ESO PvE Tier List

Choosing the right class for PvE content in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) can be the difference between being a top-tier damage dealer and struggling through veteran dungeons and trials. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning player, understanding the current ESO PvE tier list is crucial for maximizing your damage potential and contributing effectively to group content.

This guide presents the most up-to-date ranking of the best PvE classes in ESO based on raw DPS, utility, survivability, and ease of play — with a focus on their performance in trials, dungeons, and solo content. I’ve compiled this list from a combination of in-game testing, community data, and sources like the latest parsing benchmarks and meta breakdowns.

Understanding the Tier Ratings

Each tier in the ESO PvE tier list reflects how a class performs in high-end content like veteran trials and dungeons. Here's what the tiers mean:

• S - Tier: These classes are meta-defining with top-tier DPS, excellent utility, and adaptability. They perform exceptionally in all content with minimal weaknesses.
• A - Tier: Strong and reliable classes that perform very well but might be slightly less dominant or harder to master than S-Tier options.
• B - Tier: Solid choices that can clear all content but require more effort, coordination, or optimal gear setups to reach top performance.
• C - Tier: Functional but underwhelming in high-end PvE. These classes often lack damage, utility, or synergy to compete in meta group setups.

ESO PvE DPS Tier List (2025)

The following list reflects our in-depth testing and gameplay analysis, focusing on single-target performance, sustain, group utility, and consistency in PvE trials and dungeons.

S	Nightblade (Stamina) Nightblade (Magicka) Dragonknight (Stamina)
A	Sorcerer (Magicka) Warden (Stamina) Templar (Magicka)
B	Dragonknight (Magicka) Sorcerer (Stamina) Templar (Stamina)
C	Warden (Magicka)

Class Analysis by Tier

S - Tier: Meta-Defining Damage Dealers

• Nightblade (Stamina)
  • Strengths: Ranked #1 for single-target DPS. With the highest potential parse in the game, this setup dominates boss damage in trials. However, its rotation is intricate, requiring excellent timing and awareness.
  • Weaknesses: High skill ceiling and low room for error. Mistiming key abilities can result in significant DPS loss.
  • Best For: Skilled players aiming for top leaderboard placement or pushing score runs.
• Nightblade (Magicka)
  • Strengths: Occupies the second highest DPS position. Thanks to passives like Soul Harvest and Catalyst, it offers frequent ultimate generation and powerful burst windows. Performs excellently in both AoE and single-target.
  • Weaknesses: Rotation is complex and punishes mechanical mistakes.
  • Best For: Experienced PvE players who want high output with a risk-reward playstyle.
• Dragonknight (Stamina)
  • Strengths: One of the most balanced S-Tier builds. Offers sustainable melee damage with empowered weapon combos and long-lasting DoTs. Easy to integrate into melee group compositions.
  • Utility: Great survivability and synergy with group buffs like Engulfing Flames.
  • Best For: Players who want top-tier performance in a more forgiving and sturdy melee spec.

A - Tier: Powerful and Reliable DPS Choices

• Sorcerer (Magicka)
  • Strengths: Among the top spellcasters for raw AoE output. Lightning-based abilities and powerful pets like the Twilight Matriarch provide great crowd control and sustained DPS. Strong resource management allows prolonged fights without downtime.
  • Weaknesses: Lacks the single-target dominance of top-tier specs. Pet AI can occasionally be unreliable in movement-heavy content.
  • Best For: Players who enjoy flashy, ranged spellcasting with a balance of offense and control.
• Warden (Stamina)
  • Strengths: Delivers one of the best AoE DPS profiles in the game, especially in trash pulls or mob-heavy trials. Its rotation feels fast-paced, and it offers subtle utility like Minor Toughness.
  • Weaknesses: Single-target DPS is slightly behind S-tier builds, and some of its key skills require precise timing.
  • Best For: Aggressive group players who want speed, versatility, and a visually engaging playstyle.
• Templar (Magicka)
  • Strengths: A flexible hybrid-style caster that performs equally well at range or in melee. Offers steady DPS through Puncturing Sweeps and radiant execution finisher.
  • Utility: Built-in healing and easy sustain make it an ideal pick for players who want to stay alive without sacrificing damage.
  • Best For: Those looking for a forgiving yet effective PvE class for dungeons, soloing, and introductory trials.

B - Tier: Viable but Situational Picks

• Dragonknight (Magicka)
  • Strengths: Offers powerful DoTs and strong synergy with group fire debuffs. Good sustain and a unique mix of offense and defense through Battle Roar and shields.
  • Weaknesses: Its burst damage is limited compared to S- and A-tier casters, and it performs better in extended fights rather than short burn phases.
  • Best For: Players who want to contribute solid, consistent damage while benefiting from strong survivability and group synergy.
• Sorcerer (Stamina)
  • Strengths: High mobility and rapid single-target combos using Hurricane, Bound Armaments, and Crystal Weapon. Good for mobile fights and kiting mechanics.
  • Weaknesses: AoE is underwhelming, and sustain can be a challenge without perfect rotation and support.
  • Best For: Players who want a high-speed, solo-capable stamina build that rewards precision.
• Templar (Stamina)
  • Strengths: Straightforward gameplay with strong AoE potential from Biting Jabs and efficient execute from Dawnbreaker and Reverse Slice. Forgiving for newer players.
  • Weaknesses: Lacks utility and doesn’t scale as well in competitive trial settings. Falls behind in top-tier parses.
  • Best For: Casual dungeon runners or players looking for an accessible and visually clean melee playstyle.

C - Tier: Outdated or Underperforming DPS Options

• Warden (Magicka)
  • Strengths: Offers strong healing-over-time abilities and decent AoE through skills like Winter's Revenge. Its ice-based visual identity is appealing to many players.
  • Weaknesses: Lowest single-target DPS in current PvE meta. Buffs and debuffs don't contribute significantly to group performance.
  • Best For: Players who value aesthetics and solo play over meta efficiency.

Choosing the Right DPS Class: Practical Tips

Not sure where to start? Many new players use an ESO 160CP PvE Gear Sets Boost to quickly get optimized and test different builds at full power.

• Playstyle Preference: Melee (stamina) vs ranged (magicka).
• Solo vs Group Content: Some classes are better suited for solo (e.g., Magicka Templar) while others thrive in groups (e.g., Stamina Nightblade).
• Rotation Complexity: If new, consider easier builds like Stamina Templar/Warden.
• Group Utility: Dragonknights and Wardens bring group buffs and debuffs.
• Endgame Goals: Pick meta classes if you're aiming for top-tier progression.
• Recommendation: Try leveling 2–3 classes to 50 to find what feels best.

Want to focus on improving mechanics instead of grinding gear? Explore ESO Boosting Services to fast-track your path into endgame-ready DPS builds.

Conclusion

The ESO PvE tier list for 2025 clearly shows that Stamina Nightblade, Magicka Nightblade, and Stamina Dragonknight lead the charts in performance. That said, many A- and B-Tier classes remain fully capable in skilled hands and are perfect for less-competitive content or flexible group setups.

The most effective DPS class is the one you can master — one that fits your goals, playstyle, and commitment level. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn, and adapt. And for those who want to push further, check out our advanced guides on DPS optimization, BiS gear, and class rotations!

FAQ

Stay in touch

Don't miss out on special deals exlusive to Discord users⚡

Service request Join Discord

Change Log

• 10.04.2025 - ESO PvE Tier List published.