Yogesh Jain
Subclassing System and Seasons of the Worm Cult Promise Fresh Adventures in Tamriel
SAN FRANCISCO — After a decade of adventuring across Tamriel, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is delivering a game-changer players have long demanded: the ability to mix and match class abilities without starting from scratch. Unveiled alongside this revolutionary “subclassing” system is Seasons of the Worm Cult, a new expansion that revives the game’s original 2014 storyline, pitting players against the nefarious necromancers of the Worm Cult. Together, these updates signal a transformative year for ZeniMax Online Studios’ beloved MMORPG.
The subclassing system, set to launch in June with Update 46, lets players swap up to two of their character’s three class skill lines with those from other classes, creating over 3,000 possible combinations. A Templar could wield Necromancer summons or a Sorcerer could tap Dragonknight defenses—all without rolling a new character. “For years, fans have asked for more flexibility in builds,” said Rich Lambert, ESO’s Game Director, during the 2025 ESO Direct livestream. “Subclassing delivers that freedom, letting you craft your ultimate playstyle.” Once a player hits level 50 on one character, the feature unlocks account-wide, ensuring progress carries across alts.
This overhaul addresses a long-standing pain point. Previously, trying a new class meant restarting quests, re-grinding skill points, and rebuilding from level one—a daunting prospect in a game with hundreds of hours of content. Now, players can experiment freely, though mastering new skill lines comes at double the cost of native ones. Early feedback from the public test server suggests the system is a hit, with forums buzzing about hybrid builds like Warden healers with Arcanist beams.
Meanwhile, Seasons of the Worm Cult takes players back to the game’s roots, continuing the battle against Mannimarco’s necromantic cult. Set on the Caribbean-inspired island of Solstice, the two-part storyline kicks off in June, introducing a vibrant zone split by the eerie Writhing Wall—a magical barrier players must collectively dismantle in a server-wide event later this year. “This is the sequel to our base game, a story 10 years in the making,” Lambert said. Familiar faces like Khajiit spy Razum-dar and mage Vanus Galerion return, joined by new foes like feathered Argonian Behemoths and satyr-like Daedra.
The expansion also marks a shift from ESO’s annual chapter model to a seasonal format, offering more frequent updates. The 2025 Content Pass, priced at $50, grants access to all major releases, including two dungeon packs and the Writhing Wall event. “It’s about keeping the game fresh year-round,” said Executive Producer Susan Kath. With 15 million players since launch, ESO’s pivot aims to retain veterans and welcome newcomers, especially as the genre faces competition from titles like Final Fantasy XIV.
Challenges lie ahead—balancing thousands of new build combinations and ensuring server-wide events scale across ESO’s megaservers won’t be easy. Yet, the mood among players is optimistic. “Subclassing feels like the game I always wanted,” said Priya Patel, a longtime player from Bengaluru. “And fighting the Worm Cult again? It’s like coming home.” As Tamriel braces for necromantic chaos, ESO’s bold reinvention proves it’s still a force in the MMO world.
Source: ZeniMax Online Studios Press Release, 2025 ESO Direct Livestream, Interview with Rich Lambert, GamesRadar News Desk
