, wipe them out, then head to the center chest.
- One player opens the chest while another gathers the surrounding mobs.
- Stack against the far wall, drop ultimates again, and burn everything down.
- Loot the chest, move to the end, and clear the final corner pull.
Once you’re done, exit the dungeon quickly by pressing the T key (on PC) to leave as a group. Then simply toggle the instance from Normal to Veteran, then back to Normal, and you can re-enter for a fresh round of mobs.Skyreach Catacombs Guide With Video
Black Rose Prison
Black Rose Prison is a group arena located in Murkmire, and it requires either the Murkmire DLC or an active ESO+ subscription. When it comes to raw XP efficiency, this is mathematically the best grind spot in the game. There are several ways to run it, but here I’ll walk you through a simpler, more accessible method.
Start by setting the difficulty to Normal. Once you port in, you’ll clear waves of enemies up to the boss. As soon as the boss spawns, exit the instance, reset it by toggling difficulty to Veteran, then back to Normal. Now re-enter and repeat this loop for consistent XP gains.
Furthermore, to make this grind efficient, you’ll need a pull ability, like Silver Leash from the Fighters Guild, to bring in ranged enemies, while melee mobs naturally move toward you. The addon BRP Helper is extremely useful because it shows mob spawn locations and helps with positioning. One key challenge is the stationary mage casters who won’t move unless you manipulate them. To deal with this, either pull mobs to the mage or kite the group until the mage follows you into a central location, then circle back and burn them down.
This method delivers excellent XP, but it’s not easy. You’ll need:
- Strong AoE damage
- Solid gear
- A good grasp of mechanics
If you’re not quite ready, consider easier grinds first. But if you and a well-geared friend are up for the challenge, you’ll level up very fast. Black Rose Prison Guide With Video
ESO Overland XP Grind Spots
Greenshade – Verrant Morass
The stars marked on the map above indicate the locations where you should gather all nearby mob packs and eliminate them using Ultimates or general AoE abilities. This grind spot is one of the most popular and effective in the game. A nearby wayshrine offers convenient access, and the zombie enemies here also contribute to leveling the Fighters Guild. Use a circular rotation to pull enemies, stack them up, and take them down efficiently. Just be aware that this area can get overcrowded during peak hours, which significantly reduces its effectiveness. Greenshade Verrant Morass Guide With Video
Coldharbour – Cliffs of Failure
Coldharbour is widely known as one of the best zones for grinding. While there are several viable spots within the zone, the Cliffs of Failure stand out. You’ll need to enter a portal to reach the area in the northeastern part of the map. Once inside, you can rotate in a tight loop, picking up easy kills as many of the NPCs are already fighting each other. It’s one of the easiest grind spots available and a great option for players who may struggle with more intense combat. Coldharbour Cliffs of Failure Guide With Video
Alik’r Desert Dolmens
The dolmens in Alik’r Desert are arguably the easiest grind in the game, though it offers the lowest experience gain. It requires virtually no skill, and you just follow the group leader and press a few buttons. Typically, you enter the zone and ask for a dolmen group, such as in the EU Dolmen+ chat; on PC NA, you can often join groups by pressing keys like ‘x’, ‘y’, or ‘z’ to receive an auto-invite. There’s almost always someone leading, and you’ll rotate between the three dolmen locations. While it’s not ideal for earning Champion Point XP, it’s excellent for farming materials, gold, and especially for leveling jewelry. This grind is perfect for completely new or low-combat players, as the bulk of the work is handled by more experienced participants. However, just be sure to land at least one hit to get credit.
ESO Power Leveling Tips
Grinding those levels in a subclass skill line will be slower than you are used to, but here are 10 essential power leveling tips based on years of grinding experience:
- XP is Everything: Whether you’re leveling from 1–50 or 1–3600 CP, it all comes down to gaining experience points—nothing else matters.
- Grind Anywhere: You can level in the same spot repeatedly—whether it’s an instanced dungeon or an open-world zone.
- Stack XP Bonuses: Combine XP scrolls, Psijic Ambrosia, ESO+ (10% boost), and the Ring of Mara (10% partner bonus) to dramatically increase your gains.
- Optimize Your Build: Use gear and skills focused on AoE damage, speed, and sustain. Your grind build should melt mobs fast and keep you moving.
- Go Stamina for Speed: Stamina builds—especially dual wielding in medium armor—offer excellent mobility and AoE. My personal favorite is an Orc stamina sorcerer for CP farming.
- Unlock Key Skill Lines Early: Before you start grinding on a new character, make sure to unlock Fighters Guild, Undaunted, and class skill lines—they won’t progress retroactively.
- Join a Guild: Being in a trader or new player guild helps you teleport to players in key zones and find grind partners, especially when you lack wayshrines.
- Stick to a Duo: The XP split increases with each person beyond two, so the ideal group is just you and one partner for max efficiency.
- Use a Companion: If you’re solo or struggling with content, bring a companion—they help with combat and gain XP too.
- Stock Up on Consumables: Use XP-boosting food/drinks and healing potions. Free daily login rewards from the Crown Store are usable from level 1 and can make early leveling smoother.
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